1981 Volvo 244 GL 2.3 manual - aka 'The Big Banana' (Build Thread)

seggle02 · 2014-12-08T09:04:02+00:00

Did you find out what the deal was with the high mileage club? When I had a look at that car it had some big spool about the high mileage club. Looked like a...

AshDVS

If you struggle to find a decent black dashtop, you could always find one of another colour and have it flocked.

Try these guys -
meettheflockers.com.au/

ashley186

seggle02;36572 wroteUpdate - drain plug finally come off! YAY!

I have a pro-tip for those who face similar issues. I did a trans fluid change in the wifes car, the plug was seized on HARD!! I Tried pipe wrenches and Vice grips and heating it and freezing it and NOTHING would work.

We took a punch, and started tapping the edge of the plug, not hitting it hard as there was no room to swing. (in the direction that would loosen it). After 2 hours, the vibration of the tapping FINALLY got it off.

Dauntless

AshDVS;38599 wroteIf you struggle to find a decent black dashtop, you could always find one of another colour and have it flocked.

Try these guys -
meettheflockers.com.au/

Hmm. Do the non-black dash tops survive better than the black ones?

AshDVS

Dauntless;38612 wrote
AshDVS;38599 wroteIf you struggle to find a decent black dashtop, you could always find one of another colour and have it flocked.

Try these guys -
meettheflockers.com.au/
Hmm. Do the non-black dash tops survive better than the black ones?

Dunno. I seem to see more intact non-black ones than intact black ones. Maybe. Might be more related to where/how the vehicle is stored.

Vee_Que

I think it's just age and temperature variations.

seggle02

Well, just dropped off one stripped Volvo 244 to get re-sprayed...

jamesinc

I'm excited to see another yellow 244

paul0075

The only thing better than a yellow one, is an orange one :)

jamesinc

@seggle02‌ hey Richard is your car resprayed yet? I am keen as mustard (yellow) to see the results!

seggle02

Back from the shop today. Job is pretty good, except around tailights, paint seems a bit rough.......not a biggie.

Now comes the big list of things I am to do to get the job done!

-remove headlining, repair the fibreglass shell (is broken), replace the covering (is coming off). During this job I will source new sunvisors (padding is GONE), new rear view mirror cover, and source new/better grab handles as existing ones have perished. Once this job is completed the rear window will be reinstalled.

- reinstall 112 trip clips, and asses whether or not to re-install existing rubber trim bits, as they have perished. Will try to restore them as much as possible and see how they turn up to save $$$$, but will source if needed. Need to source rain gutter chrome strip, I have decided it needs one.

- new tape deck purchase and install (Volvparts has some in stock)

- Replace rear parcel shelf, speaker grilles, rear seatbelts, and associated trim items

- Wheels - either get set of genuine period Volvo alloys refurbished for $$$$ (send away job? or can I do it myself?) or for cheap $ repaint/refurbish existing steelies myself.

- Rejuvenate/polish faded black bumpers. Reinstall bumpers, spoiler

- repaint black grille

- replace cracked front indicator lens

- change coolant, hoses, timing belt, fuel filter, brake fluid

- reinstate items/trim into boot

- source/replace new armrests as they have perished or are broken

- source new drivers door handle, broken

-pull out dash and send it away to be recovered, reinstall when it comes back

- mechanical items - replace air ducting, power steering hose, air pre-heat hose, find better HT leads (mine are too long)

- figure out whats wrong with FI system, giving me horrible fuel consumption.

- source new mudflaps.

- reinstall door trims

-replace gear lever and boot

-give suspension a very thorough going over and replace what's needed (I think its right, though.....do it when I bleed the brakes!)

What sort of order could I do it all in? Thoughts?

egads (she/her)

Exterior, mechanicals, suspension then interior? Given the send away for stuff on interior stuff.

jamesinc

I will literally die if you don't post a photo.

egads (she/her)

I will literally define figuratively if you do that. :-P

240Joe

Pics! Pics! Pics!!!

What's your interior colour? I might have some quality parts in the shed. :)

seggle02

Here is the finished job. Panelbeater is coming over to my house this week to reinstall the badges.

Now first point of order - the headlining. Pic shows where it is damaged on the corner. Can the hard shell be saved? If so, how would I go about fixing it? Fibreglass?

egads (she/her)

Mmmm, shiny!

seggle02

Have pulled off headlining material, that corner completely disintegrated. I think a 2nd hand headlining board is on the cards....

Major Ledfoot

seggle02;41598 wroteHave pulled off headlining material, that corner completely disintegrated. I think a 2nd hand headlining board is on the cards....

Either that, or getting an auto trimmer to make one. Neither of the usual suspects (www.vp-autoparts.se or www.gcp.se) offer '81 240 replacement roof linings which are suitable.

BTW, the new paintwork looks fantastic in those photos.

paul0075

Looking sexy. Wish I had the funds to make mine as good as this!

A_Volvo_Driver

It looks great Richard. Mine will be getting a respray in the future too.

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