• RWD

  • Volvo 145 1974 Build thread

So there have been more fun K-Jet experiances, in trying to refine the cold start, I discovered the cold start injector was not working. After testing the circuitry and checking fuel pressure it seemed the injector itself was not opening despite the soleniod activating.
I clamped the injector in some fuel hose, attached a schrader valve to the other end and filled the hose with some fresh 95 and a 9v battery to activate the injector.
I then attached a bike pump to the other end and took the system to to 240psi, where the injector began to flow fuel. A few refills of fuel in the line and some cycling with the battery and it was spraying and stopping nice.

Currently working on replacing all the worn suspension parts and some sections of exhaust.
Wow 240 PSI that must be some serious bike pump! :)
Haha these cold start injectors! Wow did mine cause me years of trouble. Gee it starts well now though.

Hope the restoration is going well ?
a year later

Long time since last update, here is the latest.

I ended up giving up on k-jet engine management in favour of twin stromburgs. Also installed a fresh "C" grind camshaft and pointless ignition. I'm now happy with the performance level and very happy with reliability. (Spare diaphragms in glovebox!)

Lots of time has been spent doing paint corrections, as well as fixing just about everything electronic, hydraulic, or mechanical to the point where everything is working as it should.

One interesting challenge was a loud rubbery squealing noise from under the car that occurred after the car had been driving for a few minutes. After much trial and error it turned out to be a failed driveshaft centre support bearing - a 6007 2rs deep groove in this application.

While there are still many small finishing jobs to complete - mainly cleaning interior to a more acceptable level - I'm very proud to be able to say the car will be going in for roadworthy testing in the coming days.

Other than working to meet the roadworthy criteria and subsequent registration; the new goals include many enjoyable drives, perhaps a new dashboard and m41 or m46 swap.

Until then the B20(b?) and myself will enjoy its low pressure fuel and high pressure oil at a steady 3000rpm+.

Looks great! The Virgo wheels really suit the orange. Also like the black mud flaps with white lettering vs. the originals with the white strip and black lettering. Well done! Look forward to seeing the car on the road and at some events in future (drive up to Daylesford for a coffee!)

Thanks @alphax @carnut222

I really wanted slightly wider tyres compared to the cookie cutter options I would have with the wheels the car came with, without overdoing the steering weight at lowspeed. I like the Virgos too.

The mudflaps came unpainted and I took some inspiration from the 740 series mudflaps when painting them.

Will definitely have to come visit, I'd love to see that electric 240 of yours.

Awesome work. You've raised the standard of refurbishment bar very high with this example.

Good work. It looks a bit better than when I last saw it. When does your dad get his garage back?

@Roinik thank you.

Thankfully the car is now in a state it can be moved around under its own power and kept outside as required! Much better for Volvo musical chairs. Will be rehomed to another garage shortly before I finish some longstanding domestic painting.

10 days later

One roadworthy 145!

I had missed a small vacuum leak and the headlights were pointing too far down. Both easily corrected.

Next stop club permit!

8 days later

Got a club permit, and went for a drive :)

I'm real glad the car is now finally done, and out of my shed! But after only a day I must say that I already miss it!

Was pushing to have it painted BRG originally, but now have to admit, that wild burnt orange colour is a gem very retro 1970's!

Love it ?

Would not have been possible to achieve this without @arebee

By my standards the bodywork component was immense with rust and damaged panels, to which photos can do no justice and Dad sharing knowledge and doing a lot of the hard work really made the project possible. I was lucky to be able to learn a lot about bodywork, and the value of a straight rust free car.

I also really valued the dinner table discussions about what to do next or how to solve a particular problem. Which also helped find motivation for the project especially when I had none left.

I think the thing about a 70s Volvo station wagon is they are a car regular people used to do regular things, and they were tough enough to last a long time which meant lots of people formed lifelong relationships with the company.

I'm still trying to work out what it is about the orange I enjoy so much, I think pictures of cycling team cars probably had something to do with it.

The Volvo 145 is definitely about family.

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