Hey all!
First time Volvo buyer and classic car owner. And first time mechanic. And interior detail guy. I have a general understanding on some of this stuff but haven't rebuilt a starter or changed oil since shop class. Yikes.
I have a wiring diagram from Karl (volvo1800pictures.com) and a Haynes manual on the way to help me get started.
I've owned this car for a about a week, and while it's in pretty good shape, it needs some work before I can take it trippin':
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/x2GuCs6" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/x2GuCs6">1966 Volvo 1800S - dropoff!</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/oC3dHEg" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/oC3dHEg">1966 Volvo P1800S</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/6QCLOyK" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/6QCLOyK">1966 Volvo 1800S - in my garage!</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It's already been a little "quickly" redone here and there by the last two previous owners, which I hope to clean up along the way. By that I mean the carpet kit is poorly finished, there's fresh paint over some imperfections and on some of the trim... It's beautiful from 10ft away. It does have front disc brakes, power steering and a couple upgrades that seem OK.
I'm not sure if it qualifies as a project, but here is a list of goals I've set to make it drivable and a bit more safe - it'll probably take me a few weeks or months.
Adjustable seats with headrests! The stock seats are in good shape and will be kept (as with anything stock that I happen to remove, hopefully minimal, it will all be packaged as soundly as possible and held on to). I just want it as safe as I can reasonably make it for now. They flop forward to access the back seat, with no locking mechanism, and no headrest. I've been rear-ended by someone who didn't look up from their phone to see us stopped at a red light, so I don't trust people on the road, lol.
Retractable seat belts! The 3 point setup that is in there now is really neat but loose. I'm hoping I can keep these buckles - I can't tell if they're stock or not yet, but they look crazy:
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/CRA7zKA" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/CRA7zKA">1966 Volvo 1800S - seat belt</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Aftermarket side mirrors have been put on by a previous owner. I've got a line on some of the larger later model mirrors from Don (p1800.com). I saw a convex version of the later model mirror too, I might get that and see if it helps with visibility while retaining the right look.
On the dashboard, there's one crack in the top of the dash, so I'll probably try to repair that:
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/jTpBXa3" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/jTpBXa3">1966 Volvo 1800S - dash crack</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As for the instruments, the tach, oil and fuel temp gauges need rebuilding (I have a quote from Nisonger), and there's an aftermarket speedometer that I need to replace. I've got a line on a non functional one, so that might have to go to Nisonger as well. Also, the speedo needle bounces around, gotta figure out if that's the aftermarket speedo or cable, etc. There's also a cd player that's been crammed into the dash, and the panel has been brutalized a bit during that install:
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/LHFl60b" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/LHFl60b">1966 Volvo 1800S - butchered radio install</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/kceXDwL" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/kceXDwL">1966 Volvo 1800S - butchered radio install 2</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The dash is in overall good shape but I'd like to make it "pop" the way it should. It feels a little dim somehow, so I'm going to see if I can find some techniques to freshen it up, maybe polish will bring out the contrast between the black and silver or something. Also, some odd switches have been installed under the dash, as well as the horn button has been relocated there as well.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/Imbuva4" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/Imbuva4">1966 Volvo 1800S - dash & speedometer</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I'd love to find backup camera that looks like the stock dash-mounted rearview mirror, since that's aftermarket too. I saw some that record 24/7 video front and rear, and had great options but only velcro on top of your existing mirror... Might be ok for putsing around but I'd like to have it as discreet as possible. Hard thing to find, so I might have to get creative.
Handling! I've read up on sway bars & suspension, and IPD said they would sell me the front bar by itself over the phone. I keep reading that the rear bar isn't as helpful and that it can cause unpredictable behavior. The body roll is already... interesting... at 40mph or so - it's *very* floaty, and it feels like it might slide right out of the lane you're trying to keep it in. I'm not sure if other suspension components need attention after I figure out how to mount the sway bar. Tires are new, so I don't think that's part of it.
I'd love to source an A/C upgrade, because NC summers are hot. The car history says there was A/C with a compressor removed, but no reason why.
I'm researching sound deadening and heat dampening for a more user-friendly ride experience. Carbuilders in the AU are friendly and have good quality, but the shipping isn't exactly cheap for their heavier mats. Looking at doing every panel, so probably Dynamat and some lighter Carbuilders on top of that - they have professional-looking and fire resistant hoodliner.
I'm looking into some anti-theft measures, for peace of mind and maybe an insurance discount. Maybe a trunk monkey? Not sure what's most effective yet.
I noticed that my blinkers are weak with the head lights on, and some lights inside don't work, so I'll have to get used to that wiring diagram.
I'm hoping to only have to tear things apart once, so I'm trying to plan all of this stuff out. Any comments or tips by restorers on how to make things go more smoothly would be most welcome.
Thanks for looking, let me know if any more pics are wanted. I can't wait to get it on the highway, lol.
First time Volvo buyer and classic car owner. And first time mechanic. And interior detail guy. I have a general understanding on some of this stuff but haven't rebuilt a starter or changed oil since shop class. Yikes.
I have a wiring diagram from Karl (volvo1800pictures.com) and a Haynes manual on the way to help me get started.
I've owned this car for a about a week, and while it's in pretty good shape, it needs some work before I can take it trippin':
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/x2GuCs6" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/x2GuCs6">1966 Volvo 1800S - dropoff!</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/oC3dHEg" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/oC3dHEg">1966 Volvo P1800S</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/6QCLOyK" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/6QCLOyK">1966 Volvo 1800S - in my garage!</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It's already been a little "quickly" redone here and there by the last two previous owners, which I hope to clean up along the way. By that I mean the carpet kit is poorly finished, there's fresh paint over some imperfections and on some of the trim... It's beautiful from 10ft away. It does have front disc brakes, power steering and a couple upgrades that seem OK.
I'm not sure if it qualifies as a project, but here is a list of goals I've set to make it drivable and a bit more safe - it'll probably take me a few weeks or months.
Adjustable seats with headrests! The stock seats are in good shape and will be kept (as with anything stock that I happen to remove, hopefully minimal, it will all be packaged as soundly as possible and held on to). I just want it as safe as I can reasonably make it for now. They flop forward to access the back seat, with no locking mechanism, and no headrest. I've been rear-ended by someone who didn't look up from their phone to see us stopped at a red light, so I don't trust people on the road, lol.
Retractable seat belts! The 3 point setup that is in there now is really neat but loose. I'm hoping I can keep these buckles - I can't tell if they're stock or not yet, but they look crazy:
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/CRA7zKA" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/CRA7zKA">1966 Volvo 1800S - seat belt</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Aftermarket side mirrors have been put on by a previous owner. I've got a line on some of the larger later model mirrors from Don (p1800.com). I saw a convex version of the later model mirror too, I might get that and see if it helps with visibility while retaining the right look.
On the dashboard, there's one crack in the top of the dash, so I'll probably try to repair that:
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/jTpBXa3" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/jTpBXa3">1966 Volvo 1800S - dash crack</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As for the instruments, the tach, oil and fuel temp gauges need rebuilding (I have a quote from Nisonger), and there's an aftermarket speedometer that I need to replace. I've got a line on a non functional one, so that might have to go to Nisonger as well. Also, the speedo needle bounces around, gotta figure out if that's the aftermarket speedo or cable, etc. There's also a cd player that's been crammed into the dash, and the panel has been brutalized a bit during that install:
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/LHFl60b" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/LHFl60b">1966 Volvo 1800S - butchered radio install</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/kceXDwL" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/kceXDwL">1966 Volvo 1800S - butchered radio install 2</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The dash is in overall good shape but I'd like to make it "pop" the way it should. It feels a little dim somehow, so I'm going to see if I can find some techniques to freshen it up, maybe polish will bring out the contrast between the black and silver or something. Also, some odd switches have been installed under the dash, as well as the horn button has been relocated there as well.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/Imbuva4" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/Imbuva4">1966 Volvo 1800S - dash & speedometer</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I'd love to find backup camera that looks like the stock dash-mounted rearview mirror, since that's aftermarket too. I saw some that record 24/7 video front and rear, and had great options but only velcro on top of your existing mirror... Might be ok for putsing around but I'd like to have it as discreet as possible. Hard thing to find, so I might have to get creative.
Handling! I've read up on sway bars & suspension, and IPD said they would sell me the front bar by itself over the phone. I keep reading that the rear bar isn't as helpful and that it can cause unpredictable behavior. The body roll is already... interesting... at 40mph or so - it's *very* floaty, and it feels like it might slide right out of the lane you're trying to keep it in. I'm not sure if other suspension components need attention after I figure out how to mount the sway bar. Tires are new, so I don't think that's part of it.
I'd love to source an A/C upgrade, because NC summers are hot. The car history says there was A/C with a compressor removed, but no reason why.
I'm researching sound deadening and heat dampening for a more user-friendly ride experience. Carbuilders in the AU are friendly and have good quality, but the shipping isn't exactly cheap for their heavier mats. Looking at doing every panel, so probably Dynamat and some lighter Carbuilders on top of that - they have professional-looking and fire resistant hoodliner.
I'm looking into some anti-theft measures, for peace of mind and maybe an insurance discount. Maybe a trunk monkey? Not sure what's most effective yet.
I noticed that my blinkers are weak with the head lights on, and some lights inside don't work, so I'll have to get used to that wiring diagram.
I'm hoping to only have to tear things apart once, so I'm trying to plan all of this stuff out. Any comments or tips by restorers on how to make things go more smoothly would be most welcome.
Thanks for looking, let me know if any more pics are wanted. I can't wait to get it on the highway, lol.
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