850R New Purchase

Post 241660 by sidmon on 2009-07-13 22:38:09

I've procured a 1996 855R as a bit of a project that I've rescued from being broken for spares. Car has only had three owners from new and virtual full service history but has done few miles recently (only 3k a year for 3 years) and the owner I purchased from has not cleaned it in a long time so the interior is extremely messy and the red paintwork has faded terribly! Also someone in their wisdom has at some stage resprayed the R-Alloys in Red same as bodywork....they look hideous! Looking at the history it's had cambelt changed in 2001 at 87, it now has 141k.....I'm looking at replacing as a precaution, should I replace the tensioner at the same time? I'm going to give the car a full service including a full brake fluid flush and change, is there a particular/special procedure for this model? Also going to replace coolant but wondering if I should use genuine Volvo or generic, and I have notived the reservoir cap is grey...should I change to green. Also what oil? I was thinking 5/30 or 40 fully synthetic as I'd use on a Saab 9000 Turbo. With the alloy being "R" ones the brakes are on show and the front discs show a bad lip and will need replacing. Having done some research these discs should be 280mm not 304mm, is it a worth while conversion to larger discs and the only thing I need is the hoses and caliper carriers? What models have got the larger discs so I can get the larger caliper carriers? I've been looking at drilled and grooved discs and theres some good value ones on eBay. I'm also considering (for the first time in my life may I add) of using some paint on the calipers and painting them red (will look good as exposed with the alloy size). Handbrake is almost none existant, how hard to adjust, or am I likely to be looking at a new cable. I'm planning to get the alloys refurbed but I'm toying with black or the original grey, what do you guys think? Rear lights have gone "milky" as they sometimes do, how easy is a V70 light conversion and does it make the car look much better? I'm planning on taking it across europe but the cigar lighter is broken, how easy a fix if the actual whole lighter part is missing? How often should the PCV system been replaced?

Post 241715 by t5 pete on 2009-07-14 10:19:11

Hello and welcome OIL= 10/40 semi syn. BIGGER BRAKES= all you will need is the caliper brackets, 302mm discs and longer hoses the pads and calipers are the same. PCV= when the engine is running lift the dipstick up and see if there is any smoke also put your finger over it for 30 secs and then lift off to see if theres any smoke. TIMING BELT= ive never replaced the tensioner on myne but its down to the person also i would replace the serpantine belt aswell. ANTIFREEZE= I use blue coll anti freeze in myne and some people say the grey caps fail so if the green ones are cheep enough ide get one. HANDBRAKE= i would try and adjust it first. ALLOYS= ide refurb them to the original colour V70 REAR LIGHTS= there a deff they make the car look 100% better. LIGHTER= if its missing nip to a local scrappy or ebay and buy one. Good luck with the new car i would also reccomend buying a haynes cheers pete

Post 241718 by sidmon on 2009-07-14 11:21:36

Pete, Thanks for your views, the Haynes is already sorted. What models can I find the bigger hoses and caliper carriers on? As for the alloys anyone know what exact colour they were originally for when I get them refurbed?

Post 241724 by Filterlab on 2009-07-14 12:38:57

[quote=sidmon;241660]...not cleaned it in a long time so the interior is extremely messy and the red paintwork has faded terribly!....[/quote] Whereabouts are you located? If you're near-ish London I'd be happy to spend a day bringing your red paintwork up to a decent standard - wouldn't cost you a bean, maybe a couple of pints instead. ;)

Post 241725 by Filterlab on 2009-07-14 12:40:34

Also I'd be happy to have a go at the interior too.

Post 241732 by AlanG on 2009-07-14 14:24:15

Welcome buddy. Handbrake adjustment is a simple procedure on these. They utilise the integrated disc/drum system so most accurate way (sure the cable can be adjusted also) is to remove the rear wheels and locate the 6th hole in the disc and position it at the top. A small torch might be useful here. Then,providing nothing is seized insert a plain srewdriver and rotate the knurled wheel until it grabs then back off till only just free. Job done. HTH.

Post 241738 by sidmon on 2009-07-14 15:17:57

Thanks for your offer but sadly I'm in the West Midlands, been looking at getting an orbital polisher (rare as I'm an elbow grease man with everything else!) but looking at the paintwork I think I'll need the artificial help it gives. I see the handbrake mechanism is the same as on the 900 series which I have adjusted before, although this one really has no real bite whatsoever so it will be intriguing to see "what lies beneath"!!!

Post 241741 by Filterlab on 2009-07-14 16:09:30

[quote=sidmon;241738]Thanks for your offer but sadly I'm in the West Midlands, been looking at getting an orbital polisher (rare as I'm an elbow grease man with everything else!) but looking at the paintwork I think I'll need the artificial help it gives.[/quote] That's a shame, a little way away from me. Go carefully with the electric polishers, I've seen some bad incidents with those! [quote=AlanG;241732]Welcome buddy. Handbrake adjustment is a simple procedure on these. They utilise the integrated disc/drum system so most accurate way (sure the cable can be adjusted also) is to remove the rear wheels and locate the 6th hole in the disc and position it at the top. A small torch might be useful here. Then,providing nothing is seized insert a plain srewdriver and rotate the knurled wheel until it grabs then back off till only just free. Job done. HTH.[/quote] I always wondered how to do that. Alan, you are a wealth of information!

Post 241742 by sidmon on 2009-07-14 16:17:49

[quote=Filterlab;241741]That's a shame, a little way away from me. Go carefully with the electric polishers, I've seen some bad incidents with those! [/quote] Don't worry, I will ensure I've fully researched how to use it before letting it loose! I'm old fashioned and have assisted in cleaning all the cars my OH sells with good old fashioned elbow grease for years now, but this one is one of the worst I've seen for a long while hence I'm having to finally accept electric help!

Post 241746 by sidmon on 2009-07-14 16:56:05

Johnson's Solihull are close to me so been looking at there prices but they only quote a price on the timing belt tensioner pulley and not the tensioner itself. Also will the bigger caliper carrier and longer hoses cost me a small fortune from a main dealer so i'd be better off getting them off a scrapper?

Post 241752 by AlanG on 2009-07-14 17:25:09

I always wondered how to do that. Alan, you are a wealth of information![/QUOTE] It's what this forum is all about buddy. :banana:

Post 241759 by Filterlab on 2009-07-14 17:46:34

[quote=sidmon;241742]Don't worry, I will ensure I've fully researched how to use it before letting it loose! I'm old fashioned and have assisted in cleaning all the cars my OH sells with good old fashioned elbow grease for years now, but this one is one of the worst I've seen for a long while hence I'm having to finally accept electric help![/quote] Sounds like a wise move mate. :)

Post 241855 by sidmon on 2009-07-15 12:51:32

Having spoken to a valeter at a local Dealer I often purchase from he's advised to wash and then "clay" the bodywork before waxing (to remove any sh*t from the surface).

Post 241875 by Nico20V on 2009-07-15 15:29:49

I have some caliper carriers off an R I was going to fit to my T5 (01) coupe but I switched to a 98R. If they're compatible, hows 65 delivered sound ?

Post 241879 by Wombatbomb on 2009-07-15 15:49:19

[quote=Nico20V;241875]I have some caliper carriers off an R I was going to fit to my T5 (01) coupe but I switched to a 98R. If they're compatible, hows 65 delivered sound ?[/quote] Sounds expensive to me as new ones are only £48.71 delivered from Rufe on an exchange basis. http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/showpost.php?p=239875&postcount=8

Post 241889 by walter leever on 2009-07-15 16:47:40

Hello and welcome,just get yourself a set of goodridge brake hoses and you can fit the bigger callipers and discs.:welcome:

Post 241891 by Alan M on 2009-07-15 16:50:00

Go for braided stainless brake lines for the 302 setup and they will then be uprated and the longer ites when done. Caliper carriers are cheaper off Rufe than most other places and that will be for new items. Genuine discs are the way to go and uprated pads are the better option for more bite. Don't just succumb to the adds for EBC and Ferrodo pads where there are often better items elsewhere. Are you from the Midlands.

Post 241896 by volvoturboman on 2009-07-15 16:59:03

Good luck wit the car mate and have fun, would love to see some pics, then you could do a before and after thing. Wheels sound to be hideous, personally I'd go for black they'd look fantastic with red paint and calipers. Lights are a straight on fix and will look alot better.

Post 241905 by Nico20V on 2009-07-15 17:12:14

mmm, oh well I might have to revise price then. I bought them online for a breakers for 75 :-(

Post 241940 by sidmon on 2009-07-15 19:58:49

[quote=volvoturboman;241896]Good luck wit the car mate and have fun, would love to see some pics, then you could do a before and after thing. Wheels sound to be hideous, personally I'd go for black they'd look fantastic with red paint and calipers. Lights are a straight on fix and will look alot better.[/quote] I've done some research and yes the V70 lights do look better with the clear indicators. As for before and after pics I will do, you'll be able to chuckle at the alloys....can't think for the life of me what someone was thinking. I'm just waiting for a response from Johnson's on a load of parts and then I'll have a better idea of where I stand.

Post 241963 by martybelfastt5 on 2009-07-15 22:39:58

get a pic with the red wheels i want to see!!!!!

Post 242004 by sidmon on 2009-07-16 06:58:00

Will do on Friday before I take a look at that handbrake.

Post 242189 by sidmon on 2009-07-17 00:53:56

Been researching and something I've read is that "most" 850R's did NOT have pollen filters as standard...can anyone confirm or deny.

Post 242311 by sidmon on 2009-07-17 14:16:29

Had a closer look today at the car for the first time and took pictures as promised. Had back wheels off and found out why handbrake wasn't working, the shoes were the originals and the linings had literally dropped off them! Now looking into replacing front and rear discs (even though rear pads and discs are only 15k old). Heres pics of the pink 850R with shotgun shells still in rear footwell:

Post 242316 by walter leever on 2009-07-17 14:37:27

Why oh why i wonder did the previous owner rape those volans?:doh:

Post 242320 by danny-R on 2009-07-17 14:48:39

i could live with those wheels, couldn't live with an auto lol

Post 242324 by danny-R on 2009-07-17 15:01:44

sure with pleanty of elbow grease you'll get it some where near it's former glory. see them locking wheel nuts, are they volvo standard issue jobs do you know? they look identical to mine, the key slipped one day and rounded off leaving me with 3 wheelnuts stuck on and what a nightmare to get off .

Post 242369 by martybelfastt5 on 2009-07-17 18:01:11

wooo,,,,thats look crazy with red wheels tho she looks well straight good luck matey will be watchin this 1

Post 242560 by volvoboyt5 on 2009-07-18 13:26:34

that dashboard kills it for me ,, other than that tho ,, im loving it , good luck with it m8..

Post 242567 by sidmon on 2009-07-18 14:08:27

I know I'm in the minority but I must admit I quite like the (think they call it ash) walnut. But then again I always liked the lighter walnut on the Saab 9000 too, but it was very rare as it wasn't popular and people did not choose it as an option!! I've got a Gates Powergrip timing belt (thanks Derek) for it but I'm wondering whether to buy a genuine Volvo one for it along with the water pump, tensioner and pulley I'm buying too from the dealer.

Post 242572 by AlanG on 2009-07-18 15:05:01

Shotgun shells?!!!??!!:scared:

Post 242573 by sidmon on 2009-07-18 15:19:55

Previous owner was the local "Don"....only kidding, he just enjoyed enjoyed shooting clay pigeons.

Post 242574 by Tomcat on 2009-07-18 15:36:01

Holy Crap!, them wheels look revolting,lol.... Get em refurbed asap, here's a set that I did a while back, they should look like this...

Post 242575 by Tomcat on 2009-07-18 15:37:58

The PINK paint should come right back to a nice red with a good buff and polish, don't expect to just polish the car and have it be a nice shiny red again, you may find that the top layer of paint is dead and needs cutting back.

Post 242580 by Volvostorm on 2009-07-18 16:36:34

[quote=sidmon;242567] I've got a Gates Powergrip timing belt (thanks Derek) for it but I'm wondering whether to buy a genuine Volvo one for it along with the water pump, tensioner and pulley I'm buying too from the dealer.[/quote] There's a very good chance that Gate's make the belts for Volvo anyway. I can see why you can't mix and match. Upto at the end of the day.

Post 242584 by sidmon on 2009-07-18 17:07:25

Those look great, I'm pondering whether I should go for lighter grey or anthracite dark grey. Another option is a set I've been offered fairly locally to me, but I'd have to refurb mine anyway to get any money for them!

Post 242586 by sidmon on 2009-07-18 17:23:07

Those look great, I'm pondering whether I should go for lighter grey or anthracite dark grey. Another option is a set I've been offered fairly locally to me, but I'd probably have to refurb mine anyway to get any decent money for them!

Post 242587 by walter leever on 2009-07-18 17:41:56

Here's a picture of how they(volans)look with dark grey(very),is my winterset.:funkybana Looks a bit like a racer:band:(not ricer,lol)

Post 242588 by danny-R on 2009-07-18 17:46:23

hey walter have you colour coded you grey bumper trims? looks the dogs danglies.

Post 242589 by walter leever on 2009-07-18 17:52:01

[quote=danny-R;242588]hey walter have you colour coded you grey bumper trims? looks the dogs danglies.[/quote] Yes my lad,painted all the upper parts(bumpers)and the things along the side(how are those called?) But if you want to know more,read the topic"upgrades to the old bus" in modifying&tuning.:viking: This is sidmons topic(don't want to hijack it do we?)

Post 242590 by danny-R on 2009-07-18 17:57:10

looks sweet, they have nice shine to them. i use autoglym bumper shine stuff but never seems to last. i went from middlesbrough to blackpool lastnight in torrential rain aquaplaning allover the m6 all for a dirty weekend away, woke up this morning to very ugly faded grey bumpers. lol

Post 242593 by walter leever on 2009-07-18 18:06:06

[quote=danny-R;242590]looks sweet, they have nice shine to them. i use autoglym bumper shine stuff but never seems to last. i went from middlesbrough to blackpool lastnight in torrential rain aquaplaning allover the m6 all for a dirty weekend away, woke up this morning to very ugly faded grey bumpers. lol[/quote] Are your bumpers painted?(upper parts),if not i heard something on the dutch forum( www.volvo850forum.nl ) about linseedoil seems to work wonders. Be carefull though it stains.(that's for all of you with the unpainted bits:firedevil )

Post 242595 by danny-R on 2009-07-18 18:11:54

thanks for the advice, should be some in the garage, dunno if its just my hangover but that seems to be german lol

Post 242925 by 850 2.5 10v on 2009-07-20 12:05:53

That 850R looks like a money pit to me... I hope you didn't pay too much for it. Good luck with the 'refurb'. Cheers

Post 242927 by sidmon on 2009-07-20 12:12:49

Danny-R, I would imagine the locking nuts would be originals as the owner that had it from a year old and did most of the mileage in it only had it looked after by the dealer (for everything). Nico20v, I could be interested in your caliper carriers but would have to be a lot less than that as I can get them new cheaper! 850 2.5 10v, I've been selling cars as a second living (with my other half who is full time at it)for almost 10 years now so know a "genuine" motor (albeit a bit of a project) when I see it! But I could understand your concerns from the pictures! Can anyone confirm the score with the pollen filter and will I really need replacement caliper bolts on the rear? I'd imagine a little loctite and they could be reused and not have to be replaced as per "haynes"!

Post 242972 by Jamest5r on 2009-07-20 16:07:03

Hello mate, there is a bloke i know in a garage in aston(next door to my mrs business) he runs it but before he was into respraying he mopped both our cars came up like new, had to lend him the electric thing(its smithys but he will lend it again-cheers smithy) cost us 30 quid each pm me if you me to ask him cheers jim

Post 242983 by sidmon on 2009-07-20 16:34:45

James T5R that's very good of you and I'll bear it in mind, but at the moment I want to get everything I can done by myself. Many thanks for the option though and if I change my mind I'll be in touch. :eclipsee_

Post 243085 by AndysR on 2009-07-20 22:00:53

Done properly that car will come up a treat and I look forward to the updates :) As Walter said though you need to get those wheels redone in a darker anthracite like below ;)

Post 243101 by walter leever on 2009-07-21 00:02:11

[quote=AndysR;243085]Done properly that car will come up a treat and I look forward to the updates :) As Walter said though you need to get those wheels redone in a darker anthracite like below ;) [/quote] I'm glad someone agrees with me.:hail:

Post 243153 by 850 2.5 10v on 2009-07-21 11:25:14

You could sell the numberplate to NICO perhaps? N150... Cheers and good luck with it.

Post 243158 by sidmon on 2009-07-21 11:51:04

Good idea with the number plate! I'm contemplating not bothering with the 302mm upgrade and keeping the brakes 280mm with new genuine Volvo pads and discs all round. I've been researching and I have no plans to ude it on the track so the improvement I would probably not take advantage of anyway!

Post 243164 by Wobbly Dave on 2009-07-21 12:16:24

I have a passion for BRV (see website below). Go see my mate Paul at harbourne tyres - and he has great contacts for wheel refurbishers. There ia a how 2 which should help you with the paint restore. I can help but you'll have to wait till the end of the month when I return to the UK (for good). I still have all the gear necessary to do a full paint restore. I estimate with 2 people it will take about 48hrs of mantime effort to restore that paintwork. It is a slow and labourious process - but I do have all the pads and polish necessary. http://www.bigredvolvos.co.uk/galleries/july_2006_CYC.htm If you could get hold of another "porter cable" then it would speed things up greatly. When I did Mrsmopps V70 - it took me about 4 days worth of effort to get it good. I have also done a few 302mm brake upgrades. I used to be in Northfield but now I am parttime in Telford (mostly in The Hague, NL). Hopefully we can get it looking something like this...

Post 243226 by sidmon on 2009-07-21 16:14:06

Dave, Thanks very much for your offer, but I'm hoping to start on the bodywork start of next week and hopefully all being well with plenty of time, research and effort get a reasonble finish. I love the one in the picture as it looks magnificent, I love the grille too, what's been done to it and where did you get the grille badge from? As for refurbing there's a place I've used in the past called Lap Tab (one the first around b Brum I believe to offer this service). There's a place not long opened in Lichfield that I'm going to approach, but I've possibly got this "other" set of 850R alloys I've got the option of and they are the original colour and apparently in good order.

Post 243244 by Wobbly Dave on 2009-07-21 17:10:04

I was going to suggest Lap tab as they did my comets on my current car - however 2 years later the poly coat is giving up the ghost - so I am no longer sure about them. They are situated on the A38 just north of the spaghetti junction on the south bound side. They are reasonably priced but the range of colours is limited. The grill was aftermarket - but it looked barron. Most places like ebay or PartsforVolvosonline or similar will do you a chrome grill. I sprayed the mesh with chrome paint - as it was originally black and you could see the horns. I fitted the slash from a C70 MY2000 or later. I also added the R badge. Both of those are available from Volvo (so ring Rufe aka Simon for a Good Price). The main reason for changing the original grill was I caught a pigeon on the A45 outside Cov. and smashed both the pigeon and the grill. I was forever picking bits out of the IC.

Post 243259 by Alan M on 2009-07-21 18:10:47

The pollen filter wasn't fitted to all models. IIRC the AWD 850 lpt had it as standard. Rufe will be able to tell you if it was fitted to your car when it left the factory. The housing and filter can be bought seperately if you want to buy and fit it. It isn't to much either and about £20ish for the housing then the filter on top of that.

Post 243265 by The Flying Banana on 2009-07-21 18:48:41

If it was mine I would get it spot on mechanically and leave the wheels and faded paint. Get the interior spotless and enjoy the rat look !! I remember years ago haveing a flat front RS2000. Completely primered and looked shabby and dull, but it had an amazing set of polished RS 4 spokes and a tuned pinto running twin 50s, rimmflows, hairy cam etc and it went like mad! Mecanics spot on, body solid but just different from the shine brigade!!!!!

Post 243267 by sidmon on 2009-07-21 19:06:18

I know exactly where you're coming from and have had countless Saab 9k's that I've done similar with (nice to see the faces of the scooby brigade), but I'm taking it through Europe in late August then when I get back in September it'll be for up for sale.

Post 243268 by Jamest5r on 2009-07-21 19:08:36

[quote=The Flying Banana;243265]If it was mine I would get it spot on mechanically and leave the wheels and faded paint. Get the interior spotless and enjoy the rat look !! I remember years ago haveing a flat front RS2000. Completely primered and looked shabby and dull, but it had an amazing set of polished RS 4 spokes and a tuned pinto running twin 50s, rimmflows, hairy cam etc and it went like mad! Mecanics spot on, body solid but just different from the shine brigade!!!!![/quote] That must of been a good 21/22yrs ago:biggrin:, remember them myself, oh my god im OLD!!!:snail:

Post 243271 by sidmon on 2009-07-21 19:27:38

[quote=jamest5r;243268]That must of been a good 21/22yrs ago:biggrin:, remember them myself, oh my god im OLD!!!:snail:[/quote] And it doesn't bear thinking about what it's worth today!

Post 243280 by Tomcat on 2009-07-21 21:13:06

I found an unmolested 1.3GL two door Mk2 Escort on Fleabay before, it was on a buy it now of £6900!!!!

Post 243283 by Yosser on 2009-07-21 21:27:54

[quote=Tomcat;243280]I found an unmolested 1.3GL two door Mk2 Escort on Fleabay before, it was on a buy it now of £6900!!!![/quote] The shell alone is worth that these days...

Post 243305 by V70Stu on 2009-07-21 22:33:45

[quote=sidmon;241940]I've done some research and yes the V70 lights do look better with the clear indicators. As for before and after pics I will do, you'll be able to chuckle at the alloys....can't think for the life of me what someone was thinking. I'm just waiting for a response from Johnson's on a load of parts and then I'll have a better idea of where I stand.[/quote] Have you seen the Johnson's special discounts on this link http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21817 ??

Post 243309 by V70Stu on 2009-07-21 22:45:26

With regards to the wheels there is a powder coaters in Birmingham (off the Bristol Road) which I have used for 2 sets of Volvo wheels and been very pleased with the results. They charged £20 per wheel (taken with no tyre etc) to shot blast, powder coat, laquer and bake - with fantastic results. Their details are: Bournes Powder Coaters 32-36 Bissell Street Highgate Birmingham West Midlands B5 7HP Contact: Richard Bourne 0121 666 6595 HTH Stu.

Post 243322 by sidmon on 2009-07-22 00:20:46

V70 Stu, Thanks for your help on both counts, Johnson's have already been tapped up on the parts side and so far they have proved great value (better than my trade discount with TMS Hinckley, though they have always proved extremely helpful). As for wheel refurb I must admit I've never heard of them but they sound worthy of potential business, as mentioned stil got my eyes on a second set but will know more by end of week. Will be stripping calipers, cleaning off the sh*t and getting them ready for painting....then shall be replacing pads and discs all round later on this week and refitting calipers and renewing and flushing brake fluid. I'm contemplating red or gold and then applying Volvo stickers to them, I think with refurbed or replacement alloys they look good as if I leave them as they are they look extremely old and rusty and with these alloys the brakes are extremely noticable otherwise I would not have bothered! Will contemplate tomorrow whether to go the specific caliper paint or hammerite smooth, though having researched the issue I have read a few people who have found the hammerite has got hot and started to bubble/melt at high temperature.....not what I want on a cross Europe trip!

Post 243332 by sidmon on 2009-07-22 00:51:34

Actually grey looks good: http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14543&highlight=caliper+paint Plus not sure how red or gold would look on the disc "bell" but the gey looks great. Oh and forgot to say I checked the PCV today by removing dipstick with engine running, also put finger over dupstick hole then let go.....very little if barely any smoke....so I take it my PCV should be Ok to leave then?

Post 243484 by V70Stu on 2009-07-22 21:20:24

[quote=V70Stu;243309] They charged £20 per wheel (taken with no tyre etc) to shot blast, powder coat, laquer and bake - with fantastic results. Their details are: Bournes Powder Coaters 32-36 Bissell Street Highgate Birmingham West Midlands B5 7HP Contact: Richard Bourne 0121 666 6595 [/quote] These are a couple of photos of the last set of rims that Bournes refurbed for me.

Post 243493 by sidmon on 2009-07-22 21:54:56

Nice job! Just found out those alloys I've been offered are Titans not Volans (though I do prefer the Titans to be honest). With the caliper paint I'm still pondering Hammerite Smooth or caliper paint from halfrauds and also how many coats (most say 1 but other say multiple!).

Post 243502 by V70Stu on 2009-07-22 23:01:00

I have used VHT paint from Halfords on exhaust manifolds and a couple of coats work pretty well. However, I did have proper original red brembo calipers on my previous Alfa GTV, and found that they even they started to go a bit pinky. So I would say that repainting would be a regular task!

Post 243658 by sidmon on 2009-07-23 16:52:53

Got over £350 worth of stuff coming tomorrow (most of the cost is water pump, tensioner and tensioner pulley). I've stripped the brakes down and just have 2 calipers to clean up tomorrow then I'm ready to paint (still havent decided what paint to use!). I take it I'm OK to reuse caliper mounting bolts as long as they are loctited.

Post 243699 by AndysR on 2009-07-23 19:17:25

The paint I used on mine is Hamerite and tbh it seems fine for both heat and the occassional use of something more agressive than water when the wheels are dirty ;) As for number of coats 1 is enough but imo 2 ftw :)

Post 243711 by sidmon on 2009-07-23 19:49:27

[quote=AndysR;243699]The paint I used on mine is Hamerite and tbh it seems fine for both heat and the occassional use of something more agressive than water when the wheels are dirty ;) As for number of coats 1 is enough but imo 2 ftw :)[/quote] Sorry to sound stupid but what does FTW mean?

Post 243721 by AndysR on 2009-07-23 20:16:55

[quote=sidmon;243711]Sorry to sound stupid but what does FTW mean?[/quote] For The Win ;)

Post 243750 by sidmon on 2009-07-23 21:35:50

OK, thanks for clearing that up!

Post 243780 by Tomcat on 2009-07-23 22:56:58

Just painted my calipers and all I used was normal metal paint, seems to be ok so far, just bear in mind that calipers themselves don't actualy get that hot, it's the discs that get hot...

Post 244162 by sidmon on 2009-07-25 11:52:35

Right, all parts collected yesterday, calipers painted with Halford's own Heat Proof paint and stickers applied. Discs and Pads renewed all round and calipers replaced.....unfortunately what I read was correct.....that caliper paint does NOT dry! It claims 90 minutes on the can but I left one of them for 8 hours and it was still sticky! The only good thing was it made applying the stickers a little easier but still meant when replacing the paint was going onto my surgical gloves. If anyones interested I've kept the rear pads and discs as they have only done 15k, I'll stick it up on the for sale part of the forum.

Post 245120 by sidmon on 2009-07-28 14:33:29

Forgot to mention is passed a MOT with just advisories on a rear subframe bushing (looks deteriorated but not affecting it's operation) and some corrosion on nearside (haven't noticed that so will be having a look while I change the fuel filter).

Post 245244 by sidmon on 2009-07-28 20:27:36

Oh....knew there was something.....the vanity light built into the sun visor on the passenger side does not come on automatically when you drop it down and open the lid. You have to put pressure on the lid to get it to work!

Post 246434 by AndysR on 2009-08-01 20:07:33

Good going with the mot although the corrosion part is a bit strange for one of these. Best get it checked out sharpish :)

Post 246467 by sidmon on 2009-08-01 21:26:31

Yeah, I was thinking the same so will take a cushty this week coming up. Also will get timing belt replaced with tensioners and water pump, and hopefully start on the bodywork!

Post 246554 by t5lover on 2009-08-02 01:11:50

[quote=Wobbly Dave;243164]I have a passion for BRV (see website below). Go see my mate Paul at harbourne tyres - and he has great contacts for wheel refurbishers. There ia a how 2 which should help you with the paint restore. I can help but you'll have to wait till the end of the month when I return to the UK (for good). I still have all the gear necessary to do a full paint restore. I estimate with 2 people it will take about 48hrs of mantime effort to restore that paintwork. It is a slow and labourious process - but I do have all the pads and polish necessary. http://www.bigredvolvos.co.uk/galleries/july_2006_CYC.htm If you could get hold of another "porter cable" then it would speed things up greatly. When I did Mrsmopps V70 - it took me about 4 days worth of effort to get it good. I have also done a few 302mm brake upgrades. I used to be in Northfield but now I am parttime in Telford (mostly in The Hague, NL). Hopefully we can get it looking something like this... [/quote] that is lovely mate me like alot!!

Post 247241 by sidmon on 2009-08-04 17:04:00

Timing Belt, Tensioner, Tensioner Pulley and Water Pump all changed. Beling honest loking at the old parts they look barely worn, especially the water pump. Now looking at the history it hasn't been changed since 2001 hence I've done the lot...but being honest the old water pump looks fine as does the rest of it....not weathered or worn looking at all! Transmission has been serviced this morning at my usual transmission specialist and they've given it the all clear though did comment that it took some flushing to remove all the old fluid. Still got the wheels to refurb.....the place in Brum that was recommended would be ideal but it would be too much of a ballache having to remove each wheel individually and then get the tyre removed and then take each wheel individually to the middle of Brum because I haven't got a replacement set of wheels. Amazingly in these so called "recession" times the local Tamworth based Powder Coaters don't seem interested in the work!

Post 247243 by p fandango on 2009-08-04 17:10:22

[quote=sidmon;247241]Still got the wheels to refurb.....the place in Brum that was recommended would be ideal but it would be too much of a ballache having to remove each wheel individually and then get the tyre removed and then take each wheel individually to the middle of Brum because I haven't got a replacement set of wheels.[/quote] i've got 2 perfo's you could borrow but not sure what the tyres are like, but PLEASE get your wheels painted lol :kiss: the headlight protectors fit ok?

Post 247262 by Jamest5r on 2009-08-04 17:48:43

Hello mate, ive got 4 wheels from a t5, been sitting at the side of my house for a couple of years but might be ok for a days driving??,

Post 247265 by sidmon on 2009-08-04 17:51:47

[quote=p fandango;247243]i've got 2 perfo's you could borrow but not sure what the tyres are like, but PLEASE get your wheels painted lol :kiss: the headlight protectors fit ok?[/quote] Got to be honest and say haven't fitted them yet! As for the wheels a more local powder coaters would be fine as they coud get dropped off one at a time with no hassle, but distance wise to Brum is too much. Thanks for the offers guys by the way.