I haaave a dream.

[mac]

Afternoon all,

Regulars will know of the '88' ymod 340 that I found in a domestic garage near Cromer and recommissioned as a "daily" for a member of the VOC Essex & Suffolk section.
You will also remember that Eddie passed away and the stewardship of the "wee beastie" passed to me.

Eddie wanted (had to) drive on a budget so much was not done that I would have wished - I now intend to rectify that and do a "proper job" with a complete mechanical rebuild using as much OE std. stuff that I can find. I have a Volvo body shop waiting to do some "smart type" repairs and a full anti corrosion treatment.

To kick the story off - see below for the start of my parts collection for the project (not shown exhaust system inc. downpipe).





I intend to keep mainly stock with selective improvements such as Goodridge brake hoses and polybushes front and rear. I have also noticed a couple of rust bleed through spots on the wheels (I obviously didn't spray them as well as I could have done) so they will be off to be bead blasted and powder coated.

One thing I have yet to find is an OE radiator - plenty about of questionable parentage but I would like a Volvo unit (s/h if perfect).

Mac.

[trabitom99]

One thing I have yet to find is an OE radiator - plenty about of questionable parentage but I would like a Volvo unit (s/h if perfect).
Mac.

Hi Mac,

that'll be a lovely car when it's ready

Have a look at this ad (with care):
http://cgi.ebay.de/Seltner-Kuhler-Volvo ... 0807928754

I can't place the part number, but maybe the pic and the measurements are enough to compare with the old radiator?

Cheers

Tom

[Chris_C]

I recognise those SKF bearing boxes last picture bottom front Mac Mine turned up last week, thanks for the part no.

You know what I think of this project already, it's great to see such a complete set of shiny bits getting renewed in one hit. It'll make an awesome car to drive I'd have thought plus add even more "where the heck can we get parts" knowledge if you are doing one yourself. Great news for everyone in the community

[mac]

Hi Tom,

That's a "Mk2" B14 rad (sits inside engine bay) up to '85'. The later unit sits forward of the front panel and is wider.

Hi Chris,

As you say - "doing" instead of pontificating is rewarding me/us all with new info on where to find stuff - luckily I have the time to spend tracking stuff down.

It's only a DL and will always be a DL - but I want it to be the BEST damn DL !!!

Mac - ooooo I'm sounding quite anal

[Chris_C]

If you find a genuine late 1.4 rad (same as the 1.7 too isn't it?) that's a bit knackered, there is a good re-core place down here. That way it's still OEM, just overhauled like the rest of the car.

[volvodspec]

1.7 rad has a thinner core but same size as the later rad that sits behind the bumper

i like the style Mac, and very much like to work the same way. nothing feels better than bolting new parts on, especcially if you replace everything. it get's even more fun if you bolt all the pieces to powdercoated parts but that's the point where everything gets hopelessly out of hand

[mac]

So, so true - with the boss muttering about how many shoes/handbags/smelly spray things what I'm spending translates into, I shall have to limit myself to painting
struts/axle beams/eng support etc. (but primer and at least two coats though).

It seems a shame to fit all the parts to a car, all these nice shiny pieces, he he, precious - the're mine, these shiny things, my precious, I shall keep my precious - he, he ,he.

Mac was last seen scrabbling into a tunnel in the garden clutching pretty coloured boxes.

Mrs.Mac.

[volvosneverdie]

Nice plan.

look forward to seeing updates and the finished beast.

[MCHUDD]

Hi mac.
Great plan indeed.
This will be the first new 340 in twenty years.
Cheers Mark.

[jtbo]

Excellent project!

I think that 340 would sell thousands if they would make it again in China for Chinese markets, there is demand for reliable cars with simple mechanics. They have bit bad roads at rural areas so suspension of 300 would be great for such.

Also would be real nice alternative to Ambassador at India.

[V6 Man]

I seem to recall Foggy bought a new rad for a 1.4 from http://www.heanorradiators.co.uk/ that was made by Blackstone. It was identical to the genuine Volvo rad, except that instead of having Volvo Blackstone stamped on it, it just had Blackstone

[Nimminz]

Wish i had such a pile of nice things waiting for my car. Looks a good project!

[mac]

The "great work" has begun,

I'm fiddling about around the edges and have started with the rad.

Not bad for its age but well in need of work - having removed it I found it to be the original "Blackstone" with a date code of 8733 - so now 24!

I have not been able to find an OE quality replacement so have left it in the care of a local specialist (Sheldrake and Wells - on the same site for at least 40 years)
who have a superb rep. and will fit a quality core to "my" end tanks" etc. for about the same cost as a cheap "off the net" replacement.

The rad as removed and cleaned off, data plate inset.



On another point - front hub stake nuts are NLA so I have set out to find a source (I have 6 in stock, but....). I assumed they would be M16 but the thread pitch is wrong,
I find they are infact 5/8 UNF (18tpi) with 15/16 AF hex. I have spent over 6hrs on the net and on the phone and have yet to source them. So if anybody has an idea.

Mac.

[Chris_C]

On another point - front hub stake nuts are NLA so I have set out to find a source (I have 6 in stock, but....). I assumed they would be M16 but the thread pitch is wrong,
I find they are infact 5/8 UNF (18tpi) with 15/16 AF hex. I have spent over 6hrs on the net and on the phone and have yet to source them. So if anybody has an idea.

*Another* imperial thing?! FFS.

I bought 10 12months ago from my local dealers and they didn't mention things were getting low, so this annoys me somewhat. I went there after I couldn't fit a stock elsewhere.

FWIW, I'd be more happy with castle nuts. That way they last more than one use, even if a small bit of machining is required. It's not like most of us are adverse to tweaking things for the better.

EDIT: http://www.fastfixdirect.co.uk/code/nav ... ctID=43899 Job done I'll duck when the purist brigade get here.

[MCHUDD]

Hi mac.
If you want a good second hand rad for the car ,i have one.
Cheers Mark.