We all know how difficult it is to find parts these days but things may be going to get a whole lot worse!

Looking back through some of my old notes I came across discussion reports from the late seventies relating to limiting the life of a vehicle (the idea of course was to "force" new vehicle purchase).

One of the suggested ways was rather sneaky - a ferrophile bacteria had been developed (one that feeds on iron compounds) and the intention was to introduce these in semi liquid gel form as a coating under the paint in various non safety critical areas of the shell. Over a period of time large patches would simply be eaten away!

It seems testing showed that the bacterial action was so slow that it would have taken up to 30years to be effective - the idea had been about 10. Nevertheless it seems as though a large number of 86, 87, & 88 yr.models were treated!!!

Oh - I've also managed to find a note of the bacteria's name (for what it's worth) Aprillus Primogensis Ferrossus Rottus.

Mac.

Did volvo do this?

just in the nick of time Mac

Nimminz wrote:just in the nick of time Mac

Indeed, but at my age one reverts to student time - rarely getting up before midday!
Anyway who said it had to be before 12.00 noon?

Mac

Someone did, but what time zone I don't know.

Ha ha ha, brilliant Mac It took 5 long seconds to get it Well done!

Hi mac.
I thought i had got through the day without getting caught
Cheers Mark.

My research leads me to believe that this substance was applied for one day only and has a life of 24hrs....

mac wrote: Aprillus Primogensis Ferrossus Rottus.

Mac.

You almost had me upto that point. It did not seem like a volvo thing, if it had been f@#d there would have been no doubt in my mind at all and I'd have been fully sucked in.

You had me until the last line

Very good!