The work continues on the 1963 P1800S.
The old brakes looked pretty good but since it has been sitting for over 28 years, it has to be replaced.
New cylinders, shoes, felt seal and hardware kit.
The original tool for removing the rear axles was a slide hammer that was attached to the threads. I feel this can be hard on the bearing surface as well as the axle threads. I made this puller in order to remove the axle “gently”
New axle seals.
New torque rods and bushings. Swedish flag in backdrop is totally an accident!
Rear brakes and suspension is finished so the car can go back on it’s wheels. Small wins…
Europe to the rescue: Clutch assembly from German Sachs and throw-out bearings from Swedish SKF. SKF stands for Svenska Kullager Fabriken, “Swedish Ball Bearing Factory” . SKF was actually Volvo’s initial parent company when it all started.
I don’t know the condition of the clutch but same as the brakes, now is a good time to replace it. New clutch pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bearing and for good measure, new rear main seal.
Volvo 663994 will get you a new rubber cover for the clutch fork. In a recent survey, it was discovered that nine out of ten Volvo owners prefer new rubber.
These early Spicer rear axles do not have a drain plug so you have to remove the rear cover in order the drain the fluid. Shocks will be replaced as well.
Here you can see the tag confirming the axle ratio of 4.11 as this car does not have an overdrive. The overdrive cars have 4.56 ratio.
Story time: When these cars were new, Sweden did not have a speed limit and it seemed that most new car literature was more geared toward top speed.
When they tested the top speed on both the overdrive car and the non overdrive car, it turned out that the non overdrive car with 4.11 ratio was faster! The slightly taller gears made the car hit the sweet spot on the cam. How about that!
It’s important to limit yourself and not do more than you can handle. This goes for the Volvo rear axle as well, so new limit straps were in order.
The transmission looks a bit naked without the overdrive but as Bruce Hornsby, so astutely, points out: “That’s the way it is”
I use a 164 engine mount for as the transmission mount as the reproduction mounts are too soft making the transmission move too much.
Sometimes I feel my work is very exhausting and it’s all a pipe dream.
Exhaust installed: The early cars had straight slash cut pipes but I really like these 1800 specific dual “S” tail pipes. My guess is: Swedish authorities wanted the exhaust to emanate beyond the rear part of the car and to the side.
Other house keeping items:
Like any car guy, I love good tools. I need to replace the fuel line on this car but you can’t buy ready made line with flares. This vise mounted unit can do bubble flares as well as inverted double flares.
The Volvo fuel tank fitting use inverted flares.
I had to remove the rocker assembly in order to service the heater fan. This was a good opportunity to replace the valve seals.
Next: Install carburetors and fuel lines, then I should be able to start the engine. After that, it will be time to go through the interior.
Stay tuned.
By Rolf Åström