Restoration Order

[Kirtward]

Sorry if this has been asked before, what is the best order of tasks to get a 240 back on the road after being stood for a long time.

[john.wigley]

Originally Posted by Kirtward

Sorry if this has been asked before, what is the best order of tasks to get a 240 back on the road after being stood for a long time.

It rather depends on how long the car has been standing, 'Kirtward', and how it was prepared in the first place. For example, was the battery removed and charged at regular intervals or left in a discharged state on the car for an extended period? In the former instance, it may simply require refitting and connecting; in the latter, almost certainly replacing. You will need to provide rather more information for a definitive answer to be given with any degree of confidence, I'm afraid.

Regards, John.

[Kirtward]

Hi John,
Thanks for the reply.
Assume the worst in this instance, the car was cheap possible basket case. I want to learn a few bits and need an end goal. I’m sure I could buy a 240 for the amount it will cost. But for me it’s about the journey, hope that makes sense.

[Bob 1967]

A good starting point would to identify the specific model and year with engine(points or electronic),fuel type(carb or injection) and gearbox type (manual or auto).
There are posts relevant to most things, that have been done by other members.
I can say the best place to start is, get a manual Haynes or similar.
Carry out a basic service.(plugs ,points, oil & filter)
That is assuming the engine turns.
I would consider all fluids would need replacing.
Check condition of tyres and brakes.
All rubbers and bushings in suspension.
No point going, if you cant stop.
But mostly ,have fun.

[Kirtward]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the reply.
1988 245 GLT, B230E manual, but currently in the boot.
There are a few naturally occurring ventilation holes that will need to be repaired too.
I have a Haynes already and I’m assuming all rubber components will need to be replaced.

[Moomoo]

Nice model, could be well worth the effort.

Any pictures?😀

[john.wigley]

Originally Posted by Kirtward

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the reply.
1988 245 GLT, B230E manual, but currently in the boot.
There are a few naturally occurring ventilation holes that will need to be repaired too.
I have a Haynes already and I’m assuming all rubber components will need to be replaced.

My '83 245 GLT was one of my favourite Volvos. You are right about all rubber components, including brake hoses. Bob's post makes a lot of sense; a logical, structured approach is arguably more important than the precise order of recommissioning.

I would start with a list of broad headings including but not exclusively:
- Power unit: engine, ancillaries, clutch.
- Drive train: gearbox, overdrive, prop and rear axle.
- Electrics: battery, wiring, lights, wipers, instrumentation, ICE, etc., etc.
- Wheels and tyres, suspension.
- Brakes.
- Bodywork: structural, cosmetic.
- Interior condition: seats, door cards, headlining, etc.
- A whole bunch of other things that I have almost certainly forgotten but which will assuredly crop up as work progresses.

Doing this will help keep you on track and focussed. If you hit problems do not hesitate to ask for advice - there is a wealth of knowledge and experience waiting to be tapped on this forum.

Good luck with the project.

Regards, John.

[Othen]

Originally Posted by Kirtward

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the reply.
1988 245 GLT, B230E manual, but currently in the boot.
There are a few naturally occurring ventilation holes that will need to be repaired too.
I have a Haynes already and I’m assuming all rubber components will need to be replaced.

Hang on: you don't mean the gearbox is in the boot, do you? I hope I've just misread that.

The motor car looks pretty rough, and I notice someone has sold the wheels, so one might imagine it has already reached its nadir.

Unless you really want to take this on as a significant project and have a great deal of time and/or money I'd recommend a reconnaissance first to see if this will be worthwhile. Once roadworthy with a MoT the motor car would only be worth £1,500, in good condition it might make £3,000. It is really easy to spend £5,000 and all your weekends for a year on the renovation of a motor car like this.

Read Juular's 240 project thread before you start https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=312429. Good fortune

Alan

[john.wigley]

Originally Posted by Othen

Hang on: you don't mean the gearbox is in the boot, do you? I hope I've just misread that.

The motor car looks pretty rough, and I notice someone has sold the wheels, so one might imagine it has already reached its nadir.

Unless you really want to take this on as a significant project and have a great deal of time and/or money I'd recommend a reconnaissance first to see if this will be worthwhile. Once roadworthy with a MoT the motor car would only be worth £1,500, in good condition it might make £3,000. It is really easy to spend £5,000 and all your weekends for a year on the renovation of a motor car like this.

Read Juular's 240 project thread before you start https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=312429. Good fortune

Alan

I would agree, Alan, were it not for the fact that 'Kirtward' did expressly say that he wanted to learn about how his car is put together and how it works. It is undeniably ambitious, but what better way to do so than on a car like this that he already owns and could only improve? I feel sure that he is going into this with his eyes wide open and wish him well in what could be an exciting, if expensive and time consuming, restoration. I would also point to your own excellent thread on the RB as a model on which to base his approach.

Regards, John.

[Steve 940]

Hi 'Kirtward'

Some great points and suggestions made by fellow forum users, and it really comes down to what you want to achieve I think.

As Othen has pointed out, financially, it may well be a proverbial money pit, but then again, if you 'enjoy' working on the car and improving it, then how does one put a price on that and the 'journey'.

Looking at the photos, she does look a bit tired, so I would perhaps suggest a thorough poke around to establish the state of the bodywork, and what needs doing.

From my year or so on the forum, I think generally mechanical issues can be sorted relatively easily, but rust/bodywork is perhaps far harder perhaps to sort. If you can weld already, or willing to buy the kit and learn on the job, then it could be a viable and enjoyable project.

If after a thorough assessment you still want to go for it, then as others have said already, this forum has a wealth of information to assist.

I'd also second Othen's suggestion to read up on Juular's project thread, also one by Burdekin and whilst it's an Amazon thread, the bodywork done is quite amazing
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=322616

Best of luck with whatever you end up deciding to do.

Cheers
Steve