144s, I'm actually putting it back together! - Page 2

940_Turbo · Jun 14th, 2010, 22:20

I got a bit done on the reassembly; The first task was to get the new instrument cluster ready to be fitted. This is one of the rare Volvo Rally clusters, the 5 dial, not the slightly more common GT cluster which has 4 dials. To that end I made the two looms for the new instrument cluster It needs one for the rev counter and one for the oil pressure gauge which are not in the factory loom. I also fitted the oil pressure gauge sender.

Those done I fitted the cluster itself. I couldn't resist also adding the new steering wheel. The wheel comes from a Ferrari Testarossa and is similar to the early Volvo R sport wheel. It is also an appropriate diameter for the 144.

Before I could fit the wheel I took all the switches out of the dash so I could change the dashboard face trim. The old one had holes in it where the wood trim used to be fitted. I think it looks good. Mark and I took the deliberate decision not to restore the gauge panel. We;'re not trying to create something that looks completely new, rather it has to look all of a piece and purposeful.

I also dragged some bits off the shelf Mark has bought for the car, the IPD roll bar will go on imminently. Just the front bar, I don't like the handling with an overly stiff rear bar.

The heater valve is leaking, It must be the original so Mark dug deep and bought a new one, I know there are work around solutions but we want the car just right. Waiiting in the wings there is also a 123 electronic distributor to complete the oily bits.

Mark and I thought long and hard and we’ve decided the car will wear Volvo 760 Turbo alloys; the tyres are fitted!

We did t test fit the Kronprinz steels, but we’ve decided not to use them on this car, they’re waiting in the wings for a 133 project...

As you can see the glass is also mostly in. All the drop window carriers have been replaced. They’re easy to fit once you get your head round them. You simply stand the glass up on end, put the carrier with its rubber clamping trip in the other end, but a length of wood on the metal channel and tap it on. If you hit the metal locally you’ll just end up with a C shaped channel.

Acme · Jun 15th, 2010, 12:57

What a good thread, I don't know how I didn't spot it sooner. Keep up the good work.

I am always envious of some peoples metal work skills. I need to get my hands dirty and learn.

940_Turbo · Jul 12th, 2010, 23:04

Got a bit more done, it's pretty close to being a car now. It's mostly serviced, all the fluids have been changed, all the glass is in, the drop windows work, the door locks and window winders work.

It is also fully panelled up, though I do still need to adjust the bonnet. The grille is just popped in loosely as it still needs the bottom piece of trim fitting. I've also put the fuirst wheel on the car, I like it!

The next step is a set of new carpets.

john h · Jul 13th, 2010, 06:34

Looking good!

John

rogerb · Jul 16th, 2010, 23:00

Get on with it https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/images/icons/icon7.gificon7.gif
Probley see you Sat or Sun.

Regards Rogerb

940_Turbo · Jul 22nd, 2010, 09:18

Fricking thing is going backwards; it broke its bonnet hinge spontaneously yesterday. Anyone want some nice 140 panels? If it keeps this up it'll be appearing on Ebay piecemeal.......

WPR678B · Jul 22nd, 2010, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by 940_Turbo

Anyone want some nice 140 panels?

Funny you should say that.........

Dylan144GT · Jul 22nd, 2010, 21:33

I dibs the Rallye gauge cluster!

Master plan ... I'll sell my little sister into slavery!

john h · Jul 24th, 2010, 07:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by 940_Turbo

Fricking thing is going backwards; it broke its bonnet hinge spontaneously yesterday. Anyone want some nice 140 panels? If it keeps this up it'll be appearing on Ebay piecemeal.......

Noooooo! Don't break it! It's far too good for that. It's just having a little sulk to test your devotion.

Anyway, it's not far from being done. Pleeeease finish it off !!

(But if all that pleading fails and you do break it, can I have first dibs on the steering wheel pls)

John

940_Turbo · Jul 24th, 2010, 11:38

It was a bit tongue in cheek John, but the bloody thing does seem to have become institutionalised. It seems quite happy to be sat in a corner of the workshop; dry and warm with other cars for company. It hasn't yet turned a wheel in anger and has consumed a heater valve, drop window, windscreen wiper rack and bonnet hinge quite apart from the stuff we put on "voluntarily".

We also reckon the lowering springs are just springs; it's far too "tippy toes". It'll be spot on once it hits the road though.

Now where is the nearest banger racing track again.........?

Quote:

Originally Posted by john h

Noooooo! Don't break it! It's far too good for that. It's just having a little sulk to test your devotion.

Anyway, it's not far from being done. Pleeeease finish it off !!

(But if all that pleading fails and you do break it, can I have first dibs on the steering wheel pls)

John

Jul 13th, 2010, 06:34	#14
john h VOC Member Last Online: Today 11:32 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Huddersfield View Photos By: john h	Looking good! John __________________ XX

Jun 14th, 2010, 22:20	#11
940_Turbo . Last Online: Jul 14th, 2013 14:28 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: MK	I got a bit done on the reassembly; The first task was to get the new instrument cluster ready to be fitted. This is one of the rare Volvo Rally clusters, the 5 dial, not the slightly more common GT cluster which has 4 dials. To that end I made the two looms for the new instrument cluster It needs one for the rev counter and one for the oil pressure gauge which are not in the factory loom. I also fitted the oil pressure gauge sender. Those done I fitted the cluster itself. I couldn't resist also adding the new steering wheel. The wheel comes from a Ferrari Testarossa and is similar to the early Volvo R sport wheel. It is also an appropriate diameter for the 144. Before I could fit the wheel I took all the switches out of the dash so I could change the dashboard face trim. The old one had holes in it where the wood trim used to be fitted. I think it looks good. Mark and I took the deliberate decision not to restore the gauge panel. We;'re not trying to create something that looks completely new, rather it has to look all of a piece and purposeful. I also dragged some bits off the shelf Mark has bought for the car, the IPD roll bar will go on imminently. Just the front bar, I don't like the handling with an overly stiff rear bar. The heater valve is leaking, It must be the original so Mark dug deep and bought a new one, I know there are work around solutions but we want the car just right. Waiiting in the wings there is also a 123 electronic distributor to complete the oily bits. Mark and I thought long and hard and we’ve decided the car will wear Volvo 760 Turbo alloys; the tyres are fitted! We did t test fit the Kronprinz steels, but we’ve decided not to use them on this car, they’re waiting in the wings for a 133 project... As you can see the glass is also mostly in. All the drop window carriers have been replaced. They’re easy to fit once you get your head round them. You simply stand the glass up on end, put the carrier with its rubber clamping trip in the other end, but a length of wood on the metal channel and tap it on. If you hit the metal locally you’ll just end up with a C shaped channel.

Jun 15th, 2010, 12:57	#12
Acme Junior Member Last Online: Mar 30th, 2024 18:10 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Suffolk	What a good thread, I don't know how I didn't spot it sooner. Keep up the good work. I am always envious of some peoples metal work skills. I need to get my hands dirty and learn.

Jul 12th, 2010, 23:04	#13
940_Turbo . Last Online: Jul 14th, 2013 14:28 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: MK	Got a bit more done, it's pretty close to being a car now. It's mostly serviced, all the fluids have been changed, all the glass is in, the drop windows work, the door locks and window winders work. It is also fully panelled up, though I do still need to adjust the bonnet. The grille is just popped in loosely as it still needs the bottom piece of trim fitting. I've also put the fuirst wheel on the car, I like it! The next step is a set of new carpets.

Jul 16th, 2010, 23:00	#15
rogerb Lets take it to bits Last Online: Apr 23rd, 2023 09:01 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Near Wellingborough	Get on with it https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/images/icons/icon7.gificon7.gif Probley see you Sat or Sun. Regards Rogerb

Jul 22nd, 2010, 09:18	#16
940_Turbo . Last Online: Jul 14th, 2013 14:28 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: MK	Fricking thing is going backwards; it broke its bonnet hinge spontaneously yesterday. Anyone want some nice 140 panels? If it keeps this up it'll be appearing on Ebay piecemeal.......

Jul 22nd, 2010, 21:33	#18
Dylan144GT Member Last Online: May 21st, 2023 08:35 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cape Town	I dibs the Rallye gauge cluster! Master plan ... I'll sell my little sister into slavery!

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