Restoration Order

[Othen]

Originally Posted by Juular

Go for it. The skills and confidence earned will be more than worth it.

It will cost more in time and money than you plan for, and what the car is worth. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't. I restored mine with a similar mission - to learn how to weld and repair almost anything on a car. I hadn't even driven a 240 before when I bought it, I just liked the shape.

I also have a desk job, in IT, and suffer serious mental health issues because of it, but the 240 project really helped me get things back in order and have something to look forward to. I owe the project more than it owes me.

You will end up learning about more than just welding and fabrication, as I'll bet there's a fair amount of electrical parts needing stripped and rebuilt. I found all of it interesting and educational.

I bought mine for £500 with similar rust issues and I needed to replace almost everything in terms of suspension and engine consumables. I could have done it cheaper but I reckon I spent around a year of work and £2000 or so restoring my 240 to an MOT standard. Nothing in itself was particularly expensive as parts are cheap and easy to get, on the whole. Some unexpected faulty parts stung though. The key is that many expensive components can be stripped and rebuilt for next to nothing if you're prepared to get stuck in.

I love my 240, it's an absolutely cracking car. The best part is driving in a car you can honestly say you've "sorted" inside and out and you know every nut and bolt.

Don't let the windscreen rust bother you, especially if you have a replacement scuttle. I had to fabricate one out of thin air and honestly found it an enjoyable challenge. Do prepare for a replacement windscreen though as it WILL crack when removed.

If you go ahead, keep in touch and ask lots of questions. I'm sure we've developed a pretty good resource on this forum for answers to common questions and what kind of things to look out for.

Now that is the best reply so far Juular - and exactly what the OP needs to get going on this exciting project.

[Moomoo]

Originally Posted by Othen

Now that is the best reply so far Juular - and exactly what the OP needs to get going on this exciting project.

Inspirational!👍🧐

[Bob Meadows]

Some really good advice already submitted:~

A couple of things regarding costs: MIG welders do not necessary mean high prices, you can pick up perfectly descent used items form various sites-look for finished restoration projects: as with these purchases just be cautious.
A middle range set up will be fine for these cars.

Look at previous posts regarding gas supplies "Pub Bottle" Co2 is perfectly adequate for most of your needs; (prices are descent and it lasts)

Practice- Practice & PRACTICE on thicker grade metals initially will soon build the confidence.
Study the best materials & approach for rust treatments and future preventions.
Take it in manageable stages to avoid the "failed project"
You should enjoy it!
Good Luck.
Bob.

[Bob 1967]

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/

[Kirtward]

Wow - what a great set of responses. I’d love to find a course but local college only seem to train for work not hobbies.
I was given a flux core a while back, which was the reason for the questions about the possibility of using it.

[Kirtward]

Originally Posted by Juular

The majority of bodywork repairs are best done with 1mm mild steel. You'll want to practice the thin metal technique which is not so much welding as laying down a series of joined up tack welds.

Chassis rail repairs will be 2mm mild steel.

0.6mm wire is neater and easier to control the heat, but it's a toss up really between that and 0.8mm. You will quickly get used to whatever you have.

I did my 240 using gas shielded MIG, as everyone recommended this for a beginner.

Honestly, if I was starting again I'd just go for flux core and extra time spent practicing with it. It has made my life so much easier not having to wait for a calm windless day to do the welding, and also not having to lug the gas bottle around. I'd also say it's cheaper overall, despite the flux cored wire being around twice the price.

I'd say it's important to get an inverter welder that gives you infinite adjustment of voltage and wire speed, as that fine control can give you the difference between a nice weld and a frustrating mess.

I learned by getting some scrap 1mm steel and cutting lots of lines in it with tin snips, and welding them shut.

Here is the thin metal technique you need.

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/thin-metal.htm

This is awesome and I wanted to get in the shed now. Thanks again

[Othen]

Originally Posted by Kirtward

This is awesome and I wanted to get in the shed now. Thanks again

Excellent Kirtward,

I hope you didn't take my earlier posts to be doubting you - I just wanted to make sure you understood how much of a challenge this would be, and that it would make no financial sense whatsoever. You are amongst friends here: none of our 30-60 years old Volvos make much sense, but that doesn't stop us.

Juular put this very well in his piece above. I'd still recommend reading through his excellent project threads to make sure you are comfortable with the undertaking (it might be a good idea to show it to your 'other half' as well; this is going to occupy most of your free time for the next year). If you are still happy with that then get on with the project - but post lots of photos and words here for us. We really enjoy project threads. Why not start on New Year's day and see if you can get it through the MoT by 31 December 2023, now that would be a good target .

Best wishes,

Alan

[Kirtward]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the optimism never going to be done in a year that is the only thing I’m very sure of.
My partner doesn’t like Volvo’s lol

Thanks Kirt

[Kirtward]

Well, this is definitely not the right order. But it looked like a good deal 940 B230FT

[Moomoo]

Originally Posted by Kirtward

Well, this is definitely not the right order. But it looked like a good deal 940 B230FT

Wow! Spare engine, box , inter cooler and other stuff in the back too!