And so it begins......

t4johnny · Jul 5th, 2024, 13:52

I have recently purchased a 1 previous keeper 1968 Volvo amazon estate.
Dry stored for last 46 years, without either a wheel or engine turning in that time,remarkably solid and a good starting point to get her back up and running.
Also came with a spare B18 engine, gearbox and propshaft although overall condition not yet known.

No doubt i shall be looking for some advice along my journey....

Unsure of the best way to post pics on here so any help would be much appreciated.....

JP 1800 · Jul 5th, 2024, 15:03

It depends on what you want to do. Do you want to get the car running and driving before bodywork or do you want a full on restoration?. If it was me I would get the car running and driving so you will keep your enthusiasm for the car and crack on with the jobs needed. If that is the case, does the engine turn over by hand? Also all suspension and brake components will need replacing or refresh. A full check of fluids and electrical system are in order. Best of luck

JP 1800 · Jul 5th, 2024, 15:07

For posting pictures you can either link to a picture hosting website or attach as pictures using the picture symbol in the response text box, it is a yellow box with hills and sun? symbol.

t4johnny · Jul 5th, 2024, 15:51

Thanks for the info regarding the picture uploading, much appreciated..
I have managed to get the engine turning....gingerly..
All things considered i m going to go for a head off job and see whats what inside and decide a course of action from there, yes i do intend to drive it and enjoy it, i have a 1965 Amazon 2 door but i got her in good condition so despite year differences i have some kind of reference point....
The brakes and suspension will be overhauled and obviously fuel tank and lines and as i intend to do the work myself i will no doubt come across some surprises, bodily very good considering...

t4johnny · Jul 5th, 2024, 16:40

t4johnny · Jul 5th, 2024, 16:44

A few more pics if i have uploaded correctly..

t4johnny · Jul 5th, 2024, 16:48

Here "Hugh"...HEW...sits .....slowly getting the hang of uploading pics....i think !!

Moomoo · Jul 5th, 2024, 17:26

A very inspirational acquisition. Looks better than one may expect. Looking forward to the thread!

Bon chance!👍🧐😀

Burdekin · Jul 5th, 2024, 18:45

The first place I always look on the estate and is a really good indication of the general condition of the car rust wise is below the rear reflectors. If there's rust there or the seams are gone it's a good sign there will be more problems elsewhere. Yours looks good, the seams are still there so that looks really favourable to the general body condition. A solid estate is a good score as most were worked hard when they became cheap in the 80s for example. Best of luck getting her back on the road.

t4johnny · Jul 5th, 2024, 19:07

Thanks for the heads up on those areas.
I have had a good look around and underneath and apart from some surface rust it does not look too bad at all as i expected far worse but i guess the dry storage for that length of time has helped preserve him in a way
Inner wings are fine as are the arches, sills are solid and floor are all good so i got lucky and a sound starting point....thanks again !!

Jul 5th, 2024, 13:52	#1
t4johnny Junior Member Last Online: Yesterday 23:21 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: essex	And so it begins...... I have recently purchased a 1 previous keeper 1968 Volvo amazon estate. Dry stored for last 46 years, without either a wheel or engine turning in that time,remarkably solid and a good starting point to get her back up and running. Also came with a spare B18 engine, gearbox and propshaft although overall condition not yet known. No doubt i shall be looking for some advice along my journey.... Unsure of the best way to post pics on here so any help would be much appreciated.....

Jul 5th, 2024, 17:26	#8
Moomoo VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 21:48 Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Derby	A very inspirational acquisition. Looks better than one may expect. Looking forward to the thread! Bon chance!👍🧐😀 __________________ It’s pointless having a battle of wits with unarmed people!

Jul 5th, 2024, 18:45	#9
Burdekin Chief Bodger Last Online: Yesterday 13:45 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Aberdeen	The first place I always look on the estate and is a really good indication of the general condition of the car rust wise is below the rear reflectors. If there's rust there or the seams are gone it's a good sign there will be more problems elsewhere. Yours looks good, the seams are still there so that looks really favourable to the general body condition. A solid estate is a good score as most were worked hard when they became cheap in the 80s for example. Best of luck getting her back on the road. __________________ One day I will get rid of all of the rust.

Jul 5th, 2024, 15:03	#2
JP 1800 Master Member Last Online: Jul 13th, 2024 21:24 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Dublin	It depends on what you want to do. Do you want to get the car running and driving before bodywork or do you want a full on restoration?. If it was me I would get the car running and driving so you will keep your enthusiasm for the car and crack on with the jobs needed. If that is the case, does the engine turn over by hand? Also all suspension and brake components will need replacing or refresh. A full check of fluids and electrical system are in order. Best of luck

Jul 5th, 2024, 15:07	#3
JP 1800 Master Member Last Online: Jul 13th, 2024 21:24 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Dublin	For posting pictures you can either link to a picture hosting website or attach as pictures using the picture symbol in the response text box, it is a yellow box with hills and sun? symbol.

Jul 5th, 2024, 15:51	#4
t4johnny Junior Member Last Online: Yesterday 23:21 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: essex	Thanks for the info regarding the picture uploading, much appreciated.. I have managed to get the engine turning....gingerly.. All things considered i m going to go for a head off job and see whats what inside and decide a course of action from there, yes i do intend to drive it and enjoy it, i have a 1965 Amazon 2 door but i got her in good condition so despite year differences i have some kind of reference point.... The brakes and suspension will be overhauled and obviously fuel tank and lines and as i intend to do the work myself i will no doubt come across some surprises, bodily very good considering...

Jul 5th, 2024, 19:07	#10
t4johnny Junior Member Last Online: Yesterday 23:21 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: essex	Thanks for the heads up on those areas. I have had a good look around and underneath and apart from some surface rust it does not look too bad at all as i expected far worse but i guess the dry storage for that length of time has helped preserve him in a way Inner wings are fine as are the arches, sills are solid and floor are all good so i got lucky and a sound starting point....thanks again !!

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