Not really a question, more an observation.

People ask me why I am willing to spend the best part of a year fixing up a car that probably should have gone to the crusher, when I could have an old Volvo that runs for around $1000.

The answer. I'm 20 years old, living in college on minimal handouts from the government and a bit of money that I get working in a supermarket during the breaks. This means I can't really afford to have a car I don't know how to fix.

I aquired my parents old Volvo, which I knew to have very low mileage (Speedo reads 88,000, although the speedo was disconected for a year or so, so it's probably more like 100K). It had the side smashed in, and barely ran. Given that it needed body work and an engine rebuild, why bother? Just buy another one right?

Wrong. Even if this car never makes it out of the garage it will all have been money well spent.

A year ago I'd never even changed a spark plug, now I can replace a cylinder head. I'm learning to tune up my motor, how to rix rust holes. I've learned how to use a spray gun; how to replace body panels; how to swap trim without damaging the paint; how to diagonse a defective spark plug; how to do a compression test; how to tell the difference between fuel smoke and coolant steam in the exhaust and a whole lot more.

These are lifelong skills. When I thanked my friend Mike for the amazing work he does on my car (Up at 6 home at Midnight) he said "If I was going to comunity college, I'd be paying to learn this".

One day I might even be able to drive it.
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Drive it like you hate it

I'll chime in on the Labor of Love. It has NOT, however, been more economical for me over the past 2 years to keep up with the one I have. For one thing, I still go to the shop for more complex repairs, but even if I didn't the parts for my 81 242 have run almost 1500. An 88 245 manual transmission with 120-150K makes my mouth water, but owning one of only about 250,000 242s produced leaves me feeling a responsibility to keep it on the road. As long as I can keep it rust-free and servicable for the next 5 years or so, then I'll hopefully be able to afford true restoration.

I have no idea how many Van versions of the 245 were produced, but mine is the only one I have ever seen that has not had the steel load bay cut out and back seats installed. I feel like that places some responsibility on me. There are probably only a handful left in original condition. The Chassis rails are bent, although the kink is forward of the suspension so the wheels still line up. The whole car is about an inch out of line at the front. Won't show once I've re-alligned the bonnet, but I'll know.

My family had this car when it was brand new. I was brought home from hospital in it when I was born. When I have it re-registered I'm going to pay extra to have the orginal plates re-issued.

I understand the feeling of responsibility. I have to keep it running, not as a show car, but as a working van, shifting loads of stuff around for me like it was built to do.

Hope I can make it go.
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Drive it like you hate it

I ask myself this very question all the time. After owning one 245 wagon (wife's car) I got bit by the bug. Sold my Mustang Pace Car and bought a $900 84 245 beater. So far I've replaced both front fenders, the hood, the rear hatch 3 of 4 doors, 1981 grill & headlamp setup and the front and rear seats. Got it painted yellow and had the wheels powdercoated white. I've also done some work to the motor, though nothing major. This may sound sane to someone restoring a low milage classic or muscle car, but this was a 200,000 + mile rusted out wagon. Check me into the mental hospital soon. It's a bad case of Volvoitis. I just love this car and don't know why. My son has called dibs on my wife's old 81 245. It may become his car in about 13 years. Keep it rolling. About the only way I'd get rid of it is for maybe an old 242GT....hhmmm future project?
Ben

I've always been a Do It Your selfer.
From Cars to dishwashers.

It's a money saving thing as well as a pride thing.

I like to sit back and tell myself that I fixed it for $18 dollars instead dropping it off and getting it back $125 later and probably something else bent or broken by the over zealous mechanic.

Volvo or not. Play and learn
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'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwr and two motorcycles: it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me

" A year ago I'd never even changed a spark plug, now I can replace a cylinder head." etc.

Congratulations!

My college-age daughter, leaving home today, asked from the next room why I was chuckling. Told her it was because this guy had a good attitude and wrote well. Thanks for sharing, and keep it up. Wrenching and writing, I mean. :-)
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Gregg in MN

I can relate. I extended my attitude into post-college. I don't want a newer car because I'd rather spend my money in the right places. Sure, I could afford one, no problem. But I have a car that I paid $1700 ('89 740) for when it was at 117,000 miles and have taken it to 240,000. I have replaced two electronic sensors and resoldered (Fosterized) my relays. That's it! What a deal. Once I get my college era debt licked, I will still prefer to keep on the cheap with cars since I want to invest any extra money in a house and a stock portfolio. Finally, I still like working on cars. There is still something enjoyable about methodically moving through a project that is taxing both physically and mentally.

-JSBB

Hi Jarrod,

There is definitely something very therapeutic about spending an afternoon in the sun with a cup of tea at hand and the bonnet up, with the radio burbling quietly in the background. The greatest stress reliever known to mankind (unless it's a BMW 7 series electrical problem you're looking at, in which case bloody knuckles and hair loss are guaranteed!).

Regards,

Big Rich.
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'72 144, 109k for fun in the sun. '94 BMW730ise, 165k, daily driver.

A Volvo moment that will stick with me for a while. I was wiping down the block after degreasing it. I had been a very hot day and we were getting the classic Sydney cool change and a thunderstorm at 4pm. As I lay under the car, the rain stopped and the sun came out. Everything smelled earthy after the rain and the sun came down under the bonnet and shone on my newly polished redblock.

I love the rain on a tin roof while I'm under the car, the rasp of the ratchet, and the ring of a spanner on the cement floor. Smell of oil, fuel and viking steel. I love it when it finally wakes as I turn the key, the big metal fan roaring as I rev it, a gentle gurgle from the exhaust as I throttle back. Still too fast, still too rich. I can smell fuel in the cabin. The old man shakes his head. His lips move. but I hear nothing over the broken exhaust. "Turn it off". I turn the key back and walk out into the fresh air.

Time for coffee.
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Drive it like you hate it

Thats the feeling mate! But take it from someone thats been there - don't try it for a living or your perspective will change totally!

Regards,

Big Rich.
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'72 144, 109k for fun in the sun. '94 BMW730ise, 165k, daily driver.

" I can't really afford to have a car I don't know how to fix"........ (or cars, 7 in my case, maybe going to 9 today).
Now there, you have one of the essential lessons of life and Brickboard. Very wise, Grasshopper. If everyone would only realize this.

7? Ye Gods! My personal record was 4, plus the wifes (which I paid for so I always count it). I'm now down to 2 and I still have a seemingly never ending list of jobs to do or money to spend on both.

I, Sir, admire your fortitude and determination, not to metion sheer style!

Regards,

Big Rich.
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'72 144, 109k for fun in the sun. '94 BMW730ise, 165k, daily driver.

Wife, son and daughter have to drive and I make it so they never have a payment, repair bill, insurance payment or breakdown insofar as I can. Then I have the GT and "flathood" and the 780 just for fun as well as my 245 (absolutely essential).

When I'm home, I live in the inner city, so just finding space for one car is hard enough.
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Drive it like you hate it

With the brickboard, you will have the car running someday.

Yes hopefully I'll have it running by mid October. But even if it never moves It's been worth it.

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Drive it like you hate it