Hello Fello Volvo Owners,

I seem to have a magnetic attraction to 240's. My first was a 1980 and I currently own an '84. I'll probably hang on to the '84 because I like the leather seats and it has a perky engine. When I get the air conditioner fixed, I will feel that I have finally "arrived."

Anyway, since the beginning of time I have had my car maintained at an Independent place. They have taken care of the usual problems, you know: Heater fan, struts, clutch, timing belt: The usual. Every job costed a small fortune.

Lately I have been giving other mechanics a chance to work on the car. I gave this old timer (his shop looks like something Edward Hopper would have painted, remember Hopper, from Nighthawks at the Diner) a chance to replace my brake master cylinder. He charged me half of what my Independent would have charged and the job went without a hitch. He didn't even skimp on parts.

Here's my question: Do y'all think it's the end of the world to take my car to a competent mechanic who has not been baptised in the river of Volvo? And where would you draw the line? In other words, assuming you were like me and, for the most part, didn't do your own work, what sort of jobs would you only entrust to a certified Volvo mechanic?

Next question: The damn gas pump didn't shut off and I had a bit of a gas spill. Some gas went down the hole of the rubber thingee that surrounds the gas tank entrance. Now my trunk smells of gas and so does the cab, at least until I air it out. Is there any way to get rid of that smell?

Thanks. Amtrak
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