Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 9/2020 444-544 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


 VIEW    REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Handling 444-544 60

I took a different approach to the handling issue. I also felt the solution for better parts would be addressed too. In the front, I cut off the frame horns 8" in front of the firewall and welded in a complete P1800ES crossmember. This provided me with dual system calipers, ball joints, upgradeable shocks, and beefy front sway bar. I had repaired the 544 frame in front under the contact point of the original sway bar and felt this was a weak spot. If you bolt up a beefy sway bar to a weak frame ...it will rip out! I then fabricated the forward portion to accomodate the wider crossmember and installed an 1800 steering column and tie rods etc. all the way into the cabin with the steering wheel (it fits fine). After that the 1800 tunnel was appropriate and since I had gone this far, those pesky rear end connection points were rusting every winter I drove it. So, the doner car (1800ES) had a floor from the rear bumper forward to the front seats that included a much bigger panhard bar, 4 bar link suspension, upgradeable shocks, disc brakes, and a flat floor! I think I can get a sway bar if I wanted too pretty easily. Add in the 108mm bolt pattern Turbo Wheels (6" wide ....195x60)and I have a 544 that goes, stops and handles mostly like a P1800 and has a much easier replacement option list. For the purest, I have paid the price of the pure 544 owner. I drove this car as original with the B16, 3 speed and a single Zenith and 6 volts for many years of winter driving. I've been refered to as "Frankenstein" but I call him Virgil.







THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD

New Handling [444-544][60]
posted by  someone claiming to be Christopher  on Thu May 10 08:27 CST 2001 >


<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.