Folks- just a short note to post the results of my drive to D-Land. For those just joining, I purchased my '87 240 wagon last year from the original owner with a mere 93,000 on the clock. While well maintained over it's life, I chose to do a 'few' things to it before vacation.

New parts: shocks, bushings, springs, brakes, radiator, water pump, AMM, ISC, tires brakes, rotors belts, hoses, ball joints, tie rod ends, struts, fan, fan clutch, a/c charge (R12- the good stuff), wiring harness and that is what I can remember.

Well the hard work paid off. Left Portland, OR on a nice sunny day and drove straight to D-Land. Cruising with mom and the twins and two weeks worth of stuff and 75 mph with the a/c blowing cold. Just a few stops for fuel (about 24.5 mpg) and snacks. Drove all over LA. That was the scary part, the old wagon just kept up with those maniacs and the tar strips made me think about any bolts of might have forgot to tighten. All was well.

Well okay there was one moment when the air dam fell off just this side of Sacramento. Talk about a fright, everyone woke up on that one!!!! A quick stop at In/Out for the best burgers in the world and we were off.

She brought us home safe and sound and we are all very thankful.

My wife thinks I was crazy for driving a 16 year old car with a 1998 Trooper (17k miles) and a 94 Mercedes (44k miles) sitting in the garage. But what the heck, the Volvo rides the best for me 6'4" and 250 lbs.

Happy motoring