Diary of a 17 y/o with an 850

[abscate]

Ah, another mirrored pair Columbos.....

[abscate]

As per my records (circa 2015), the car hasn't had a timing belt change in some time. (i.e.: I don't have records of a "previous" timing belt change. I heard that if you soak the belt in leather/rubber conditioner, it'll keep it uncracked for longer. Can anyone confirm this?

No, you don't want to be adding anything to your timing belt that Volvo does not recommend. The internet is full of garbage advice, unfortunately.

Timing belt failure is very rare - usually the idler or water pump seizes up, breaks the belt, which bends the valves, and supplies me with another $500 purchase price car for a $5000 ride.

[abscate]

Those S/V70 T5 Perfo wheels are so sweet. I did just the opposite of you. On my 2000 V70, I put 850 turbo Columba wheels with the rare mirrored right side pair. Good work keeping your car rolling.

Nautic blue makes all wheels look awesome

This is very true. Ask me how I know.pec

IMG_3687.jpg

For those seeking these

1 You have to have a Nautic Blue Pearl Wagon

2 Part numbers

9134402 Dark Silver L
9166315 Dark Silver R
9166116 Anthracite L
9166314 Anthracite R

You will find sellers list both part numbers and use generic pictures, so your chance of scoring

Ive got my two 315 on the back and my 402 on the front - this stretches my wagon and makes it longer (only driving forwards of course)

[volvolugnut]

shihabafi,
I just found this extended post and read some of your great adventure with the 850. You have done very well starting from a dead car others had given up on. Also, a very interesting story with ups and downs, failures and victories. It could become a book! But only Volvo owners would read it.

volvolugnut

[shihabafi]

shihabafi,
I just found this extended post and read some of your great adventure with the 850. You have done very well starting from a dead car others had given up on. Also, a very interesting story with ups and downs, failures and victories. It could become a book! But only Volvo owners would read it.

volvolugnut

Thanks. I believe, and I truly do, that with enough time and effort anything is possible. And I'd like this wagon to be a living example for those who don't think it's possible. Before this car I had 0 mechanical knowledge or experience. Trail and error, blood sweat and tears, knuckle-dragging, those are the secrets to succeeding at anything in life. And those are the morals and principles I wish to conduct myself with and I wish to inspire other with. Your small words of appreciation go a very long way!


To keep everyone up to date on the car, here's what's going on:

- Replaced both front brake rotors, simple enough

- Replaced both front brake hoses (we had to cut the brass nut off (it was stripped anyways) and flanged the line and then tightened it nicely and then slapped on some liquid tape and flex seal as well to ensure nothing will leak)

- Installing a cutout exhaust system, biggest headache being wiring

- Got the timing and serpentine belts ready to be changed, just don't know when to change it

[volvolugnut]

- Installing a cutout exhaust system, biggest headache being wiring

Is this a valve to open the exhaust by bypassing the muffler? Goal to make more power or more noise? And it uses an electric actuator for the valve?

I always thought an exhaust cutout of this type would be fun.

volvolugnut

[shihabafi]

- Installing a cutout exhaust system, biggest headache being wiring

Is this a valve to open the exhaust by bypassing the muffler? Goal to make more power or more noise? And it uses an electric actuator for the valve?

I always thought an exhaust cutout of this type would be fun.

volvolugnut

Yes, that's exactly what it does. In fact I got this one:
https://www.jegs.com/i/Granatelli/467/303525/10002/-1

There might be a bit of power gain but moreso it's for the sound. The problem is that I don't want the car to seem fully obnoxious (like some of my friends' cars) but I still want to be able to have that fun every now and again.

[shihabafi]

2019 in review:

Okay everyone, it's the end of 2019 and my second year of daily driving this amazing piece of antique steel. The forum list shows that this thread has over 10,000 views, so I'd like to thank each and every one of you for watching and supporting a broke kid such as myself stitching together a car that I've fallen in love with.

I stumbled upon a list of what I've done since last year and since I'm one for traditions, I think it would be jolly to do it again this time around. Here's what I was supposed to do this year:

End of the year. Well, let's recap everything ... that needs to be done in the next year:

2019:

Rear drivers side door lock mechanism
New hood latch mechanism
Find and fix vacuum leak (help)
New hood
Fix that pesky coolant leak going on somewhere
Body panels for tailgate
Various other broken plastic bits

And that's only to list a few. Happy Holidays to everyone!

And here's what I've actually done:

• Junkyard hood latch

• Junkyard hood

• Rear driver's door lock mechanism (my stupid butt spent over $300 on that part)

• Control arms (both sides)

• Wheel hubs (all 4)

• Tie rods (inner and outer)

• Front brake lines (that was a pain in the rumpalump)

• Brake discs (front)

• Cutout exhaust

• Columbia wheels (all four)

This is what I think I need to do within the next year:

• Find and fix that vacuum leak (yes, still)

• Fix that pesky oil and coolant leak somewhere

• Body panel and clips for tailgate

• Rear wiper motor

• Fix various squeaking noises

• Alignment

• Timing belt

• Serpentine belt

• a nice wash would be good too

• Replace metal roof liner thingy with plastic ones (for roof racks)

It's been long and crazy and there's a lot more going on than I can fully understand myself, but I'm sticking with this car. It's my first car, and I think it's the best car that anyone could ever have. My friend asked me if I would trade this for a Rolls Royce, to which I replied: "are you crazy? Then I'd have to pay $10,000 for an oil change!" So yea, I really do think this is the best car in the world.

I've put together a social media for the car as well, trying to track everything I've done to it. But many many things slip under the rug:
https://vsco.co/thatcaridris


Lastly I'd like to say if there's anyone who would like to help, I'd be glad to accept it. This forum has taught me that many a great things happen when the community comes together to help a cause. There's still many things for me to learn from this car and from others in general. As it stands, I am a senior in college at 19 years old, and the future looks tremendously bright thanks to everyone who is showing support. Likewise if there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to reach out. I believe that you can achieve anything you want in life by helping others achieve what they want. Happy holidays to all reading this!

[volvolugnut]

When you get the exhaust cutout installed, can you make a sound clip? Under WOT of course.

volvolugnut

[shihabafi]

When you get the exhaust cutout installed, can you make a sound clip? Under WOT of course.

volvolugnut

you're welcome.