interior body parts, 1982 DL Wagon

davydo56 · Post by **davydo56** » 20 Jun 2008, 12:48

I bought my first Volvo in 2005 , a 1982 DL Wagon that had 155,000 on it for about $600. I now have about 175,000 miles on it and want to start fixing it myself. I've had regular service by a great mechanic for the last couple years, but it gets expensive at $95/hour!

Anyway, I want to start with easy stuff and my wagon's interior panels, center dash panel and headliner are in rough condition. Does anyone know of a salvage yard that stocks Volvos in Tucson Arizona? Is there a good service manual that anyone can recommend for mechanical and body/interior repairs? Finally, with gas approaching $4.00/gal are there any add-ons that can help my wagon do better than its current 23-24 mpg?

Thanks, and please excuse the elementary questions!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 20 Jun 2008, 14:05

Welcome to MVS.
I've read that changing the fan to electric so it doesn't depend on the fan belt will improve the MPG.
I'm sure Bill will chime in. He's our resident expert when it comes to the RWD's.

davydo56 · Post by **davydo56** » 20 Jun 2008, 15:33

Thanks for the reply. I'll look into that. Any ideas on a service manual?

Post by **billofdurham** » 20 Jun 2008, 15:39

Thank you, MIJ. In the hot seat again.

I agree about the fan. Some models were fitted with the electric fan so you may be able to pick up the parts at the salvage yard when you find one. Sorry I can't help on that.

Other things for fuel economy:
Check spark plugs for condition, gap and colour. If they are suspect change them.
Spark plug wires need to be replaced if they are showing any signs of deterioration.
Check distributor cap for signs of tracking and rotor arm for burning.
Check brakes, including parking brake, for binding.
Keep tyres inflated to the recommended pressure.
Avoid harsh acceleration and heavy braking. Do either and you may as well pour your fuel down the drain.

Don't be tempted to "invest" in fancy gadgets that offer "a vast saving in fuel bills". Few, if any, of them work.

Manual - Haynes for that model was pretty good, and mine is one of the '74 - '86 print with a supplement for later vehicles. The newer version is much better.

Any other questions feel free to ask.

Bill.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 20 Jun 2008, 15:59

Sorry for putting you in the hot seat again, Bill....but you're soooo good!

davydo56 · Post by **davydo56** » 20 Jun 2008, 16:01

Thanks Bill. I asked because I had read on one of the many Volvo blogs about changing fuel injections systems to a later model year ('87, I believe), more efficient? I also heard about 'free flow' exhaust systems, though that idea does not seem as intuitively logical. Do any of those changes make sense to you?

I'll check on the Haynes Manual...

Best,

David

Post by **billofdurham** » 21 Jun 2008, 12:52

The later injection systems are more efficient. However, will it be cost effective, even buying used? That is how I decide on any major alterations to any vehicle.

With exhaust systems I tend to stick to what the manufacturer put on originally. A lot of money is spent on research and development to come up with the optimum exhaust system for any particular engine. Messing about with them could reduce efficiency. I will add that this is my opinion only as I know that many other members have modified their exhausts.

Sorry for putting you in the hot seat again, Bill....but you're soooo good!

You do it so often David, that I have started wearing Nomex trousers

Bill.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Jun 2008, 14:21

billofdurham wrote:You do it so often David, that I have started wearing Nomex trousers

Bill.

Hahaha !