Overdrive And Alternator
February 21, 2024
The overdrive on our 1980 Volvo 245 GL was not working. After investigating, Steve found that the connector under the gearbox tunnel had pulled out
1980 Volvo 245GL
Ignition Points
February 12, 2024
Steve has been looking at the ignition points of our 1980 Volvo 245GL. They have melted on the plastic heel, possibly due to ignition being
Raising the roof!
November 23, 2023
The paintwork on the roof of our 1980 Volvo 245 Estate has been revitalised by the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team. The team
Electrical Issues
November 15, 2023
Steve has been working on our 1980 Volvo 245GL. He noticed that, intermittently, the dash lights were not coming on, and the battery was not
Volvo 240 interior refit
November 9, 2023
Today the interior was refitted; seats, seat belts and boot areas that were removed for metalwork/welding. On refitting the passenger seat, we found the back
Works continues on our 1980 Volvo 240 Estate
November 8, 2023
Steve has fitted new points and condenser to the Volvo as well as a new cambelt, tensioner pully and spring. Both near side and one
Corroded Brakes on our Volvo 245GL
November 6, 2023
Pictures show the brake discs that were covered in surface corrosion but were in good condition and cleaned up very well. Pictures show washer bottle
Interior Carpets Out
October 12, 2023
Our 1980 Volvo 245GL has been in the hands of classic car technician James as he prepares it to have its floor/sill area welded on
Volvo Appraisal
October 6, 2023
Classic car technician James has been conducting an appraisal of our 1980 Volvo 245GL. James found that: On the surface, the bodywork and overall condition
New In
October 3, 2023
We have welcomed our 1980 Volvo 245GL into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop recently. While it is here, it will be thoroughly assessed by our
Overdrive And Alternator
February 21, 2024
The overdrive on our 1980 Volvo 245 GL was not working. After investigating, Steve found that the connector under the gearbox tunnel had pulled out so he soldered a new connector on.
The alternator from our classic Volvo has returned from specialists after being refurbished. This is now ready to refit to the car.
Ignition Points
February 12, 2024
Steve has been looking at the ignition points of our 1980 Volvo 245GL. They have melted on the plastic heel, possibly due to ignition being left on or poor electrical contact between the rivet and the points spring.
Raising the roof!
November 23, 2023
The paintwork on the roof of our 1980 Volvo 245 Estate has been revitalised by the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team.
The team masked up the roof on the car to begin the process of laying down the correct colour to this classic Swedish hauler. First, the team sanded and primered the roof.
After this, the team could move on to returning the Volvo to its former glory with its shining and glossy bright blue paintwork across its entire bodywork.
Electrical Issues
November 15, 2023
Steve has been working on our 1980 Volvo 245GL. He noticed that, intermittently, the dash lights were not coming on, and the battery was not charging. He found poor connections on the voltage stabiliser and alternator controller that he cleaned up.
The rear fog light wire was broken near the tailgate hinge so this has had a new wire soldered in.
Steve also found that the overdrive was not working. It turned out that the switch in the gear lever was not connected and the connection in the connector block to the loom was poor. He reconnected the switch and replaced the loom connector too.
Volvo 240 interior refit
November 9, 2023
Today the interior was refitted; seats, seat belts and boot areas that were removed for metalwork/welding. On refitting the passenger seat, we found the back rest bolts had worked loose and fallen out, these were refitted with thread lock to stop them coming undone again.
Works continues on our 1980 Volvo 240 Estate
November 8, 2023
Steve has fitted new points and condenser to the Volvo as well as a new cambelt, tensioner pully and spring.
Both near side and one of the off side tyres are badly cracked so will need replacing.
Corroded Brakes on our Volvo 245GL
November 6, 2023
Pictures show the brake discs that were covered in surface corrosion but were in good condition and cleaned up very well.
Pictures show washer bottle before and after cleaning of sludgy deposits that were blocking jets.
Interior Carpets Out
October 12, 2023
Our 1980 Volvo 245GL has been in the hands of classic car technician James as he prepares it to have its floor/sill area welded on both sides of the car.
To do this, James stripped out the interior carpets and trim.
Volvo Appraisal
October 6, 2023
Classic car technician James has been conducting an appraisal of our 1980 Volvo 245GL. James found that:
On the surface, the bodywork and overall condition appeared to be good on top. Underneath however there are several areas of corrosion, some heavy surface rust on the front and rear suspension components, and some more extensive corrosion needing repair in other areas, such as the nearside floor to sill along most of its length and the offside floor to sill at the front and rear. The offside rear has had a previous repair but needs rework, and a hole in the upper inner wheel arch needs to be addressed.
James checked the state of the car ahead of an MOT. To make sure the car passes, it will need a new headlamp on the driver’s side as the reflector is dull, both indicator/side lamp lenses are holed and discoloured, wipers and a windscreen, all of the tyres are perished and cracked (despite having good tread) and the rear brakes are binding.
The front brakes are corroded, as expected after being stood for so long, and there appears to be a slight leak from the rocker cover gasket. Due to the age and unknown history, James has recommended a cam belt change and a full service.
Otherwise, the exhaust and brake hoses look to have been done and are in good condition, but the battery will need replacing. There is slight play in both inner steering rack joints and James was unsure if the additional alarm is connected or if it would cause future issues in the future.
New In
October 3, 2023
We have welcomed our 1980 Volvo 245GL into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop recently.
While it is here, it will be thoroughly assessed by our team of technicians to see what work will need to be done on this classic Volvo.
It obviously isn’t in great condition right now but we are definitely looking forward to it returning to its former glory.
