Well I've been meaning to start one of these since I brought her, but as most 480 owners will tell you they like to be 'cared for'.
Anywho my love affair with these mysterious beasts started in the late 90's, when I was in primary school. (Old before my time I like to think.)
I remember a brown-ish coloured 480 driving around, though at the time I believed it to be a Honda Civic. Though come to think of it Brown was never a colour for a 480.
Well whatever it was I remembered the shape.
Fastforward to 2009 and I see a familiar shape out the back of my college. A 'G' reg petrol blue 1.7 ES Auto had been donated to the college for the students to work on.
I loved it, sat in it everyday, caressed it and offered to buy it, but because of the college's vehicle policy I couldn't. And so in the end it went to the big car park in the sky untouched by any students. And on that day I promised myself, when I could afford one I would buy one.
And so to 2013, after sifting though most for-sale 480's for the best part of the year, I find her. A 'L' reg Metallic Black 480S 1.7 manual winking seductively as only a car with pop-ups can. I go to view her and my heart beats faster and my palms get sweaty. I go though my list of checks finding small liveable niggles but the good outweighs the bad and after the test drive I make my move. And so in the fading light of a sunny autumn day I follow my baby home, not taking my eyes of that sweet ass for one minute. I can't wait to take her out but the fatcats in he insurance industry make me wait 4 more days. Then finally the day arrives, I rush home from work itching with anticipation. When I turn the key she bursts into life and together we cruise, getting to know each other, getting used to how we both react to each caress. A smile came to my face that day that has still to leave me every time I enter her.
A week later she decides to test my love for her. She shows me that her headgasket is leaking and she's drinking her coolant. I also find out she's leaking oil from her Camshaft Cover gasket and whilst under her she shows me she's leaking from her Sump gasket and her gearbox has a leaking oil seal. But because of my Sciatica I cannot fix her myself and so I must entrust her to a Volvo Specialist. They work expensive wonders and she is returned healthy, well and as sexy as always.
She then treats me by passing her MOT with no advisories and I reciprocate by changing her brake fluid and balancing her beautiful alloys.
I have yet to rectify the electric window issues, the hole in the seatbelt release button and the very slow fuel an engine temp gauges.
I've now decided to find the leak in the boot, which I've discovered to be in three places. And treat her to some new vented discs.
Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Moderators: jifflemon, coyote1980, Rachel
Vera my sexy Black Beauty
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Well it's been a bit longer than I was expecting but I'm back with a new update.
The leak hunting continues, having solved 1 of the 3 and 2 failed attempts at one of the others.
Anyway the big news between posting is I've brought some never used Lucas vented brake discs, and am on the look out for the correct callipers and carriers to go with them. If anyone can help with this then that would be very appreciated. The Discs themselves were £20 with £15 of that being postage from Wales.
However today, thanks to Patrick (whitepk) I have come into quite a few spares for the extremely generous price of £0.
I came back form my venture to Northampton with a full leather interior, a Front bumper and Bonnet and a rear tailgate glass, plus a few bits of lighting.
I was hoping for some front fog lights but they will have to wait.
Let my tell you stripping the garments off a 480 was almost as dirty as when I'm tinkering with Vera's exhaust.
Lastly, a few months ago I started a small facebook group called Volvo 480 Leicester with the intention of people with 480's or who have a passion for them can get together in and around Leicester/Leicestershire and discuss all things 480. The first meeting is yet to be decided and is open to all who are interested, all I ask is that you please join the group on facebook so that you will know the time and place of meetings as and when they come up. The group can also be used as a discussion page.
The leak hunting continues, having solved 1 of the 3 and 2 failed attempts at one of the others.
Anyway the big news between posting is I've brought some never used Lucas vented brake discs, and am on the look out for the correct callipers and carriers to go with them. If anyone can help with this then that would be very appreciated. The Discs themselves were £20 with £15 of that being postage from Wales.
However today, thanks to Patrick (whitepk) I have come into quite a few spares for the extremely generous price of £0.
I came back form my venture to Northampton with a full leather interior, a Front bumper and Bonnet and a rear tailgate glass, plus a few bits of lighting.
I was hoping for some front fog lights but they will have to wait.
Let my tell you stripping the garments off a 480 was almost as dirty as when I'm tinkering with Vera's exhaust.
Lastly, a few months ago I started a small facebook group called Volvo 480 Leicester with the intention of people with 480's or who have a passion for them can get together in and around Leicester/Leicestershire and discuss all things 480. The first meeting is yet to be decided and is open to all who are interested, all I ask is that you please join the group on facebook so that you will know the time and place of meetings as and when they come up. The group can also be used as a discussion page.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Well today I had to pop off to Halfords to get a replacement T50 male Torx socket, as removing the leather front seats yesterday twisted my one. Excellent lifetime guarantee meant they issued a new one with no questions asked. Whilst I was in there I got some Autoglym interior shampoo foam, supposedly 20% off, and some Meguiars leather cleaner plus conditioner. Used the Autoglym to clean the rear seat backs as they‘re carpeted. The results were very good and after a quick hoover to align the fibres, they’re looking like new. Next I will use the Meguiars on the leather sections and hopefully they will look fantastic after a bit of elbow grease.
I’ve also fitted a new air filter; the old one was absolutely disgusting, I also washed and dried inside the air box. I’ve also fitted a new rear wiper blade.
I then had another go at fixing the leaks in the boot, time will tell but I think I finally got the last 2.
And finally Vera’s now telling me that her doors are open when there not. Only happened since I attempted to fix the leaks this morning, it might just be some water in a connector. I’ll see if the light is still on tomorrow after she’s dried out a bit.
I’ve also fitted a new air filter; the old one was absolutely disgusting, I also washed and dried inside the air box. I’ve also fitted a new rear wiper blade.
I then had another go at fixing the leaks in the boot, time will tell but I think I finally got the last 2.
And finally Vera’s now telling me that her doors are open when there not. Only happened since I attempted to fix the leaks this morning, it might just be some water in a connector. I’ll see if the light is still on tomorrow after she’s dried out a bit.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
I've finished cleaning and conditioning the rear leather seats, just the front ones and the card inserts to do.
I've Identified the reason behind the open door warning light. It's the mircoswitch in the boot lock assembly. Thanks to glasgowjim on another thread I know it should be an easy fix. However the lack of a new assembly means I'll try to clean and repair it if I can. That'll have to be this weekend though. If someone can supply a replacement that would be great.
The leaks in the boot have all but gone, though in Leicester we've not really had much rain since I sealed them.
I've Identified the reason behind the open door warning light. It's the mircoswitch in the boot lock assembly. Thanks to glasgowjim on another thread I know it should be an easy fix. However the lack of a new assembly means I'll try to clean and repair it if I can. That'll have to be this weekend though. If someone can supply a replacement that would be great.
The leaks in the boot have all but gone, though in Leicester we've not really had much rain since I sealed them.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Well it's been all go this week.
Thought I'd fixed the leaking rear side windows but unfortunately as soon as the heavy rain came the water got in.
I tried to remove them to put sealant around the seal, whilst they were out I was going to put some light smoke window tint on.
But unfortunately I wasn't able to remove them. So now I'll have to entrust the job to the Volvo Specialist I used before for the engine work.
On to other, happier news I've removed the old analogue clock and replaced it with a digital one.
Also I've manage to fix the open door warning light issue. I stripped and cleaned the lock assembly including the microswitch and now the light is working as it should.
I've also de-badged the spare rear glass and will tint it using the same light smoke tint I was planning for the rear side windows.
Hopefully I'll fit the leather interior and the new rear glass next weekend.
Thought I'd fixed the leaking rear side windows but unfortunately as soon as the heavy rain came the water got in.
I tried to remove them to put sealant around the seal, whilst they were out I was going to put some light smoke window tint on.
But unfortunately I wasn't able to remove them. So now I'll have to entrust the job to the Volvo Specialist I used before for the engine work.
On to other, happier news I've removed the old analogue clock and replaced it with a digital one.
Also I've manage to fix the open door warning light issue. I stripped and cleaned the lock assembly including the microswitch and now the light is working as it should.
I've also de-badged the spare rear glass and will tint it using the same light smoke tint I was planning for the rear side windows.
Hopefully I'll fit the leather interior and the new rear glass next weekend.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Right, went on a 200 mile round trip on Saturday to Bedfordshire for some parts from a member and I also visited Lakes Volvo, helpful guys and they've got about 10 480's.
Came back with a nose cone, a pair of later and early style front fogs (not sure on which one's I'll use) a rear fog with it's connector and wires and the interior switches for them.
I also got an unpainted front bumper from an F reg. the intake manifolds on them early cars just don't look right to me for some reason.
Plus I got a pair of rear side windows with good seals and the trim panels that got above them.
The plan is to try and fit the leather interior after work from Monday to Wednesday (weather permitting)
Next is to repair the elements on my spare rear glass and take it along with the new rear side windows to get tinted. My attempt at doing it ended very badly.
On the agenda for the front fogs is to cover the later style with clear film to help protect the brittle glass for if I decide to use them. I already stripped one of the early style one's, cleaned it and reassembled.
I believe the wiring for the front fogs should be there somewhere, I just gotta find it. So once I've repaired the grill with fog holes they'll be ready to go in.
Vera will be resprayed in April at a college where my friend works over the college's Easter break. The silver pin stripe and red trim strips will be gone. She'll remain the same colour, 305 Black Metallic.
Anyway here's some pics I took whilst out and about in Bedfordshire:
Came back with a nose cone, a pair of later and early style front fogs (not sure on which one's I'll use) a rear fog with it's connector and wires and the interior switches for them.
I also got an unpainted front bumper from an F reg. the intake manifolds on them early cars just don't look right to me for some reason.
Plus I got a pair of rear side windows with good seals and the trim panels that got above them.
The plan is to try and fit the leather interior after work from Monday to Wednesday (weather permitting)
Next is to repair the elements on my spare rear glass and take it along with the new rear side windows to get tinted. My attempt at doing it ended very badly.
On the agenda for the front fogs is to cover the later style with clear film to help protect the brittle glass for if I decide to use them. I already stripped one of the early style one's, cleaned it and reassembled.
I believe the wiring for the front fogs should be there somewhere, I just gotta find it. So once I've repaired the grill with fog holes they'll be ready to go in.
Vera will be resprayed in April at a college where my friend works over the college's Easter break. The silver pin stripe and red trim strips will be gone. She'll remain the same colour, 305 Black Metallic.
Anyway here's some pics I took whilst out and about in Bedfordshire:
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Right most of the leather interior is in. I rounded the front two seat bolts on the drivers seat. 
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
-
jamescarruthers
- 480 Is my middle name
- Posts: 2505
- Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:19 pm
- Location: Cambridge
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Black leather interior looks best in your black car. Well done mate!
1987 Volvo 480 ES, 507274, 217 - Red (Ness)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)
Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)
Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Thanks, but at the moment the driver's seat is still the original full cloth so look weird. Might be able to get it out on sunday with the help of a friend.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Small update, today I acquired a stainless steel exhaust system and some Koni red adjustable shocks for the front, I also got some spare front wings, shame there from a two-tone but a spares a spare.
Thanks to Svenska Axel for the parts.
I'm not sure when I'll get to fit the parts. I might get the exhaust fitted whilst Vera's in for her respray.
Thanks to Svenska Axel for the parts.
I'm not sure when I'll get to fit the parts. I might get the exhaust fitted whilst Vera's in for her respray.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Thanks again to Svenska Axel for some more parts and helping me to finally get my old cloth drivers seat out and fit the leather one.
Ended up dismantling the height adjustment system to get the seat out, leaving the original rails in the car along with their rounded bolts.
I should mention that the faults that have now been fixed by this change of interior are:
The driver's seat belt release button no longer has a hole in it,
the driver's heated seat now works, though the passenger one now doesn't.
I have identified the reason that the passenger window doesn't work, it is because of the external window seal letting in water onto the electrics. The window worked after a short dry spell, then no longer did after some more rain.
Another fault is that since the boot light bulb blew the roof mounted interior lights don't work. I take it that these are wired in series and when I replace the boot light they should come back on.
Ended up dismantling the height adjustment system to get the seat out, leaving the original rails in the car along with their rounded bolts.
I should mention that the faults that have now been fixed by this change of interior are:
The driver's seat belt release button no longer has a hole in it,
the driver's heated seat now works, though the passenger one now doesn't.
I have identified the reason that the passenger window doesn't work, it is because of the external window seal letting in water onto the electrics. The window worked after a short dry spell, then no longer did after some more rain.
Another fault is that since the boot light bulb blew the roof mounted interior lights don't work. I take it that these are wired in series and when I replace the boot light they should come back on.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Quick post.
The passenger heated seat does actually work, tested it this evening.
Replaced the boot light with a 5w (Was a 3w)
The light doesn't come on and the interior lights still don't, I take it the fuse has also blown, so will check that tomorrow.
I've also dropped off some spare parts to be sprayed at the college.
Anyway on the interesting side, the LED Alarm light has started flashing, never done it before though the alarm works.
I've started a topic in the electrical section with more details, as to me it seems to flash a little too fast.
The passenger heated seat does actually work, tested it this evening.
Replaced the boot light with a 5w (Was a 3w)
The light doesn't come on and the interior lights still don't, I take it the fuse has also blown, so will check that tomorrow.
I've also dropped off some spare parts to be sprayed at the college.
Anyway on the interesting side, the LED Alarm light has started flashing, never done it before though the alarm works.
I've started a topic in the electrical section with more details, as to me it seems to flash a little too fast.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Quick update.
Gave Vera a bath today and finally got round to replacing the rear side windows.
Half a tube of black silicone bathroom sealant and two grouting guns later, all's well. Will have to check tomorrow to see if they leak, though with the amount of sealant and swearing used they bloody better not.
Tomorrow's list is long and I'll post up after I've progressed though it.
Gave Vera a bath today and finally got round to replacing the rear side windows.
Half a tube of black silicone bathroom sealant and two grouting guns later, all's well. Will have to check tomorrow to see if they leak, though with the amount of sealant and swearing used they bloody better not.
Tomorrow's list is long and I'll post up after I've progressed though it.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Well todays been a long day. Been awake since 4am. 
It's also been a productive day.
Thanks to Svenska Axel for fitting a central locking system. though it's more of a panic button for when someone tries to highjack you car with you in it.
I've also fitted some LED DRL's courtesy of Spree and I have to say they look tasty.
I've debadged and fitted the new rear screen, again from Svenska Axel. Who also kindly took away the no-hoper I got for free.
Fault's fixed by todays escapades are:
The interior lights and boot light are now working after identifying the blown fuse.
The passenger window now works as it should after replacing the exterior weatherstrip with a spare.
Replaced the worn out seal on the passenger side rear side reflector.
The rear washer has come back to life, no idea why or how.
And at last all of the leaks have been fixed and all the rear trim panels have now been refitted.
Next is to get the windows tinted and pick up some goodies from Stourbridge.
It's also been a productive day.
Thanks to Svenska Axel for fitting a central locking system. though it's more of a panic button for when someone tries to highjack you car with you in it.
I've also fitted some LED DRL's courtesy of Spree and I have to say they look tasty.
I've debadged and fitted the new rear screen, again from Svenska Axel. Who also kindly took away the no-hoper I got for free.
Fault's fixed by todays escapades are:
The interior lights and boot light are now working after identifying the blown fuse.
The passenger window now works as it should after replacing the exterior weatherstrip with a spare.
Replaced the worn out seal on the passenger side rear side reflector.
The rear washer has come back to life, no idea why or how.
And at last all of the leaks have been fixed and all the rear trim panels have now been refitted.
Next is to get the windows tinted and pick up some goodies from Stourbridge.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Well I collected the parts from Stourbridge. Got the rear side and rear windows tinted.
All was going well until today that is.
Decided to wash Vera; and whilst drying her, her driver's side wing mirror surrounds decided to depart. Wasn't even touching them at the time.
Put them back on but some of the clips are broken so it's not going to stay on for long.
Then to cap it all it rains just as soon as I've finished washing her.
When it rain's it pours I think is an adequate phrase to describe today.
All was going well until today that is.
Decided to wash Vera; and whilst drying her, her driver's side wing mirror surrounds decided to depart. Wasn't even touching them at the time.
Put them back on but some of the clips are broken so it's not going to stay on for long.
Then to cap it all it rains just as soon as I've finished washing her.
When it rain's it pours I think is an adequate phrase to describe today.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Been another long day today.
Collected from the post office the nearly new driver's door mirror sent by Glasgowjim.
Will get round to fitting it soon I hope, after I get it resprayed Black.
The rest of the day I've been fettling around with the spare bonnet and the snow scoop.
And so after quite a few plastic shims and a bit of grinding I finally got it to fit very nearly flush. A bit of industrial double-sided tape should fix the last corner.
I just need to get some screws and washers to fit it securely. After it's all been resprayed of course.
Also today I received some calipers and carriers from a turbo after finally tracking some down.
I'll refurbish them and get some new pads next week and hopefully fit them too.
Collected from the post office the nearly new driver's door mirror sent by Glasgowjim.
Will get round to fitting it soon I hope, after I get it resprayed Black.
The rest of the day I've been fettling around with the spare bonnet and the snow scoop.
And so after quite a few plastic shims and a bit of grinding I finally got it to fit very nearly flush. A bit of industrial double-sided tape should fix the last corner.
I just need to get some screws and washers to fit it securely. After it's all been resprayed of course.
Also today I received some calipers and carriers from a turbo after finally tracking some down.
I'll refurbish them and get some new pads next week and hopefully fit them too.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Got a new goodie, thanks to Wayne (LASEROWL)
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
Well it's been a trying week.
Was supposed to be getting Vera resprayed this week at the college where my friend works. But due to college politics only the roof got done. However because he was being rushed the whole roof now has to be taken back to primer and sprayed again.
Also the baking process has caused the windscreen in the top corner of the drivers side to crack.
Now my friend wont be able to get Vera into the spray booth until the summer holiday's around July.
It's just one thing after another.
At least he's managed to spray the new wing mirror, the only part out of all the spares I've given him to do. Well at least I can get that fitted over the weekend.
Was supposed to be getting Vera resprayed this week at the college where my friend works. But due to college politics only the roof got done. However because he was being rushed the whole roof now has to be taken back to primer and sprayed again.
Also the baking process has caused the windscreen in the top corner of the drivers side to crack.
Now my friend wont be able to get Vera into the spray booth until the summer holiday's around July.
It's just one thing after another.
At least he's managed to spray the new wing mirror, the only part out of all the spares I've given him to do. Well at least I can get that fitted over the weekend.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
A productive day today in all.
Managed to finally fit my Stainless steel exhaust system.
I've also added some auxiliary gauges and the correct oil pressure sender. That's one more thing to distract me as I pootle along.
I've also given Vera a good service. Changed the oil and filter, new spark plugs and a new fuel filter (damn thing
)
Was going to change over the front brakes to the vented discs but my preferred local dealer has to order the correct pads in. The ones in stock are the wrong type and are actually more expensive than the correct ones, so that's a bonus.
Will be working on the interior on Saturday. Changing over the dash vents, replacing a bulb on the new gauges and fitting the new off-side mirror.
Sunday I'm off to Curborough for the start of the season, and will get to see if the Metro has survived it's rebuild.
Managed to finally fit my Stainless steel exhaust system.
I've also added some auxiliary gauges and the correct oil pressure sender. That's one more thing to distract me as I pootle along.
I've also given Vera a good service. Changed the oil and filter, new spark plugs and a new fuel filter (damn thing
)Was going to change over the front brakes to the vented discs but my preferred local dealer has to order the correct pads in. The ones in stock are the wrong type and are actually more expensive than the correct ones, so that's a bonus.
Will be working on the interior on Saturday. Changing over the dash vents, replacing a bulb on the new gauges and fitting the new off-side mirror.
Sunday I'm off to Curborough for the start of the season, and will get to see if the Metro has survived it's rebuild.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
Re: Vera my sexy Black Beauty
well had a couple of interesting days.
I found out my spare dash with the Info Centre and decided to have a go at installing it.
The Info Centre all works however I've had a bit of trouble with the speedo. First it didn't move but the mileage did, then after a bit of fettling it now works but slowly.
And as a bonus adding the info centre appears to have fixed the problem with the fuel gauge. Though because I couldn't tell how much fuel I had I don't know whether to believe the new readout.
I found out my spare dash with the Info Centre and decided to have a go at installing it.
The Info Centre all works however I've had a bit of trouble with the speedo. First it didn't move but the mileage did, then after a bit of fettling it now works but slowly.
And as a bonus adding the info centre appears to have fixed the problem with the fuel gauge. Though because I couldn't tell how much fuel I had I don't know whether to believe the new readout.
There are always ample warnings and there are always subtle signs,
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.
And you would have seen them coming but we gave you too much time.