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1990 Turbo Auto - VOL 480T

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:11 pm
by edie_fox
Hi All

OK, let's get these two bits out of the way.....

1) I bought the ‘6k White Turbo’. It was me.

Why? Because my motor mechanic skills and never-ending pit of cash are both rather close to zero so I wanted to get a 480 that could hit the ground running in terms of preservation and enjoyment.

2) No, I didn’t pay £6000. I spoke with the trader before I made the 200 mile journey and told him that I did not have £6000 to spend. I know he’s had it for sale since the last quarter of 2018 so was hopeful that he could perhaps move a little on his price. And, of course, unless its fresh off the production line mileage/condition, we all know that it would be difficult to sell at that price.

On with the nicer bits 🙂

It's coming home this weekend so I thought I'd start my thread. This is my fourth 480 and my intention was never to buy a lower priced fixer-upper if I ever got another. I wanted to get one as a second car (all of my others were my main car) to preserve and love and keep clean and dry! I’ve never been into white but with it being in such good condition, colour-coded and a turbo (something I was hoping for) I quickly became converted.

I had spoken to a few members whilst looking for a new 480 (thank you guys!) and Andrew (Kent) invited me to see his 2 celebrations as I was going to look at the white one not far from him. I really liked the auto of Andrew’s despite never even having sat in an auto (of any breed) in my life but the white turbo was just exactly what I was hoping for my next 480 so it won me over. I am rather partial to the cloth interior as opposed to the leather too. Again, I can see a few of you furrowing your brows! Haha.

So, on with the details: The car has been used little and often and standing at 38k which, for me, is important. I have had a few low mileage cars that have been stood a long time and my personal preference is the ‘little and often’ reason for low mileage.

Doing my own ‘Deep Googling’, I can see that the car was purchased at auction for £2576 in May 2017.
I have seen posts about it being in Auto Trader for, what, £10000? I don’t know if that was this trader or another but before now, the car was owned by a couple (one ownership each). It’s not done much between then and now.

In terms of the “only three left on the road” claim: I, probably like many others, can only go by the How Many Left* website and this particular model (Turbo Auto S/R) says there are currently 5 on the road and 15 SORN....Mine will currently be one of the 15 I guess (5/15). Of course, there is the Turbo (22/59), Turbo S/R (12/40) and Turbo Auto (4/6). *numbers as of Q3 2018.

The current vendor showed me all of the history and recent parts and work it’s had and, without the paperwork in front of me, I know it’s had around £1000 worth of parts/paint/wheel work in the past 6 months or so. It’s had the minute paint chips sorted and I was questioning if the sills had been resprayed (as I have seen done often just to hide the rust!) but looking at the 2017 auction pics, it pretty much looks the same (minus the bright studio lighting of its current ad pics). He had the black line re-done by a guy who does wraps so hopefully that won’t deteriorate either. He was a nice guy selling decent cars, whatever their price may be. He wasn’t pushy, I wasn’t rushed (I’ve bought and sold enough cars to last me three lifetimes and heard it all!) and the transaction was simple.

There are three, minimal, not-so-good points: The 2 black inserts on front Volvo grille are missing (I’m sure I can source something to replace them with!), chip on the dash surround (I have tried many companies to repair and had one positive response of “we’ll take a look” so far. I feel like I could probably do something with that myself if I have to. And lastly, the under-bonnet deadening is missing. Again, I am getting this replaced. So, not exactly bank breaking but I’m well aware that many would want it all perfect if paying so much. I’m more than happy with everything though. 🙂

Everything works as it should: heated seats, aerial, sunroof, windows, original radio/cassette. Load cover in tact. The alloys have been nicely refurbished which finishes it off lovely - yes, I'll re-set the Volvo inserts, guys :wink:. It is as clean and dry as it could possibly be..... so much so I think I’ll cry if it ever rains and I’m out in it! I’m hoping to get a nice timber garage built (actually just for the 480!) ready for autumn so it’s out of the elements. It will visit my local Volvo service centre for MOTs and servicing. It’s MOT is November so I think I’ll get it done in July or August.....as I really don’t want to take it out on the road on a wet November day! I live in a very muddy, rural area so my cars are a mess in winter...no way I’m taking it out in that! It’s likely to be SORN during winter and just driven up and down the drive to keep it rolling a few times a month.

So far, I have it booked in to display at the VSCC day at Cadwell in July (I’m in Lincolnshire), and Newark Retrofest in June. Will take it along to anything I see and can get to.

My insurance was great and I’m also on an agreed value policy.

Last but not least; I’m not 100% sure I want to do this yet (for preservation reasons!) but I may replace the plates with some personalised 480 ones with my sons name on to include him in the 480 life!

I don’t think I can post images or links until I have written ten posts can I....?

I’ll hopefully find some things to write about between now and then. I plan to make more of a detailed video of it, with my not-so-amazing editing skills too for anyone interested in seeing it.

I’ll be at the Derbyshire meet next month so hopefully meet some of you there.

Happy 480ing all :D

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:28 pm
by dragonflyjewels
Well done you - sounds like you have a really nice car there. Look forward to meeting you both on May 11th.

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 10:34 pm
by dcwalker
Well done you - I think it was always a good looking buy, it just had the sort of price tag we all dream of yet somehow always say is too high...then we lament that our cars are not going up in value!

I know I was among those who picked up faults but as you say they are minor...

I hope you enjoy it - and I hope even more to meet you and see the car in May!

All the best - I am pleased for you😊

David

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 6:35 am
by edie_fox
Thank you so much Sylvia and David. 😁

I can’t belive I’ll be driving the lovely, tidy ....thing! Still got to get a feel for its gender. :P

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:21 am
by jifflemon
Huge congrats! As I said in my post about the magazine article
jifflemon wrote:
Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:45 pm
Didn’t see the lights, but it did look good, and with the history and low mileage, it’s definitely cheaper than trying to restore a rough one! I’m glad the cars values are going up, I’ve a huge gripe with practical classics guide which claims a perfect turbo is worth £2750. Really??? Go find me one for that and i’ll have it!

When mines finished, even if I could sell it for 6k, I’d probably be making a loss (which is just another reason why I’d never sell it!).

My gripe is purely with the article; poorly written and seems nothing more than sales pitch in disguise. I paid £4.60 for this mag, I want way more detail than a single page! :lol:
So, forget what you paid for it, it's probably the better way to do it!
My suggestions are:
1) Get that garage built ASAP - I'm currently looking at my weather app and it's predicting SNOW for thursday. :shock: :bla: Better to have a garage and not need it, than need a garage and not have it!
2) Protect that investment! Go buy shares in Bilthamber, then very, very generously apply their wares throughout!
3) Quiz that Volvo service centre. If they haven't got a wizened old grey haired bloke who starts to uncontrollably twitch when 480's are mentioned, it may be worth looking further afield.

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 8:49 am
by edie_fox
Haha, I did see the snow forecast! Luckily, it’s tucked up until Saturday when, hopefully, it won’t be too bad for the drive home! I do have a cover but don’t really want that sat on it day in, day out. I’ll be very careful with that indeed!

That’s something forgot to mention; the lights.
They are either as they should be for age or have had a satin laquer by the looks of it. Would be nice to get them to match the glossy centre. Will take a closer look when I get it home.😁

I actually sold my 2.0L one to a main dealer for his young grandsons off road collection. He was trying to collect them all at the time. But mine will be going to a different place. A little less commercial. Not met the guys yet but will make sure I don’t leave it with the careless!

Thank you 😊

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 1:55 pm
by brinkie
jifflemon wrote:
Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:21 am
3) Quiz that Volvo service centre. If they haven't got a wizened old grey haired bloke who starts to uncontrollably twitch when 480's are mentioned, it may be worth looking further afield.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I remember I was collecting the V70 after a repair. At the counter, the old grey haired mechanic-turned-into-receptionist looked over his reading glasses while he was preparing the bill and saw my wife waiting in the 480. "So you also have a 480... long time I have seen those. The first model years caused me a lot of headaches."

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 3:48 pm
by dcwalker
brinkie wrote:
Tue Apr 02, 2019 1:55 pm
jifflemon wrote:
Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:21 am
3) Quiz that Volvo service centre. If they haven't got a wizened old grey haired bloke who starts to uncontrollably twitch when 480's are mentioned, it may be worth looking further afield.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

...The first model years caused me a lot of headaches."
As an owner of a 1988 model during 1991-1993 I can wholeheartedly agree!! I loved the car but it was one long headache...and Volvo didn't have much of an idea how to fix half the problems at the time :lol:

David

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 4:52 pm
by edie_fox
Just comparing the 2017 auction image vs. the only image I took when I went to see it and not that much has changed really.....reassuring to me anyway!

One other niggle is the N/S main beam unit is a tad wonky. Perhaps just need re-setting in place. Only we would probably care/notice it! :lol:

Auction May 2017 - Photo on grass.
March 2019 - My photo.

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 6:02 pm
by dragonflyjewels
mallory_roxx wrote:
Tue Apr 02, 2019 4:52 pm
One other niggle is the N/S main beam unit is a tad wonky. Perhaps just need re-setting in place. Only we would probably care/notice it! :lol:
Take it to a meet in Netherlands - you'll have half a dozen Dutchmen under the bonnet adjusting everything as soon as you park !

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:40 pm
by edie_fox
dragonflyjewels wrote:
Tue Apr 02, 2019 6:02 pm

Take it to a meet in Netherlands - you'll have half a dozen Dutchmen under the bonnet adjusting everything as soon as you park !
:lol: That would make a nice change from me trying to do everything in life myself! *books ferry to Rotterdam....

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2019 9:08 pm
by Richmann1
Congratulations looks a nice car bet you can't wait to get it. Nice to see another old school member back again, thats a few members coming back again😁 hopefully still enough 480's about.

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 9:34 pm
by edie_fox
Hello All :)

Just a bit of an update since collection.

So, two minutes into my drive home, the O/S wiper arm flew off the side of the screen and stayed there.....had to turn around and luckily the guy was still there, avec spanner to tighten!

As posted in 'desperate for a part' section, the 480 Turbo badge was missing which was huuuge to me. I felt its identity had been taken and, God, does it look lopsided without it! I later also realised the catalyser badge was missing from previous images too. :cry: I managed to get a 480 Turbo badge, not in as good condition and still need to find adhesive (can anyone recommend one? Only found white so far) but I will feel so much better when that is back on.

In my excitement, I purchased numerous albums on cassette, only to find out they are playing distorted....so the radio cassette is going away for repair. Just as soon as I've got pokey things to get it out!

The left speaker also didn't work so they and the tweeters are being replaced in a few weeks.

I went along to my nearest Volvo service centre that I was hoping to use but their prices were rather vertical and I didn't get the feeling I was looking for. When seeing if I could still buy a catalyser badge, I spoke to main dealer in the next town and they could not have been better. Really friendly, interested, helpful etc and for the same work, a lot cheaper than what I'd been quoted. They also have three guys working there from when the 480 was first on the road who were excited to see it and looking forward to working on it which is what I was hoping for. It's going in for a 'summer check' (cheapest thing he could list - £24) and they'll have a good look over it and see where we can start in terms of getting it the best it can be. I've asked to start with the creaking (anti roll/bushings. Who knows?). They are more than happy for me to supply the parts as it would be months quicker than they could (they had a quick check).

I've also bought the first layer of under bonnet deadening recommended by www.deadening.co.uk (2mm - £29.99 box of 8 https://www.deadening.co.uk/products/si ... -door-pack). They also suggested a second layer (20mm - https://www.deadening.co.uk/products/do ... gine-liner) but that will have to wait as it's a tad more expensive. I'm in the process of selling my diesel V40 to fund these bits of work.

I've put all of the paperwork in a folder today too. See below for work carried out not too long ago. I emailed the guy who did this work to see when he got it/sold it. Found a nice 'extras' list too.

See you in May :D

Image

Image

Image

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2019 9:56 am
by dragonflyjewels
Xi sports kit ? Wonder what that was - maybe only for the 440 and 460 ?

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2019 6:19 am
by edie_fox
dragonflyjewels wrote:
Wed Apr 17, 2019 9:56 am
Xi sports kit ? Wonder what that was - maybe only for the 440 and 460 ?
If I remember.... I’ll ask them when I take it in. 🙂

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2019 6:08 pm
by edie_fox
Just added a really pointless, bumbling video that was not very well thought through before I pressed record :nuts: Nothing very in depth or detailed but, non-the-less, a little nose around a 480 never hurt anyone :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoWnpjsrNyY

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2019 9:42 pm
by zapcity
Nice vid. Love the passion you have for your 480.

White always looks great. Enjoy!

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Fri May 03, 2019 11:44 am
by edie_fox
He did his first show on Easter Sunday.
Image

Best news is that I got the go ahead to build him a garage in September. Very happy about that. :)

Today we just visited the Volvo dealership for a 'check'. It's come back with brake fluid very much needs changing and coolant is not performing as it should, which makes sense to certain behaviours!

OSF control arm needs doing.

They can't definitively confirm the creaking to be the ARB links but I planned to just renew all suspension anyway so, I think I'll just gather it all over the next few months and renew the lot. They're fine with me sourcing all of the parts so, looking at Skandix, are they the BEST quality I can get or am I better with Mister Auto selling varying different makes? What is the best brand for me to try and aim for quality wise for parts?

We'll hopefully see you all next Saturday those at the meeting....providing we don't overheat on the way :?

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Fri May 03, 2019 12:01 pm
by Norm57
Hi regarding coolant, when i collected the Essex celeb last month as well as changing all oils and fluids i got mechanic to change to a waterless coolant, so far it behaves very well and temp is very consistent. So may be worth considering.

Norm

Re: 1990 Turbo Auto - Fox

Posted: Fri May 03, 2019 3:12 pm
by jifflemon
A brake fluid change is something I now routinely do; a pressure bleeder makes the whole thing a simple job; in fact you spend more time jacking and removing the wheels than you do actually bleeding!

Did they say why the coolant isn’t doing what it should? Seems a vague diagnosis. Is it leaking? Lacking in coolant? In need of a flush?

I got my wishbones from polarparts.de after a few people on here recommended them; just be aware that wishbones are typically supplied without the ballpoint, so remember to add one to the order.

And garage build? Insanely jealous. I’ve zero room for one so am faced with the prospect of either moving house, or renting a unit (no prizes for guessing which option I’m looking at!)