Welcome Seymour

Here you can start a thread about your 480 days. Only the starter of the thread is allowed to fill his thread, and only one thread per person. Threads are simply a personal diary.

Moderators: jifflemon, coyote1980, Rachel

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2551
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Welcome Seymour

Post by jifflemon » Wed May 17, 2023 8:07 pm

Benjamin Franklin once said that "if you want something done, ask a busy person." When I invent my time machine, I'm going to go back and find Benjamin, then slap him, because I AM that busy person :angry: (although, maybe the time machine would actually help fix some of my problems?). So for a man who's already busy with his real life job (yes, I have one that's totally unrelated to 480's!), has 3 480's of his own, 3 other cars and a couple of rescue cars, the absolute last thing I needed was yet another project.....

And then up popped this one.

Image


I genuinely did try to find a home for it - But it became very apparent that it needed saving immediately or it was scrapped. Once again, it was a "If not me, then who?". The garage were vague on the details; it "needed an engine" and couldn't expand further on the why. Speaking with the previous owners it seemed like they did genuinely love the car. The garage had apparently "tried in vain" to find a replacement engine for it (despite Lakes Volvo, the UK's largest Volvo breaker being 10 minutes up the road) and it'd been 12 months and they'd now given up hope of ever having the car back on the road. Whilst sorting out the V5, I was given a folder of "stuff" as well as a spare set of wheels and headed off back home to see just what had been delivered onto the driveway. In the dreary October light of 2021, this is what greeted me - It was referred to as Seymour, because every time I open the front door, I see more bloody Volvo 480's!

Image

Much thinking was going on about what I should do with it. Break it? Fix the engine? Swap the engine? Mad engine conversion? However, as we were in the depths of winter of 2021, I instead started by going through the folder of stuff, expecting the usually crap (you know, damp musty copy of the Haynes book of lies) and was instead greeted with this.

Image

I haven't yet tried playing the tape of course - It's first play will be direct into a PC to record it digitally for prosperity! The gifts kept on coming though - Sure there was a Book of lies, but there was also pretty much full service history, details of all previous owners, MOT certificates - A full on treasure trove. It would appear that the 44k miles were very genuine. By the time it moved to it's second owner, some 21 years after being registered, it had covered a dizzying 22k miles....

Then I stumbled upon this:
Image

Now sadly, the details are somewhat lacking, but why would you suspect a Head Gasket? Classic Head Gasket symptoms would be emulsified oil when you remove the filler cap, but you'd also find that on an engine that does short trips (as condensation builds up inside the engine which is typically dealt with once the engine gets hot). The sort of short trips that would see a car covering less than 1000 miles per year.

Even more interesting was this, 12 months later......

Image

Now, call me Mr Cynical, but if you're dealing with a Head Gasket issue, particularly a repeat Head Gasket issue, the first thing you look for is the root cause. So I very quickly whipped off the oil cooler and pressure tested it. It wasn't leaking. This made things a whole lot more interesting....

Next was a quick rummage through this box of bits.

Image

Everything seemed to be present and correct, so I figured I'd see if it was possible to rebuild the engine.

Block was checked for flatness - No faults found.
Image

Head was sent away to be pressure tested and checked for flatness - No faults found.
Image

Injectors were sent awat for pressure testing and cleaning
Image

Oil drained, sump pulled off for inspection
Image

At each of these points, I'd expected to have discovered a smoking gun, something to explain why a garage thought they had to change a Head Gasket not once, but twice! then I potentially stumbled upon it....

Image

I'd ordered a set of headbolts and a new head gasket and stumbled upon something. The Head bolts. Obviously headbolts have to be tightened to a specific torque and in a specific sequence. Well, the headbolts had the Torque and sequence handily written on the box.

Only that was different to the Haynes Manual.

Which was different to the Volvo manual......

My gut feeling is that they misdiagnosed the first headgasket (or simply believed the customer), then didn't use the correct torque settings for the headbolts, which caused the gasket to fail prematurely. Now why admit fault when you can bill for repeat work?

and so we pressed on - New water pump and timing belt

Image

Rebuilt a spare turbo 70Amp alternator
Image

Removed and cleaned both the washer bottle and expansion tank
Image

Removed the radiator for flushing, which obviously meant cleaning the lower slam panel......
Image

Before putting it all back together.
Image

With fresh plugs, oil and volvo filter. It burst into life on the second crank.

No knocks, no noises. Happy Jiff.

There followed many, many coolant flushes.....

Image

Image

Until it was at the point of running clean.

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2551
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by jifflemon » Wed May 17, 2023 8:08 pm

Then the usual Jiff stuff started to happen.....

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

You know..... Good scrub behind all the usual dirt traps, remove the sponges of doom, properly seal all the lights, Give the dashboard a health check, change all the bulbs, add some LED's for good measure and convert the window switches to LED to match the seat belt ones. We ALL do that right??

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2551
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by jifflemon » Wed May 17, 2023 8:08 pm

By this point, summer was going to be soon upon us. and that means show season. Which meant rip all the interior out to clean it properly :nuts:

And then whilst the interior was out, it would be rude NOT to add some soundproofing to the door cards right?

Image

As well as pressure washing all the internal cavities, yes, that means rear arches and doors!

Image

Image

Image

before adding copious amounts rust killer and Bilt Hamber S50 cavity wax.

Image

Image

Image

Image

The seat belts had suffered the classic 480 thing whereby the rears fade in the sunshine as they rarely move, so you end up with a huge stripe when you finally do use the rear belts! So, It was the excuse I needed to do this (oh and this was the TAME version!)

Image

Image

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2551
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by jifflemon » Wed May 17, 2023 8:09 pm

and so back together it went, cleaning as we go....

Image

Image

Image

Image

Even gave the wheels a spruce up and some nice rubber as well as a wash and polish

Image

Only, before i knew it, we were back in winter, and it still didn't have an MOT. :cryhard:

User avatar
dragonflyjewels
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1613
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:38 am
Location: Norfolk

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by dragonflyjewels » Thu May 18, 2023 7:51 am

When this came up for sale, I looked at the photos to see if was a prospect for the rescue group. All the engine parts in the boot made me think 'no, can't expect Jeff to sort that lot out!' Little did I know it would be on his front drive the next time we visited...... Talk about dedicated :lol:
Sylvia

Snazzy - 1993 Paris Blue ES red dipstick 2.0i bought 2001
Lethal Lily - 1991 White Turbo
Paris the Unicorn - 1991 Paris Edition
hubby has
Sven - 1994 Racing Green GT
Evil Eva - 1992 Paris Blue Turbo

no previous 480s - can't bear to sell any

User avatar
MisterH
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1175
Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2018 6:15 pm
Location: Stockbridge

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by MisterH » Thu May 18, 2023 11:14 am

Holy fuckamoly that is some serious work, I honestly am in awe. Reminded me of the fact that in addition to the Left-wing nature of my car at the moment, most of the dash lights are out and I could do with adding to the rust protection. What is the plan with Seymour now?
Current Jobs to do (23/1/22):
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild

User avatar
WillC9303
Can tell where the 480 was built
Posts: 343
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:46 pm
Location: Surrey

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by WillC9303 » Thu May 18, 2023 12:36 pm

Seymour Butts looks fantastic. I believe you showed me this car the last time I visited your place - had no idea so much work had been done to it!

What’s your secret with the dashboard bulbs? They look incredibly bright compared to my dim ones (even after I replaced them). Are they LEDs?
William

1993 2.0i Limited Edition

User avatar
dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1526
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by dcwalker » Thu May 18, 2023 4:31 pm

Brilliant work Jeff, as always. And having seen Seymour recently I know how good he's looking!😁
Current: 1994 480 GT, 1996 460 CD & 1997 440 LE with lots of optional extras & 2007 V50 SE Sport
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2551
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by jifflemon » Fri May 19, 2023 9:26 am

Other things I forgot to mention as it was going back together..

Obviously, the head got valves re-lapped in, new valve stem seals and re-gasketed throughout!

Front long range lamps got resealed, cleaned and new super bulbs. DRL's are original so got LED bulbs

Image

If you didn't spot it at the front, the car came with an original front splitter (told you it'd been loved!)

Image

I also added stealth yellow bulbs to the foglamps!

Speaking of being loved, the car had the optional Atlas wheels, so they were given some love - bonus nerd points for the beady eyed!

Image

and the inside got not only a new set of heater knobs, but a Volvo VC-963 to replace the VC708.

Image

and also a nice Momo steering wheel.

Image

I also gave myself a bit of a talking too, and MOT'd it! So yes, Seymour is Tax'd insured and being used!
WillC9303 wrote:
Thu May 18, 2023 12:36 pm
What’s your secret with the dashboard bulbs? They look incredibly bright compared to my dim ones (even after I replaced them). Are they LEDs?
There's LED's in the heater switch, lights on and Main beam (which is a blue one) - Its actually been a while since I swapped them, so there may actually be more! Half the battle is finding decent LED's in the sea of Cheap Chinese sh*te......
MisterH wrote:
Thu May 18, 2023 11:14 am
What is the plan with Seymour now?
Well, there in lies a problem - For now I can just use it, but I'm very conscious it's another car I'll just keep fettling with. Current plans include renewing all the brakes just because (fear not, I've already flushed the brake fluid out!) as well as new exhaust because I can hear a small blow somewhere.

Why is that a problem? Well, there's the minor issue of 3 personal Turbos to sort out, 2 other personal cars and a long list of rescues/friends cars....

User avatar
Jay-Kay-Em
480 Rookie
Posts: 488
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2012 10:42 pm
Location: Huntingdon
Contact:

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by Jay-Kay-Em » Fri May 19, 2023 11:44 am

Jeff, as always, a pleasure to read and stellar work as always.

Another 480 saved beyond doubt.

I doff my cap.
Jay-Kay-Em
-------------------------------------
Click here for My 480 Turbo Diary
Click here for My Cars

User avatar
MisterH
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1175
Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2018 6:15 pm
Location: Stockbridge

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by MisterH » Fri May 19, 2023 6:57 pm

I had only just noticed it has the Uber rare unpainted front splitter, must be the only one left surely?
Current Jobs to do (23/1/22):
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild

User avatar
WillC9303
Can tell where the 480 was built
Posts: 343
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:46 pm
Location: Surrey

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by WillC9303 » Sat May 20, 2023 2:19 pm

Was wondering what engine Seymour has. Being a Phase 1 on a G-plate with plain B-pillar covers I'd have thought it was a B18E. Although it seems to have the inlet manifold from the later B18FP? I suppose whether it has a catalytic converter or not will be the giveaway. :?

I came across a picture of this car posted on Twitter at a car show in June 2018 simply by chance yesterday which lends credence to the theory that it was enthusiast owned at some point.

Before you swapped it out with the MOMO, it looked to have had a leather steering wheel & that would have to have been added after as the leather wheels were only available with the full leather seats option from factory.

/nerd_mode_off :lol:
William

1993 2.0i Limited Edition

User avatar
dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1526
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by dcwalker » Sun May 21, 2023 7:28 pm

WillC9303 wrote:
Sat May 20, 2023 2:19 pm
Was wondering what engine Seymour has. Being a Phase 1 on a G-plate with plain B-pillar covers I'd have thought it was a B18E. Although it seems to have the inlet manifold from the later B18FP? I suppose whether it has a catalytic converter or not will be the giveaway. :?

/nerd_mode_off :lol:
Remember that before the B18FP came the B18EP - the same engine without the cat. I think you'll find that's what's in Seymour...😉
Current: 1994 480 GT, 1996 460 CD & 1997 440 LE with lots of optional extras & 2007 V50 SE Sport
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!

AdamG
480 Newbie
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2022 4:43 pm

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by AdamG » Tue May 23, 2023 9:41 pm

Wow. So fookin cool! The knowledge you have is awesome! And your tasteful mods are nothing short of excellent! The seatbelts, wow! And that steering wheel, stunning!! If ever you want to take on a celebration for this level of pampering, my darling motor is about to fail its MOT at the start of next month and I dread to see the countless things it fails on! 🥲 again, what a great job you’ve done! Made me realise why I bought a 480 in the first place! 🥰

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2551
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by jifflemon » Sat Dec 30, 2023 3:26 pm

Minor Update:

Obviously, Seymour wandered off to the Festival of the unexceptional, but apart from the occasional drive into work (where people are genuinely amazed by him), he's not really done anything.

However, one thing that was apparent, was he'd need a new back box. And with the Stony Classic on New Years day, I had to do what I'd previously vowed never to do again - Fit an exhaust without using the lift at the workshop....

I went for a standard exhaust, but chose to weld on a better tailpipe - It's all about the tailpipes for me!

Image

Image

And one of the mounts had failed - Luckily, I know a bloke who keeps these in stock....

Image

If you ever have to fit an exhaust, there's a couple of tips I'd share.

1. Put the hangers on the exhaust first, then, after threading the pipe over the cross member, hang the OS side mount, then the N/S (tailpipe) mount. WD40, or even better, red rubber grease will make your life much easier here.
2. The positioning of the exhaust before you clamp is critical. I use an old mount sitting between the crossmember and exhaust for spacing, then use a scissor jack to press the centre section into the joint. Then, and only then, do you fasten the clamp. If you get this wrong, your centre section can hang low, or you'll be getting a thump over bumps as the exhaust hits the crossmember or boot floor.

The result? Well, lovely and quiet (it is only a standard exhaust!) but looks wise?

Image

Image

royhedger
Knows where Volvo is from
Posts: 142
Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2023 10:48 pm

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by royhedger » Sun Dec 31, 2023 11:08 am

Wow. Looks like a nice car now you've fettled it. Top work.
Which Lead's do you use for switches, and dashboard Jeff?
White 1990 480 Turbo Auto
Caspian Blue 2015 V70 D5 SE Lux

Previously G reg 480 ES Black and D reg 480 ES in Silver

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2551
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by jifflemon » Mon Jan 01, 2024 1:43 pm

Stony Classic 2024 done!

Image

Ended up post event getting some lunch and have a conversation with a chap who simply couldn't believe the car was a) 34 years old and b) a Volvo.

He spent a good 20 minutes walking around it, taking photos and asking questions etc.

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2551
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by jifflemon » Thu Jan 11, 2024 6:07 pm

royhedger wrote:
Sun Dec 31, 2023 11:08 am
Wow. Looks like a nice car now you've fettled it. Top work.
Which Lead's do you use for switches, and dashboard Jeff?
Honestly, I’ve given up with LED’s now. The problem is trying to source decent ones. Everything seems to be the same CCS (Cheap Chinese Shite), so I’ve actually reverted now back to just using decent quality bulbs.

royhedger
Knows where Volvo is from
Posts: 142
Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2023 10:48 pm

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by royhedger » Fri Jan 12, 2024 6:42 pm

Yes, getting good quality bulbs can be an issue.
I just wanted to brighten up the dashboard for daytime driving, especially the fuel guage as it can be hard to read when it's bright outside.

I saw a car which had had LED's fitted to the dashboard on Wednesday, it looked excellent however he said that they could not be dimmed which is a shame if driving at night.
White 1990 480 Turbo Auto
Caspian Blue 2015 V70 D5 SE Lux

Previously G reg 480 ES Black and D reg 480 ES in Silver

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2551
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Welcome Seymour

Post by jifflemon » Fri Jan 12, 2024 8:06 pm

New standard bulbs would be perfect. LED’s give very directional light and can’t be dimmed. Plus, as mentioned, the amount of CCS that’s flooding the market means you’ll get a lot of practice pullling your dash out….

Post Reply