Volvo 480 Club Europe

Hi All

So, since I’ve had this 480 I’ve been wanting to make a video to help people looking to get into 480 ownership.

I’ve put it off and put it off as I never get to the point of collating all of the info so, here I am and I’d love your input.

Credit will be given to the forum and members as well as, of course, a fair mention of the forum, links, rescues and meets etc.

What I don’t want to do is miss anything or get anything wrong.

There are plenty of videos out there reviewing the 480 but nothing really to help perspective new owners so much.

Now, I know a fair bit about what to look for (it’s likely to be a long video!) and I have a very long list already but I’d really like the video to be comprehensive, something we can direct people to who come to us looking to buy too. Also, hopefully helping those who don’t have much experience of car buying. So, no point is too basic/obvious.

If you’d like to help please bullet point a list (simple points or explanations) and either DM or post on here (something 480 related to get your teeth in to!) I know, between us, we wouldn’t miss anything! If you have any great example images of bad things that you’d be willing to share, that would be good too.

I’ll be walking around the car as I explain so anything from engine bay, underneath, boot space, interior, hatch, roof, wheels…all of it. Any age/model related info (that could be an extreme rabbit hole (to be honest this whole post could be!) but basic things such as ‘the GT came with XYZ wheels/interior’ facelift etc - kind of points).

I know we could get a lot of repeat points but someone might point out something extra so not to worry. I do understand the list is potentially huge/endless so I’m trying to imagine what I’d be looking at if I went to see one to narrow it down ever so slightly!

Thank you

It’s such a massive topic, you could probably easily break it into multiple videos!

Video 1: overview of all the 480 models, phase 1/2 differences, years of production, special editions etc. The cool features people don’t know they have, what sets the apart from other cars etc

Video 2: what to look for. There’s so much, I’d probably break it down to maybe external walk around / internal stuff.

Video 3: what to look for. Mechanical and test drive

Shall start collating all my notes (yes, I’ve been making loads!!)

480 Common faults

Pop up motors failing
Front DRL lenses cracking
Rear Lights Fading/cracking
Blocked scuttle drains.
Washer jets disintegrating
Damp interior
Door window Scrapers failing
Door Hinges cracking
Dashboard cracking on Upper left corner
Speedo failing
Infocentre Failing
Rear Arch rot
Rear bumper support rot
Rear wiper / hatch loom failing
Did we mention damp?

jifflemon wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 8:40 am

480 Common faults

Pop up motors failing
Front DRL lenses cracking
Rear Lights Fading/cracking
Blocked scuttle drains.
Washer jets disintegrating
Damp interior
Door window Scrapers failing
Door Hinges cracking
Dashboard cracking on Upper left corner
Speedo failing
Infocentre Failing
Rear Arch rot
Rear bumper support rot
Rear wiper / hatch loom failing
Did we mention damp?

I'd add to that list, Jeff:

Missing/broken front spoiler (on cars where this was fitted)
Broken boot hatch/filler cap release surround

David

edie_fox wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 8:10 am

... Any age/model related info (that could be an extreme rabbit hole (to be honest this whole post could be!) but basic things such as ‘the GT came with XYZ wheels/interior’ facelift etc - kind of points).

Edie

It's an excellent idea! As Jeff says it could easily become a whole series of videos though

I agree it could be a complete rabbit warren rather than just a rabbit hole, but I'd be happy to put together something simple that sets out the various models and the basics of what they came with and when available, if you'd like?

David

dcwalker wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:06 am

Broken boot hatch/filler cap release surround

David

Ah, Section 2: Buggered trim.

Dashboard, (corner and rear surround)
Glovebox mounts
Heating Vents
trim panels (warped through damp)
Seat belt poppers
Door Pockets (front and rear)
Headlining sagging

I can offer my experience for the early 1.7s (B18E):
- Most powerful 1.7 N/A engine, with no real performance difference with the 2l
- Build quality tends to be a bit higher, but trade off with more foibles (less in production improvements)
- Mechanical parts are easy to source as they are common is other Renault/Volvo models (goes for all years)
- However specialist parts are often harder to source (e.g. blue piped interior or early speedo)
- No catalyser to explode and drain your wallet as well as your power


That is all I can think of at the moment, this is a great idea Edie

Cheers
Ben

dcwalker wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:09 am

Edie

It's an excellent idea! As Jeff says it could easily become a whole series of videos though

I agree it could be a complete rabbit warren rather than just a rabbit hole, but I'd be happy to put together something simple that sets out the various models and the basics of what they came with and when available, if you'd like?

David

There's a whole video in explaining the concept of unobtainium, and listing everything that is.....

/Edie pointing to empty space

"this is most likely the part you need to fix your 480. Sadly, it is unobtainium"

jifflemon wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:11 am

dcwalker wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:06 am

Broken boot hatch/filler cap release surround

David

Ah, Section 2: Buggered trim.

Dashboard, (corner and rear surround)
Glovebox mounts
Heating Vents
trim panels (warped through damp)
Seat belt poppers
Door Pockets (front and rear)
Headlining sagging

And, of course, something we both appear to have forgotten:

Manky heating slider knob

Haha, I know it’s a huge topic for all of us!

Yes, perhaps a good idea to create separate videos

Thank you all already!

When R6 arrives, it may be an ideal candidate?

It'll be in "as purchased" condition, so you could use it as your mule.

Plus I've got a funky filming gimbal and 4k camera.... oh and a face for radio

Bloody hell! I am not going to buy one of those 480s!

Norm57 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 11:25 am

Bloody hell! I am not going to buy one of those 480s!

The video is a great idea

Don't forget to add "don't expect the factory fitted sunroof to work"

Martin63 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:36 pm

The video is a great idea

Don't forget to add "don't expect the factory fitted sunroof to work"

Depends who you buy from!

jifflemon wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:47 pm

Martin63 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:36 pm

The video is a great idea

Don't forget to add "don't expect the factory fitted sunroof to work"

Depends who you buy from!

Don't mention rear screen washers

Good idea and will definitely be a great help just as the 480 is gaining traction.

I think "don't sweat the small stuff" as they say.

Arguably we are in a better place today than we were 6-8 years ago. Back then I panic bought the last two genuine rear lamp clusters from Skandix for a figure that still hurts to this day. Then, we had nothing else. Plastic printing and enthusiastic fans are totally changing the classic car landscape; now we have replacement lenses / front DRLs which is incredible news.

All the above listed items are more than valid, but one of the things for the majority of buying public being a deal breaker is corrosion, corrosion, corrosion!

I think if a video could prevent the experiences of poor bunjiweb here then it is well worth the effort.

I mean lets be honest here - these cars can be utter rust traps in places... and i'm not just talking wheel arches or bumper beams. Corrosion on my 1994 meant engine, windscreen and rear suspension removal to facilitate weld repairs.

As bunjiweb found out, it was enough to turn a smart looking 480S to damage limitation in the space of two weeks.

I know some have their bodyshop contacts, but for the vast majority of people, paint and welding are prohibitively expensive.

Welding has changed from something every garage did to get cars through MoT's (like when I started in the trade circa 1995) to a bodyshop specialism now.

For any prospective buyer it is imperative to prod and poke the sills, rear outer seatbelt mounts, rear torque rod brackets, rear spring seats, check the tool tray recess and panhard beam crossmember, front chassis legs where they meet the bulkhead... just to name a few places.

Or befriend a good welder and tackle it head on!

Thanks

I will try and write up a full list of what I’ll cover the next time he’s out and I can do a walk around (unlikely until next sunshine judging by the forecast!) then I’ll pop it on here and people can chip in with anything they think I’ve missed.

Well, this has just ruined any free time I've had this weekend!

Had a tech nightmare recording 40+ videos and then finding out 90% of the audio was distorted....so a few things were missed and by the end of trying to edit and save about 5 times...I. Gave. Up.

Anyway, it's better than nowt spoze.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyF51l4dbjU&t=3s

Well Edie that video is certainly comprehensive

I like your presenting style it is very clear and informative.

I love how everything is covered, it is all too easy to take for granted our knowledge with these cars, and I feel you have done an excellent job of keeping it to the point and not overloading any prospective buyers, fantastic idea to link all the places where you got parts from, as we know how much of a headache that is

If I were to critique it I would say the Intro was a bit on the long side, and perhaps it would have helped to cut in footage of the aspects you were talking about in the first segment...

but overall a fantastic resource that really should be pinned somewhere for easy access, fantastic work there

superb work!

No criticism from me because it's WAY better than anything I've managed to film and upload (which is, a big fat zero!)