Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

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edie_fox
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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by edie_fox » Mon Apr 01, 2019 6:48 pm

All of the little finishing touches make such a difference. The rear lights came up great too. Love seeing the photos! :D

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by 100 » Mon Apr 01, 2019 7:17 pm

I can’t take much of the credit for its condition, aside from keeping it clean and doing a few bits like the above I haven’t done much. I bought on condition, ‘Jaster’ found the car for me and it was in great condition then.

It’s also a very photogenic colour, there is no doubt that the wheels need doing and the paint and bodywork is far from perfect.

So don’t let the pictures mislead you into thinking this car is out the factory fresh! But it isn’t bad.

That being said when any car is properly clean it makes such a difference.

I’m unsure about getting to a meet this year as they are usually quite a distance away...! My fault for being in London.

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by 100 » Sun Apr 14, 2019 6:34 pm

Will, Katie and I spent a couple of days on the 480s last weekend, I had a go at Will's rear lights, we both did our DRL lenses and fitted an oil sender on my car.

Results are as follows:

Before:
Image

After:

Image

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Man fitting part:

Image

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Replacing the DRL lenses:

Before:
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During:

Image

Image

Image

Image

After:

Image

Image

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After a thorough clean of both:

Image

Image

Image

Image

jifflemon
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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by jifflemon » Sun Apr 14, 2019 7:14 pm

Superb work all round!

Drl replacement - top notch
Polishing skills - top notch
Photography skills - superb.

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by Alan 480 » Sun Apr 14, 2019 8:36 pm

looks VERY well done, especially the rear lights!!

which polishing kit did you use,?? I really do need to do the rear lenses, so I'd rather go with a type that does work!!
Alan

480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by 100 » Mon Apr 15, 2019 11:25 am

I didn't use a conventional light restoration kit, my process was as follows:

> Tape around lights and cover reflector
> Thoroughly dry sand vertically with 800 grit until the surface is dull and matte in appearance
> Sand horizontally with 1000 grit using some water in a spray bottle to stop the paper getting clogged and to provide some lubrication
> Sand vertically with 1500 grit with water as above
> Clean and dry
> Use a cutting compound, I used Meguiars 105 which quite 'heavy' on a microfibre pas (DAS 6-PRO DA Polisher with 15mm plate and pad)
> Polished using Meguiars can't-remember-the-name, on a buffing pad - again (DAS 6-PRO DA Polisher with 15mm plate and pad)
> Sealed using Poorboys sealant which includes UV protection - 2 coats applied by hand

That being said, I don't see any reason you might be able to achieve the same results using a kit as it's the same principle.

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by Alan 480 » Mon Apr 15, 2019 11:40 am

100 wrote:
Mon Apr 15, 2019 11:25 am
I didn't use a conventional light restoration kit, my process was as follows:

> Tape around lights and cover reflector
> Thoroughly dry sand vertically with 800 grit until the surface is dull and matte in appearance
> Sand horizontally with 1000 grit using some water in a spray bottle to stop the paper getting clogged and to provide some lubrication
> Sand vertically with 1500 grit with water as above
> Clean and dry
> Use a cutting compound, I used Meguiars 105 which quite 'heavy' on a microfibre pas (DAS 6-PRO DA Polisher with 15mm plate and pad)
> Polished using Meguiars can't-remember-the-name, on a buffing pad - again (DAS 6-PRO DA Polisher with 15mm plate and pad)
> Sealed using Poorboys sealant which includes UV protection - 2 coats applied by hand

That being said, I don't see any reason you might be able to achieve the same results using a kit as it's the same principle.
thanks, i'd started with old used 'wet -n dry' can't recall grade, then moved onto an old tub of cutting compound, as mine were already 'matte' :wink:

more time and effort required i think :(
Alan

480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1

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jamescarruthers
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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by jamescarruthers » Mon Apr 15, 2019 12:40 pm

I bet that pint of custard came in handy.

Oli and Will, your cars are looking great, well done!
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)

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by jifflemon » Mon Apr 15, 2019 1:42 pm

Alan 480 wrote:
Mon Apr 15, 2019 11:40 am
thanks, i'd started with old used 'wet -n dry' can't recall grade, then moved onto an old tub of cutting compound, as mine were already 'matte' :wink:

more time and effort required i think :(
It’s time, not effort. Do use a sanding block to hold the paper, and do take your time, because whilst getting results quickly is pleasing, rushing them can end in disaster.

I actually go much higher on the grit too (2000, 3000) which are actually more like polishing grits, bits that’s because if I didn’t, I’d end up reaching for a power tool and end up meting the damn things.

Patience is the absolute key; i’d Honestly set aside 3-4 hours per light; headphones and a good audiobook/album tracks can help keep you sane, because it’s the most tedious, and back aching job!

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by Alan 480 » Tue Apr 16, 2019 11:52 am

jifflemon wrote:
Mon Apr 15, 2019 1:42 pm
Alan 480 wrote:
Mon Apr 15, 2019 11:40 am
thanks, i'd started with old used 'wet -n dry' can't recall grade, then moved onto an old tub of cutting compound, as mine were already 'matte' :wink:

more time and effort required i think :(
It’s time, not effort. Do use a sanding block to hold the paper, and do take your time, because whilst getting results quickly is pleasing, rushing them can end in disaster.

I actually go much higher on the grit too (2000, 3000) which are actually more like polishing grits, bits that’s because if I didn’t, I’d end up reaching for a power tool and end up meting the damn things.

Patience is the absolute key; i’d Honestly set aside 3-4 hours per light; headphones and a good audiobook/album tracks can help keep you sane, because it’s the most tedious, and back aching job!
4 hours, :shock:
maybe I'll live with them being 'matte' , it's not even like you can take them inside and watch telly :(
Alan

480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by 100 » Tue Apr 16, 2019 12:44 pm

I think my process was probably an hour and a half to two hours, excluding a lot of procrastinating but taking my time.

You need to make sure that you sand off all the burnt up UV coating, any scratches and nail polish and other weird stuff people seem to put onto these lights. The first session of sanding, with the 800 grit, is to get rid of the old UV coating and put new uniform 'scratches' into the plastic (hence the uni-directional sanding).

Increasing the grit to a finer paper and then sanding in a different direction cuts the peaks off the uniform scratches you've already put into the plastic. The final stage of sanding then cuts the peaks off of these.

This is the process I'd recommend and it didn't take an awful amount of time although my back was sore by the end of it; it really isn't a process to be rushed or a 5 minute job but so worth doing.

Having done two sets of lights I'm quite confident with my process now. Seeing for sale adverts like the white turbo with nearly as white rear lights, I'm confident I could get those lights back to standard with no major issues!

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by jifflemon » Tue Apr 16, 2019 1:19 pm

Alan 480 wrote:
Tue Apr 16, 2019 11:52 am
maybe I'll live with them being 'matte' , it's not even like you can take them inside and watch telly :(
well, you could take them off and take them inside (assuming you've not silicone sealed the buggers in place)

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by Alan 480 » Tue Apr 16, 2019 4:51 pm

jifflemon wrote:
Tue Apr 16, 2019 1:19 pm
Alan 480 wrote:
Tue Apr 16, 2019 11:52 am
maybe I'll live with them being 'matte' , it's not even like you can take them inside and watch telly :(
well, you could take them off and take them inside (assuming you've not silicone sealed the buggers in place)
Oli, Ok see what your plan of attack is, see how i get on

although not 'sealed in' I'm not taking any chances . . . . .

anyways I have things to do :?
get the SS1 sorted for MoT, only dragged it out from garage at week-end, O/S handbrake lever stuck, so thatis much easier to roll now. drum is clean now (hope performance will improve :wink: usually the drums just clean up by time get out of drive, not this time !! )

ironing board leg snapped off, so two mins with MiG but probably twenty mins to get everything looked out / tidied up after wards etc
Alan

480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by jifflemon » Tue Apr 16, 2019 9:02 pm

Good lord, don’t tell me you store it with the handbrake applied????

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by 100 » Wed Apr 17, 2019 11:13 am

Sounds like you have more pressing matters than a couple of lights! Good luck.

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by Alan 480 » Wed Apr 17, 2019 11:32 am

jifflemon wrote:
Tue Apr 16, 2019 9:02 pm
Good lord, don’t tell me you store it with the handbrake applied????
no!!!!


usually it is up on wooden blocks as well, but the 'auto adjuster' system decide to 'not auto adjust', stayed in 'just on position'

I thought I was lucky as the clutch had not stuck this year, maybe a drier year or was a decent dry spell before went into store? or the fact that I moved the car forward with clutch pedal down and in gear to move the plate to a new location.
Alan

480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by 100 » Tue Feb 11, 2020 3:23 pm

A random update on various goings-on over the past few months:

Replaced the radio fuse:
Image

Pulled out the dash to re-flow the solder on the instruments and changed a few bulbs:
Image

Which means parts light up that previously never did:
Image

Image

Image

Replaced the horns which, its safe to say, were buggered:
Image

In use as a bike transporter to Wales and back, there is another one in the boot!

Image

Recently, I've been liaising with Jeff regarding the suspension work he's been posting about in his thread. I've come to the conclusion that I'll fit some Bilsteins and change all the peripheral bits (control arms/drop links etc.), but potentially retain the existing springs as the car benefits from not being too 'sporty' at the moment.

That being said, I'd never taken a close look at the condition of all these parts so last week, when the car needed a very thorough clean anyway, I took the wheels off to have a look:

Front:
Image

Rear:
Image

I don't think it looks too bad! Springs had some surface rust but no cracks or anything concerning and I was surprised how good the dampers looked (whether they actually function properly is another question). I wonder whether they have been replaced at some point...

I had a go at cleaning the inner barrel of the wheel and whilst I got the road and brake grime off, there appears to be a lot of what I can only describe as black over spray, from what I'm not sure. One day I'll get all the wheels refurbished as they make such a difference, that being said does anyone have any idea where I can source the stickers for the hub caps?

To finish off a clean pic:
Image

I've got a few jobs to attend to next, changing the heated seat thermostats, replacing a Saab windscreen washer, which overshoots the windscreen(!), with a Land Rover item, changing the boot gas struts and sourcing a new rear wiper.

I recently bought a Bosch replacement rear wiper that is very adjustable. The issue this causes is that when I close the boot it 'adjusts' itself in such a way that the upper half of the blade doesn't make contact with the rear window. So I need a more basic item - any suggestions appreciated.

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by jamescarruthers » Tue Feb 11, 2020 3:41 pm

Hey Oli, nice to see an update from you. 

It looks like you have had replacement shocks, on the front at least, at some point as they don't look original. This is good news for you I guess.

I was marvelling at the shiny underseal the car seems to have had and this is obviously the overspray on the wheels that you talk of. It's clearly had some love in the past, I just hope it isn't hiding anything from you!‎

Regarding the wiper, I used to always find that aftermarket ones did exactly what you describe and only wipes half the window. I found that the ones that Volvo supply worked fine. It's been a few years since I've ordered one but you might be lucky and they still keep them in stock. ‎Maybe try a Valeo one?

If you are feeling flush, there's three brand hub caps for ‎sale on eBay! 
X2: https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/OEM-3464427-Vo ... r=1&_rdt=1
‎X1: https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/OEM-3462740-Vo ... r=1&_rdt=1

They are a reflective sticker on that wheel (Taurus) so in theory could just be reproduced if you found someone to laser cut the right material. 

Regarding wheel refurbishment, I used Lepson's for my C70 recently and was very very happy with them. A problem with the 480 is getting the centre caps to match the wheel after painting or else they look worse than non-refurbished. ‎
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)

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by 100 » Tue Feb 11, 2020 6:18 pm

jamescarruthers wrote:
Tue Feb 11, 2020 3:41 pm
If you are feeling flush, there's three brand hub caps for ‎sale on eBay! 
X2: https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/OEM-3464427-Vo ... r=1&_rdt=1
‎X1: https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/OEM-3462740-Vo ... r=1&_rdt=1
According to the seller the x1 are for Taurus wheels and x2 aren’t! Cant see the difference myself, so maybe it’s size. looking at his other items he certainly knows/thinks he can name his price.

I’ve used Lepsons before as well as they’d be my go to aswell. Thanks for the tip regarding the wiper, worth just calling around dealers then?

Yeah the arches do look tidy, but as you say I hope it isn’t hiding anything. Given my arches are devoid of rust I wouldn’t expect anything dodgy to be going on. Interesting what you say about front dampers, as my car seems to sit higher at the front than the average 480, which could mean the springs might not be standard either.

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Re: Oli's 1992 Volvo 480ES Limited Edition

Post by jifflemon » Tue Feb 11, 2020 7:55 pm

So a few things....

1) those front shocks look like Sachs ones.... maybe they e been replaced, but that spring cup alone would be reason enough for me to have pulled it all apart!

2) centre cap stickers - am working on it as I’ve got some Taurus wheels to refurb. As James has already said, there’s nothing worse than a mismatched centre cap paint; although coming in at second place would be a matching centre cap that was missing its reflective sticker.....

3) trust me when I say you’ll find petrol is the single best thing for cleaning that black grime off the back of the wheels... have a look at my thread way way back in the early days!

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