My 480 life is just beginning!

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.

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dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1522
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by dcwalker » Wed May 08, 2019 5:11 pm

Told you! Well done...😊

David
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!

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dragonflyjewels
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1582
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:38 am
Location: Norfolk

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by dragonflyjewels » Wed May 08, 2019 5:52 pm

:hopping: That's great news - will we see you on Saturday ?
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

zapcity
Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
Posts: 251
Joined: Wed Nov 09, 2016 4:01 pm
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by zapcity » Wed May 08, 2019 6:50 pm

Good ol' 480. :volvo: Never in doubt!! :wave:

I was hoping it would go through OK, but pessamistic me is always expecting the worst.

MOT history shows 39 miles between tests. :oops: Embarassing really, but I promise to do more miles in the next year.

I'm 50/50 for Saturday. Our extension starts next week, so I really need to get sorted in advance. I'll have a word with SHMBO :wife: and try to butter her up a bit!

Strange omen this morning. I was driving to work through a little village (Sproughton) on the edge of Ipswich. There is a business centre on the edge, and as I approached a red celebration pulled out. I thought I knew of just about all the 480s in the area, but never seen this one before. I was so shocked, I didn't get the number. At least I know where to find it again, so will try and track it down.

On a tangent, I got my lip spoiler back from repair today. After trying to find a plastic repairer, it was eventually done by the business that backs onto my garage. He's done a great job, and all it needs now is a little bit of prep and paint. Very pleased for £30.

You can clearly see the chunk that was missing. A new piece of ABS has been welded in. He's even recreated the small return lip on the edge. Very pleased to be able to repair as I want to keep the car as honest as possible.

Image

Image
1994 480GT - arrived!!
XC60 and XC70 for the daily grind.
C70 Coupé Convertible for the sunny days. Should sell it but can't!

User avatar
dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1522
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by dcwalker » Thu May 09, 2019 5:01 pm

Great stuff with the spoiler - paint it up and it should be as good as new!

Really do hope you can make Saturday - after all this time I am very keen to meet both you and the car :hopping: . Bring SHMBO along - she won't be the only long-suffering, not really into the cars, 480 widow, and despite being in that category Lee always insists she enjoys these trips, and certainly gets in ok with everyone...

Oh yes, and from before I had her, I have MOT certificates with single figures between tests for the GT, so nothing to be embarrassed about ;)

David
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!

User avatar
dragonflyjewels
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1582
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:38 am
Location: Norfolk

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by dragonflyjewels » Thu May 09, 2019 6:03 pm

Yes, do come along if you possibly can - we have 4 other wives coming for the 'non-480' interest, as well as Rachel's other half, so Mrs zapcity should enjoy the day. Fingers crossed for nice weather so we can all appreciate the lovely surroundings as well as one another's company and cars.
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

zapcity
Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
Posts: 251
Joined: Wed Nov 09, 2016 4:01 pm
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by zapcity » Thu May 09, 2019 7:00 pm

Update from MOT and mechanic check.

High tickover - My fault. Cleaned the ICV but didn't relubricate. A quick blast with WD and all ok.

Whining fuel pump - fuel filter changed and sounds much better. Worst case it might need a change at some point but ok for now.

Lack of braking - Brakes and handbrake adjusted.

Creaky rear suspension and stiff gear change - greased up (just lack of use).

All in just £114 inc MOT. Don't know how they survive, but service is superb.

Taxing as we speak. £265 is a joke, but what choice do we have.

Now just need to do a few miles and see how she is. I'm sure there will be a few issues but there is only one way I'm going to find them! :D
1994 480GT - arrived!!
XC60 and XC70 for the daily grind.
C70 Coupé Convertible for the sunny days. Should sell it but can't!

User avatar
dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1522
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by dcwalker » Thu May 09, 2019 7:16 pm

All sounds nice and simple - well done.
zapcity wrote:
Thu May 09, 2019 7:00 pm

Now just need to do a few miles and see how she is. I'm sure there will be a few issues but there is only one way I'm going to find them! :D
Yep- a nice drive over the Snake Pass should do the trick... :wink:

David
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!

zapcity
Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
Posts: 251
Joined: Wed Nov 09, 2016 4:01 pm
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by zapcity » Mon May 13, 2019 9:29 pm

So I've finally updated my signature. "Coming soon" replaced with "Arrived"!! :hopping:

Managed to get the loose mudflap fixed Friday evening. Had to grind off the outside wheel arch screw heads and drill out one of the interior screws. One came out with a screwdriver which was unexpected.

The good thing about spire clips is that the contact area is small, so corrosion is easier to overcome.
While the wheel and liner was off, I cleaned and Dynaxed everything I could see!

New spire clips, stainless washers and screws fitted, and after about 2 hours and a gallon of copper grease all was back as it should be. Pleased with that little job sorted. Noticed a very small water leak on each side of the rear hatch near the top. Think it's the seal, but investigation needed.

As much as I'd have loved to come over the weekend, events didn't allow. However I managed to sneak out for breakfast at the Southwold Amazon meet at the Pit Stop cafe.

Me and Rod (2x red celebs and a silver turbo) Flory had a little early Sunday morning outing. I'm in Ipswich and Rod's in Leiston, so only about a 45 mins.

Some beatiful Amazons, PVs and the like. Peter the organiser still tows a caravan with his Amazon!

First time I've driven the 480 for more than 10 mins, so interested to see how she behaved. She's done nothing for a few years, so was minded to treat her to a spot of running in. Petrol in the tank probably just as old, so brimmed her with V Power. £55 was unexpected but so was the 40mpg. Impressive!

Initial impressions were really good. The handling and engine are excellent. 5th gear picks ups from just over 1000rpm and is really smooth. Having driven diesel for 10 years, the pick up is great fun and took a few modern cars by surprise. Up to 75 she was super smooth. Suspension is very firm after an XC70! A14 ripples find all the trim squeaks!!

Change into 3rd still a bit sticky. Will see how it goes after more use.

Stereo/speaker upgrade superb. Thanks Will.

Some lovely comments from the other Volvo nuts. VESA wheels went down a storm. Guess they didn't have to clean them. Spokey little buggers!!
I've still got a big list of little jobs to do, but no reason not to enjoy her over the summer.

Big thank you to everyone on the forum. Really couldn't have done this without all of your help. ;)

A few pics. of the weekend events: -

Image

Image

Image

PS Rod's celeb in the picture is now up for sale if anyone is interested.
1994 480GT - arrived!!
XC60 and XC70 for the daily grind.
C70 Coupé Convertible for the sunny days. Should sell it but can't!

User avatar
dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1522
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by dcwalker » Tue May 14, 2019 7:27 am

Well done Marc - good pics there!

Glad to hear you feel you have finally joined us fully :D - the car is obviously starting to repay the effort and I hope to get to see it in the not-too-distant future.

As you say, everyone always likes the Vesa wheels but they don't have to try to keep them clean :lol: - I love the look, but hate all that fiddling about with a wheel brush, a toothbrush, and - on occasion - a cotton bud!

The gear change will settle down with time I expect, although (if you haven't already) it might be worth just double-checking the clutch adjustment (see Haynes, which for once is helpful...). Eve was finding that her Turbo was being niggly on Saturday's outing, but it steadily settled down as time and miles went by and we concluded it was just the shock of actually being used properly after so long.

All the best!

David
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!

User avatar
dragonflyjewels
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1582
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:38 am
Location: Norfolk

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by dragonflyjewels » Tue May 14, 2019 7:47 am

I had Lily's Vesas refurbished - expensive, but they stay much cleaner and just need a quick go over with hot soapy water and a soft brush to come up spotless.
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

zapcity
Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
Posts: 251
Joined: Wed Nov 09, 2016 4:01 pm
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by zapcity » Tue May 14, 2019 8:48 am

Thanks all.

A VESA refurbish is on the cards for the winter. Along with a full underseal and a stainless exhaust its going to be expensive!

I've been quoted £300-350 for all 5 (I picked up a spare on eBay just in case), by a company I've used before.

I usually ceramic coat my wheels with Gtechniq C5 wheel armour after refurb. It's a bit of a pain to apply, but it lasts for a couple of years normal use, so on the 480 should last a lifetime.

Scotland meet is probably not possible, but Lincolnshire sounds ideal. Will keep October free!
1994 480GT - arrived!!
XC60 and XC70 for the daily grind.
C70 Coupé Convertible for the sunny days. Should sell it but can't!

Alan 480
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1485
Joined: Sun Aug 28, 2011 9:03 am
Location: Aberdeen

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by Alan 480 » Wed May 15, 2019 11:48 am

First time I've driven the 480 for more than 10 mins, so interested to see how she behaved. She's done nothing for a few years, so was minded to treat her to a spot of running in. Petrol in the tank probably just as old, so brimmed her with V Power. £55 was unexpected but so was the 40mpg. Impressive!

yes aboot there was normal, 45mpg if taking it easy on longer runs!!!
Alan

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

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2457
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by jifflemon » Fri May 17, 2019 5:30 pm

zapcity wrote:
Wed May 08, 2019 6:50 pm
On a tangent, I got my lip spoiler back from repair today. After trying to find a plastic repairer, it was eventually done by the business that backs onto my garage. He's done a great job, and all it needs now is a little bit of prep and paint. Very pleased for £30.

You can clearly see the chunk that was missing. A new piece of ABS has been welded in. He's even recreated the small return lip on the edge. Very pleased to be able to repair as I want to keep the car as honest as possible.
On another tangent, maybe check to see if he can do anything with dashboard surrounds? Fairly certain we’d keep him in work for years to come....

zapcity
Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
Posts: 251
Joined: Wed Nov 09, 2016 4:01 pm
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Re: My 480 life is just beginning!

Post by zapcity » Sat Jun 22, 2019 7:02 pm

At last, I have a front lip spoiler!

Given the state of the original I'm very pleased. The repaired area has a slightly different profile, but you wouldn't notice it unless you knew what you were looking for. Photo shows it at its worst, but in reality not really noticable. Just pleased to be able to keep an another original part on the car.


Sizewell car show tomorrow. Should be 3x 480's in attendance. Probably more than at the BKV!! :lol:

Image

Image
1994 480GT - arrived!!
XC60 and XC70 for the daily grind.
C70 Coupé Convertible for the sunny days. Should sell it but can't!

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