philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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Apr 21, 2008 14:54:47 GMT
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Hi all, I'm new to the forum and must say its ace! Yesterday I picked up the keys to my first retro car - a Volvo 360 GLE 2.0 bought from Odin on here. Some pics:   First impressions - a decent enough drive with a lot more power than my old astra, although suspension is a bit like a boat in a storm lol. The bodywork is a bit tatty and could do with some attention, as could the electrics (central locking and wipers are a bit 'special'  ) Also, having never driven a RWD drive car before, was a bit interesting to drive this in the wet today! PLANS: It won't be staying standard for long  SUSPENSION: I'd like to lower it a fair although not sure the best way to do it as its got leafsprings on the back, I've heard talk about Blocks but have no idea how they work so any ideas would be appreciated. I'll probably just chop the front springs. (BTW would that be an MOT fail?) WHEELS: Got these Konig 15's lying about in my garage off my Astra so they will be going on provided the Offset is OK. If not I'd like a set of Borbet A's or similar deep-dish rims  ENGINE: WIll probably leave the engine as it is and put a full-system or backbox on....however I have just found this in the shed which I'd forgotten all about...  tempted to put it on although you may think it's a bit chav TRANSMISSION: Maybe a welded Diff though i'm unsure yet. INTERIOR: The leather seats are awesome so I want to keep them although I would like the stripped out/caged up look. Opinions/Advice would be useful as I'm not sure which route to go down yet Cheers, Phil |
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1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less  |
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SteveP
Part of things
300 Maniac
Posts: 757
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Apr 21, 2008 15:08:41 GMT
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Looks like a nice example, that one... I have an 87 360 GLT saloon in the same colour. Spax adjustable dampers and stiffer front springs will help cure your suspension issues! I have a pair of standard height (but stiff) front springs if you're interested? I bought another pair as I've decided to lower it. Lowering blocks are available for the rear between the de-dion axle tube and the leaf spring with longer bolts. Welded diff isn't great if you're driving it daily - and I've seen lots of cases of the welds breaking off and being jammed against the casing and CROWNwheel and blowing a hole in the diff  Not much fun! Unless it's a dedicated drift car (yawn) then I wouldn't bother... Stiffer suspension helps a lot to counter the effect of the unloaded tyre spinning up anyway. Engine wise - the carb on the GLE models is puny, and whilst giving good economy on a run is pretty poor for performance (so is the camshaft!). A bigger carb and an 'A' cam from a GLT would be a good compromise. If you strip it out, I would definitely be interested in the whole interior - mine is leather but the drivers seat in particular isn't great. |
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2003 - Volvo S60 D5 SE (Daily)
1989 - Volvo 360 GLT
1985 - Volvo 360 GLS
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philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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Apr 21, 2008 15:19:24 GMT
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Cheers Steve, Yeah I did think that the Welded diff would be a bit OTT as I will be driving it daily.
As for the suspension I'm looking for a budget job to be honest - and definitly want it looking lower as they are pretty high up as standard. How much is the kit for the back and where would I get it? Cheers
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1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less |
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Apr 21, 2008 15:22:59 GMT
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Very nice! This car was a great bargain. Gotta be honest I am not a fan of the exhaust option you've got there, you really need a fat lass with a face like a welders bench pushing a baby in a pushchair along to 'Bargain Booze' in her slippers to carry off a backbox like that. Otherwise very good, carry on!
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1974 Lancia Beta Saloon
1975 Mazda 929 Coupé
1986 Mazda 929 Wagon
1979 Mazda 929 Hardtop
1982 Fiat Argenta 2.0 iniezione elettronica
1977 Toyota Carina TA14
1989 Subaru 1800 Wagon
1982 Hyundai Pony 1200TL 2-dr
1985 Hyundai Pony 1200 GL
1986 Maserati 425 Biturbo
1992 Rover 214 SEi 5-dr
2000 Rover 45 V6 Club
1994 Peugeot 205 'Junior' Diesel
1988 Volvo 760 Turbodiesel Saloon
1992 Talbot Express Autosleeper Rambler
2003 Renault Laguna SPEARS OR REAPERS
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philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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Apr 21, 2008 15:28:01 GMT
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Yeah it was a bargain. Fair enough, I know the exhaust is a bit ridiculous, just considering it as its lying around!
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1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less |
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SteveP
Part of things
300 Maniac
Posts: 757
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Apr 21, 2008 16:35:19 GMT
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Pop over to volvo300mania.com/forum-uk a guy called classicswede sells blocks and custom springs to any rating you like, and full polybushes etc.
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2003 - Volvo S60 D5 SE (Daily)
1989 - Volvo 360 GLT
1985 - Volvo 360 GLS
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philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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Apr 21, 2008 16:39:02 GMT
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Cheers dude Ill have a look now
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1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less |
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philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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May 13, 2008 17:50:51 GMT
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Bit of an Update: I've fitted the Konig 15's from my old Astra after buying the relevant tuner nuts from Speedshack, and have put the exhaust backbox on. As in my previous post, the exhaust will probably not be to anyones taste but I think it doesn't look half bad and sounds awesome! I gave the old barge a proper clean today so thought I'd post up the pictures      Opinions welcome! EDIT: the rear '360 GLE' badge was nicked when I left the car in a local carpark , its not a lame attempt at debadging lol |
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Last Edit: May 13, 2008 17:52:57 GMT by philh
1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less |
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May 13, 2008 18:02:16 GMT
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i thought itd look pants on those rims but they seem to work well. u need to get the sticky badge residue off the boot, its looks terrible, or fit a new badge haha
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philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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May 13, 2008 19:59:22 GMT
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I know, its a bastid to get off though. Might try and track down a new badge at the scrappy. The rims seem to work really well I think, 100 times better than the standard ones anyway!
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1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less |
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qwerty
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,421
Club RR Member Number: 52
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1989 Volvo 360 GLE qwerty
@qwerty
Club Retro Rides Member 52
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May 13, 2008 20:11:46 GMT
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Helll.......I've gotta say I like it.....But I am a serial Saxo owner......Needs to be lower!
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SteveP
Part of things
300 Maniac
Posts: 757
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Doesn't look bad that! Not sure about the exhaust, but good effort in giving it a clean! ;D
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2003 - Volvo S60 D5 SE (Daily)
1989 - Volvo 360 GLT
1985 - Volvo 360 GLS
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philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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May 14, 2008 13:23:22 GMT
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Qwerty - cheers mate, and don't worry, it will be hit with the stick as soon as I can afford it and find the parts. If you're a Saxo fanboi you may like my mates VTR (in the background of 4th pic down)
Steve - Thanks, the exhaust is very love or hate but its going to stay for now. She's come up nicely with a bit of polish although the paints got a lot of dings, scratches and rust spots when viewed close up.
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1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less |
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May 14, 2008 18:31:39 GMT
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Heck, I say nice one! I'd change the exhaust for something more like a motorcycle can - that'll look and sound much better  Wheels look suprisingly good - will be much better with some slammage though. If you can, get some clear front indicators. A few points - follow steve's advice at the beginning about the engine, he said 'Engine wise - the carb on the GLE models is puny, and whilst giving good economy on a run is pretty poor for performance (so is the camshaft!). A bigger carb and an 'A' cam from a GLT would be a good compromise. ' And if you are going to drift the car, you will NEED a welded diff, or you will NOT hold it sideways in the dry, you will be able to in the wet, but that barely counts. I drive an E30 BMW with a welder daily, and it can get annoying, but its not that bad. (but there is no question about needing a welded diff if you really want to drift it tbh) |
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The journey of 1000 miles starts with a single coffee.
I don't like coffee!
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philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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May 14, 2008 20:18:11 GMT
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Needabeetle:
For now the exhaust will stay due to funds.
Regarding the clear indicators, I was thinking of tinting the headlight yellow Euro style but I'm unsure whether to do it as it could look gash!
Steve's Advice will most definitley come in useful in future if I do keep it, as it sounds a reliable and most importantly cost effective improvement in performance!
With regards to the Diff, again i'm going to leave it for the moment until I've made my mind up on how long i'm keepig the car and what I'll be doing with it ( full on drift wagon, or daily) So far all the parts I've fitted have been free as they've been sat in my garage! The Volvo isn't really worth throwing a load of cash at as the rot has set in fairly badly on the sills and to be honest I can't see it passing the MOT this month so we shall see!
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1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less |
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philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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Got the MOT on Tuesday which I'm hoping it'll pass althought the rear shocks are a bit ropey.
If it does pass the future plans are:
Matt black paint
Drop it as low as I can (I think 3" is the usual with 360s?)
Yellow Headlights
German Style plates
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1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less |
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Gotta be honest, those mods sound pretty dire all round! The car looks well nice as it is, Are you really gonna trade this look: for a half-arsed spray can 'Rat look scene wannabe' effect? |
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1974 Lancia Beta Saloon
1975 Mazda 929 Coupé
1986 Mazda 929 Wagon
1979 Mazda 929 Hardtop
1982 Fiat Argenta 2.0 iniezione elettronica
1977 Toyota Carina TA14
1989 Subaru 1800 Wagon
1982 Hyundai Pony 1200TL 2-dr
1985 Hyundai Pony 1200 GL
1986 Maserati 425 Biturbo
1992 Rover 214 SEi 5-dr
2000 Rover 45 V6 Club
1994 Peugeot 205 'Junior' Diesel
1988 Volvo 760 Turbodiesel Saloon
1992 Talbot Express Autosleeper Rambler
2003 Renault Laguna SPEARS OR REAPERS
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philh
Part of things
Posts: 176
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Even the lowering? It was just an idea because I'm really not a fan of the 'grandad blue;
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1989 Volvo 360GLE 1990 Ford Sierra 1984 Toyota Celica Supra 1992 Vauxhall Carlton 1988 BMW 525i Currently retro-less |
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Neil
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,485
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matt black = kiss of death (in most cases, not all) It looks tidy, i know it aint immaculate, but i reckon it'd be a shame to lose the paint. Lowering would work, but i agree with exgonads; that most of those 'mods' are played out.  |
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qwerty
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,421
Club RR Member Number: 52
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1989 Volvo 360 GLE qwerty
@qwerty
Club Retro Rides Member 52
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Yeah just lower it it doesn't need anything else!! The Black wheels look great with the blue!! I even quite like the exhaust..... think it looks kinda J/Oz Look....... but yeah get it lowered. Did I mention you need to lower it!
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)
Not much fun! Unless it's a dedicated drift car (yawn) then I wouldn't bother... Stiffer suspension helps a lot to counter the effect of the unloaded tyre spinning up anyway.
