Sorry not Land Rover related (again) but I thought I'd show a naked body to see what the Land Rover lot think of it. The bare metal look is fairly popular in the Land Rover world - could work in the Volvo world too?

1961 Volvo pv544 body naked1.JPG


1961 Volvo pv544 body naked2.JPG


I'm pretty sure the Volvo world would want to give me good sharp kicking for even considering a bare metal finish (I'd coat in clear varnish made for the job) but they haven't spent the last few months removing up to 2cm thick layers of body filler!
 
I wish I had your patience and tenacity, the only thing I've done to my landy in the last few months is adjusted the mixture screw, and I'm not too happy about that. Mine seems to have a lock nut/ring rather than a spring and it doesn't stay in one place for long.

Col
 
I wish I had your patience and tenacity, the only thing I've done to my landy in the last few months is adjusted the mixture screw, and I'm not too happy about that. Mine seems to have a lock nut/ring rather than a spring and it doesn't stay in one place for long.

Col

(Assuming the washer has been replaced) Have you considered using the lower strength loctite on the screw? I know it isn't meant to be done that way but if it is always coming loose I guess the threads are a bit worn and perhaps need some help. A safer alternative could be to use some "Plumbers' tape for everyone" (PTFE) to help add in a bit of extra friction (one and a half turns is probably all that's needed).

It sounds like you don't want to spend any more of your vehicular bonding time with that sodding screw! Negative experiences need to be solved ASAP to help you feel positively about the next thing that needs to be fixed...

(DIY mechanics is a psychological battle - you've gorra keep up the momentum otherwise you might end up being busy with tangents!)


EDIT:-

I'm not 100% certain about the position of this screw but if it gets in contact with fuel PTFE tape is a waste of time - it won't last more than 5 minutes (forgot to mention that)
 
Last edited:
Bit of a sad day today in some ways.

I've been itching to crack on with the Land Rover project for ages but that daft Volvo project I started has eaten up the time. To compound the Land Rover progress problems I've decided I need to get my Mercedes W123 back together ASAP cos I need to sort out the storage problem I have...

...anybody who has ever taken a car to bits will be aware of the silly amount of space needed for all the parts. I now have three cars in pieces. It is probably an illness (!)

So Volvo will be first because it is the furthest along - next the W123 because it "only" needs a little bit of welding and then it can go back together - last Land Rover because that is a heap of rust and trouble.

Well that's the plan - however - as I need to keep the interest in Land Rovers going so this doesn't become yet another unfinished project I have a few "keeping me interested" ideas on the boil. They will be Land Rover related and will hopefully be a bit of fun (well fun for me at least - whether the good folks of LandyZone will think so too remains to be seen)

In the mean time I've freed up my engine stand - that's a serious sign of resignation (!) - and made up a little trolley to stick the mostly rebuilt engine on =>

1965 series 2a station wagon trolley for long term engine storage1.JPG


^^^Just a quick and dirty job - nowt special^^^

1965 series 2a station wagon trolley for long term engine storage2.JPG



1965 series 2a station wagon trolley for long term engine storage3.JPG


I couldn't even be bothered to custom make bumps to cradle the engine nicely (I'm afraid to report): This time just two odd shaped blocks of wood and a cheapo ratchet strap that I won't miss for a few months (hopefully not years!)

Note the load leveler on the end of the engine crane in the second picture. If any of you haven't got one - I say they are well worth the money - makes arsing about with unequal length ratchet straps a thing of the past (even if it does look a bit dodgy) - also helps hoik engine out of cars that don't dismantle like a Land Rover (or if you really don't fancy removing the front wings or the front)

As always to be continued.

"Keep me interested in Land Rovers" project #1 is already under way - more soon(ish)
 
Good to hear from you. The engine looks great in that duck egg colour. I love it.
It's amazing how a project changes over a long period. I'm doing things very differently now to my original plan. (That's partly because when I made my original plan I didn't really know what I was doing.:))
It will all come together in the fullness of time.
Take care matey.
 
Thanks for the kind words chaps.

I'm pretty irritated with myself for allowing myself to get distracted to such an extent whole other projects have taken priority. I had a visitor to the workshop today and his response to the dilemma was "sod the Mercedes" get the Landy done!

May be I need to learn to multi-task - it could be a disaster - but may be little Land Rover "interesting bits" could be done on the side - I do want to get to grips with welding Birmabright for example - I did buy that expensive welding kit from the US of A - seems a pity to leave it for so long in the box...

...plans might be changing again - just like Steve says - you can never tell what's gonna happen (or not happen) next!
 
For those of you who appreciate workshop goodies - will help with the welding =>

Just bought two workshop screens that I assume were always intended to shield parts of the workshop from flying sparks

Welding screens1.JPG


They look to me like they were made in the first half of the twentieth century - good solid construction - gucci castors that just needed a bit of oil (one does need some help as well) - Drew Pritchard would probably be jealous - I paid 90 euros for the pair. On either end of the screen there's a slide out bit =>

Welding screens2.JPG


I think the idea is to have a welding blanket / tarpaulin with a sturdy eyelet so it hangs in front of the screen.

I just need to get me self a couple of welding blankets and then I won't have to freak out about sparks flying everywhere hurting parts I've more or less finished (yes even in my workshop sometimes things get finished!)
 
For those of you who appreciate workshop goodies - will help with the welding =>

Just bought two workshop screens that I assume were always intended to shield parts of the workshop from flying sparks

View attachment 163097

They look to me like they were made in the first half of the twentieth century - good solid construction - gucci castors that just needed a bit of oil (one does need some help as well) - Drew Pritchard would probably be jealous - I paid 90 euros for the pair. On either end of the screen there's a slide out bit =>

View attachment 163098

I think the idea is to have a welding blanket / tarpaulin with a sturdy eyelet so it hangs in front of the screen.

I just need to get me self a couple of welding blankets and then I won't have to freak out about sparks flying everywhere hurting parts I've more or less finished (yes even in my workshop sometimes things get finished!)
Nice. I've been after something like that for a while. I do my welding in the back garden but the next door neighbour has bought her daughter a trampoline and her head keeps bobbing up above my 6ft fence. I don't want to give her arc eye.

Col
 
Nice. I've been after something like that for a while. I do my welding in the back garden but the next door neighbour has bought her daughter a trampoline and her head keeps bobbing up above my 6ft fence. I don't want to give her arc eye.

Col
Col - you're a welding god - you melt metal with the power of the sun - little wonder everyone wants to see you do your tricks!

Occasionally I do voluntary work at a sort of petting zoo when ever they need a bit of welding done: I've had people (even the director) standing behind me looking over my shoulder to see what I'm doing. Point is you can't save everyone from their stupidity...

...sometimes I wish I had my oxy set with me when welding for them so I could then do the sudden "what?" and turn round trick to remove their facial hair - that'll learn 'em. Honestly it is like working amongst people with some form of mental handicap - oh wait - yeah - that'll be it...
 
Col - you're a welding god - you melt metal with the power of the sun - little wonder everyone wants to see you do your tricks!

Occasionally I do voluntary work at a sort of petting zoo when ever they need a bit of welding done: I've had people (even the director) standing behind me looking over my shoulder to see what I'm doing. Point is you can't save everyone from their stupidity...

...sometimes I wish I had my oxy set with me when welding for them so I could then do the sudden "what?" and turn round trick to remove their facial hair - that'll learn 'em. Honestly it is like working amongst people with some form of mental handicap - oh wait - yeah - that'll be it...
When I was an apprentice mechanic donkeys years ago, a fitter was cutting a u bolt holding a leaf spring with an oxy torch. He turned round and his apprentice was standing right behind him. He needs a skin graft to his cheek and chin. Nasty.

Col
 
I'm so glad that it's not just me. V12 project on hold.

And I have a matching one...

LDdNkP1hZwoO36CUBQm5ZcecLZPARuGrq_dbjHpzUDY2IbItuPhcRMBdAbVrB6HdLcCR_k9g8aohsPqAKtu__-bmAGc89nMLKqJIs-7Utl7Dl2HOt0vor-TCAHJiY5hNWxRoS93jNzXND1iTrrslgMammlOKToQLiNPEA2Qya4Uq2J0ku8W9vhnl0YrMEz089yqerPUJqW_y7NPSQmCMj7cxWmcSlICSha7UhM1UQYoEvJLIniIhP0MGUY7HZFmfHy4MKzQZlYTXzTlcBFAeFnRXJ-B-jg7lsMP7ADU_NcaAcghIDyHnGPVkKZT_thBm7Q37o3LL79OB_ldHy0Wh46VJ0cpBIScZmwctZPWBRKS0UUbZJ_kv7bpITb0T5uQ4l9hjME4Cut47uKdwpc0plyURMr9TzLGVA0nqUzx7x_OgvFjyu-2EVvoQo-fBEOBSIaMaG_4TZAffB7-EdyYk24PpXd_zXS97f87cT26UqYROg3jfnekDinOx8KOaNvRKLExpDmfGP34lgBozrkFfv67qAnj1nFfn9jhc-RjeZmW4fE5JTyUCwRBgTowIMo0yuJ7A91Bk5Z-vXYwanGvsZgCOb2E7vUrJ4eM5q0U2t54o3v3vaR6PiF1EOxKHvn-gUy876ItByYFPa-wBacldEN5s=w1011-h758-no


That belongs to this.

UEKDqhWEJ1ZapmBgecbxYAqbyI-IxSBNlZ01vpmL5fFOSCD__uwgoA-wDvSaGgMNolz84LXJ29rF2LzDIvfack2YrKU4b7qMqeRWHTf8EHk_FF7uUULQvDoI7G7Ez892I8gBghh-s5phv9DlLYSj_mlR98myV3iDh9ozvUz_WWetUuf6fmxRuaKUs62wL1KKkCvw4xQfJqHK7-3EI_nCHbwdEzQZQljgIiD05YV8sG119DtteaUH-Wh5DzrJhn5k9Z-Kn1bK-65YHBr0E0AFfm1gih2RwL2Enis5xsvGZbP602PJkFFJk17v37aQUaBDrYE8DPYUP-j-zOowABoNXHoC3RHeoJe8vy5k79kaX7Ix4_z1EgR97AWjfxzZC1dEr1seCK7ygtIo8CNRat3VdpfQoC0qSnHscIVOemwvuLYw808_Pe8IZQ09eod8HBrMUOE7goShpKZsl8JOClmq212deTU3ChriuFpa7sDdzEZUk5VogvvofyN4bmFTcT6TmBCuVsslSwzVIjLwbzH2xPYTpArD6YNEfvPU64IPQdTEyxjoG4vsLz3I6xrCj83VYGgEyhCAOgd4ue20V-hE1Mtph7a06alE4aej3pd0FPK5SNUvsdFmqkzZYOMx0KZVeoxadfScrKOqSuPWXZoQKtSD=w1011-h758-no


New chassis on the way. Saving grace is the decision to leave the rest as is, other than a footwell repair there won't be any repainting because the rest is too original. Aaannnddd it save a load of work.
 
When I was an apprentice mechanic donkeys years ago, a fitter was cutting a u bolt holding a leaf spring with an oxy torch. He turned round and his apprentice was standing right behind him. He needs a skin graft to his cheek and chin. Nasty.

Col

Yep sometimes we just have to hope Saint Eligius (patron saint of metal workers) is smiling down on us.

I'm so glad that it's not just me. V12 project on hold.

And I have a matching one...

LDdNkP1hZwoO36CUBQm5ZcecLZPARuGrq_dbjHpzUDY2IbItuPhcRMBdAbVrB6HdLcCR_k9g8aohsPqAKtu__-bmAGc89nMLKqJIs-7Utl7Dl2HOt0vor-TCAHJiY5hNWxRoS93jNzXND1iTrrslgMammlOKToQLiNPEA2Qya4Uq2J0ku8W9vhnl0YrMEz089yqerPUJqW_y7NPSQmCMj7cxWmcSlICSha7UhM1UQYoEvJLIniIhP0MGUY7HZFmfHy4MKzQZlYTXzTlcBFAeFnRXJ-B-jg7lsMP7ADU_NcaAcghIDyHnGPVkKZT_thBm7Q37o3LL79OB_ldHy0Wh46VJ0cpBIScZmwctZPWBRKS0UUbZJ_kv7bpITb0T5uQ4l9hjME4Cut47uKdwpc0plyURMr9TzLGVA0nqUzx7x_OgvFjyu-2EVvoQo-fBEOBSIaMaG_4TZAffB7-EdyYk24PpXd_zXS97f87cT26UqYROg3jfnekDinOx8KOaNvRKLExpDmfGP34lgBozrkFfv67qAnj1nFfn9jhc-RjeZmW4fE5JTyUCwRBgTowIMo0yuJ7A91Bk5Z-vXYwanGvsZgCOb2E7vUrJ4eM5q0U2t54o3v3vaR6PiF1EOxKHvn-gUy876ItByYFPa-wBacldEN5s=w1011-h758-no


That belongs to this.

UEKDqhWEJ1ZapmBgecbxYAqbyI-IxSBNlZ01vpmL5fFOSCD__uwgoA-wDvSaGgMNolz84LXJ29rF2LzDIvfack2YrKU4b7qMqeRWHTf8EHk_FF7uUULQvDoI7G7Ez892I8gBghh-s5phv9DlLYSj_mlR98myV3iDh9ozvUz_WWetUuf6fmxRuaKUs62wL1KKkCvw4xQfJqHK7-3EI_nCHbwdEzQZQljgIiD05YV8sG119DtteaUH-Wh5DzrJhn5k9Z-Kn1bK-65YHBr0E0AFfm1gih2RwL2Enis5xsvGZbP602PJkFFJk17v37aQUaBDrYE8DPYUP-j-zOowABoNXHoC3RHeoJe8vy5k79kaX7Ix4_z1EgR97AWjfxzZC1dEr1seCK7ygtIo8CNRat3VdpfQoC0qSnHscIVOemwvuLYw808_Pe8IZQ09eod8HBrMUOE7goShpKZsl8JOClmq212deTU3ChriuFpa7sDdzEZUk5VogvvofyN4bmFTcT6TmBCuVsslSwzVIjLwbzH2xPYTpArD6YNEfvPU64IPQdTEyxjoG4vsLz3I6xrCj83VYGgEyhCAOgd4ue20V-hE1Mtph7a06alE4aej3pd0FPK5SNUvsdFmqkzZYOMx0KZVeoxadfScrKOqSuPWXZoQKtSD=w1011-h758-no


New chassis on the way. Saving grace is the decision to leave the rest as is, other than a footwell repair there won't be any repainting because the rest is too original. Aaannnddd it save a load of work.
That looks very nice

I'll be interested to hear what you think of your chassis when it turns up - who have you got it from? Richards?

Are you going for a worn out old faithful look to the finished project? (I considered that myself but felt it was too far gone)
 
Thanks! I'll let you know about the chassis, but this'll be my third from them, so pretty confident that it'll be a pretty good thing...

And less of the worn out if you please - it's like me, incredibly young looking for its age. Oh and a knackered but re-conned heart and the dodgy chassis not given up on.
 
Please do tell more.


'Twas a 110 which I was given (and got me into this serial LR owning thing) that subsequently lunched it's transfer box and then failed an MoT on all the usuals. Decision was made to more or less build from scratch a new car that would scrape through keeping the old identity for sentimental reasons. It's a 'because I can' project that won't please any purist rivet counters at all, the off-roaders won't see the point and when someone sees it on the road it'll probably end up on web forums with a 'what the f~ck was he thinking' caption.

So, yes, Jag V12 with a few extras in the drive train, a bit longer than a 110 and body panels from scratch. Richards humoured me and made a chassis with a lot of the bits supplied loose or not at all, and ungalved so that the welding is easier.

Currently waiting on the bell housing which I've drawn up and getting 3d printed in wax for later casting. Jag to R380. Once that's back I can decide where the bulkhead outriggers go and work will restart. Just need the Lightweight out and back on the road to lug bits around. I did start a thread but I'm keeping the detail quiet until it's all a lot further on.
 
'Twas a 110 which I was given (and got me into this serial LR owning thing) that subsequently lunched it's transfer box and then failed an MoT on all the usuals. Decision was made to more or less build from scratch a new car that would scrape through keeping the old identity for sentimental reasons. It's a 'because I can' project that won't please any purist rivet counters at all, the off-roaders won't see the point and when someone sees it on the road it'll probably end up on web forums with a 'what the f~ck was he thinking' caption.

So, yes, Jag V12 with a few extras in the drive train, a bit longer than a 110 and body panels from scratch. Richards humoured me and made a chassis with a lot of the bits supplied loose or not at all, and ungalved so that the welding is easier.

Currently waiting on the bell housing which I've drawn up and getting 3d printed in wax for later casting. Jag to R380. Once that's back I can decide where the bulkhead outriggers go and work will restart. Just need the Lightweight out and back on the road to lug bits around. I did start a thread but I'm keeping the detail quiet until it's all a lot further on.

Now this is my kind of Land Rover modifying :) :cool:

I was just browsing BMW 750i and VW Touared V10 vehicles that might serve as donors to an engine upgrade in the future, I was absolutely in love with the BMW M57 3ltr diesel engine and almost bought an accident damaged one for pennies for the engine and box, I'm in two minds and obs fitting it in a Disco with a proper body shell brings it's own issues :confused:

I look forward to seeing your work when it resumes and you show us your handy work, the CAD and 3D printing models for casting are something that I have been thinking about for a few years now but time/money/circumstances have never been in my favour, maybe it has become cheaper and more widely used to a point where there is greater competition and improved service and speed with doing this type of work.

Keep us posted.

@Stretch loving those work shields, really enjoyed this thread, good workman, keep it up :)
 
Sorry not Land Rover related (again) but I thought I'd show a naked body to see what the Land Rover lot think of it. The bare metal look is fairly popular in the Land Rover world - could work in the Volvo world too?

View attachment 154752

I'm pretty sure the Volvo world would want to give me good sharp kicking for even considering a bare metal finish (I'd coat in clear varnish made for the job) but they haven't spent the last few months removing up to 2cm thick layers of body filler!

Just to resurrect one of your slightly older posts (as I'm just catching up with he latest on the thread) - I think this'd be awesome, the finish on the Volvo (or lack thereof) looks perfect! What varnish are you thinking of? Might shamelessly attempt to copy you on Big Red (then just have to think of a new name for him....) when I get to that stage.
 
Just to resurrect one of your slightly older posts (as I'm just catching up with he latest on the thread) - I think this'd be awesome, the finish on the Volvo (or lack thereof) looks perfect! What varnish are you thinking of? Might shamelessly attempt to copy you on Big Red (then just have to think of a new name for him....) when I get to that stage.
The Volvo has been painted - it came out really well (though I say so myself!)

I used a clear coat from https://www.stardustcolors.co.uk/ called CellCover

This is one of the rare clear coats you can find here in Europe that can be painted directly onto steel - there are many more options for Aluminium such as Mipa CA =>

https://www.mipa-paints.com/fileadmin/product/gb/pi/lm/2K-KlarlackCA.pdf

Cell cover dries shiny =>

1961 Volvo pv544 celcover test1.JPG


1961 Volvo pv544 celcover on sides3.JPG


I don't like shiny - so planned to have the upper most coat in matt.

The problem with matt finishes is that they are very soft compared with shiny ones so need protection underneath to combat the eventual stone chips. Before I started with the matt top coats anti-scratch protection was (after two coats of CellCover) two coats of Car System 2K anti-scratch.

I then did two coats of Car System 2K matt

The CellCover is nasty old fashioned poisonous stuff - so beware! The Car System stuff I used is kinder VOC compliant stuff (but you still need to be careful)

The CellCover was in effect used like a primer.

1961 Volvo pv544 body in matt clear coat1.JPG


1961 Volvo pv544 body in matt clear coat2.JPG


Between each coat I hand sanded the layers of paint with 600 grit (although 800 would also have been OK) - I kept it dry - no wet sanding because I had no way of making sure the surface was properly dry. (I do now - a UV light is quite useful especially if the temperature dips below 18 degrees C)

Happy to answer more specific questions if needed
 

Similar threads