My First - 1978 264GL

[Rob]

Hello and it is good to be here.
I just landed a 1978 264GL for $350 US. The body needs work, as the car
sat for 15 years before being somewhat restored by the local Salvation
Army. There is also some damage to the rear and trunk where the
original owner backed it into a garage. It has pretty good tires and
two nice spares. The interior, though, is shot; long exposure to the
Florida sun has taken its toll.
The clincher, though, is the mileage. The car has just over 45000
miles! (45300 app at this time). Its engine sounds exceptionally good,
considering what I've read about this little V6. So, as a first time
owner (and I've wanted a Volvo since the 70's...), I've a few
questions. First, mileage - what are we looking at? Next, what type of
transmission fluid, as I think this is a little low. I'm sure I'll
think of more questions, but that seems like a good start.

Peace,
Rob

 

[Roadie]

Hello and it is good to be here.
I just landed a 1978 264GL for $350 US. The body needs work, as the car
sat for 15 years before being somewhat restored by the local Salvation
Army.

Any idea what they did and when?

There is also some damage to the rear and trunk where the
original owner backed it into a garage. It has pretty good tires and
two nice spares. The interior, though, is shot; long exposure to the
Florida sun has taken its toll.
The clincher, though, is the mileage. The car has just over 45000
miles! (45300 app at this time).

Does the odo work?

Its engine sounds exceptionally good,
considering what I've read about this little V6. So, as a first time
owner (and I've wanted a Volvo since the 70's...), I've a few
questions. First, mileage - what are we looking at?

In good tune probably low 20's. But have all of the belts and hoses
been changed recently? If not do it pretty soon. Next check out the
braking system very carefully. Again hoses and selas if they have set
for 15 years are very suspect. Next, I'e heard the timing chain can be
problematic on this engine, so do check it out for wear. It will be an
interesting restoration project that once finished should be a very
interesting car. Congratulations on getting a running Volvo for $350.

 

[James Sweet]

Hello and it is good to be here.
I just landed a 1978 264GL for $350 US. The body needs work, as the car
sat for 15 years before being somewhat restored by the local Salvation
Army. There is also some damage to the rear and trunk where the
original owner backed it into a garage. It has pretty good tires and
two nice spares. The interior, though, is shot; long exposure to the
Florida sun has taken its toll.
The clincher, though, is the mileage. The car has just over 45000
miles! (45300 app at this time). Its engine sounds exceptionally good,
considering what I've read about this little V6. So, as a first time
owner (and I've wanted a Volvo since the 70's...), I've a few
questions. First, mileage - what are we looking at? Next, what type of
transmission fluid, as I think this is a little low. I'm sure I'll
think of more questions, but that seems like a good start.

Peace,
Rob

The fact that the engine sounds good puts you 90% of the way there, as
you read, that's the usual source of problems. The cosmetic stuff
shouldn't be too hard, many parts up into the early 90s will be compatible.

You're probably looking at around 18 mpg, the V6 was known to be rather
thirsty. I don't recall on the transmission fluid but if you can find a
user manual that will have all that information.

 

[Rob]

Thanks all... now I have another dilemma...
I was cleaning the car up and noticed that the hood sat funny... the
second set of hinges, the furthest back on the hood, are rusty. Well, I
went to raise the hood (done it dozens of times so far) and the hinge
snapped... broke clean in half. Apparently seized. So... guess another
kink. The hood sits funny now, but I'll figure something out.
Grumble,,, and the car runs fantastic.

 

[Rob]

Yup. Now over 45300 miles...

been changed recently? If not do it pretty soon.

That's the plan...

Next check out the braking system very carefully. Again hoses and selas if they have set
for 15 years are very suspect. Next, I'e heard the timing chain can be
problematic on this engine, so do check it out for wear. It will be an
interesting restoration project that once finished should be a very
interesting car. Congratulations on getting a running Volvo for $350.

Just developed another problem... hood hinge failure (UGH!)

 

[James Sweet]

Thanks all... now I have another dilemma...
I was cleaning the car up and noticed that the hood sat funny... the
second set of hinges, the furthest back on the hood, are rusty. Well, I
went to raise the hood (done it dozens of times so far) and the hinge
snapped... broke clean in half. Apparently seized. So... guess another
kink. The hood sits funny now, but I'll figure something out.
Grumble,,, and the car runs fantastic.

Go to a junkyard for hood hinges, a set from any 240 will work.

 

[Roadie]

Yup. Now over 45300 miles...


That's the plan...

Just developed another problem... hood hinge failure (UGH!)

Welcome to the world of used cars...just kidding of course. Keep us
informed about how the project is progressing.