The "Billboard" above is made possible by the new Tierra Billboard Manager plugin for WordPress. Just thought I'd show it off here, as it's been a while since I've posted anything on here lately. The billboard plugin itself is one of the many projects I've been working on lately while my 1800 is undergoing some much-needed body work and painting. Happy Holidays, all!

I honestly have no idea how — or when — I first stumbled across this, but here's a little number (link is dead. Sorry!) many Volvophiles should get a kick out of. The tune is called "Volvo in G," and it's performed by an act named Grandaddy.

I honestly know nothing else about the music (or the band), except it pretty well sums up the feelings of regret anyone might have after selling their favorite piece of Swedish engineering.

It's been more than a year since I released the Classic 1800 screensaver, and at long last, the Macintosh (OS X) version is finally available for download, too. Sorry for the delay; my old iBook gave up the ghost shortly after I posted the first (PC) version, and it's taken me a while to work my way back into the wonderful world of Mac ownership (It's good to be back, though)!

So for everybody who's been asking — and patiently waiting — for the Mac version, enjoy!

The lighted safety glasses are not only dead sexy, but they also help tremendously when working in tight places.

As might be expected, life's progress and related belt-tightening have slowed progress on the revival of the Heater lately, but in the past month or so, I have managed to remove the engine and begin working on some much-needed rust removal. The ramp pit has been a godsend for this, as it's much easier to stand inside the empty engine compartment than to lie underneath the car while grinding out rust on the bumper mounts.

I'll be welding in some new steel to restore the mounts soon, and then it's on to the rusty floorpans and doorsills. I have to admit, though, I'm beginning to doubt that the chariot will actually be ready in time for the wedding. Still, ever onward!

Thanks to a deal with Stamps.com and CafePress, I just ordered my first batch of P1800 postage stamps from the Classic1800.com giftshop, and I have to admit, I'm going to be writing a lot more letters soon! These things are pretty dang cool. I'll be using them for all my Volvo-related mailings now (and probably this year's Christmas cards).

Sure, they're more expensive than the usual first-class stamp ($17.99 for a sheet of 20 stamps), but what an impact! Think of it as a 50-cent gift for the Volvo lover on your mailing list! I was tempted to keep 'em a secret, but if you're interested, they're available here.

Happy corresponding!

The ramp-pit plans I posted last month have been working out well for me — I've gutted the interior of the 1800 and have finally begun working away at the rust on the floorpans. Turns out other people have been searching for such plans, too: The page made Make Magazine's blog of do-it-yourself projects last week, and I've noticed a lot of people on other forums (including Hemmings Auto Blogs) talking about whether it's a godsend or a deathtrap.

I'll let everyone make up their own minds (and improve it whenever they can), but rest assured I've gotten a lot of use out mine so far.

Admittedly, the ramp looks scary, and it's truly not for the feint of heart (I use it daily, but certainly wouldn't condone such reckless behavior in others). On the other hand, standard jack stands are also pretty scary, and most houses are built from less substantial material. Thus, use it at your own risk… or don't… and happy motoring!

Thanks for stopping by!