After searching more than two years for a practical way to lift my 1800E, I finally found inspiration in a 31-year-old issue of Popular Mechanics magazine. The “ramp pit” shown above acts as both ramp and teeter-totter, allowing access to both ends of the car. I just finished the project this weekend, and the preliminary [...]

A couple of notes for those considering replacing their side mirrors on the Volvo 1800: It takes at least an hour to do it right, and you’ll need some pretty small hands.
About three months after I brought my 1800 home, I discovered my rear-view mirror — broken at its base — lying on the hood [...]

When I first brought my Volvo 1800E home last year, I had every intention of logging every step of its restoration in a small yellow notebook I carried with me whenever I drove the car. Of course, the reality of everyday driving eventually put an end to this noble experiment, but I recently uncovered [...]

Until a water pump burst in July 2004, there were no more entries in the log (and then, little more than a sketch of which hoses went where once the radiator was removed). I began logging progress again this year, however, and I hope you’ll find this site useful as I learn what the hell [...]

Rented garage space to keep 1800 off-site. Should allow me to do real work, taking apart car for more than six hours at a time.

Oil change (10W-30)
New spark plugs
Quicksteel welding compound (putty) seems to have given up on the bumper mounts. Rattle is back, and right front wheel valance is as bad as ever.
Gas gauge also seems to be broken again, although fuel sender gasket is no longer leaking.
Added cheap antenna to get radio reception.

Todo: Horn sticking?