The photos of my 1800S in the sand by the beach were taken 10/14/2016.The photos of my 1800S of underneath on the lift were taken third week of July, 2016.
Thanks for looking at my 1968 1800S.A little history for you!Yes, I made several changes with my taste in mine and my representation of this iconic car. I first saw the P1800 on the T.V. show the Saint with Roger Moore as a kid and thought it was a really cool car. I was hooked. I've owned the 1800S for 4 years and have been restoring either adding something or changing something. This 1800 has had 2 owners before me. This 1800 has spent it's life in Florida. First in the Tampa area, then Jacksonville, and, now Flagler Beach. Mr. Fisher (second owner) and his wife traveled in this 1800 all over Florida and beyond putting the majority of miles on her. I found several maps from the 80's with markings of specific routes and destinations. They loved the 1800, but, unfortunately due to health issues, the 1800 got put on the back burner and didn't get the attention needed. The Fisher's had to reluctantly park the 1800 in their garage. After checking with family members and friends to find their beloved 1800 a home unsuccessfully, they put it up for sale and I was able to acquire the 1800.I purchased the 1800 from Mr. Fisher in 2012 whom owned it since Oct. 1977.(He had the original title from 1977...wow).Mr. Fisher passed earlier this year. I was happy the car was finished and he was able to see the 1800. They were very pleased with what I had done. The Fisher's had this car over 30 years and made great memories taking adventures in this car. I've taken one of their outlined trips to De leon Springs State Park and enjoyed the day with my wife.
The 1800 was in need of a rescue. It was running when parked in 2010. After a battery, fuel change, carb clean, plugs, wires, and, a hundred other things... she did start and after sorting out a few issues, she was running like a sowing machine. I couldn't drive due to need of brakes and other items. A compression test found the engine in good shape, so, I decided to flush the engine, adjust valves and prepare it to store while she was brought back to a shinny new penny.
Why change from original?? Because It's my baby & I had a vision of blending designs!Because I had ideas of it a bit different...Personal taste and some blending. Are you wondering about the color choice? I'm a huge fan of Guinness beer and really like black.(not much of a black and red interiorfan. Yes, I know it wasn't an official color combo. The original color was green and tan. I did use Volvo black paint code 19. I did change the lower dash cover to tan. Not only did this create some distinction, I think it looks great with the trim of the door panels and flows nicely. I found the rims in California from a guy that had them in his shed for years off a 67 mustang. they came to me as you see them. I'm riding on 205 60R15's on the front and 215 60R15's on the rear over Carroll Shelby Wheels! I like the stance, and, find the ride and handling much better than the original. The shocks help too. It's not as sloppy in my opinion.
Cosmetic changes?? Absolutely!I really like the earlier models bumpers and interior dash gauges and front seats. I liked the fold down rear seat with luggage straps on the 68. I changed the steering wheel with a wooden one you see(found in Canada) I blended the designs I liked with early models and here you go. Why did they get rid of the cool Volvo badge on the side??? (I prefer seeing the shape without the chrome spears). I removed the front antenna, front triangle badge, and, of course the grille insert(looks like it has braces...yikes...lol. I went with a nice mesh in black instead. I really love the lines of this car and didn't want to distract from it's beauty with side moldings...and in my opinion other items...yukI spent over two years on this project and I'm pleased with the results as are many others who have seen it. Most don't know what it is and they are amazed when I say it's a Volvo...lol
What was needed to be fixed or replaced to be a nice looking and dependable driver was done.I had a restoration shop that specializes in British/European cars do the work. The owner of the shop had two 1800ES that he owned. The parts used came from Swedish Treasurers, iPD, and from the 1800 guru himself Don Thibault. I have thousands of dollars in receipts from these places.
The list is long...too long to list all, but, I'll give you some of what was done and if you want more info please call me. My name is Raleigh and you can reach me at 3864510395 eastern.
The 1800 was totally dismantled.The body was stripped down and the few rust spots were removed and new metal was welded in.The battery box was filled with fiberglass at one point, we replaced with metal. A few other spots were fixed. All floorboards and trunk were good. The trunk deck had a luggage rack attached and rusted, so, that was replaced. The body was rustproofed before painting. some of the original undercoating is still in tact. Underneath is very clean and no rust.
Engine and top-end was found to be sound.
The engine, transmission and other items were removed DE-greased and painted. gaskets and seals were changed as needed.
The valves were adjusted, hoses and belts replaced (most with new hardware also).
The front suspension rebuilt, (installed heavy duty shocks front and rear) causing the car to sit just a bit higher which works out great with the wider tires and overall ride I wanted. Other items were sandblasted and painted...see pictures.
The rear-end was rebuilt, re-sealed, sandblasted and painted,
Brakes were rebuilt, and new hoses etc...Carbs had new gasket set installed.
A ceramic header replaced factory cast iron manifold.
The original bumpers were toast, so, I decided to go with the earlier ones because I liked them better. I do have 3 other original rims with beauty rings and hubcaps. they have not been powder coated like the spare.
I had the side molding removed and holes filled along with the front badge and antenna hole welded filled also(that was a bad design in my opinion to have the antenna on an angle sticking out like that...lol). I had the old guts of the radio replaced with updated electronics with USB and Bluetooth. Just plug in your iPhone or use another device to play music. There is a speaker box in the back and it is removable.
The Dash, carpet, seats, door panels, and, headliner was reupholstered. The trunk panels were carpeted including the trunk mat and deck lid.
All weather stripping, rubber molding window & door seals, hood and trunk seals replaced.
There are several new items installed recently such as a starter, Bosch ignition coil and a Pertronix "Ignitor" Breakerless Ignition system. I kept the original armored cable coil and points condenser and all that as backup.
What works?? Just about everything!All lights, even dimmer for gauge lights, interior lights, electronics, gauges, except the clock only works twice a day...lol.The vents, window cranks, door handles inside & out.Latches and locks. I have all keys for ignition, doors, trunk & gas lid.Motor, transmission, (clutch...new during restoration) New Header & Exhaust.Electronic overdrive works great, no issues.Air conditioning...new hoses and such. must add Freon seasonally (Frigiking aftermarket unit installed by Mr. Fisher). I planned on updating to newer unit first of this year.I installed an electric fan to run when the A/C is running to assist with cooling.Heater and all controls work as they should.All Seat functions work as they should.Seat belts work as they should.Brakes work and E-brake.
***This is a running, driving 1800S*** I just took her on a 200 mile trip a couple weeks ago before hurricane Matthew.
Imperfections?? Sure it's nearly 50 years old!Some chrome moldings and light housings have light dents and/or pitting, scratches...see picturesThe paint has some small imperfections with a close inspection. Paint shows fantastic from normal distance...2-3ft. I was going to clay-bar the car, bumpers, included in the next couple months, or, do it sooner and take the car to the turkey rod run in Daytona if it doesn't sell here.There are some rips in the kick panels...see picturesThe dash gauges housings have light pitting...see pictures.The 1800 likes to leave a mark like a Harley...yes, she does have little drips here and there.The passenger side window has light scratches, but, use as-is, I do have a replacement window,The odometer plastic is cracked. It is a replacement odom. The miles are very close to a 100k based on info from Mr. Fisher's estimates, but, true miles are unknown. I have put around 4,000 miles on her.Some things that happen are the nature of a 50 year old car. when something goes out, I just fix or replace. That's the way it is. I live with the drips, just wipe up and check for loose bolts, and make adjustments. I check all fluids before and after trips, That's the way it was when I first started driving and it was part of the experience with your car then. You keep it in good shape, it keeps you going...lol. You take extra "stuff" with you and a tool bag, just in case...Ole school...I love it!
My "stuff" includes points, plugs, spark plug wires, electrical wire (16 gauge), light tester, duck tape, fuses, bulbs, zip ties, hoses, hose temperature tape, flash light & fresh batteries. Always tools.On any long trip outside of the city, I'll take water, oil, brake fluid, trans fluid, thermostat, fan belts, etc...
It is possible I might have missed some little things, here and there, it's not perfect, just been perfect for me! I hope it gets a good home. I have really enjoyed it, but circumstances will not allow me to keep her with great disappointment.
All - N - All...this is a great little car to be nearly 50 years old & 50 year old technology too...lol.
This 1800S is a good driver that will it's own at shows too. It draws a crowd at every event!
For all serious bidders, please call me if you would like to make an offer. I do have it advertised locally and reserve the right to end the auction early. Good luck & have a blessed day!
What comes with the car if I'm the winning bidder??Clear title. Receipts.2 Mann oil filters and magneticplug & copper washers, (NIB)Wahler thermostat. (NIB)Original gear shifter.Original coil withpoints & condenser.Window glass for passenger door.2 wheel lock keys. 1 shown in trunk on back panel.All you see with the car except whats in the blue container in the trunk, picnic basket, blanket, iphone, and ipod.
ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES YOU GET WITH DRIVING! THE GREATEST OF ALL!
Thank you,RaleighPS. remember to call me if you desire to make an offer. 3864510395 eastern time :)
On Oct-16-16 at 08:21:23 PDT, seller added the following information:
IF YOU CLICK ON ONE OF THE PHOTO IN THE DESCRIPTION DETAILS AND/OR THIS ONE, YOU WILL BE LINKED TO MY PHOTOBUCKET AND CAN SEE 140+ PHOTOS OF THE RESTORATION AND OTHER PHOTOS OF THE CAR...ENJOY!
On Oct-16-16 at 13:17:37 PDT, seller added the following information:I FOUND A PHOTO OF THE TITLE WHEN I GOT IT FROM MR. FISHER.
Me and the newest member of Gator Nation, my grandson Ryder