I bought a Volvo with no boot (to speak of)
Discussion
Yes, I have bought the convertible for those who can't quite manage a full on mid-life crisis!
At least I bought it in a vaguely risky manner.
A blind eBay purchase one evening after a glass or 2 of wine in November.
I had been thinking about a convertible for a while as a weekend/summer car, but having a 6yr old who will be present on occasion also meant that I needed proper rear seats and so the choices were somewhat lessened.
An Audi A4 or BMW 3 series convertible was her suggestion but suffice to say I am not a huge fan of most of the offerings from these guys (A8/7 series excepted).
No, I wanted something "different".
why did Citroen not make a convertible, well not counting the odd DS convertible which are now just a little pricey or the modern stuff which is an insult to the legacy of brilliant/bonkers French design!
I have an unhealthy passion for older Citroens (owned 2x AX's, many Bx's, a CX25, 2x XM's and a C5 in the past).
So instead I went to the other end of the lunacy scale, and I came up with a Volvo C70.
The phase 1 models are (allegedly) tough old barges with proven engines and transmissions (in manual form anyway) along with the 850 chassis underpinnings.
They are also very good value for money!
So what did a sum just over shed money buy me?
In this case, a 2005 registered 2.4T (that's the low pressure turbo with c200bhp) in GT spec.
It had the appropriate catchphrases to justify a blind eBay purchase...
- Stunning car!
- Receipts for thousands of pounds spent!
- No expense spared on maintenance!
- Everything works as it should!
So, I collected it, drove it back home (without any drama or opportunity to really try it out) and promptply left it in the garage until now!
I now finally have the chance to get it out of the garage, give it a good service, and see how much work there is ahead.
Initial thoughts:
I looked at the paperwork that came with the car, and there was plenty of it.
The same person owned it from 2009 to 2014 and clearly did look after the car judging by the receipts.
Alas the receipts since 2014, total 1 for a service on the roof, which is 2 less than the number of owners in this period!
Right then, a full service is required for starters, and then hope I don't find out any nasty surprises...
Plugs and air filter were straightforward enough.
Right, lets start her up and get that oil warmed.
Click...
Click...
B*gger, that will be a dead battery then - well that or a seized engine (eternal optimist here)....
I recall it did seem a little slow to turn over when I collected it.
So, one trip to Eurocarparts later and I have a new battery!
When I take the old one off I do wonder to myself. This can't be the original battery...can it?
Right, let's try again...
Vroom, quickly followed by noises that should not be there.
Top end tappetty noise? Never had that with one of these before.
And what the bl**dy h*ll is that screeching from the aux belt??
After much listening to the PAS pump, alternator and air con compressor it appears to be the belt itself.
So, a few quick squirts of WD40 and a mental note to change the belt soon.
Engine warmed up, right let's get the oil out....
Ok, now if there are any home mechanics reading this, this is how your oil change should NOT go.
Once engine up to full operating temperature, and you have raised the front end and secured with axle stands, ensure you have your oil drain can underneath and release the sump plug.
It should be reasonably tight, but a quick tap should release it....
In this case the "tap" came in the form of a hefty whack from a 4lb lump hammer!
The sump plug appeared to have been tightened by someone who thought that "if I don't have/can't be a*sed to find/replace the washer I need to REALLY tighten up the plug, and then tighten some more, with a breaker bar for good measure".
By some minor miracle the sump pan is still intact (Volvo build quality) and the sump plug is not trashed (I still replaced it though).
The oil that came out appeared to have reverse engineered itself from refined to crude with the accompanying viscosity - now I am getting worried!
Ok, what about the oil filter housing?
I was now prepared for the challenge ahead and having fitted the removal tool to the housing I tried to loosen it.
Prepared eh....yeah right.
10 minutes, scraped knukles, and much swearing later, housing has not moved even 1mm!
Right, spray the area with penetrating fluid, and go have a mug of tea while calming down.
15 minutes later, come back, try again....
After another period of straining, swearing and generally failing to move it at all I got creative/desperate.
FINALLY I got the housing released!
The filter itself was clearly ready for changing, and probably had been since 2014!
If this was the filter....
Now I am a little obsessive when it comes to oil and oil changes.
I had a couple of cars in the past where I could drop the oil after 5k miles and it would be barely different to when it went in.
So I could see I was going to need to do some short oil changes.
Another quick trip to Eurocarparts 4 oil filters, 6 sump washers and 20 litres of Shell fully synthetic (at under £20 with discount for 5 litres it is a great oil for cleaning out an engine) later.
Oil change 2 - after 30 mins of engine running.
Very black but at least this time it poured out rather than relectantly dropping in
Oil filter alarmingly dirty for 30 mins.
Oil change 3 - again, 30 mins of running.
Black, but noticeably better as it drained.
Oil filter dirty and replaced.
Oil change 4 - as above.
Oil now dark brown and almost clear - yay!
Oil filter fine, but still replaced.
Finally - fill up with the good stuff (Mobil One) and will run for 500-1,000 miles then change again.
Like I said, mildly obsessive, but it is the best thing you can do for your engine.
Engine now sounds better (not perfect) and revs more freely.
Hopefully giving it a decent run will settle it down.
It is clear this has not been used much for quite a while.
Ok, so what else needs doing...?
Well, I now have a flat tyre on the O/S/R but that is fine as they are tyres of the ditchfinder branding and all 4 will be replaced.
The SRS light is on...great!
Common fault, will be a dodgy connection somewhere under the drivers seat I expect.
Will get my local specialist to investigate and reset.
What is with the piece of junk masquerading as a headunit in the car?
I looked it up and the most positive thing I can say about it is that it has a reversing camera.
I need to replace that with something which is not the original as I want the following:
DAB radio
SD Card/USB input.
Multiple file reading ability.
Bluetooth connectivity
Good quality make with strong pre-out levels (Pioneer/Alpine).
Reversing camera connectivity (well there is one there so I may as well use it).
Does not look completely out of place!
Budget will be up to £400.
I blinkin' hope the speakers are fine as these are fantastic systems on these cars and I will be seriously
if they are not fine.
The car needs a serious clean inside and the seats, while in good condition, will be so much better once they have been cleaned and fed with cream.
Suggestions more than welcome.
Steering wheel needs replacing with the wooden one that will go with the wood in the car.
Roof needs thoroughly cleaning and waterproofing.
Bodywork needs full detailing treatment.
Alloys appear very good with no corrosion or scrapes.
Underneath the exhaust looks like it will need replacing soon.
Suspension looks intact but I will probably replace all the shocks and springs as the cost is not unreasonable.
Other than that, I think it is fine
Probably a comment I will come to regret in due course.
The plan is to keep this long(ish) term and use it extensively over the summer months, hence the investment of more than the car cost me over then next couple of months!
As you may have guessed I am an idiot who prefers to buy a car with potential and spend loads on getting it absolutely right, rather than buy one (probably for less overall) that someone has already done the work on already.
I get the feeling this will prove to be a labour of love/frustration.
Edited to show headunit and not another picture of a used oil filter!
At least I bought it in a vaguely risky manner.
A blind eBay purchase one evening after a glass or 2 of wine in November.
I had been thinking about a convertible for a while as a weekend/summer car, but having a 6yr old who will be present on occasion also meant that I needed proper rear seats and so the choices were somewhat lessened.
An Audi A4 or BMW 3 series convertible was her suggestion but suffice to say I am not a huge fan of most of the offerings from these guys (A8/7 series excepted).
No, I wanted something "different".
why did Citroen not make a convertible, well not counting the odd DS convertible which are now just a little pricey or the modern stuff which is an insult to the legacy of brilliant/bonkers French design!
I have an unhealthy passion for older Citroens (owned 2x AX's, many Bx's, a CX25, 2x XM's and a C5 in the past).
So instead I went to the other end of the lunacy scale, and I came up with a Volvo C70.
The phase 1 models are (allegedly) tough old barges with proven engines and transmissions (in manual form anyway) along with the 850 chassis underpinnings.
They are also very good value for money!
So what did a sum just over shed money buy me?
In this case, a 2005 registered 2.4T (that's the low pressure turbo with c200bhp) in GT spec.
It had the appropriate catchphrases to justify a blind eBay purchase...
- Stunning car!
- Receipts for thousands of pounds spent!
- No expense spared on maintenance!
- Everything works as it should!
So, I collected it, drove it back home (without any drama or opportunity to really try it out) and promptply left it in the garage until now!
I now finally have the chance to get it out of the garage, give it a good service, and see how much work there is ahead.
Initial thoughts:
I looked at the paperwork that came with the car, and there was plenty of it.
The same person owned it from 2009 to 2014 and clearly did look after the car judging by the receipts.
Alas the receipts since 2014, total 1 for a service on the roof, which is 2 less than the number of owners in this period!
Right then, a full service is required for starters, and then hope I don't find out any nasty surprises...
Plugs and air filter were straightforward enough.
Right, lets start her up and get that oil warmed.
Click...
Click...
B*gger, that will be a dead battery then - well that or a seized engine (eternal optimist here)....
I recall it did seem a little slow to turn over when I collected it.
So, one trip to Eurocarparts later and I have a new battery!
When I take the old one off I do wonder to myself. This can't be the original battery...can it?
Right, let's try again...
Vroom, quickly followed by noises that should not be there.
Top end tappetty noise? Never had that with one of these before.
And what the bl**dy h*ll is that screeching from the aux belt??
After much listening to the PAS pump, alternator and air con compressor it appears to be the belt itself.
So, a few quick squirts of WD40 and a mental note to change the belt soon.
Engine warmed up, right let's get the oil out....
Ok, now if there are any home mechanics reading this, this is how your oil change should NOT go.
Once engine up to full operating temperature, and you have raised the front end and secured with axle stands, ensure you have your oil drain can underneath and release the sump plug.
It should be reasonably tight, but a quick tap should release it....
In this case the "tap" came in the form of a hefty whack from a 4lb lump hammer!
The sump plug appeared to have been tightened by someone who thought that "if I don't have/can't be a*sed to find/replace the washer I need to REALLY tighten up the plug, and then tighten some more, with a breaker bar for good measure".
By some minor miracle the sump pan is still intact (Volvo build quality) and the sump plug is not trashed (I still replaced it though).
The oil that came out appeared to have reverse engineered itself from refined to crude with the accompanying viscosity - now I am getting worried!
Ok, what about the oil filter housing?
I was now prepared for the challenge ahead and having fitted the removal tool to the housing I tried to loosen it.
Prepared eh....yeah right.
10 minutes, scraped knukles, and much swearing later, housing has not moved even 1mm!
Right, spray the area with penetrating fluid, and go have a mug of tea while calming down.
15 minutes later, come back, try again....
After another period of straining, swearing and generally failing to move it at all I got creative/desperate.
FINALLY I got the housing released!
The filter itself was clearly ready for changing, and probably had been since 2014!
If this was the filter....
Now I am a little obsessive when it comes to oil and oil changes.
I had a couple of cars in the past where I could drop the oil after 5k miles and it would be barely different to when it went in.
So I could see I was going to need to do some short oil changes.
Another quick trip to Eurocarparts 4 oil filters, 6 sump washers and 20 litres of Shell fully synthetic (at under £20 with discount for 5 litres it is a great oil for cleaning out an engine) later.
Oil change 2 - after 30 mins of engine running.
Very black but at least this time it poured out rather than relectantly dropping in
Oil filter alarmingly dirty for 30 mins.
Oil change 3 - again, 30 mins of running.
Black, but noticeably better as it drained.
Oil filter dirty and replaced.
Oil change 4 - as above.
Oil now dark brown and almost clear - yay!
Oil filter fine, but still replaced.
Finally - fill up with the good stuff (Mobil One) and will run for 500-1,000 miles then change again.
Like I said, mildly obsessive, but it is the best thing you can do for your engine.
Engine now sounds better (not perfect) and revs more freely.
Hopefully giving it a decent run will settle it down.
It is clear this has not been used much for quite a while.
Ok, so what else needs doing...?
Well, I now have a flat tyre on the O/S/R but that is fine as they are tyres of the ditchfinder branding and all 4 will be replaced.
The SRS light is on...great!
Common fault, will be a dodgy connection somewhere under the drivers seat I expect.
Will get my local specialist to investigate and reset.
What is with the piece of junk masquerading as a headunit in the car?
I looked it up and the most positive thing I can say about it is that it has a reversing camera. I need to replace that with something which is not the original as I want the following:
DAB radio
SD Card/USB input.
Multiple file reading ability.
Bluetooth connectivity
Good quality make with strong pre-out levels (Pioneer/Alpine).
Reversing camera connectivity (well there is one there so I may as well use it).
Does not look completely out of place!
Budget will be up to £400.
I blinkin' hope the speakers are fine as these are fantastic systems on these cars and I will be seriously
if they are not fine.The car needs a serious clean inside and the seats, while in good condition, will be so much better once they have been cleaned and fed with cream.
Suggestions more than welcome.
Steering wheel needs replacing with the wooden one that will go with the wood in the car.
Roof needs thoroughly cleaning and waterproofing.
Bodywork needs full detailing treatment.
Alloys appear very good with no corrosion or scrapes.
Underneath the exhaust looks like it will need replacing soon.
Suspension looks intact but I will probably replace all the shocks and springs as the cost is not unreasonable.
Other than that, I think it is fine
Probably a comment I will come to regret in due course.
The plan is to keep this long(ish) term and use it extensively over the summer months, hence the investment of more than the car cost me over then next couple of months!
As you may have guessed I am an idiot who prefers to buy a car with potential and spend loads on getting it absolutely right, rather than buy one (probably for less overall) that someone has already done the work on already.
I get the feeling this will prove to be a labour of love/frustration.
Edited to show headunit and not another picture of a used oil filter!
Edited by The Slug Of Doom on Tuesday 24th January 19:06
crofty1984 said:
That stereo looks a lot like an oil filter. No wonder it wouldn't play your CDs!
Thanks for that (now corrected) kapiteinlangzaam said:
I hope it was cheap
Still great looking cars IMO.
Enjoy!
Yes, it was cheap, a smidge over shed money, and it still does look good.Still great looking cars IMO.
Enjoy!
I have to get everything sorted in time for the "losers conference" - which is the bargista gathering in York at the end of April.
Easy enough apart from work which is keeping me ridiculously busy and spending time with the family...
like the oil episode....bloody dirty!
My V70 recently had an srs warning light issue, was told required new drivers seat belt housing, booked it in (main dealer), they then phoned me up and said it was the f/n/s housing for seat belt on re connecting the computer, but then the mechanic did me a favour, cleaned both, result was no replacement required, no charge, and only was charged for the car my wife used all day (£15 for the insurance).
result from the main dealer (Snows Southampton) ( for a 17 year old car you would expect a bit of dirt/dust under seat)
Your previous owner could have changed the oil a bit more!
My V70 recently had an srs warning light issue, was told required new drivers seat belt housing, booked it in (main dealer), they then phoned me up and said it was the f/n/s housing for seat belt on re connecting the computer, but then the mechanic did me a favour, cleaned both, result was no replacement required, no charge, and only was charged for the car my wife used all day (£15 for the insurance).
result from the main dealer (Snows Southampton) ( for a 17 year old car you would expect a bit of dirt/dust under seat)
Your previous owner could have changed the oil a bit more!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-Stereo-Radio-Replace...
You might need one of them, or he does the other way round aftermarket head unit to factory amp.
If yours has the 4 x 100 amp in the lefthand side of the boot behind the trim, then it has dynaudio speakers, if its the 4 x 50 then it has the standard volvo speakers.
You might need one of them, or he does the other way round aftermarket head unit to factory amp.
If yours has the 4 x 100 amp in the lefthand side of the boot behind the trim, then it has dynaudio speakers, if its the 4 x 50 then it has the standard volvo speakers.
Good luck with the car. My username reflects fond memories of an almost identically-specced C70 coupe that I owned a couple of years back - except mine was auto and on the split-rim BBSs.
While they are certainly not an inspiring or engaging drive, they are hardy and comfortable on long runs. The convertible always intrigued me, but never enough to consider 'upgrading'.
The centre speaker on the dash suggests you've got the Dolby (Alpine/Dynaudio) 11-speaker stereo, which is good news as it's a fantastic system (better than most other upgraded OEM kit). In your shoes I'd be on the hunt for an original head unit to make the most of it - the unit you're looking for is an SC-901 (made by Alpine), with the 3cd cartridge.
You can add aux inputs easily (I mounted a Yatour in the glovebox in about 30min), and you could run a standalone DAB tuner into this if you wished. It might sound a bit fiddly, but the standard kit is very good, and aftermarket headunits really don't suit the 'hearing-aid beige' dash at all IMHO!
Also, keep your eyes open for the US market armrests, with integrated cupholders. It's a 2min job to swap them, and it makes a world of difference to the otherwise-poor standard storage.
While they are certainly not an inspiring or engaging drive, they are hardy and comfortable on long runs. The convertible always intrigued me, but never enough to consider 'upgrading'.
The centre speaker on the dash suggests you've got the Dolby (Alpine/Dynaudio) 11-speaker stereo, which is good news as it's a fantastic system (better than most other upgraded OEM kit). In your shoes I'd be on the hunt for an original head unit to make the most of it - the unit you're looking for is an SC-901 (made by Alpine), with the 3cd cartridge.
You can add aux inputs easily (I mounted a Yatour in the glovebox in about 30min), and you could run a standalone DAB tuner into this if you wished. It might sound a bit fiddly, but the standard kit is very good, and aftermarket headunits really don't suit the 'hearing-aid beige' dash at all IMHO!
Also, keep your eyes open for the US market armrests, with integrated cupholders. It's a 2min job to swap them, and it makes a world of difference to the otherwise-poor standard storage.
Edited by C70R on Wednesday 25th January 10:20
That does look nice, particularly the interior as it appears unmarked, pity I cannot say the same about the engine. As I am sure you know, damage done to an engine due to neglect cannot be undone, other than a complete rebuild. I'm sure it is in safe hands now and will be looked after.
The spec is the best, given that it is a late model, 2.4T and GT spec, it has all the toys. The audio is the Dynaudio as it has the centre dash speaker and two 9inch subs behind the back seat backrest. In it's day it was the best system in any car and gives truly concert hall sound when coupled with the original head unit.
I bought my 2003 2.4T GT last spring and it is thoroughly enjoyable to drive. A bit shaky , but I see that as character and makes for a different driving experience. The sound of the five pot springing into life is orgasmic. In the true spirit of 'you show me your and I will show you mine' here is a shot of mine. 52,000mls three owners and FSH
The spec is the best, given that it is a late model, 2.4T and GT spec, it has all the toys. The audio is the Dynaudio as it has the centre dash speaker and two 9inch subs behind the back seat backrest. In it's day it was the best system in any car and gives truly concert hall sound when coupled with the original head unit.
I bought my 2003 2.4T GT last spring and it is thoroughly enjoyable to drive. A bit shaky , but I see that as character and makes for a different driving experience. The sound of the five pot springing into life is orgasmic. In the true spirit of 'you show me your and I will show you mine' here is a shot of mine. 52,000mls three owners and FSH
C70R said:
Good luck with the car. My username reflects fond memories of an almost identically-specced C70 coupe that I owned a couple of years back - except mine was auto and on the split-rim BBSs.
While they are certainly not an inspiring or engaging drive, they are hardy and comfortable on long runs. The convertible always intrigued me, but never enough to consider 'upgrading'.
The centre speaker on the dash suggests you've got the Dolby (Alpine/Dynaudio) 11-speaker stereo, which is good news as it's a fantastic system (better than most other upgraded OEM kit). In your shoes I'd be on the hunt for an original head unit to make the most of it - the unit you're looking for is an SC-901 (made by Alpine), with the 3cd cartridge.
You can add aux inputs easily (I mounted a Yatour in the glovebox in about 30min), and you could run a standalone DAB tuner into this if you wished. It might sound a bit fiddly, but the standard kit is very good, and aftermarket headunits really don't suit the 'hearing-aid beige' dash at all IMHO!
Also, keep your eyes open for the US market armrests, with integrated cupholders. It's a 2min job to swap them, and it makes a world of difference to the otherwise-poor standard storage.
Thanks for the information.While they are certainly not an inspiring or engaging drive, they are hardy and comfortable on long runs. The convertible always intrigued me, but never enough to consider 'upgrading'.
The centre speaker on the dash suggests you've got the Dolby (Alpine/Dynaudio) 11-speaker stereo, which is good news as it's a fantastic system (better than most other upgraded OEM kit). In your shoes I'd be on the hunt for an original head unit to make the most of it - the unit you're looking for is an SC-901 (made by Alpine), with the 3cd cartridge.
You can add aux inputs easily (I mounted a Yatour in the glovebox in about 30min), and you could run a standalone DAB tuner into this if you wished. It might sound a bit fiddly, but the standard kit is very good, and aftermarket headunits really don't suit the 'hearing-aid beige' dash at all IMHO!
Also, keep your eyes open for the US market armrests, with integrated cupholders. It's a 2min job to swap them, and it makes a world of difference to the otherwise-poor standard storage.
Edited by C70R on Wednesday 25th January 10:20
I am thinking more and more about getting the original headunit back in at and getting the Yatour adaptor (will cost a damn site less than a new Pioneer piece of kit...)
I think a look at eBay is in order.
I suspect I may have the armrest you speak of as the cup holders are integrated. simply press at the front and out slide 2 holders
I say that with caution though. I will go check and post up tomorrow.
C70GT said:
That does look nice, particularly the interior as it appears unmarked, pity I cannot say the same about the engine. As I am sure you know, damage done to an engine due to neglect cannot be undone, other than a complete rebuild. I'm sure it is in safe hands now and will be looked after.
The spec is the best, given that it is a late model, 2.4T and GT spec, it has all the toys. The audio is the Dynaudio as it has the centre dash speaker and two 9inch subs behind the back seat backrest. In it's day it was the best system in any car and gives truly concert hall sound when coupled with the original head unit.
I bought my 2003 2.4T GT last spring and it is thoroughly enjoyable to drive. A bit shaky , but I see that as character and makes for a different driving experience. The sound of the five pot springing into life is orgasmic. In the true spirit of 'you show me your and I will show you mine' here is a shot of mine. 52,000mls three owners and FSH
Wow, yours looks outstanding! The spec is the best, given that it is a late model, 2.4T and GT spec, it has all the toys. The audio is the Dynaudio as it has the centre dash speaker and two 9inch subs behind the back seat backrest. In it's day it was the best system in any car and gives truly concert hall sound when coupled with the original head unit.
I bought my 2003 2.4T GT last spring and it is thoroughly enjoyable to drive. A bit shaky , but I see that as character and makes for a different driving experience. The sound of the five pot springing into life is orgasmic. In the true spirit of 'you show me your and I will show you mine' here is a shot of mine. 52,000mls three owners and FSH
I am getting the feeling the general consensus here is "get the original headunit back in you muppet!"
As for the engine, it seems to be fine, but I will get it over to a specialist in Skipton (not far from me) when I get a chance.
Cambelt was done 20k miles ago in July 2013 (marked on cover and receipt in the file).
Yes, it is a little shaky, but it has the detachable tow-bar fitted at the back (towing ball is in the boot in its original bag and it does not look like it has ever been used.
Ultimately though this is a car to tour in, not throw round the back roads (well not twice anyway!)
I am thinking about a strut brace for the front. Mixed reviews with some claiming great improvements and others saying no change.
Personally I think good springs and dampers will help most.
It looks like I may have a few hours of peace on Saturday (other half going out with kids
) so I may have a crack at cleaning, starting with the interior.
The Slug Of Doom said:
Wow, yours looks outstanding!
I am getting the feeling the general consensus here is "get the original headunit back in you muppet!"
As for the engine, it seems to be fine, but I will get it over to a specialist in Skipton (not far from me) when I get a chance.
Cambelt was done 20k miles ago in July 2013 (marked on cover and receipt in the file).
Yes, it is a little shaky, but it has the detachable tow-bar fitted at the back (towing ball is in the boot in its original bag and it does not look like it has ever been used.
Ultimately though this is a car to tour in, not throw round the back roads (well not twice anyway!)
I am thinking about a strut brace for the front. Mixed reviews with some claiming great improvements and others saying no change.
Personally I think good springs and dampers will help most.
It looks like I may have a few hours of peace on Saturday (other half going out with kids) so I may have a crack at cleaning, starting with the interior.
Yes, I would fit an original headunit, if you do, make sure the three CD cartridge is there and working, they have a habit of playing up.I am getting the feeling the general consensus here is "get the original headunit back in you muppet!"
As for the engine, it seems to be fine, but I will get it over to a specialist in Skipton (not far from me) when I get a chance.
Cambelt was done 20k miles ago in July 2013 (marked on cover and receipt in the file).
Yes, it is a little shaky, but it has the detachable tow-bar fitted at the back (towing ball is in the boot in its original bag and it does not look like it has ever been used.
Ultimately though this is a car to tour in, not throw round the back roads (well not twice anyway!)
I am thinking about a strut brace for the front. Mixed reviews with some claiming great improvements and others saying no change.
Personally I think good springs and dampers will help most.
It looks like I may have a few hours of peace on Saturday (other half going out with kids
) so I may have a crack at cleaning, starting with the interior.I'm quite happy with mine as it is without a strut brace as I wanted a soft riding tourer, rather than a 'road racer'. The five pot is amazing, drop it down a gear and tickle the throttle and she just lifts up her skirts and flys, but does it in a refined way. I bought mine privately off Gumtree and paid £2500. It was by far the best I had seen and had looked at about a dozen before I found this one.
Once yours has had a thorough clean and polish it will be transformed.
I also have one, albeit a T5 GT. I've had it for about the last ten years and doubt I'll part with it.
C70 T5 GT, on Flickr
Lots of power and quite possibly the most comfortable seats going.
I'm another vote for refitting the original SC-901 head unit. It produces fantastic quality sound and can make use of the OE amplifier. Like others, I have added a line in for MP3s etc.
I think you'll thoroughly enjoy owning one.
C70 T5 GT, on Flickr
Lots of power and quite possibly the most comfortable seats going.
I'm another vote for refitting the original SC-901 head unit. It produces fantastic quality sound and can make use of the OE amplifier. Like others, I have added a line in for MP3s etc.
I think you'll thoroughly enjoy owning one.
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