Newbie to Volvos looking to buy!

Issues pertaining to the TGB/C30X series engine and driveline issues
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rdover
Posts: 43
Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2004 5:39 pm
Location: Bonnie Scotland

Newbie to Volvos looking to buy!

Post by rdover »

I'm in Scotland and ahev been looking at the C303 for several months. I've just sold my zook based kit car (www.blitz4x4.org.uk) and considering a c303, however they are rather hard to come by.

I'm looking to to do areasonable amount of off roading but want to take family and friends with me so would I be better going for a tgb 1111 (there's a minter available in England) or holding out for a tin top?

What should I be looking out for when inspecting a vehicle and what upgrades (like disc brakes) are readily available.
Wutizit
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2004 7:04 pm
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Post by Wutizit »

rdover,

The C303 as you probably know has seats for 7 people, plus cargo. The Tgb 1111 has fewer seats and less room for cargo. And while a rag top certainly would be nice in the summer on those hot days, a hard top is more secure and offers more protection for the occupants. I found that on all but the hottest days I do fine in my C303, simply by removing the upper door halves and opening the roof hatch. Air conditioning would be nice, but I just don't have it- and don't plan on installing one.

As far as disk brakes go, I don't honestly know if these were available with disk brakes. If I had to make a guess, I'd say probably not. It may be possible to retrofit disk brakes from something. I know there are disk brake retrofit kits for Land Rovers, but I have no idea whether or not they'd fit.

When looking for a used vehicle, I'm sure you already know the basics. So I doubt I'd have much advice for you there, I'm afriad. When you're dealing with vehicles of this vintage though, bear in mind that each one has a slightly different personality. But do check things like leaking hub seals (just pull the wheel, and the drum comes right off). You may already know, but the brakes are not self-adjusting. So it takes a bit of practice and finesse to get the shoes adjusted just right. To do it right, you really have to jack up the whole front end & get both left and right wheels off the ground at the same time, adjust those, then do the same thing to the rear (both off the ground at the same time again).

Good luck, and enjoy! :D

-Scott
rdover
Posts: 43
Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2004 5:39 pm
Location: Bonnie Scotland

Post by rdover »

I test drove the TGB 1111 last week but found it wasn't what I expected. I'll still keep a look out for a tin top as this may suit me better but I'd ahve to try one here in the UK befoer rushing all over Europe to buy one.

Thanks for all you info, guys
whiterivr
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Feb 20, 2005 6:07 pm

Me too!

Post by whiterivr »

I've been trying to decide on selling my 1991 Suburban, and buy either a 6x6 Pinz or a 6x6 Volvo.

I have found a C306 Fire Rescue Volvo 6x6. I am leaning towards this one. There is an interesting item about this vehicle compared to a military version of this 6x6 - I think it would be a TGB 13. Aside from the fact that all military are 24 volt and this is a civvy version in 12 volt, the Fire Rescue truck is about six to ten inches longer than the TGB 13.

Look at the two vehicles and you will see that the 'extended cab' is several inches longer just past the second door on the Fire truck than on the military version. I think it's longer to handle putting in the 1000 litre (250 gal) water tank. Plus, like the military version, it has the top opening hatch!

So, where am I going wrong?

Plus, with the ability to add AC, power steering and possibly an automatic tranny from the 164, I feel the Volvo is just a better selection FOR ME.
Gunsmith, NRA firearms instructor, chef, gardener, medic, computer whiz, philosopher, mechanic, bartender, janitor, and security specialist
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