Vintage Car Repair
 

I'm considering buying a 50 year old Volvo P-1800...does anyone have any suggestions for a mechanic locally that I could rely on? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Oh does that bring back memories, back in high school days I helped a friend with one of these, however that was back in PA. Sorry I have on ideas for this area. Hope someone else can provide a lead. If you were buying an old Mustang I could help, I have rebuilt 8 so far.

My lesson learned is that if you're not working on these cars yourself, stay away.

If you're lucky enough to find a local mechanic they usually put these cars at the bottom of the priority list since there's not much money in it for them. So you could end up waiting a long time for repairs.

Another issue is mechanics and shops come and go so just when you find a good one, next thing you know they move on.

Maybe an option, I'd give them a call and tell them what you're getting and see what they say:

Volvo Service and Repair - PALS Ocala Auto Repair

One of the posters brought up an interesting point, are you (OP) willing to do some of the work? If so, then you may get people from the vintage car club, etc., to help with advice and possibly showing you how to do something. I have done just about everything on rebuilding antique Mustangs, except automatic transmissions and convertible tops. This includes welding in new body panels, rebuilding engines, complete rewiring, new brakes, etc., but not interested in doing a car for someone else. My current project has about 2300 hours in it. If you are wiling to get your hands greasy, let me know, I may be able to help you.

Just my opinion, as I have owned many classics and hot rods, including German and English. If I couldn’t do the work on the Volvo or had a really close friend to help me then I would not buy the vehicle. Only if a sentimental vehicle or one I really would love to have would I consider. I have seen headaches from some of these vehicles and seen a lot more money spent after the purchase then was in the plan. Today, a vehicle that’s not straight and running well could be costly. Another thought is to find a classic car mechanic who knows that vehicle, and see if the owner would agree to let you take the car to the mechanic. The mechanic shop normally will charge you between $40 and $100 dol. Often that is money well spent just to check it out on the rack from bumper to bumper and a short drive. They then can assess the vehicle and tell you it’s ready to go or you can write down all that needs to be done and get an estimate. Everything may not be found but a great mechanic is a great value. Sorry to be long but I have had a lot of experience and just throwing in my two cents

The Cech brothers in Orlando and the best Volvo specialists in the state and maybe the southeast. They aren't expensive either. If you have a vintage Volvo; you definitely need them. Do a search.

are the best

Is this going to be your only vehicle for transportation or a second car to drive occasionally or to take to shows? In today’s world getting parts for that car is probably more of an issue than finding someone to tinker with it.

Need Mechanic
 

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I also need some help with my 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV2000 and 1981 Triumph TR8. I have garage, lift, and tools.
taruffi57@aol.com

A 50yo Volvo? Jeez the parts…..

Do not buy.
If you cannot work on it.
Money pit.

Oh jeeps TOTV moderators.
this post was so far off topic.
Grow some

It would be a second or occasional car. I hear parts are not an issue.

Thanks for the replies...

There is a place in Leesburg that works on foreign auto only on 44. Go straight at the signal instead of turning to the right. It’s on left side.

If you can't maintain it you may want to reconsider. But I have always wanted one of those.