Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[jensen541]

Bought this about 2 years ago while I was working on my 69 Amazon. Still in the strip down stage but it clear there are some major chassis welding issues. On the good side it very nearly complete and has been blessed with an overdrive and Dunlop discs all round. Bodywork needs total restoration and a total re-trim.
































Why do we do it?

Brian

[XL391]

That will look fantastic when it's finished! Beautiful looking cars, the 541's. The body is fibreglass over steel chassis? Doesn't the front grille cover change position according to engine temperature as well?

[Rick]

Think you're right about the grille, at least on some models of the 541. I remember ogling at a 541 a few years back and have always liked 'em, I also fancy having a C-V8 one day, even though it looks a bit odd and is a thirsty old girl

RJ
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[Rick]

Meant to ask Jensen, have you introduced us to the Amazon as yet? a few of us are big Amazon fans

Rick
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[jensen541]

Well this is my 1969 Amazon which I bought about 3 years ago it looked good and run well. Any one familar with Amazons will know that they can leak water through the screen seal and over the years rot out the screen apeture, A post and eventually the floor.Similarly the rear window leaks after time taking out the rear wheel arches and boot floor.After getting wet legs in the summer storms and a repair for a leaking brake cylinder I took it off the road, to take a look!!








I thought well why stop there. So i whipped out the B20 engine. Had the head stage one'd, fitted an overdrive and uprated the carbs from the single Stromberg to twin SU's





OK in for penny in for pound (and it was many of them!) Uprate the suspension, new dampers, rebushed, new discs, brakes refurbished etc.






OK so lets paint it.




The interior was in great shape so only a bit of cleaning was needed. I fitted new brake & fuel lines, 4 branch manifold and straight through exhaust. It drives and handles well although it revs a bit on the high side. All in all it was hard work and I spent a load of money I'll never see again but I learnt a lot in the process and that's half the fun for me.
Thinking now of maybe entering some classic rallies as I don't wont it sitting in the garage not being used to it's potential

[Rick]

wowzers the Volvo looks a beaut!! are you sure you'd want to subject it to rallying??? I'd be buying a tattier one to hurl down a gravel track I think!!!!

(seeing photos like that re-ignites Amazon thoughts again, must resist..)

R

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[pigtin]

Hi, Your welding puts mine to shame. What sort of welder were you using?
Don.

[Brian M]

Jensen

Great work on your Amazon, I am sure I have seen it elsewhere - VOC? Retro-Rides? I remember your wheel arch welding!

I see you have a coupe gearbox selector extension. I would like to do this to mine - how much modification is necessary to the transmission tunnel?

[jensen541]

Cheers fellas

[jensen541]

It was so good it posted twice!!

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Welding Chassis is really easy! Wack the welder up a bit higher, go nice and slow, but not so stow you blow holes, and make a nice wide smooth run. I love heavy welding! I have welded plate over an inch thick with a big mig!

Cheers

Dave