Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[oldtimer]

This train of thought was set in motion by the discussion on the forum about jobs planned for winter hibernation (for those who lay their cars up for the winter).
My car is a volvo 120 estate and it has a lower back axle ratio than the standard saloon....it is 4.56 in my estate which makes it ideal for towing etc. Istill have a caravan but I dont tow any more.I bought an O/D box years ago from a club member,stored it and then found that it didnt seem necessary for the way I now used the car.
So,would the work entailed be justified in terms of better fuel consumption, wear/tear on the engine etc. or should I leave well alone,sell the overdrive box and use the cash for more pressing work?
Any opinions which will help me to resolve the situation would be welcome,

oldtimer

[peter scott]

Hi OT,

When I had cars with overdrive I really loved them, especially as it was available on third as well as top. Going up through the gears you accelerate up to max revs in third and flick into OD third. There was no delay, the change was instant and just continued your rev range.

As to use in top, yes that was nice too. The clutchless change between OD top and direct top made for very relaxed driving and you didn't even need to take your hands off the wheel.

If you like your car and intend to keep it then you'll like it even more with the overdrive.

Peter
_________________
http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[oldtimer]

Hello Peter,
Thank you for input,especially as a man with first hand experience of actually using the set up.I am probably just procrastinatng since Iam without a garage and Northumberland isnt much nearer the tropics than Auld Reekie is !!!

Regards,
Oldtimer

[Rick]

I went through the same thought process with my first Amazon, I found a gearbox and prop (different prop to the non o/d cars) but never got around to fitting it either. Had I kept the car I'd probably have got around to it, for economy purposes and to give the engine an easier time of things on a run. Hardest thing to find was the correct column-mounted o/d switch and housing, although maybe they are being remade now??

Rick
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[Brian M]

O-T

Do you have the overdrive unit with a matching gearbox? The gearbox has to have a longer output shaft.

Regarding the column switch, I got my newly manufactured one on ebay USA several years ago.

I have never driven an Amazon without overdrive, but on motorways at 70ish, I used to get up to 36mpg with a single Stromberg, but about 30mpg now that I have fitted twin SU's. It certainly lowers the rpm and on level motorways I use mine even when towing the Safari, it does require a drop out of o/d if it is anything more than a gentle incline.
_________________
Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

[oldtimer]

Hello Brian M,
Definitely my lucky day when chaps like yourself and Peter,both with first hand experience,give me the benefit of their knowledge.
To clarify the situation: I have a complete gearbox and overdrive plus
the necessary(shorter) propshaft section.I was glad to hear that you had
succeeded in getting the pukka switch from our former American colonies!
(hope Stuchamp doesnt pick up on that)
My thanks to you,
oldtimer.