Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

oldtimer · Guest

I wouldn't dream of being without my Volvo 120 but,as with almost anything,there are little things which niggle,from time to time,and make the owner query the way some relatively minor issue has been dealt with in terms of function or logic.Maybe I am alone in this but perhaps there will be some kindred spirit on the forum.
To give an example;
The switch for the screen wipers is integrated with the screen washers thus; First pull ; normal wiper speed
Next position;fast
Fully out; the washers kick in.
This had the same effect on me as "fingernails dragged across a blackboard". The dragging of wipers across a dry mud encrusted screen
before there was any prospect of the washers alleviating the situation was
endured for far too long in the mistaken belief that Volvo knew best.
My long overdue solution was effective,if not elegant.I picked up the wires
at the washer bottle,scotchlocked onto them and ran the wires to an ideal
readymade hole which must be for the parcel shelf light on Left Hand Drive cars,fitted a spare parcel shelf switch which I had,and now have the
luxury of a separate washer control in close proximity to the original switch.No chance of entering the automotive history books on the strength
of this but little things mean a lot!
Maybe we could have examples of similar types with/without solutions,
rather like the bus in the Italian Job.

oldtimer

Brian M · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:28 pm Post subject:

O-T

I feel the same about my Amazon, and wonder what happened to the engineers when they designed the switches not only for the wipers/washers as you describe, but also the heater fan, one click to fast speed, two clicks to normal speed.

On the wife's modern BMW, the electric window switches are pulled up to lower and pushed down to raise, so it is not a 60/70's Swedish thing.
_________________
Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

oldtimer · Guest

Hello Brian,
It's good to know there is a kindred spirit out there and doubly so when he turns out to be an Amazon man.I saw your post regarding your DVLA
experiences too andI wondered if they were conducting a Volvo vendetta,but from other remarks on the forum,from time to time,it seems
they are totally impartial and prepared to mess all and sundry about!

oldtimer

Scotty · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 883

Brian M · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:45 am Post subject: Re: little things mean a lot

Scotty · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 883

PAUL BEAUMONT · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

I am sure you guys could come up with some good suggestions as to what DVLA actually stands for!!

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4857 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Hi
Their sister organisation is The Double Standards Agency.
There is also Humps Are us.

Brian M · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:37 am Post subject:

PAUL BEAUMONT · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

Brian, that's more or less why I didn't make a suggestion!!