TODO Improvements - Seat belts

I'm sure the classic three-point linkage in the Amazon is perfectly safe if it's properly adjusted. But it's difficult to adjust, so no-one does it, so in reality it's probably as good as useless. I'm intending to replace the front belts with proper retractable seatbelts, and add a pair to the rear as well.

After much reading around on the 'net, it seems belts from a 240 will do nicely. I trawled through the local and less-local scrapyards and got nowhere though. I suppose I could look again when the fever takes me, but the good people at Scandcar supply new reel belts which'll fit the Amazon.

Retractable front seat belts are currently listed at 75 euro, and retractable rear seat belts at 35 euro. They come with all the necessary bits and bolts, and the Amazon seemingly has anchor points for rear belts. Should be next on the list.

TODO Maintenance - Ignition System

Strangely, after the alternator upgrade, KGA has become a bit hesitant to start from cold. It turns over strongly enough and is happy to keep on turning, but it doesn't catch until the third or fourth attempt.

So new plugs, points, distributor cap and leads need purchasing, fitting and adjusting.

TODO Improvements - Overdrive

An overdrive gearbox was an option on Amazons and came as standard on the souped-up 123GT. KGA doesn't have one, but it would make motorway driving a smoother experience.

For the uninitiated, overdrive was the sixties' answer to fifth gear. But a bit cleverer, so it could usually be engaged in third or fourth gear, to ratchet things up to an equivalent of 3½ or 4½ and take some strain off the engine.

Hopefully it won't be too hard to find a box with an overdrive unit. The plan is to get hold of one, get it reconditioned, then fit it and replace the clutch while I'm at it.

Not in the near future though.

TODO Maintenance - Cooling System

KGA has the "standard" modification common to most classic cars - the temperature sender gauge which starts up the electric fan has been replaced with a switch.

So the driver decides when the engine's too hot, and often forgets to turn the fan off after parking. Leading to another battery charge.

Even with the electric fan, global warming is taking its toll and hotter days see KGA cruising around England with the fan switched on, the heater on full and all windows wound down to try and moderate the sweating of the inhabitants.

Hopefully the situation can be improved with a run on BARS flush, removal of the radiator and reverse-flushing it, and some new cooling hoses.

Then I may be able to put back the thermostat which a previous owner removed many summers ago.

TODO Improvements - Charging System

The dynamo in the Amazon is rubbish, and was from new. It produces no charge at idle, and precious little at higher revs. I find myself having to lump the aged battery out and charge it once a fortnight to make sure KGA starts.

There are plenty of ideas around for upgrading to a modern alternator, as on the Volvo Owners' forum here:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=36163

But it narrows down to:

1) the SWEM alternator upgrade kit - which is highly regarded but on this side of the water, the recommended AC Delco alt is hard to come by;

2) the Scandcar alternator replacment - on the same continent and has everything you need. According to the website only the 35A version is suitable for a '66 Amazon, but I've mailed them and they confirm the 65A model will be fine.

I'll be going for the latter, when time and budget permits.

TODO Fixes - The Leak

There's a leak. Not sure quite where, but it could be the seal around the windscreen. Not a big issue, but it'll need sorting before big things like new carpets get attention.

TODO Fixes - Creaks, Bangs and Rattles

KGA is a nice car to drive, but a touch noisy. There are four origins of the creaks, bangs and rattles which we need to fix:

• exhaust - a stainless exhaust from P. D. Gough was fitted some years ago, and very good it is too. Seems a slightly different fit though, so the exhaust bangs against the rear bumper over potholes, sleeping policemen etc.;
• horn ring - annoyingly rattly and the horn itself is difficult to engage. Bits of old mousemat used as padding is apparently the answer;
• gearbox mounting - or somewhere similar, there's a creak on acceleration suggesting a loose nut or two;
• seats - both passenger and driver seat need tightening.

Judicious use of spanners, hammers and WD40 should sortall this. Although it's been easy enough to live with so far...