1996 VOLVO 850 TURBO WITH FACTORY 5 SPEED  

 This is my 1996 Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon with factory equipped 5 speed manual transmisson.

The page is set up chronologically with the latest additions at the end.  Too bad that Cardomain doesn't support various fonts since the title and the monthly subtitles are in the Volvo font used in the advertisments.

Unlike in the United States, here in Canada manual transmissions were standard in the entire 850 line-up except for special editions like the "Platinium" model.  It appears that factory-equipped manual transmissions in the Turbo are rare.  I have occasionally seen sedans but not yet found another wagon with a 5 speed other then aftermarket conversions.

 NOVEMBER 2008

In late November 2008 I purchased this car from the original owner. The last owner called it "Erik the Red" and he has a newer V70 called "Leif Erikson", arf-arf. It was in very good shape with a full service history. 

After purchase I  replaced the timing and auxillary belts, one of the control arms and both stablizer links as well as a few other smaller items to get the mechanical condition up to scratch.  I have ordered some grey dye for the bumpers and will work on that in the spring.  One of the seams in the driver's seat had let go so I had a local upholstery shop re-stitch the entire seat so it should be good.

Over the last 30 years this is my 5th Volvo wagon and its the hottest one I've ever had so I'm looking forward to many years of pleasure from this one.  It needs a good cleaning, some paint touchups (base of the front bumper), have the leather treated and installation of a new tail pipe tip.  I haven't decided which one type yet, any suggestions?  

I’m still waiting for a good day to take interior pictures.  The interior is black unlike many "Classic Red" 850 Turbos that I’ve seen.

DECEMBER 2008

Before Christmas I had two of my winter tires replaced.  I had the snows that were on steel wheels mounted on the alloys (Cetus style) from my old 850 GLE.  They look great but the longer chrome lug nuts from the summer wheels won’t permit the attachment of the centre dust cover.  Since the standard lug nuts are $5 each ($125 total!!) I will live with it; it looks kind of tough.

One of my old snows had uneven wear so I replaced two.  I found that the Gislaved Nord Frost 3, Pirelli Winter Carving, General Altimax Arctic, Hankook i*Pike W409  and Wanli Snow Challenger (Chinese tire) all have identical tread patterns. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi is very similar as well. I went with General Altimax Arctic this time and have been satisfied so far. I will replace the other two tires next year.

JANUARY 2009

I drove to Halifax Nova Scotia and back in early January, about 4,300 kilometers return.  The weather varied from deep freeze to snow to freezing rain with some sunshine mixed in.  It was -20 in Quebec City and there was freezing rain in Halifax but we were lucky that travel days generally presented good weather.

The car was great except that I hit one of Halifax’s notorious potholes.  The local dealer (Volvo of Halifax) checked the front end and they reported all was ok. Since then the rattle has gotten worse and it appears that it is the right upper strut brace that has broken - will be fixed next service.

After I got back I had the oil changed and a standard equipment stainless steel exhaust tip was installed.  It looks much better

FEBRUARY 2009

I’m getting ready for spring cleaning even though it feels like it could be still 6 months away.  I’m collecting stuff in anticipation, I’m going for restoration rather then modification.

I’m going to fix the loose rear hatch trim and install a variable speed wiper relay, both with parts from ipdusa.com.

In the interior I will re-dye the cracks in the leather and treat the seats with Lexol.  I’m also going to steam clean the carpets and rear hatch area.

On the exterior I will also clean and detail the engine.  I am going to re-dye the grey trim with “Showroom New”. I have some paint chips to repair as well as repaint the bottom of the front bumper with standard Classic Red (601). After that I will polish and wax the paint with Poorboy’s World products.  Prior to mounting the summer tires, the original equipment Columba style wheels will be sanded, repainted, cleaned, polished and waxed.

I will take before and after pictures so you can watch my progress.

Here are two recent photos of Erik the Red with his winter boots on and if you look closely you can see the new exhaust tip.