1972 Volvo 145
Picked this up in September '09 after I decided that I wanted a wagon. The paint is in rough shape but it is mechanically decent. D-Jet fuel injected B-20 motor and all the standard bits. IPD front sway bar was added at some point. I added a roof rack and the 850 wheels, although I won't be keeping them for long. The car needs some tuning and clean up, but it's a solid foundation and a good daily driver.
The paint is in pretty bad shape. It's been a West Coast car but it is rather faded. VW guys call it "patina". I don't care much about the outward appearance. I just want it to run well and be comfortably functional.
Rust holes on the buttcheeks.
Multi-colored hood.
Yep, that's an engine. Pretty much stock except for an electronic ignition.
A previous owner started a restoration so the seats and interior are in pretty good shape. I've replaced the seatbelts with newer ones front and rear from a Volvo 245. I have young kids so having shoulder belts in the rear is pretty important and it was an easy install.
Custom VDO gauges on the fuse panel cover. Water temp, oil pressure, oil temp, and voltage.
I found a vintage roof rack off an old VW Bus on Craigslist, so I cleaned it up, replaced the wood and hardware, painted it, secured it to my Yakima crossbars, and installed it. I think that it goes well with the car and it will come in handy for camping trips. It is much more secure on the Yakima racks than it was with the original suction cup and strap method of mounting.
When I first got it.
After paint.
Installed.
