140 bricks

Per a request from the comments on the 'Slammed Volvo 140' post, I am adding a picture of the spring compressors I am using on the rear springs of the 142. To be honest, I feel a little sheepish about using these things---$10 junk items at Pep-Boys---it's just not the normal way people satisfactorily reduce spring height. The springs can't be cut like on the front of course, because of the fact that the coil has a smaller diameter at both ends, and is bolted on instead of sitting in a pocket. I could have notched the frame or cut the trailing arms and welded the perches back on lower, but this way was cheap, easy, and after having driven it for a couple of months, I am satisfied with the method; you'd never even know they were there.



Something I have been thinking about for a long time and finally did, is move the license plate and light to the underside of the rear bumper. I kept thinking how much nicer and cleaner the back panel would be without the plate and light cover in the middle. I am very happy with the new look! There are still ugly holes in the panel where the old hardware bolted up, but I'll sand and fill it eventually, and paint it matte black like the '80s VW Jettas.







Lots of front wheel camber on these cars when they are lowered this much! Hard on tires for street driving, but nice for handling. Perfect for Autocross someday after I get a new motor in her.



In other news: I am still waiting on VPD to actually place my order...nearly a solid month of e-mailing almost every single day, and me scrambling to get all the asked-for measurements and specs, but still no parts. *Sigh* Things will work out eventually I guess; VPD is known for this sort of thing. Another interesting discovery I recently made with the 145 engine is that the head has already been extensively ported. Looks like a nice job too. I suppose I won't be learning any head porting this time around, but that's okay since I want to be able to spend a LOT of time getting it right. I will have lots of pictures of everything going into this rebuild once I have the parts and start reassembling...