Hi-All,

Well, thanks for the last-minute offers of help with the transmission. I took the car into Bert and Jack's, and asked Paul to fix everything he could find. Not only did he take 5 weeks, the brakes were leaking, and head-bolt was missing (spraying antifreeze on the hood, but head-gasket seems intact), the car hardly ran when it warmed-up, and well, the list goes on. Oh, and 4th gear syncho was gone - what kind of a test drive did he do?? Anyway, I worked the whole summer with only a few days off, out of town, so when I got back there was just too much to do, and the tranny was one thing I had to leave, although it is noisy, and jerky too. On the plus-side, I will probably rebuild it on my own, which will be okay.

Meanwhile, I'm well into the trip, and thought I would post a few photos. There are more on my camera, but those will have to wait.

James

Nice shots, car looks good too!! I wasn't too sure about the wire wheels at first but I am really starting to like them on your wagon.

Not me, I'm LOVING that car!

Yup - that's got the right style...need a headlight trim ring though.

Those wagons are really starting to grow on me... nice car.

those wire wheels MAKE the car!

What's the story behind that bumper. I haven't seen that bar around too often but I have one in my collection.

The bar on the front bumper was originally fitted to early cars and I think it was an option (for fog lights and such) later on.

Hey James glad you made it to your destination.

I warned you about all the wrong bolts in your suspension..(Grade 5)
I warned you about the brake lines>>
I warned you about your rear brakes being th wrong ones and installed backwards.
I warned you about the carbs leaking gas.(I got new ones just put them on and i'll do the adjustments)
I warned you about the exhaust stench in your vehicle.

What did i hear don't worry Paul i 'll fix it myself.

I found you the correct brake shoes.(last ones you'll ever find)
I found you the machine shop that would turn your rear drums.
I got the volvo specs from sweden to have the drums turned.
Spent numerous hours to get your car on the road.

You rejected all of my repairs.Especially the brake lines.
In the end There was no bill and just a massive amount of time that i wasted on your 3 dressed as a 9.

Mister i'll do it all myself.Am i PISSED OFF................ JUST A LITTLE.
Not even a courtesy to pay for the shoes.

Did i learn my lesson ?? No i still believe some people have morals.
Hope you don't kill someone in that car.(But then again you can do it all yourself)

To this day i still don't know what you actually wanted done?? Besides taking up my air.

P.S what happened to the x-mas party?

Paolo.

No clue what happened this year...we'll have to do something soon. Oh, and we all love you Paolo.

Maybe we should try in the spring or summer when we've all got some toys ready. It would be a bit easier to deal with than during the xmas season - December/January is very busy for me, and this year we're still not caught up!