Greetings from a 360GLT owner in Melbourne, Australia

Post by **Moro** » 05 Jul 2004 02:21 pm

Hi everyone. I've been a member for a couple of weeks, but this is my first post to the group as I've finally picked up my 'new' 1985 360GLT. I hope to have some photos to upload in the coming days.
Apart from a few teething problems, it's in quite good condition for its age. The only nasty shocks have been the cost of insuring these things here in Oz, and the appalling fuel economy. Is that really a V8 lurking under the bonnet?

Seriously, I'm enjoying driving the 360 (very different experience to the Mitsubishi Galant I've been driving) and the challenge of not turning the windscreen wipers on every time I want to go around a corner (controls on the 'wrong' sides for us Aussies!).
I've already learnt a lot from you guys (and gals?) and I'm sure I have a lot more to learn during my 360 adventure. Cheers!

Post by **5lab** » 05 Jul 2004 03:17 pm

hi mate, welcome to our place

the glt is a little uneconomical, but if you drive it softely its normally ok.. has yours got any options on it that aren't standard?? bet you've got aircon..

im sure you'll get used to the indicators sooner or later. every car over here is like this, except for some jap cars, but its logically on the 'wrong' side - as it would be more sensible to be able to change gear while indicating than change gear and clear the windscreen..

Post by **Moro** » 07 Jul 2004 01:36 pm

Yes, it does have aircon, but I can't tell you how effective it is because, apart from the fact that we're in the middle of winter here in Melbourne, the heater is stuck 'ON' regardless of the position of the controls, and that would probably negate anything that the aircon could do.

As far as I'm aware it doesn't have any non-standard accessories fitted. I think the GLT was the only 3-series we had out here and all the examples I've seen are fitted out the same way. All are the 5-door configuration, alloy wheels, electric windows in the front (with little plastic patches on the doors where the winders would be if you had them). They seem to be pretty rust resistant in our conditions. In fact, mine's the only one I've seen with any rust at all. Just lucky, eh?

The only change from standard I will be making is a new inexpensive sound system, including some new speakers. The only speaker working on the original system is the one in the passenger door. It'll be nice to listen to CDs (or maybe even MPEGS) and program in more than 3 FM stations.

Interestingly, although mine is an '85 (which in Australia means 'leaded' fuel) both Volvo Australia and Shell have advised me that the 360 is fine to run on unleaded, although Shell recommend premium ULP or Optimax.

Post by **5lab** » 07 Jul 2004 01:40 pm

theres quite a few of us with unorigional stereos in here - and i think we've all done it differently

its not a hard job to do though, as long as you can find a facia adapter that fits. by unorigional accessories i was thinking of extra gauges, bodykits and the like..

Post by **Moro** » 07 Jul 2004 02:04 pm

No, nothing like that. It was such a low volume car here, the chances of finding any after-market stuff would be pretty slim. I'd love to add maybe an oil pressure gauge and perhaps an amp gauge, especially if I could find original looking ones.
Every day those two blanked-out circles on the dash are taunting me! One day, one day..

Post by **5lab** » 07 Jul 2004 04:09 pm

those 2 will only fit econometer and ambiant temperature.. have a speak to foggy on here though - he might be able to source you some gauges. volts/oil temp/pressure all had to sit elsewhere (below heater controls)

Hugh

Post by **Duvel78** » 24 Jul 2004 07:45 pm

Welcome to you Moro!

We have now a lot of australian 360! Yes, the GLT was the only model sold there. Always with aircon, power windows....

And without rust problems... The dream!!!!!

Is it easy to find a GLT on the second-hands car market there?