Torn between my Proton Persona and my 360

[CBA]

If I'm to praise the proton slightly I must mention the mk1 hyundai lantra - Fast as you like 7k redline, peackock green/blue. AWWWW What a car Loved that car. cambelt snapped at 75k

[bogbasic]

Yay, nothing like a lovely Hyundai - I'm a bit of a closet Hyundai fan too (there's no escaping that we were made for each other.... oh, there I go grooming again) although they're not ranked highly in the machismo stakes - which is precisely why I like them... the previous generation of the Grandeur is my darl (XG30 or sumthin).... that is good at chewing up belts too!

[Ride_on]

"Proton Persona Elegance" now that sounds gay

[Ride_on]

Just read further on in this epic shorter posts please! I have a short attention span.

The rear wheels by design have a negative camber and are one of the few RWD drive cars to have this. Its good for road holding. This means they lean towards each other when viewed from behind.

The axle has a radius arm that stops the axle from rotating when the suspension goes up and down. This stops the camber turning into toe-in, which is very bad. The radius arm has an adjustment, and this need to be right for the car to handle properly.

Also of course you could have a bent axle if its been hit, but the usual problem is radius arm adjustment.

[Chris_C]

The axle has a radius arm that stops the axle from rotating when the suspension goes up and down. This stops the camber turning into toe-in, which is very bad. The radius arm has an adjustment, and this need to be right for the car to handle properly.

Does it?? The one I'm thinking of is a welded piece.

[MCHUDD]

Hi all.
So, macplaxton had a lovely jubely at one time
I saw one once on Police Camara Action.
It was being used as a get away car
Brilliant.
Cheers Mark.

[macplaxton]

Still have two Mark.

[CBA]

Bog.. I'm way past grooming at 30... I'm just wearing well.

[Ride_on]

The axle has a radius arm that stops the axle from rotating when the suspension goes up and down. This stops the camber turning into toe-in, which is very bad. The radius arm has an adjustment, and this need to be right for the car to handle properly.

Does it?? The one I'm thinking of is a welded piece.

Err yes, not welded, sometimes called the anti-tramp rod, control rod etc. Both ends have to move, their bushed. Adjustment is the bolt at the axle end, its in a slotted hole. I think you put 50kg in the boot and tighten it on the ground.

[baron_matt]

Cheers mac, a fan of the ax? Or just citroens/french in general?

Obvious not a fan of the AX. I can understand why some like them, but they're not my cup of tea. Crisp packets are sturdier in construction. They are quick because they are a similar weight to a crisp packet. I have driven one some years ago. I'm not much of a fan of French electrics. Of the time, I would rather have a Renault Clio for my money. I've had a couple of older Citroens. A Dyane 6 was my first car and I currently have a GS on the fleet. I've also had a Pug 405 and 106. I think the 106/Saxos were a good bit better than an AX.

Not a fan of the AX either as I can't get my 6 foot 3 body into it, never had the same issue with my 2CV,Dyane, Ami 8, LNA, GS, BX, CX, DS and ID, so yep I reckon they were designed for girls. The LNA was smaller than the AX yet properly designed with lots of space and pretty awesome all round with 55mpg and great handling and speed from its 1124cc engine.

This 340 Vario I have is only my 2nd Volvo, having owned a Navy Blue '71 144, which vanished in mysterious circumstances (I still have the keys for it), and considering that the 300 series is regarded as not a proper Volvo by some people I'm very impressed by its build quality, so much better than anything with a VW badge on the front.

Going back to the start of this thread, I reckon its a safe bet that your Volvo 360 will still be working and driving long after the Proton has ceased to function and has been converted into saucepans.

[Chris_C]

Adjustment is the bolt at the axle end, its in a slotted hole

Thats the bit I was missing, I was trying to remember a length adjust on the rod itself!

[williswoody]

How much were 360's when they were new?

I've got the Proton for sale on gumtree. Highly doubt it will get much interest... but here's hoping.

I really want to check out that Audi A3 I linked a few posts back. Great price, low(ish) km's... etc.

[Ride_on]

They were expensive, but considered luxury and lasted better than the competition. It was 30 years ago, but I vaguely remember around £12,000. The 340 1.4 was cheaper than a 1.3 ford excort at some point, but the 360 was probably more expensive than a XR3i.

[williswoody]

So I think that works out to be around $40,000, or just under that anyway?? Based on the currency conversion, then converting the value of money in that time to current time.

I'm thinking of selling my Proton and keeping the Volvo. Mad idea I know, but I just love it so much. My parent's are totally against the idea. Any ideas on how to convince them otherwise?

Also, say I wanted to take it on a long journey, for like 3 hour drive? Reckon there would be any dramas?

I don't feel comfortable taking it out on the Pacific Motorway or something like that, definitely would be in a bit of a pickle if there was a breakdown.

[thododd]

Why would there be any dramas about taking it on a long journey. The redblock engines have proved they go on forever and volvos overall build quality is up there with the best of them. Again, it all boils down to maintenance but if yours is all in order then no reason to worry ... ive done dozens of thousands of miles in my old french can without issue (generally) and have numerous friends with retro daily rides that keep on going, even through British winter months. My current favourite being a citroen CX 2.5dt estate ... its just bonkers

Retro daily ftw! Proactive planet saving for the bangernomic minded motorist with more taste than cash