Buying guide and decals?

[gjm]

Hi all, 

Looking at perhaps purchasing my first Daf (Volvo 66) actually in the next few weeks. 

I've been looking for a buying guide as I've never really looked into them before nor driven a variomatic. Can't seem to find a guide anywhere however. Obviously I need to look out for rust, but what things should I check / look at mechanical to check all is in fine fettle, especially the variomatic? 

Next question was whether the decals / side stripes were available for sale anywhere? 
The car I'm looking at will need a spray job and I'd obviously want to keep the ace 70s volvo 66 side stripes. 

Thanks
Graham 

[andrejuan]

Hello Graham
The decals are available from Dafhobby. The DAF/Volvo 66 (same car essentially) is not prone to rusting anymore than other classics, and the rear arches seldom rust.
So look at sills, rear bottom quarters, wings etc.
As far as things to look for other than body rust, the engines are generally bullet proof. They were used in many different cars so parts are available and interchangeable. The transmission is basically the first version of the CVT that is used on todays cars. Once you get your head around the system it is not complicated or difficult to maintain, all you need to know is available via the DAF owners club so join if you want an easy ownership :-))

The driving experience is not like an automatic, the engine stays at it's optimum RPM for most of the time it is under load, no stepping or gear changes, and never over revs or labours (although it is a revvy engine). The DAF/Volvo 66 also has a "normal" clutch in the bell housing although it is operated by the Variomatic system.

Hope your purchase goes well, and by the way, we like photo's on these forums :-)))))))

John

[gjm]

Thanks Andre.

There's a few cars locally including a 73 marathon coupe. What exactly did the marathon come with? It's got low back cloth seats and a basic grill with no fog lamps. I presume it has a 1100cc rather than 1300cc. Is either engine more desirable? I hear the 1100 had more bhp but the 1300 more torque?

The other car is the Volvo 66 on eBay. The seller says it's not running due to the fuel pump. Do these just have the one mechanical pump in the engine bay or to they have a secondary electric pump?

[andrejuan]

Yes, the 1100 Marathon had single headlights as did the non Marathon Coupe. You are about right regarding the 1100/1300 power output and some prefer one rather than the other. The best engine in my opinion is the 55 marathon, the later ones gave a nod to emissions so lost a bit of umph.
The fuel pump is mechanical and easy to repair (with a kit) or replace. The ebay 66 if I have read the description correctly was a total loss
due to the rear damage? The car is well worth saving due to it's rarity but it doesn't look like a weekends work to make it right :-) Have you seen it in the flesh? It has an MOT so should be driveable with a fuel pump fitted?
The marathon came with a "tuned" engine and wider wheels, they came with low and high back seats, a different steering wheel and a chequered dash
graphic iirc.

[gjm]

Thanks again.

Only other question then is what panels are available? The front wings of the v66 look rotten. Are they obtainable from anywhere or do places like essexdaf have second hand panels?

Thanks

[andrejuan]

Yes Essex Dafs will have plenty of panels but Matt will tell you exactly what he has. If you do happen to struggle getting wings I have a good pair of second hand ones I would sell if it keeps a car on the road :-)

[gjm]

You're a star Andrejuan

Just had a look at the car.
Bodily it was a bit worse than I expect. Front wings are gone in several places, bottoms, tops where meets inner wing, spots in centre of the panels and front corners. Front inner wings also gone through in a few places in engine bay and also whole in inner arch into the cabin. Boot floor also gone on passenger side. No doubt lots of other crusty bits.
Car would not start but that was already known about.
Otherwise looks pretty complete. Its had a new coil and service items at some point in the last year or so.

I'm a bit torn.
By the sounds of it from Matt the transmission needs work (bolts holding transmission and to adjust it are siezed) and I'm not sure how much a body shop would want to turn it into a solid and presentable vehicle.

I'd love to save it but might be to much for me. Not sure :/

Thanks
Graham