Comments: 1-15, 16
Nothing yet, but I'm thinking of replacing/cleaning the original air filter with a k&n.
What can I say? It's a great little car, goes like a rocket if you let it. Not much available power after 110km/h though, starts to shake, which is funny unless there's a Skyline sitting to your left waiting to be dragged.
Power steering, power windows, heated seats, radio, rear wheel drive, etc. It's also got the softest suspension you could imagine, leaning 30 degrees round corners.
Comfortable and fun to drive, pulls confident 'squealies' round corners if pushed in 2nd...
My first car, I inherited it from my grandparents, and I'm quickly learning that it's not a cheap car to run.
Has an 'image problem', meaning hopefully it won't get nicked, however I think it's the hottest car around. Just don't tell my mates...
There seems to be some sort of cult following, I wonder why? Could it have something to do with the superior style? The grunty-sounding engine which goes insane at 4000 revs? Or the way it leans outward round corners, making you feel like you're traveling at light speed instead of 50km/h? You decide.
Replace your front strut inserts (shock Absorbers) dude,
it really shouldn't lean that much, I replaced mine and sticks to the road like a frog + hardly leans at all.
Oh and the shaking, you probably have 1 or more bent rims, the genuine ones on the 360 are inherently soft,
At best you should take it to a wheel place and get it balanced.
-David.
Hey thanks man, but I was exaggerating, 30 degrees would be a lot of lean... I've thought about replacing the shocks, but I've done quite a lot to it lately, new brakes, tires, a whole lot of servicing... so might leave it for a little while. Suspension is probably next on the cards, might get something racing-inclined haha. Leafspring power!
But thanks man, good to know Volvo owners are looking after each other. Because nobody else will :)
Had the "360" since new in 1988, now it is about run in at 83,000 miles and two timing belts within the factory/agent service cycle.
I have driven a few "K" miles when working and this car was for retirement, haven't had so much fun, with comfort, in years.
One problem, it was caught in a hailstorm with stones the size of a golf ball, so a few small dents make it virtually not salable. It is a good excuse for retaining a great motor
James.
I had a Silver 1984 360 GLT some years ago and thought it was brilliant! I looked for a Black 2 door ('83 type - not the Renault engined GLE) but could only find a 4 door model. All these years later - I'd love to own another (2 door) in black!
I thought commenting on these write-ups might bag me one somehow!!
The gle isn't renault engined - all 360s have a volvo b19 or b200 engine in them - its the 340s that have a renault-sourced b14 or b17 engine - either of which is strong for upto 200k with regular servicing. mark2 glts are increasingly hard to come by, because all pre-85 models can't run on unleaded - it's a shame cos they're lovely cars. check out www.volvo300mania.com for more info.
I've been driving a 360 for about 15 years now my latest one is a 1989 GLT goes like stink. A real Q car if ever there was one. Nothing beats me at the lights in fact only yesterday a Lotus Elise had to scream his engine to get past me 20 metres into the roundabout. God love my tank with sofas. My other car is a S40 but it is declared sorn at the moment because I can't bear to part with me ol' beauty.
Sounds like you enjoy it, there's a few Volvo performance forums around turbobricks is one of them, and rwd oriented, very good place to go.
I'm young, but that doesn't mean I have to give into peer pressure and love Holden's or Fords. I mean, man, I love my little GLT 360, I've had a few cars in my short life, even a V6 Holden, but when I bought a 740 Volvo, my life changed for the better, and now I have a 360 I'm doing up bit by bit. I don't know what it is about the Volvo's, but I don't give a rats bottom about anything else... which of course gets me stick considering I work in the automotive industry...anyway, it's great to hear that other people are so fond of theirs as well. Love the Volvo!
Hey all I was wondering if any one out there knows any thing about changing the exhaust on a 360GLT to something which will give it more grrrrr.. LOL I live in Australia, it's me first car and I wouldn't poke a stick at a Ford or Holden for the rest of me life (sorry dad) but ya great car. If anyone knows any thing about changing the exhaust, let me know.
Thanks, Paulie.
paulingram48@hotmail.com
Hi to all those who are thinking of owning a 360 GLT. I have owned three of these great cars. My last one traveled 460,000 ks before I retired it for parts, I should of just kept running it, but bought another later model 1989. Although I loved this car 1986 model 2ltr manual I never changed the cam belt after 160,000 ks it still carried on with no dramas. The only trouble I had was with a broken door handle and the the dash around the speedo came apart to much vibration from too many dirt roads. Graeme from NZ.
Had these great little vehicles for years now, still own 4 including 2 Cvt's. Two 360's... Find me a better car I challenge you...
I just bought a 86 model 360 GLT. it will be my first car, as have only just got my P plates. I'm such a fan of Volvo's. my brother has got me into them. hes had two 850s. one being a T5. freaking awesome car!! anyway I've copped a lot from mates at school about liking volvos, but I think I'm starting to turn a few to my side, now they see what theyre really like. I'm quite happy with all the degrading stereotypes of volvos I the minds of young people. I mean, I definately don't agree with them, but its good for me because I'm unique in that no1 has a car like mine, and theyre cheap to buy because people dont want them.
Crazy. the world is crazy.
Nice to know there are people out there with their heads on the right way. GO VOLVO!!
Oh and the thing I cam to ask. Any things I should look for in particular to make sure my 360 runs a dream? My brother is pretty cluey towards them, but any extra knowledge would help. thanks guys.
Love for someone to send us an email with anything.
Sds985@hotmail.com
cheers.
I Just bought a 1986 360GLT today and I love it!!! Wow! I've never thought the day would come for me to ever say these words let alone buy the car.
* Disclaimer (I love this car, its maker, country of origin and all who drive/own it)
It's not the fastest nor the most torquey, and it certainly did not even make it to my top 100 list of rides I'd even consider to drive. Please realise folks, that this review came from a totally biased outsider to the world of Swedish cars. It came from someone who thought Volvo only made good buses and who had actually burst out laughing with tears after watching Jeremy Clarkson drive a Volvo into the tree. (at least Saab was considered)
The 360GLT was a car your wife would love to name as "Lenny" in the southern hemisphere and Igor in the north. (Kudos to the couple I bought the car from. If you're reading this.. don't worry Lenny is in very good hands).
You see, I've built/raced/owned and driven a pedigree of cars that Jap & euro boyracers/petrolheads would cream over from cult Toyota AE86s to fast Audis & BMWs. Sorry, just didn't have the chance till now with Volvos.
This 360GLT purchase was very circumstantial, as I was on a strict budget and this car just happened to fall into my lap in good condition. Oh Thank you Lord!!
That's why I didn't give a rat's ass if it was "ugly" or slow, as long as it was cheap and had enough grunt to tow a trailer. I needed something practical with a towbar and had all the good bits that traditionalist car enthusiast believe a good retro car should have (ie rear wheel drive, manual) No LSD? Nevermind... as long as it didn't come with a pushrod and/or leaf spring suspension (almost) it's OK.
I settled for the 360 GLT after viewing it in good condition and at a bargain. And that's the best thing. Because people such as myself, won't even bat an eyelid to look at a "boxy coffin looking" car, we admittedly stereotyped Volvos as somewhat of an eyesore like a tank pretending to be an aeroplane. boring things on wheels. But oh boy... have I been so wrong! What have I missed out on all these years!
This is one fun car to drive! The beauty of it is that this humble albeit "eastern european" looking car with a large forehead and massive brow had always been an underdog. It had all the prowess of a solid (both metaphoric and literally) well built car, responsive and very drivable engine,, superb handling, comfy seats and best of all.. unique in every way! From its suspension design, to gearbox setup and engine bay layout. Indeed a breath of fresh air from the usuals...
Golly, she's a fun car to have! Its OHC engine does sound nice, although she runs out of puff easily at high speed / rpm. But who cares! I won't have to worry about another speeding ticket and demerit points! The Volvo 360 GLT in standard trim should rightly have the title of Volkswagen or (people's car), as it truly is an everyday driving car with style.
I'm now a convert... and I pride ownership of the Volvo 360 GLT.
They are not entirely slow I managed 180km/h.
Me 140km/h. Sometimes doesn't start first time. Air con compressor shot. Door handle broken. Rear hatch latch broken.