So at the end of summer 2013, I was browsing CL for a Volvo to buy. Was really looking for a 80's wagon and came across a Volvo I had personally never seen before: a 1975 164e model.
First off, I really liked the grille of the car.
Secondly, it was less than 10 miles from me and was a good price (I thought at the time)
Long story short, it came home with me. It did have a minor running issue that I was going to get to this past spring.
But while sitting in my driveway during last winter (2013/2014), one day I noticed a bunch of transmission fluid had leaked out. Great.
Ended up the transmission case was cracked! On a car with only 89,000 miles?!? Maybe that is common for these cars? (It's an automatic if that makes any difference)
Local Volvo mechanic tried an epoxy fix he had success with in the past. That held up for about a week. Will be calling tomorrow to find out the prognosis. But I don't feel good about it.

So, what are the chances of me finding an automatic tranny for my 164e?
Are there other models that are interchangeable?
Would need to keep the auto since this car is for my wife and she cannot drive a manual.
I am in the doghouse with her since she thinks I have wasted too much money on it so far.
Suggestions would be helpful. (for example, Volvo classifieds I should search?)

I was also trying to add this car to my "Garage" and there is no option for a 164?

 

The transmission casings are aluminum so you should be able to find someone who can weld it up. To do this properly, you will need to drop the tranny and then pull the guts out so the welder can do a proper job. Having said this, there are a few 164's on Craigslist but you'll be taking your chances.


Every old car requires constant tinkering and maintenance so do not expect 2012 Toyota Corolla reliability. Good luck!

 

Good grief. What possessed you to buy a 40 year old car? I sure hope the previous owner paid you to remove it from his driveway.

 

Thanks for the advice. I have owned many air-cooled VW's, so I have a lot of experience tinkering with old cars!

 

Are you being sarcastic or serious, because where do I even start with your statement.

Well, for starters I don't prefer to own a plastic car that looks like everything else on the road.
I currently own 4 VWs that are 40 years old or more, so I am not afraid of searching for parts and all that comes along with owning a vintage car.

I prefer to be able to hear my car, hear the sound of the road, etc.
Not like modern cars where everything is so sterile and homogenized.