Bought my first Volvo TODAY. It's a mechanic owned 2-owner 4-speed w/overdrive manual 1982 244 GL. It is going under the knife as soon as parts come in. Not going for speed, going for durability...There are no rust or compression issues. Everything works, but I am a fan of preventative maintenance and peace of mind. I plan on driving this car through South America. I am currently in Colombia. I have looked at IPDUSA, EBAY, 240turbo, FCPEuro, etc. for parts. Can't do pull a part because of location. I do freight forwarding for everything. The dash is in km, no fuel injection or electric relays/pumps? South America edition?

Parts I am purchasing soon:

Suspension:

-Rear lower control arms (x2--left/right) (need)

-Right ball joint, left ball joint (Meyle?) (need)

-$200 budget for struts (x4) Bilstein comfort? Sachs? KYB? OEM? (need)

Engine and drivetrain:

-The electrical engine wire harness has not deteriorated and it is the original in 37 years....320,000km, but should I get a new one? 240turbo.com? Will affect spark plugs.

-Bosch Spark Plugs (found)

-Manual Transmission mount. Need a good brand?

-Genuine Volvo head gasket kit. (found)

-Genuine Volvo oil separator box. (found)

-Volvo water pump--Meyle? (need)

-OEM? seal kit? Needs to include rear main seal. Heard Elring isn't great (need)

-Accurate thermostat and seal kit. (need)

-Clutch/Flywheel kit (looking at Sachs clutch kit) (need)

-Magnet oil pan bolt (found)

Electrical:

-Electrical harness above^

-Extra fuses (found)

-Any relays that fail on this edition?

-Spare bulbs (found)

-It's an 82, so not many electronics.

-Battery disconnect switch (found)

Cosmetic:

-Two front seats are worn but back seats are good (need options)

-no dash cracks, no dents or dings, paint just has sun damage from 5k ft daily altitude. Car is being painted original gold color tomorrow.

-No cracks on any housings of lights

-anti-corrosive/strong bolts that I can replace previous bolts with. (need)

-Need some decent plated lug nuts

-Is there a kit with upgraded/nuts or bolts for all the things I am taking apart somewhere?

What has already been done:

All fluids, changed radiator, gaskets/hoses changed, battery, tires, factory motor mounts, alignment, aftermarket overdrive kit, all lights are upgraded, Hella euro pee tint fog light and 1 white one hidden behind grill. Upgraded head unit for radio. Speedo and various functions work. All switches and warning lights work. Seatbelt indicator even clicks/detects weight.

Please go easy on me. I don't know anything about Volvo. I have only started researching Volvos as a car 2 weeks ago and backed out of another one '92 Wagon for rust areas. I originally was going to buy an old Landcruiser, but decided on Volvo for economy, cheap parts, durability, and safety. My major needs right now are: the gasket kit with all the gaskets, clutch, struts, transmission mount, and any electrical preventative recommendations. Anything I missed that goes bad on non-turbo 82 244s, thanks.

edit: here is what I am starting out with (no suspension just yet)
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1 x Flosser 30 Piece Fuse Kit for 240 & 260
4 x Bosch Spark Plug USD
1 x Battery Disconnect Switch
1 x Genuine Volvo Oil Separator Box
2 x Front Turn Signal & Park Lamp Bulb
1 x Sachs Clutch Kit - 1979-1984 240 740 B21F B23F Non-Turbo
1 x Genuine Volvo Head Gasket Kit - B21
1 x Genuine Volvo Oil Separator Box O-Ring
1 x Genuine Volvo Water Pump Gasket and Seal Kit B21/B23
1 x Genuine Volvo Intake Manifold Gasket
1 x Genuine Volvo Water Pump - B21 B23
1 x Aftermarket Manual Transmission Mount
1 x Genuine Volvo Thermostat & Seal (197°F / 92°C)
1 x Elring Pan Gasket Set - B21 B23 B230 USD
1 x Genuine Volvo Flame Trap Kit - NON Turbo 81-87
1 x Aftermarket Rear Crank Housing + Seal Kit - B21 B23 B230 B234
1 x Genuine Volvo Clutch Cable 240