This was a new one on me, so I thought you might like it, too. I found the following description of an 1800S on Kirk Houser's Volvo page, and I wrote to the author to find out what a "Frantz Oil Cleaner" was. -Glenn.
[Year] 1969
[Chassis Number] 29,025
Medium blue (color 99), original paint now starting to flake, tan interior, B20B engine (yup, still has those beloved carbs), all stock. It did have a famous "Frantz Oil Cleaner" attached to the engine: change the toilet paper every three months or so. Scott worked best, but I had it taken out in the end. It is now an altar in our bathroom. Bought from 2nd owner a few years ago. He stopped driving it when he was in his late 60s, then left it in his shed in Ramona for about 15 years. Low mileage, in decent condition, an ongoing restoration project. Who needs a savings account anyhow?
From: Sandra Mello
....As to the Frantz oil filter, it was attached to the engine block (this required drilling a hole). Oil went through both the traditional Volvo filter and the Frantz. The idea was that it would keep the oil clean longer with "double" filtration. Plus, changing toilet paper is cheaper than changing a filter every three months. It is also a great deal messier. The filter itself looks like a LARGE oil filter; the roll of toilet paper (preferably Scott or something substantial) is wedged inside. This setup must have been a hot item in the late sixties in tractor country. The previous owner swore it protected the engine in the hot dusty climate of Ramona. After a year of dealing with it, I had it removed, and treasure it along with the original spare gaskets.
The filter was one of the few original items I want to change on my car. Getting a two-spoke steering wheel is another. -Sandra
Sandra- Thanks for your reply. Wow, what will they think of next? Try Don Thibault for the steering wheel (Massachusetts phone number 508-888-9715). -Glenn.