Volvo 960 estate seats

[Paul McGahey]

This is my first post on this forum. I've been a member for a few years and I've got the feeling that someone out there may be able to help me. I own a 1997 960 estate that is good condition but the interior lets it down. I've sorted out the wrinkled door cards but the driver's seat is beyond rescue. All the second hand seats I have seen have been the same - good passenger and rear seats but damage to driver's seat. I was wondering if anyone had fitted seats from a more modern car to a 9 series estate? Any advice on this would be most welcome.

For the record, my first Volvo was a 940 2.0 Turbo that I had for many years. When I saw a good 960 for sale, I couldn't resist it. I still miss the 940 but there was just no room for two of the big beasts on my drive. I am trying to keep the 960 on the road for as long as possible but I know that will become harder as the years go by. It's nice to know that people may be able to share their experiences.

Any tips about the seats would be appreciated.

Paul

[tofufi]

Hi and welcome

I've no 960 experience, but on 740/940s the seat base fabric and padding is not handed so can be swapped from side to side. Doesn't help if the backrest is damaged, however, as the lumbar support knob is on the different side.

Alternatively, if finding a good one proves impossible, one from a LHD car (Europe) may be a good source of one - no idea on shipping cost though!

[Paul McGahey]

Hi Tofufi

Thanks for your suggestions. I really want a complete set of seats in nicely broken in condition (in keeping with the age of the car) that would fit without too much fettling. I've seen seats from a V70 which is a similar size but I don't know if they fit. I'll keep scouring the internet on the off chance that some show up at a breakers yard.

I think this is the right place to seek advice. There must be a wealth of Volvo knowledge among club members.

There's something about an old Volvo that makes it become part of the family.

I'm looking forward to the good weather to get stuck into a few little jobs. Things should be getting better this year. Look after yourself and stay safe.

Thanks again.

[Forrest]

I believe the seats are similar to those in a 940. If so, it is not too bad a job to remove and refit the upholstery. If fact, you might find it easier than removing the actual seat. The electric adjusting ones are very heavy. You also need to be careful not to trigger the side impact airbag which is a standalone device behind the side console with the switches. There should be a plastic cap in there to fit while doing maintenance. Best to avoid disturbing the electric adjusting rails too since aligning the two sides so the seat slides back and forth smoothly is not a trivial exercise.

[volvo always]

Could you fit the leather from a passenger seat onto the drivers seat?

I did this with my 1989 240GLT estate with black leather.

The only difference was the bolster adjuster hole I had to fit a patch over as bolter adjuster on other side and cut hole for new bolter knob.

If your seat is all electric it may not be an issue.

James

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by volvo always

Could you fit the leather from a passenger seat onto the drivers seat?

I did this with my 1989 240GLT estate with black leather.

The only difference was the bolster adjuster hole I had to fit a patch over as bolter adjuster on other side and cut hole for new bolter knob.

If your seat is all electric it may not be an issue.

James

Even on electric seats, the lumbar/bolster adjuster is still manual, can't think why.

The ideal solution would be the covers from a LHD passenger seat as Jim suggested further up.

[Paul McGahey]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Things have moved on since the days you only needed to undo four nuts and bolts to remove a seat. I've time on my hands at the moment to search the net. I'm ever hopeful. Stay safe.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by Paul McGahey

Thank you all for the suggestions. Things have moved on since the days you only needed to undo four nuts and bolts to remove a seat. I've time on my hands at the moment to search the net. I'm ever hopeful. Stay safe.

It's still basically 4 bolts to remove the seat ( and the seatbelt bolt ) Granted the electric ones are heavier but still four bolts

[Paul McGahey]

Quick update. I've found a set of seats at a breakers which would do nicely. Just getting a quote from some couriers. Included is a set of door cards without any wrinkles.