262C - Rust Problems

I've just (rather foolishly) bought a 262C. It seems sound mechanically and the interior is in very good shape, but there a few areas of rust which need immediate attention. Most noticeably, the panel in front of the screen is full of thick cracked filler and is blistering badly - I'm assuming that this is probably a difficult and expensive area to repair properly - is it terminal? Anyone had it repaired successfully?

There's also some evidence of filler at the base of the C-pillars (but I couldn't feel any rust through the vinyl on the pillars themselves), forward door edges and some large blisters ahead of the rear arches. The cills appear to have been repaired fairly recently and the underside is solid.

Is there anywhere else I should have a closer look at?

Thanks in advance.

Philip

a decent bodyshop could fix any problem by cutting the section of metal out and reshaping their own, welding it in and sanding and painting. probably cost a bit thou.

not sure about 262s, but i would take a look at the sills/wheelarches

volvospares-uk.com were breaking a 262c not so long ago - might be worth checking if there are any parts you might need (as i'd imagine they are rare).

Thanks. Anyone have first-hand experience of body repairs to these cars, either individuals or gagrages?

Philip

Nobody ever done any body work to a 262C?

Philip

[davebslater(uk)]

i think 262c are pretty rare for a general question like that - ive done bodywork on 240 , but nothing that severe as you describe . i beleive that corners of the windscreen and the scuttle area can be bought , or cut them out of a car of that age , years did change . the rear wheel wells and arches are available as repair sections . to make it last try to fibreglass over the sections , it will make them last a lot longer . sills and adjacent floor area are a commonplace 240 rust problem , done a few of those , they just need repairing properly.front crossmembers also can be rusty , strut tops can rust , and if they are shows that the general condition of your 262 is quite bad .

Dave,

Thanks, I realise that there aren't a huge number of them around. Strut tops are fine, floors are fine, cills and outriggers appear to have been done not too long ago.

I think it will just be a question of getting the scuttle and C-pillars sorted to begin with - don't know what to expect until it's down to the metal (or what's left of it...). I know it's no real indicator but it passed an MOT a few months ago with no structural issues.

Philip

Hi Philip

My greatest admiration and please don't give up!!!

The scuttle panel can be replaced with a standard 240 model of similar age BUT as you will find may need adjusting to meet the 'A' pillar windscreen surround as the 'rake' or angle of the windscreen was different.

Take out the screen - be careful as they are basically unobtainable.
Measure everything and replace the screen with new rubber seal.

Hope this helps
Matt

Matt,

Thanks for the information. After closer investigation it doesn't appear quite as bad as I had thought, although it doesn't look great. The car had several thousand pounds worth of bodywork carried out by Amazon Repairs in 1997 (didn't realise P38 was so expensive...)

Philip

I had one and gave up on it. These cars rust like nothing. Make sure that everything is rust proof and sealed with good ventilation.

1995 Volvo 945 LPT Auto

[James A]

I scrapped my 1988 240GL due to an excessively rotten scuttle panel. I would think twice about doing the same with a 'Tre Kroner' as they are so damn rare in any form nowadays.

I'm sure that a standard scuttle panel cut from a sound standard 240 could be made to fit the car with a little skill :)

Good luck! :D