240 General: 240(245) Minor restoration

[presario85]

Hi folks,

Last week I purchased a 240 that's in brilliant mechanical condition. It's rot free (mostly) and extremely solid, but just needs some minor sprucing up, mainly to the interior. The car was purchased as something retro to pull my caravan with and I'd no intentions of doing any restoration work, but now that I have her, she seems to have wormed her way into my affections in just a week and now I'm going to do some work to bring her back to her best!

I'll put up some 'before' pictures at the weekend, and post weekly updates on the work I'm doing. I'm sure you've all got better things to do than read my ramblings about some minor work I'm doing to my old motor, but I'm putting this up mainly as a motivational tool to keep myself going to finish the jobs and in the hope that some kind and wise Volvo guru out there would be willing to give some advice and tips for me!

I've purchased a couple of interior bits and pieces which I need, but I need some other bits and pieces - so if anyone has any interior bits that they'd be willing to sell (especially plastics - A pillar covers, Handbrake surrounds, door pockets and a good condition tan leather drivers seat) please let me know.

On a starter point, I've a bit of a problem with my door speakers - they've been replaced by a previous owner and the replacements must be too deep as they prevent the windows going down. Can anyone recommend a good modern replacement speaker which wouldn't have this problem?

Things I've managed to source and order so far include door handle surrounds, speaker grills, clear indicator lens covers and the vital SEM colourcoat tan/camel interior paint.

So there we go - a little intro from me and hopefully someone out there will be able/willing to give a little advice and maybe find a bit of interest in my ramblings!

Michael

[martinsimart]

Looking forward to seeing your progress

Good luck

Mart

[stephend]

So do I.

They have character, these old Volvos, don't they?

[Angie]

Originally Posted by presario85

Hi folks,

Last week I purchased a 240 that's in brilliant mechanical condition. It's rot free (mostly) and extremely solid, but just needs some minor sprucing up, mainly to the interior. The car was purchased as something retro to pull my caravan with and I'd no intentions of doing any restoration work, but now that I have her, she seems to have wormed her way into my affections in just a week and now I'm going to do some work to bring her back to her best!



Michael

They seem to have a habit of doing that!

[Antz]

Im using a small pair of Pioneer speakers in my 240. Cant remember the model number of them but they are roughly the same size as Peugeot 106 rear speakers.

I cut the original speakers out of the square plate they are part of, bolted the new speakers to the plate and this enabled me to keep the original speaker covers too.

[presario85]

Thanks for the support folks, another quick question.

I've been doing some window-shopping of similair cars and I've seen a few nice touchs added that I liked and would like to replicate. I've been able to source most bits I need but one thing I seen that I couldnt find was an alternative grille for the front of the car which, rather than having just vertical 'fins', had both horizontal and vertical.

Anyone any ideas on where I'd go to get one of these?

[Jack Spaniel]

That's called the egg box grille. Not sure you can buy them new but I have seen them occasionally on the sales section on here.

[presario85]

I've been doing a lot of searching this week for options to do with my front seats.

I've been quoted £300 to repair the front seats and £500 to replace the covers and foam with matching material. Neither of these seem like good value for money to me. I've also been unable to find a second hand tan leather seats.

I have however found an early Volvo v70 with mint interior nearby for for £400. I know that front seats swaps can be done, but I just don't know how hard it is - has anyone done this before and can you offer any advice?

Thanks,
Michael