As promised, here are some pictures. 1984 Volvo 240GL. Not sure what the GL designates...
Needs some lights replaced, haven't tried to start it yet. Seein as how the heat index is like a hunnit fitty outside, not messing with it right now. Maybe this evening.
On to the show:


On the tow dolly. Ugly, ugly, tape repair on he light there.




Under the bonnet. A slant-4. Looks incredibly easy to work on.

Leather interior, power everything...it has a LOT of potential. I'm very excited, and the price was unbeatable. I'm sure I'll be frequenting the forum a lot for advice and such.

 

Wow, you got he Grand Lux (GL)!

 

nice score.

 

Thanks, guys. I said power everything, but I was mistaken. the sunroof is crank-operated.

 

BTW some are touchy about towing like that without disconnecting the drive shaft. They say it's hard on the transmission output shaft

 

Yes the GL is the Grand Luxury. That is why you have Leather, Power Windows, Sunroof, AC, Alloy Wheels, etc.

Those motors are pretty easy to work on. And if it has not been driven daily in a few months, I would replace all the fluids before starting, including the fuel (ouch).

I was really wanting to start my daughter off in one of those but she ended up with a S70 GLT instead. Did not want her to try to kill me in my sleep or something.

Have fun. I hope you have a good source for salvage parts.

 

Nice Score indeed! I am a little jealous you have a sunroof....I just picked up one my self, for close to nothing...... I would say change out the fuel filter and if you can make sure to get rid of any gas in the tank! Add 93 octane and some sort of gas treatment/ injector cleaner on your first fill up. Check on your fuel pumps, (internal and external). Just a little tlc and you should have a solid reliable car..... Dude and FREE! You can't beat that!

 

Okay, so I gave the car (I think I'll call her Gretchen) a good going-over. The trunk/glove box key is missing, so i hooked up the jumper cables and used the trunk popper button. Every single idiot light on the dash came on, and I gave the starter a couple of light bumps and it seems like it'll spin once I get a new battery in there.
Main problem: The car has a salvage title, and here in Texas that means extra money to get her legal. I have to have her inspected before I can get her registered (or even insured) and nearly every single turn signal or running light is broken enough that it won't pass. The friend I got the car from supplied me with a brand-new Bentley book and the latest ipd catalog...and the 6-panel tail light assembly is $190!!! Each!!!
Instant Lens is NOT an option as it will not pass inspection.
How common are these 6-panel assemblies in the junkyards?
Is there a (much) cheaper option?

 

They are all over ebay or look thru turbobrick.com. There are a few for sale in their classifieds as most of thise guys are sporting 240s.... I will keep an eye out on fleabay and send u a PM with a link if I see anything.

 

There is a place called Volvo's Only that I get parts from. I think they have like 20 240's there. You can reach them at 501-849-2484.

 

Thanks guys. I did manage to find a couple places online that have them for around $70, so that's better. I need to call a few junkyards around here and see what they have.

Today was going to be the day that I started Gretchen, but my 99 Dodge Ram (Bettie) decided she needed new pads and rotors, and since she's the daily driver...it'll have to wait till tomorrow. Or if I just can't stand it anymore and do it tonight.
I'l keep you posted.

 

Go to junkyards, are if you're lazy go to http://car-part.com/ and search through there, most of those places will pull it off and you can pick it up, or even ship it to you. I also have parts, mostly pre 85 stuff.

 

Wow, necroposting. lol
Well, tomorrow is the day I get Gretchen on the road...if this guy comes through and buys my Dodge.
Fingers crossed, I should have a big update tomorrow night or Friday.

 

You paid too much for it!
Just kidding. Have fun, looks like a great project.

Regards, Andrew.

 

IT'S ALIVE!!!

Pulled the plugs, disconnected the coil, and poured in 2 gallons of new gas along with some STP gas treatment and some Gumout fuel system cleaner. Sprayed the cylinders down with WD40 and cranked it till the oil light went off, then put it together and kaboom, she started right up!
Super-rough idle at first, got a lot less rough after a few minutes and is still not smooth, but new plugs, new cap+rotor, new air cleaner and fuel filter and new plug wires will fix that right up.
I believe the AC was even getting cold.
Nothing huge seems to be wrong. the steering was real squirrely at first, but after a couple of turns, it smoothed right out. brakes are real good, transmission shifts just fine. hell, the check engine light isn't even on!

Still to go: the aforementioned tune-up and such, light lenses/bulbs, some leather dye and conditioner, fix the sunroof so it opens, inspection and registration.

More to come.

Oh, and if anyone in the DFW area wants a 99 Dodge Ram that's not real pretty but a fantastic great truck for $2500, let me know. i needs to sell her to finance the Volvo and other stuff like bills.

 

Jay- what you need is a good U pull it junkyard. Dont know if they are legal in all states, but in NY weve got several. Specials each weekend, bet they would sell tail light lens for 10 bucks. (bought fender 15, door 25 and bumper 15 for our Caravan after i slid it off the road in the snow) Thing is all of the old stuff has rusted out and been crushed a LONG time ago up here...Bought my 89 240 in VA 3 years ago. Nice score on the 84!! Dave

 

We've got tons of U pull it places here, but I spent 4 hours one afternoon calling every single one, and they have zero 81-89 200 series Volvos.
I did find an eBay seller that has the 6-panel taillights for $159. The Euro ones (clear instead of yellow turn lenses) are cheaper, but not sure if they're legal in my state.
And thanks, I think it's going to be my most favorite car I've ever had.