Picking up a new to me 1996 850 glt sedan today. Car runs well and only needs a few small things addressed. Gonna park my 2012 Tacoma and let the Volvo be my daily commuter.

While searching my local craigslist postings for Volvo's I came across two other volvo's to part out. One is a 1997 S90 and the other is a 1998 S70. Both have toasted engines. My question is what parts other than the wheels are interchangable. Also, would the factory OEM radio be compatible with my 1996 850.

thanks , LF

 

I think there's very little that will interchange. At least not enough to make it worth buying an entire car. The wheels (as you mentioned), and I'm pretty sure the radio. Probably some minor stuff like the fuel pump, maybe the front seats, and I know the door handles, which look pretty cool on an 850.

Back in the day when I was into V-dubs, I learned the hard way that a Cabriolet is not just a Rabbit with the roof cut off. The only body part that would interchange was the windshield. I think you're looking at the same problem here. They look similar, but they're just different enough that you won't find much to swap.

 

Actually a lot on that '98 S70 will go. Suspension parts, motor parts if they are both turbo or na, heater core, etc. Just be specific of what you want. The radio will need a code once pulled. Don't swap a radio that doesn't have the words "Premium Sound System" on it.

 

Agreed, lots of stuff, but to me that all falls into the category of "some minor stuff". I guess what the OP would have to determine is whether or not it's worth it to keep a parts car laying around so that some day he might need to pull a lower A-arm, or a heater core.

That stuff is relatively cheap. Why go to the trouble for a used heater core? Doesn't mean I've never done it, but I didn't keep a car in my yard just for that purpose.

 

To all who posted, thanks for the information.

I picked the car up and immediately noticed that a few things that were working on my intial check out were not working now. The Speedo, the remote rearview mirrors, and the turn signals were inop. I drove it home anyway and haven't had a chance to fool with it till this morning.

I go out and fire it up to drive to the store and everything is working. WTH??!!

I notice a lot of play in the ignition switch and was wondering if others here had seen this same issue?

thanks, LF

 

What car did you pick up? S70's are know to have bad ignitions and ABS modules. There are plenty of write-up about bad ignitions. Look in the DIY threads or FAQ's.

 

Play in the ignition switch, yes mine was well worn and started acting up so I replaced it.

 

Sorry, I bought the 1996 850 base. the others I mentioned were parts cars in the local area. I'll look into a new switch assembly.