Full size spare tire question

Post by **atxf4i** » 07 Jun 2010, 08:06

I have an 850 wagon. The bracket for the 3rd row seat belts looks to be in the way of a full size spare. Does anyone know of a way to get the full size spare in the compartment? Anyone tried to relocate the seat belt bracket?

Thanks for the input.

Dale

Post by **vjaneczko** » 07 Jun 2010, 08:50

If I remember correctly, the last time I changed a flat I was able to get the full size tire in storage without affecting the 3rd row seats. Maybe the ‘hatch’ didn’t lay flat all the way down, but it was years ago so I may be incorrect. The belts get bolted to an area that is just below the plywood backrest, so it wouldn’t be in the way, regardless of the tire size.

As far as relocating the seat belts, I’d stay away from such a notion. Volvo is known for safety, and I’m sure they engineered those belts the best way they could. Those belts for the 3rd row are designed for passengers under 80 pounds, and I’d never want to mutter the phrase; “it seemed like it would work that way…” to a mom.

Post by **atxf4i** » 09 Jun 2010, 13:35

With the hatch up, you wouldn't be able to use the 3rd row anyway - so it sounds like kind of one or the other - either a 3rd row seat or a full size spare.

Bummer.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 10 Jun 2010, 08:46

um, wait - have you seen a 3rd row? With the 3rd row, the floor of the storage area IS the 3rd row. The plywood that covers the space is split into two sections. The section that is behind the 2nd row lifts up 90 degrees and attaches to the back of the 2nd row; this is the backrest of the 3rd row. The section that is closest to the tailgate swings up 180 degrees and becomes the seat of the 3rd row. The passengers sitting in the 3rd row place their feet on the plywood sheet that gets strapped to the spare.

I can post a pic when I get home if you'd like.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 14 Jun 2010, 14:35

Here's a few pics of the 3rd row. What you don't see is the extra seat cover, which adds a few inches of seat foam for comfort. It's not something that can be easily stored in the car when not in use, nor stored on the seat when folded down.
The jumper cables, peeking out from under the seat, are sitting on fabric which covers the plywood sheet sitting on top of the spare. The spare itself sits below the level of the seat belt clips, with the middle of the tire lying just under the seem between the two sections.
P.S.; Please excuse the mess! I'm in the middle of doing the shocks which requires the removal of the 3rd row backrest - which is why it appears that nothing lines up properly. It looks much better when it's bolted down in its proper location.

Post by **atxf4i** » 17 Jun 2010, 07:15

Thanks for the pic - what size tire do you have under the 3rd row?

I tried this and my tire fill not fit in the well. It pops out, so when the seat is up, the bottom seat of the third seat is not flush because the tire (205/55-16) is popping out of the bottom, and if the seat is down, it bows up. Maybe if the tire was deflated or maybe a 15, it would fit??

Post by **vjaneczko** » 17 Jun 2010, 07:45

Ahh, I get it now. I have one of those donut spares. Not sure of its measurements, but I'm sure it's not a 205, which would be the issue. My regular tires are 195's. I don't recall if the full size tire caused the bowing affect you mention.