First post from almost a sorta first time Volvo owner

JimG63 · Post by **JimG63** » 19 Aug 2010, 08:50

I have one last cousin-hurdle to clear, but it's looking like I'll be acquiring a '91 740 sedan from my aunt's estate for my 17yo daughter, who doesn't live with me. But it's not in my driveway yet. (explain my confusing subject line)

Only has 126k miles on it, but it's been sitting for almost a year. I got it running, was a bit rough, battery was flat, exhaust is shot, needs tires, needs belts, needs a complete going through, really.

Never having owned one, especially an older one, what are my best sources for parts? Does NAPA carry a good selection of basic items? There is a dealer in my town. Online?

Any suggestions on brand of exhaust system?

I usually buy a Haynes manual, but they seem to stop at 1988. Is the Chilton book decent?

Car has a half tank of old gas in it. I plan to top it off with some high octane stuff and some fuel system cleaner. Looks like some Seafoam treatment is popular.

Any tips on things I should look out for with this model/year, Volvos in general, or fixing up a car that's sat for a year will be appreciated.

Jim

JimG63 · Post by **JimG63** » 19 Aug 2010, 08:52

Volvofix1 · Post by **Volvofix1** » 19 Aug 2010, 09:30

I am probably going to get some flack about this but NAPA is very expensive FCP Groton is the best bet where you live. The exhaust system brands are Starla and Bosal, don't go to a "golden " muffler shop or others like it because they will weld and cobble up a real mess. I am putting on my flack jacket now and see puffs of black smoke ahead. A 1991 740 Is an excellent car and can be very reliable (I have one I bought in Germany new in 1991 and now has 302K and runs very well) if an experienced Volvo guy puts in some proper OE type parts. Some of the Haines type books are a little short about some procedures and info a factory type "green " book can be purchased from Amazon or other sources. Putting some Lucas or Seafoam along with some isopropyl based dry gas and some hi test fuel is a good start. Never use dry gas with methanol it is cheaper ,but really won't work well.
Good luck with your project
Dick K. from Fla.

JimG63 · Post by **JimG63** » 19 Aug 2010, 11:50

Thanks Dick,

I checked out FCP's website, easy to find stuff and while you are looking for stuff you know you need, you see stuff that you need but didn't think of. Prices seem reasonable too. Groton's kind of far from East Hartford if I just need a $20 part, but if I'm going over $150 and buy online, I can have it shipped up here for free.

Got an update on what has to be done before I can get the car. My cousin has to write up a letter, sign it, have her two brothers sign it, then give it to the lawyer for the estate, who then has to bring it to the probate court to authorize the transaction. AND, they couldn't find the title, so the lawyer has to take care of that too.

Oh, two of my cousins are of the mindset to just give me the car for free. #3 hasn't signed off on that idea as yet to my knowledge, but I'm hoping. gonna cost a few bucks to get the car road ready/safe. Gonna find out just how expensive a free car is.

Dick, any resources for finding a used set of aluminum wheels for cheep around central CT? Boneyards that specialize in Volvos?

Volvofix1 · Post by **Volvofix1** » 19 Aug 2010, 12:58

Jim ,alloy wheels can be a pain to find in good shape they always bend and crack. As far as registration goes in Ct.a letter from the probate court with permission from the executors you fill out a lost title form which is available at the Ct. MVD office near you. Since you seem to be close to Wethersfield the main MVD office go there in person or it may take 4 or 5 weeks. I was a Ct. licensed Dealer and Repairer for 36 years. The best bet for alloy wheels is IPD out west, Volvo has a specific bolt pattern that other cars don't have. You may also be able to get reconditioned alloys from Keystone but they may only sell to shops with a tax number. It is hard to find a good Volvo for less than $3500.00 so fixing up an older gently used can be a really good deal.

Dick K. ..ex Ct. resident

JimG63 · Post by **JimG63** » 08 Sep 2010, 07:46

Update: Still don't have the car, but I heard from my cousin yesterday and I may have a Title and bill of sale hopefully by the weekend.....finally....Just ordered a crahpload of stuff from FCP: Starla exhaust, belts, plugs, filters. I'm sure I forgot something or other. Will have to give the brakes a thorough examination. I went thru the stack of repair tickets that was in the glove box and found that the timing belt was replaced at 119k, has 126k now, so hopefully we are good for a while. Daughter is excited. Not going to look like it from the outside, but I think my kid is going to have a better ride than my ex-wife, who bought some Suzuki car last year