I bought a worn out 98 S70, aka, how these cars can be so expensive

[j-dawg]

dude...that took you just 61 hours?

[tryingbe]

dude...that took you just 61 hours?

For the above work, yes.
Though, I didn't include the online parts hunting time, you know look for OEM parts thru various options.

Yesterday, I went to junkyard to get a better looking seatbelt, a master windows switch, and ABS module.

Today, I put in the new seatbelt and windows switch


Someone failed at repairing the ABS module.


Open up the NEW ABS module and redo all the soldering.


Fixed the ABS/TRAC lights!


Found both shifter bushings are broken!


Homemade bushings to the rescue! 5/8 heatercore hose, 5/16 silicone hose, and stock bushing sleeve in the center with a bracket preventing the cable to come loose.


Had to put in a spare 850 info switch, the S70's switch came apart when I touched it.


All I have left is finish the coolant flush and fill it with coolant.
69hrs into it.

[Teddy1975]

Thumbs up for the restoration, it's looking sweeter for everything you do to it.

I wonder how long that "hillbilly"** fix to the shifter bushings will last though.

/Teddy

(** Hoping noone will be offended by that expression )

[Ozark Lee]

I would send you an Info switch but the one on my parts car did the same thing, it fell apart getting the connector unplugged.

...Lee

[mecheng]

Great work, looks nice.

I would never try flipping one of these cars, they aren't worth the effort. Most people don't want cars from the 90s even though these are great cars. Lots of profit margin on Hondas and Toyotas.

[erikv11]

tryingbe, do you still need that CBV diaphragm?

[sleddriver]

I came across a 98 S70 for sale, 254k miles, turbo with manual transmission. I went to check it out and it has non-torn front seats!!! The car was sold with an engine with dead cylinders and I have a working engine at home, so that is not big deal to me. I was told the car have its clutch changed a few years ago, there were also around $1800 worth of receipts of radiator change, struts change, brakes, and etc done few months ago.

Incredible amount of work.....for 69hrs??? Geeze...I'm impressed. Takes me quite a bit longer.

My sled is the same year, roughly 213,000mi. I'm the original owner. Just finished about 5 months of part-time work on her "where everything came due at once". Really took over my life. She's driving nice now and I'm glad all that "sweat equity" is behind me. It's been quite an education.

I don't know how anyone manages to keep a car that long, with the drivers seat looking that good. Mine has rotted, despite the regular cleanings + leather treatment. Must be my sweat composition or something....

NICE WORK!

[scot850]

I am amazed at how much work you have done in such a little amount of time. I'd still be at that with months under my belt!

My 97 850 project doesn't need as many mechanical issues to sort as you had (hopefully), but it is true what mecheng says that there is no money to be made flipping old Volvos. The parts can mount up very quickly if you are too particular in what the finished article must be.

I am keeping track on my costs for this car in a (probably vain) attempt to at least keep the end cost neutral on the selling price, and just enjoy the challenge. I have 3 people already express an interest in the vehicle when complete, but let's see if any come through in the end!

With the cost of the car I'll be into it for about $1500-1600 US at present costs, including purchase price and towing.

Neil.

[configsys]

Nice work. How much was it to get your interior done?

[tryingbe]

Nice work. How much was it to get your interior done?

Steering wheel and vinyl armrest top was under $60 together.

Last day working on the car! Changed the fuel filter, filled it up with coolant and changed the spark plugs. Total working hours was 73.25.

Buyer should be showing up tomorrow with cash.

Looks like a stock filter.