One of those things - possibly time to scrap

[Dave in Maine]

As you may know from my prior posts, I have a 96 850 turbo sedan, "Gold Edition" which I've enjoyed driving for the last 7 years. Right now it has about 220k on it.
Wednesday night of last week we had a big windstorm here in Maine and, when I woke up in the morning I discovered a tree branch in the 4-6 inch diameter class had fallen about 30 feet smack in the middle of my windshield and onto the front of the roof over the driver's station. The windshield is totally trashed and the lip of the roof has a pretty substantial dent (and a couple smaller ones).

The appraiser came out earlier this week and I expect to get his report Monday, but the insurance company indicated he'll recommend totaling the car.

Thing is, last year I took it back close to state zero - still have a minor oil leak which I think is coming from one of the main seals, and didn't replace the a/c compressor (don't really need a/c here in Maine). Cleaning the car in anticipation of putting it in the shop or sending it away, the interior is pretty much like new, save the driver's seat which shows some wear but no tears. Everything works, inside and out, down to the headlight wipers.

Have any of you ever replaced the header (beam) on the front of the roof, and/or the roof plate (the sheet metal part of the roof)? The header (almost definitely) and roof plate (probably) would have to be replaced to get the windshield to fit properly. The header is a part available online for 70-120 dollars depending on the vendor. The roof plate is in the 600-700 range.

There's only one or two minor patches of hidden rust on the body and a few of the usual stone chips and such in the paint. The doors work perfectly, and everything else is fine.

As you might have figured out, I really love this car. It's a joy to drive. I was aiming to get it to about 240-250k so I could get a bumpersticker about driving to the moon. That would have been its only bumpersticker.

Ideas?
Commmiseration?

[scot850]

The parts are not too bad but unless you can fit it yourself it is not an easy fix I understand. Roof corners are multi layer so difficult to weld in. I'd speak to a bodyshop and see what install and paint will cost + of course windshield and top seal.

I wish you luck.

Neil.

[abscate]

Dave,

I’ll donate anything from the roof of my stone black 1998 parts car that might help.

Windshield too if I can get it out in one piece

[WhatAmIDoing]

I have a 99 parts car in stone black. A-pillar and pass. door were smashed in, but I believe the roof bits you require are intact. Send me a PM.

[MoVolvos]

If you can post pictures it would be helpful. Not all body shops even those with frame racks understand Metallurgy. Take a look at the 850 crash video and you'll notice the entire windshield remains glued to the car. I was told by a windshield installer that the glue used is an integral part of the safety cage in a vehicle. Poor quality glass and glue can allow the windshield to pop off.

Looking from driver's side you'll see the pillar and roof crumple along with the glass. If someone is able to make the sheet metal look good you still have a crushed tin can made to look original but the structure of the metal has been damaged / change. The roof also protects from roll overs. That being said you should probably have the damage parts replaced but the question is will it be welded properly when the new parts are tacked on. Removing the spot welds also will stress and damage the good sheet metal on the car.

Be thoughtful on how you approach the damaged area in question. If it was my car I would say to junk it by what you've described so far. If a larger tree fell on the same area (repaired) and you were in the car...



FULL TEST


In extreme cases an 850 could roll also - This is a V70. Don't want the roof structure to be compromised just in case.

[Dave in Maine]

Insurance says it's totaled. Selling it. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=91736&p=523198#p523198