What to look for - 176k 1990 740

[jskains]

Hello. Name is Josh. Just bought a 1990 740 Turbo Wagon. The body is in perfect condition, but there are things I need and want to see about some thoughts and suggestions on what next.

So far:

Took it to Jiffy Lube and got a full oil change, coolant swap, new airfilters new fuel filters and injector cleaning. The first thing we noticed is the oil was clean, but the air filter was an OLD Volvo filter (90's). No oil leaks so far. Trans fluid, etc. all in decent condition. We did find the timing belt was cracked, so I am getting that redone (with new tension) for $311. Only guy who would do it in the area.

Things I need:

1. I need a new air filter box. The locks that hold the lid on all cracked when Jiffy Lube put in the new filter. They got two to stay.

2. A new "boot"... There is that large "boot" that goes from the air filter box to the engine. It T's off to a smaller hose (to the turbo, right?) and then there is an electric plug. It looks easy to replace myself? But if I do, is there an easy place to get the part? Is it even avalible? The original is melting. It is goo on the engine end.

3. Interior trim - Need to swap out a lot of the interior trim. One big one is the cover for the rear brake light. It is the "tan" (white paint outside).

4. The "lifters" for the rear door.

5. Need to replace the passenger side view mirror.

6. The light for the shifter is out? Does not light up.

7. Anti-Lock Brake light is on. Old owner claims after brakes were recently serviced.

Positives:

1. Not a ding in the body. No rust
2. All the electronics seem to work for the most part. Power windows, locks, and the sunroof.
3. leather interior not bad. Cracking in driver seat.
4. Doesn't leak oil
5. Doesn't seem to overheat.
6. $1550.

So I am just a computer geek. Any direction would be fantastic. I would like to see how much I can restore this before it exceeds it's $3,200 bluebook value. The claim is that even if the engine dies, I could get most of my $1550 back from parting it out? *Shrug*

Thanks,
JMS

[billofdurham]

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Things you need:
1. I have seen these boxes held closed by a webbing strap wrapped around them. Otherwise I would suggest a breaker's yard.
2 & 4 Look at this site they do stock the lifters and may stock or be able to obtain the pipe: http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo.htm
3 & 5. Breaker's yard.
6. The bulb is easy to change.
7.This could be several things eg bad ABS unit or one of the wheel sensors may have been damaged or moved out of line when the brakes were recently serviced.

Hope this is of some help. No doubt others will weigh in with their thoughts.

Bill.

[lucast]

Welcome to the 740 owning community.

I am restoring a 1989 vintage 740 turbo myself.

I'd suggest you go over to http://www.brickboard.com and have a read of the 700/900 series maintenance and repair FAQ. BTW, the same FAQ is also available at Swedespeed.com and the UK Volvo club site.

The nice things about these cars is that there are so many: people driving them/doing stuff to them/repairing them themselves/parts for them that are available reasonably, that you never feel alone in doing them up!

BTW, Ebay is often a good source for parts for your car. Just type in "Volvo 740". Mirrors, rear brake light with covers, etc!

Congrats on your new old car.

[jonesg]

If you're anywhere near Boston I can show you how to change that timing belt in no time, its a simple job, the mechanic here wanted $375 for timing belt and water pump, I did it for $60.

Get yourself a haynes manual for starters at least.

These guys are ok for interior trim,.
http://www.vlvworld.com/indexframe.html?700/photo.htm

for most other parts I use FCP Groton,
Heres an FCP diagram to identify parts.
http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo700900turbo.htm
Were you were referencing the air intake hose to the throttle body.?

A tailgate anti rattle kit is usefull on the wagons.
http://www.fcpgroton.com/Volvo700900other.htm

You can find almost any volvo part on ebay, mirrors up the ying yang.

http://search.stores.ebay.com/Toms-Fore ... 92QQsofpZ0