Rust strategy for 1993 240 Sedan.

[fontoledo]

Hi friends. Long time no see.

We added a new Volvo to the family (1993 240 Sedan) so expect more activity from me as I figure out how to bring it back to its glory.

I’d like to start addressing the most critical piece: Rust. I’m not delusional, I don’t expect to restore the car. But I would like to stop it from spreading for the next ~years which is my expected future time of ownership. Here’s some pictures of what I’m dealing with: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... 9a-A-aYJYQ

I’ll take any advice here on how to treat stop the rus from spreading. I’m particularly worried about the one under the plastic trim as it’s “hidden” and the rust on the suspension pillars you can see in the engine photo.

Thanks!

[Vova585]

To my eyes the rust is significant. I am questioning how solid this car is at this time given rust seen in the pictures. If restoration is out of the budget- I would bring it to a reputable body shop to evaluate if it is still safe. If money are tight and you want need to squeeze every mile possible from this car- I would treat with Krown or other lanolin based product (usually 180 for treatment and needs to be replied yearly.) If the car mechanicaly perfect, and only issue is rust and you are adventurous- buy another 240 from outside rust belt and use yours as spare(if you have storage where to keep it)

[fontoledo]

Thanks for your fast answer, Vova. Got a couple of questions:

-Is the Krown application something I could do myself?
-I can’t but another one right now. At this point I’m exploring keeping it alive for the next 5 years.
-what’s the part you’re mostly worried about regarding the visible rust? Where would you start?

[Vova585]

Dear friend, unless this car means something that the words can't describe, I would urge you to buy toyota corolla non hybrid and be happy. Owning 1993 volvo is a great fun, but also a great financial burden. Yes it is a "simple" car without much of modern electronic, but also without availability of parts that one might need to keep 30 year old car on a road. It looks like this car spent it's life not in Arizona, but was fighting against salt brine of Chicago for the duration of those years. It was fighting a good battle, but even the greatest ones need help. The rocker panels look rough and I am questioning you will be able to change the tire with regular jack without arm of the jack not enteing interior of the car. Most of members here are "fanatics" that connected to their cars due to one or many reasons and will continue to fight their battles. Ofcourse "volvo will last as long as you will be keeping throwing money at it", but look at your own life goals and financial situation and be honest with yourself of you can afford unpredictable nature of owning a car without warranty and questionable availability of parts especially not from the Utah, Arizona, Oregon, California. I personally have 01v70xc which cost me a pretty penny to keep on the road, but I can afford it at this point of my life(with 2016xc70 sitting in the garage as a spare or "ski" car together with some other spare cars). I know what it is to count pennies and I know what it is to have 1 car for entire family which is passed through generations(fuck you ussr) , so my suggestion is still brand new toyota corolla non hybrid. P.S. krown or fluid film are lanolin based sprays which are better applied by professional shops. Unless you have lift, compressor, special spray gun with attachments and product itself.