Just found a 1700 in bad condition and I kind of want it

[rgk]

It has been sitting around for probably over two decades. Rust seems to have eaten away at the entire underbody, but the tires are so flat, and vines have overgrown it so heavily, that it's impossible to really tell. In all honesty, it's impossible to tell it's even there unless you get right next to it and pull some vines out of the way.

It pains me to see it go back to the earth in this way, and I was wondering if someone could provide some advice as to what kind of offer I could or should provide the owner to take it off his hands. The additional question, of course, is whether it would be worth it. I wonder if there is an enthusiast out there who might get some use out of it.

Of course, I understand that without a more proper assessment of the vehicle's state, it's not really possible to tell, so I guess what I'm looking for is a miracle story or two, or perhaps the knowledge of a couple of key parts that could be pulled from this vehicle which would probably still be in good condition, that an enthusiast very much would like or need.

Thanks!

[anmartin44]

if it is in as bad of shape as you say, the owner should pay you to take it. If the drivetrain is still there and has not been underwater then it is worth saving for parts. Where are you at?

[1800ES]

Unfortunately, unless you have a whole lot of money to burn, it's just not worth saving an 1800 that's that far gone. Many of the body panels are available as reproductions, but as far as I know, mainly just the panels for the lower half of the car. I don't know that anyone makes roof panels or hoods. You'd probably have to scrounge those from a donor car. At best you might be able to salvage some of the mechanical bits and a few trim pieces if they are OK. If the grille surround isn't too far gone and not banged up, it might be worth something to someone even if it needs to be rechromed. Same goes for the front grille. If it's a later car with the black plastic grille and it's not cracked that's worth a few bucks. If the mechanicals and some of those other bits are OK, I'd say no more than a few hundred dollars to take it off the guys hands if he doesn't just thank you for getting rid of it for him, and then part out what you can.

If the owner won't part with it, see if he'll at least let you open the hood and get the chassis number, year, and color number off the ID tag. There's a website that tries to track the location and condition of all 1800's. All it takes is an email and they'll add the car to the database. Here's the site:
http://volvochassis.se/chassis.php
There's an email link at the top of the page.

[9394volvo850s]

such a shame.. any pics? and and engine trans driveshaft rear end and interior and exteror rim pices would still be worth money if in ok shape.