I am familiar with searches on these sites and have been running them for a few hours now but I still have some questions. If these are repeats, I appologize. I learn quickly and am relatively car savy so be patient with me and I will be up to speed in no time.
1) What does the GLT specify?
2) The airbags were once deployed in my car but were never replaced. Can I install new bags myself or does it take a professional. The steering wheel bag looks like it just plugs in but I haven't looked at the dash one.
3) Which years are capatable with mine regarding a) engine, b) exterior and c) interior?
4) How do I find a good Volvo salvage yard close by?
5) Does the little wing on the back of some 850s that I see signify that it is a turbo?
6) Has anyone added one of these wings to a car that didn't come with one?
7) Is it hard to change the timing belt and tensioners?
I have blown a timing chain before and it created some costly repairs. My mother blew her timing chain in one of her Volvos and apparently the valves were locked out of the way of the pistons in some manner that kept them from getting bent or punching holes through the face of the pistons. If Volvo engines weather a blown timing chain so well why do we need to replace them every 50,000 miles. My understanding of timing chains is that there is no knowing when they will break; it could be tomorrow, it could be 10 years from now. Am I missing something here...like a timing 'belt' is very different (and wears predictably) than a timing 'chain'? 9) After looking through some previous repair invoices I have found one that states 'Noise heard at engine start up, alternator pully noisey, engine lifters noisey.' This was from a Volvo shop so I am assuming this is all legit. Should I be concerned with any of this?
10) How hard is it to replace struts/shocks?
11) Has anyone installed lowering springs/struts and/or high performance anti-sway bars on their 850?
12) Has anyone installed one of those dash dress up kits that I see on ebay? I really like the brushed aluminum look but don't know if that will go well with my black leather interior. It looks great in the new Z cars so I might give it a try.
13) The moon roof solid sliding cabin side cover has been pulled out of my car. I have it but can't figure out how to get it back in. Does anyone know the trick?
14) Is there a complete repair manual for my car or am I going to have to get them all, like with my Zcar, in order to make sure everything is covered?
New questions that I forgot to add in my original post:
15) When I lock my car I notice that there is a red light on the dash that blinks. Is this a real alarm system or a fake? I do not have a key fob; can I add one easily or is there a lot of hardware that would need to be installed? My locks are electronic (maybe all Volvos are but I figured I would mention it.
16) There appear to be holes for headlight wipers but no wipers; where these standard? If not can they be added?
17) My car is white with a black plastic strip on both the front and rear bumpers and through the middle of the doors. Both bumpers could use some touch up paint; what kind of paint should I use or are these easily replaced strips? I would like for the whole car to be white; that is one of the reasons I am wondering if later model body parts will fit my year since I would prefer to get later year bumpers to replace mine.
Any help you can give me is much appreciated. I will keep an eye on the forums to help expand my knowledge of my new car.
to the poster who already responded back to me - THANKS!!! great info.
thanks
Houston
