Seeking help with sagging 240 wagon roof

bixgomez · Post by **bixgomez** » 06 Feb 2021, 17:47

Greetings Volvo People!

I noticed something about the roof of my Volvo that I’d like to run by some of you — just to make sure I’m not doing anything that will damage the car!

I noticed that my “ceiling joists” were a bit “crushed”, possibly from a few times that I had stuff strapped directly on the roof (like some plywood or drywall). So I wedged some wood posts in, to try to restore some of the curve...

My questions are...
1. Am I doing any damage by trying to do this?
2. Is the fact that these caved in to begin with decrease their structural integrity?
3. Do these things add to the safety of the vehicle to begin with?
4. What are they called?

Thanks anyone who can offer advice!

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 07 Feb 2021, 02:18

They are called roof arches. MSRP is ~$50.00 each.

The roof is just a cover that why the arches are weak enough to damage that easily.
Structural integrity is in the vertical columns . A Rack transfers the load to the verticals. That why you should use a Rack to carry things above the roof.

Are you trying to bond the Arches back to the roof? If so ... JB Weld.

Part number for the front one is 9131629. Part number for the two rear arches is 1315528.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 07 Feb 2021, 08:24

I have a 1983 245 the same paint color. These 240 wagons are real workhorses. Coil over shocks added to the rear can help carry heavy loads while keeping the rear from sagging.
volvolugnut

Post by **BlackBart** » 11 Feb 2021, 18:36

bixgomez wrote: 06 Feb 2021, 17:47I noticed that my “ceiling joists” were a bit “crushed”

You've done a nice job with your structural columns! Looks like building restoration!

bixgomez · Post by **bixgomez** » 11 Feb 2021, 20:10

BlackBart wrote: 11 Feb 2021, 18:36You've done a nice job with your structural columns! Looks like building restoration!

Haha thanks, yeah I thought the same after I took the photos! I think they’re working - I just want to restore some of the bend, as they kinda straightened out a little. Not going to re-adhere them to the roof though...