JohnK's Volvo - 740 GL 'E' Reg - Now belongs to JohnK.

[cpjitservices]

Steering arm and TRE's getting done today! 

 

Cluster fitted when it arrives!

[cpjitservices]

Got her back with new components fitted!

 

Now awaiting arrival of new instrument cluster!, Debating whether to install new clocks when they arrive myself.....

[Shep Shepherd]

Got her back with new components fitted!

 

Now awaiting arrival of new instrument cluster!, Debating whether to install new clocks when they arrive myself.....

 

The instrument cluster on a Volvo 700 is dead easy to replace on a DIY basis if you don't rush (after 14 years of Volvo 700 ownership, I can remove and refit them in my sleep...), as it's held in with only two screws and its wiring loom connectors are easy to remove and refit; if you're patient, there's enough space to allow the cluster to be removed and refitted without taking the steering wheel off. Just make a note of where the wires which attach via spade terminals to the back of the cluster go before you disconnect them, so you'll be able to reconnect them to the right spade terminals.

[cpjitservices]

The instrument cluster on a Volvo 700 is dead easy to replace on a DIY basis if you don't rush (after 14 years of Volvo 700 ownership, I can remove and refit them in my sleep...), as it's held in with only two screws and its wiring loom connectors are easy to remove and refit; if you're patient, there's enough space to allow the cluster to be removed and refitted without taking the steering wheel off. Just make a note of where the wires which attach via spade terminals to the back of the cluster go before you disconnect them, so you'll be able to reconnect them to the right spade terminals.

Ah right thanks, I usually photograph things like that lol thats how I reference things.

 

I may just give it a go when they arrive.

[Shep Shepherd]

It would be a good idea to give it a quick-going over before you fit it, in order to make sure that the cluster's electrical connectors are clean and undamaged (check the car's wiring loom plugs while you're at it), all of the bulbs are extant and working (it's very important that the battery warning light is working, as it forms a vital part of the charging circuit), and that all the screws attaching the PCB, etc. are tight (some of the screws are made of soft metal, so be careful)

[cpjitservices]

It would be a good idea to give it a quick-going over before you fit it, in order to make sure that the cluster's electrical connectors are clean and undamaged (check the car's wiring loom plugs while you're at it), all of the bulbs are extant and working (it's very important that the battery warning light is working, as it forms a vital part of the charging circuit), and that all the screws attaching the PCB, etc. are tight (some of the screws are made of soft metal, so be careful)

Right, I see.

 

At the moment I have the (!) Stuck on - only after I lifted out the instrument cluster to retrieve a trapped cable when I fitted the radio. Been on ever since! Perhaps a dodgy connection - Battery light used to be on very dimly when alternator was on its way out, I guess I can check all the bulbs by fitting the cluster and switching the ignition on - if it all lights up its good? 

 

Thanks

[cpjitservices]

Mechanic who was looking at getting the lights working, said there's a lot of spade and block connections behind the cluster - I suspect someone has been in before!

[Shep Shepherd]

Eeeek! If there's a lot of bodgery, it might be better if you got the garage to fit the new cluster, in order to leave any potential electrical grief to them.

[cpjitservices]

Eeeek! If there's a lot of bodgery, it might be better if you got the garage to fit the new cluster, in order to leave any potential electrical grief to them.

You may be right! I dont want to 'blow' the new set of clocks!

[danthecapriman]

Eeeek! If there's a lot of bodgery, it might be better if you got the garage to fit the new cluster, in order to leave any potential electrical grief to them.

I'd do this. Car electrics are a complete nightmare ball ache imho, especially if someone's been playing around in there before you!

 

Mines been messed with in places too. I've found crimp connections and bodge connections so far near my alarm under the bonnet and some more behind the fuse box.

[cpjitservices]

I'd do this. Car electrics are a complete nightmare ball ache imho, especially if someone's been playing around in there before you!

 

Mines been messed with in places too. I've found crimp connections and bodge connections so far near my alarm under the bonnet and some more behind the fuse box.

Aye thats what I've found behind the Cluster, there's also a chopped brown wire behind the gear stick just in front of fuse box?

[danthecapriman]

Just seen this on US eBay...

 

Front

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-VOLVO-740-760-Front-Left-Door-Arm-Rest-Trim-Insert-Beige-3527238/322432273171?epid=579638660&hash=item4b12760b13:g:B0cAAOSwCU1Yrlln&vxp=mtr

 

Rear

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-VOLVO-740-760-Door-Handle-Insert-Trim-Left-Rear-Beige-1345864-SHIPS-TODAY/322383485641?epid=2118695673&hash=item4b0f8d9ac9:g:Au0AAOSw2xRYcbHn&vxp=mtr

 

Brand new, Post isn't exactly cheap though!

[cpjitservices]

Just seen this on US eBay...

 

Front

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-VOLVO-740-760-Front-Left-Door-Arm-Rest-Trim-Insert-Beige-3527238/322432273171?epid=579638660&hash=item4b12760b13:g:B0cAAOSwCU1Yrlln&vxp=mtr

 

Rear

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-VOLVO-740-760-Door-Handle-Insert-Trim-Left-Rear-Beige-1345864-SHIPS-TODAY/322383485641?epid=2118695673&hash=item4b0f8d9ac9:g:Au0AAOSw2xRYcbHn&vxp=mtr

 

Brand new, Post isn't exactly cheap though!

Not bad, agreed postage not cheap - keeping my eyes open on Volvo facebook groups/ebay someone may end up breaking one with the right combination.

[danthecapriman]

The door pockets were smashed on my old saloon. Luckily that had a black interior which were fairly common in scrap yards then so I got a set for sod all. I never see these in scrap yards now though, let alone with tan, or even blue or red interiors! They seem to be really thinning out in numbers now these cars.

[cpjitservices]

The door pockets were smashed on my old saloon. Luckily that had a black interior which were fairly common in scrap yards then so I got a set for sod all. I never see these in scrap yards now though, let alone with tan, or even blue or red interiors! They seem to be really thinning out in numbers now these cars.

I have even tried Youpullit, nothing!

[Shep Shepherd]

Shep's Link-O-Matic:

 

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/6651/105485-left-door-pocket-cover-black-700-900

 

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/6654/105486-right-door-pocket-cover-black-700-900

 

Not the cheapest solution, but a good solution if you are keeping the car for a while, even though they are only available in black.

 

EDIT: I didn't realise that they were covers, not the full door pocket, and as such would only work if the door pockets were there in the first place...

[cpjitservices]

Shep's Link-O-Matic:

 

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/6651/105485-left-door-pocket-cover-black-700-900

 

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/6654/105486-right-door-pocket-cover-black-700-900

 

Not the cheapest solution, but a good solution if you are keeping the car for a while, even though they are only available in black.

 

EDIT: I didn't realise that they were covers, not the full door pocket, and as such would only work if the door pockets were there in the first place...

Ah I see, worth bearing on mind! 

 

All I want to do is make everything as was or as close too and get her back to her former glory. A keeper she certainly is.

[cpjitservices]

Could do with a rear light cluster too for nearside, but all of this has to wait - havent had MOT bill yet!!!

 

[cpjitservices]

Never know but when my clocks are changed maybe, just maybe, the heated seats may work (doubt it) lol

[cpjitservices]

Some photos I'd promised - Sunroof and Door Cards

[danthecapriman]

Christ your door handle trim bits are worse than mine are! Mine just have a few of the outer edges chipped off but yours are absolutely smashed to bits! How does anyone manage to do that?

[cpjitservices]

Christ your door handle trim bits are worse than mine are! Mine just have a few of the outer edges chipped off but yours are absolutely smashed to bits! How does anyone manage to do that?

By, quite simply, not giving a shit I think mate. But I do, and want to get it back to its former glory. As you do.

[danthecapriman]

By, quite simply, not giving a shit I think mate. But I do, and want to get it back to its former glory. As you do.

I like the cable ties through the door card too!

 

I know what you mean though. I got my estate as I missed my old saloon and just intended to use it as an interesting reliable old car for daily duties (as I hate moderns and can't/won't have them!) but it quickly turned into a restoration instead. I just can't help it!

I'm not sure it's possible to get everything to be absolutely perfect on such old cars but there's no excuse for dirt, mess and general damage or untidiness. Things like the door handle trims really bug me and if I know it's like that I can't help but keep looking at it wishing it wasn't like that. Sod it though, it's a hobby aswell as transport.

[cpjitservices]

I like the cable ties through the door card too!

 

I know what you mean though. I got my estate as I missed my old saloon and just intended to use it as an interesting reliable old car for daily duties (as I hate moderns and can't/won't have them!) but it quickly turned into a restoration instead. I just can't help it!

I'm not sure it's possible to get everything to be absolutely perfect on such old cars but there's no excuse for dirt, mess and general damage or untidiness. Things like the door handle trims really bug me and if I know it's like that I can't help but keep looking at it wishing it wasn't like that. Sod it though, it's a hobby aswell as transport.

I agree completely! Including with the roof lining. Thats sagging a it but doesn't annoy me as much!

 

But couldn't agree more - it is like a small restoration lol.

[Ghosty]

Looking at trim like that, and some of the pictures on the 700 Flickr group, it seems I got very, very lucky with mine.

One missing door inlay, the clip holding the centre console clip down, and a slightly wobbly fusebox cover. That's it.

[Shep Shepherd]

I count myself lucky with The Volvo, as due to it only being 13 years old and being fairly well looked after by its previous owner (who had owned it since 1992), its interior was more or less 'all there' when I bought it; anything I did need to replace was easily and cheaply available in the right colour from early 940s in scrapyards back then. All it has needed since is the odd bit of black plastic trim, a custom dashboard mat, some new seat belt buckle buttons, periodic cleaning and careful use. 

 

Apart from a slightly saggy headlining, it's still in pretty good condition, although not immaculate by any means 

[CreepingJesus]

I'm lucky with the turbo brick in that respect too: other than a sagging headlining, and a fusebox lid that refuses to stay on, the interior's in pretty good shape. The dash top is a bit sunfaded, and there's some stick on wood trim that I'll probably leave, rather than spend aeons chipping off decades old glue!

Saying that, it's hardly concours anyway, so I don't worry too much.

Think you'll be able to get the door cards etc., for this? I'll keep an eye on the Scottish Volvo FB groups for breakers.

[danthecapriman]

Banger racers are probably the best bet for used interiors? It's nothing they need so a few quid for useless bits to them should be ideal!

[CreepingJesus]

There's a black cloth interiored 740 breaking on one group just now, roundabout Chesterfield way. Guy wants £150 for a job lot of bits inc., engine and box.

[Shep Shepherd]

Banger racers are probably the best bet for used interiors? It's nothing they need so a few quid for useless bits to them should be ideal!

 

My 940 Wentworth ended up with a banger racer after I crashed it, but not before at least five other 700s and 900s received parts from it; its road wheels/tyres and steering wheel ended up on The Volvo, while its black half leather interior was fitted to an F-reg GL estate