|
|
|
Hello All,
I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon with 400,000 miles that I purchased new. Anyway, over the years, I have had to have the a/c evaporator replaced, which required the removal of the dashboard to gain access to the a/c evaporator. Apparently all these years of taking the dashboard apart and putting it back again have not been kind to the 4 or so bolts/screws that secure the dashboard to the firewall. Of course being made of plastic (where the bolts/screws, screw into) and being over 20 years old does not help either.
On the side of the dashboard closest to the front passenger seat, there is a considerable gap between the dashboard and the “A” column. Today, a mechanic who has worked on my car many times at private garage, told me the dashboard on my car is about to “fall off”. He said the dashboard is held in place by 4 or more bolts or screws. Right now, one or may two of those bolts/screws are holding the dashboard in place. The problem is, that the bolts/screws screw into a plastic plate seated into the firewall. These plates, which are made of plastic, break after a while. The bolt/screw that is designed to secure the dashboard still screws into them, but they are no longer held in place. I asked him what my options where? He said I could have to get another dashboard from a salvage yard. Or the next time I have the dashboard apart, try to “glue” the support plates back in place. The idea of purchasing a 20 plus year old plastic dashboard, that may or may not match the interior color of my car does not appeal to me. Plus, it because it is made of plastic, will be as brittle as my old dashboard.
Has anyone else faced this problem and has addressed it without resorting to purchasing a used dashboard? The dashboard is still in place, but who knows how long that will last? I thank all those who respond to this inquiry.
Hugh
|
|
-
|
|
|
You could try telling the State to repair the expansion joints in the roads so the car doesn't bounce so much.
In addition to the 4 firewall screws, there is a screw on each side of the lower dash that attaches it to the A pillar. If you want to try to tighten the 4 firewall screws, you need 2 people. Remove the wipers, remove the cowl below the windshield to expose the screws. Loosen the bolts by the A pillars. Have the other person shove the dash forward as far as possible, while you snug up the 4 firewall screws. Tighten the A pillar screws and put the cowl and wipers back on.
There are 'fixes' to tighten the firewall attachments, look around on Matthew's web site. They require the complete dash removal which gets a bit messy.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new
|
|
-
|
|
|
Klaus,
I was under the impression based upon the comments made by my mechanic, that you could not “tighten up” the 4 firewall screws. That what ever type of plate or support bracket they screwed into, was in essence “stripped”.
If you can “fix” a loose dashboard, is your only option to buy a used one from a salvage yard? Wouldn’t even a used dashboard be no good, because again there were be nothing to screw the 4 bolts into to secure it to?
Or am I wrong, and the only way to “fix” this problem is to buy a used dashboard and hope it is in better shape than the outgoing one? Thanks as always for your erudite responses, and I mean that as sincere compliment. Volvo should put you on the payroll.
It would also seem by your suggestion, that assuming my dashboard doesn’t fall off tomorrow, I should wait to address this problem when the a/c evaporator fails again.
Hugh
|
|
-
|
|
|
This is interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAL4bSae1xc
Here is another method:
Just page down to view the post by Ben850 » Fri Feb 07, 2014 6:48 pm, where he lifted the dash about 1 inch and drilled new holes.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=61644
I agree about getting a used dash, not worth the effort.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new
|
|
-
|
|
|
Klaus,
This is terrific advice. I was able to access Robert’s “How to” video on YouTube and the Matthews Volvo site. Yet, I am embarrassed to ask this, but how do I access the link below to “Ben850”? I copied it. I have now idea how to access this posting. Thank you in advance for not laughing at my ignorance.
Here is another method:
Just page down to view the post by Ben850 » Fri Feb 07, 2014 6:48 pm, where he lifted the dash about 1 inch and drilled new holes.
Hugh
|
|
-
|
|
|
Volvo 850s are notorious for the dash bolts/brackets failing.
I removed the dash completely and saw the problem. The actual brackets where the bolts attach to were broken.
I formed new brackets, glued and screwed them into position and tightened the bolts and it worked great. Once you remove the dash completely, you will see the problem. it was totally stupid how Volvo designed this in the first place. But, it can be repaired.
completely removing the dash and fixing the problem will take a good weekend. But it's worth it if you like the car.
|
|
-
|
|
|
Minorl,
Your advice and the advice I have received from other members of this Volvo community are very helpful to me. I will follow your advice. I don’t have the skills to take the dashboard apart on my 850, but I do plan on holding onto this car. I really like it. It is a bright red (Color Code 601) and has a 5 speed manual. It also has the GLT trim level, so I have moon roof, leather interior and the cold weather package. I also upgraded the original radio to an SC815 model so it can still play cassettes and DVDs.
When the a/c evaporator fails (again), that is when I will have the bolts to the dashboard repaired. My garage will have the dashboard apart, and that is when I will address this problem. I will show them your post. Of course the dash squeaks terribly. But with a 22 year old 850 with over 400,000 miles which I have owned since new, I have learned to manage my expectations.
Hugh
|
|
-
|
|
|
Once you get it off, you will clearly see the design defect. The previous post will tell you how to fix it. It isn't that difficult. Actually, the dash itself isn't all that hard to remove also. Unlike my 1983 244 turbo. That dash is a royal pain to remove.
I'm glad I fixed it. My 1995 850T5R is basically restored. I rebuilt the engine, transmission, all electronics, interior, breaks, rotors, calipers, break lines, complete front suspension and struts, wheel bearings, cam and crank seals, front axle, you name it, turbo, etc. And the funny thing is the hardest thing to me is that timing belt. I'm good at it now, but, whomever put this engine in sideways, should be shot.
enjoy
|
|
|
|
|
