Hello,

Apparently I have made a monumental blunder...according to volvo dealerships in this area.
Both the volvo dealerships in Toledo, OH and SESI volvo in Ann Harbor, MI believe I cannot obtain parts for my import volvo. I brought this car back from Kuwait when I was deployed there. I think I can shake something somewhere.
The latest incident was for my glovebox door. I have a 1994 volvo 850T and the glovebox became stuck in the closed position. I couldn't open the darn thing. I brought it to the dealership hoping they would be able to open it lessening the damage than what I would bring to it if I were to do it myself. Well, they destroyed the glovebox door. They insist they warned me that they could not beheld liable. Furthermore, they ordered a 1994 volvo 850t door and, of course, it wouldn't fit. They said my door looks more like a C70 door than a 850. Anyhow, now I'm stuck with a chewed-up glovebox door that they glued together. Its ridiculous. Can anyone help me out here, at least
point me in the right direction?

Chuck

I'm hoping that you have it fixed by now, but in case you don't... The part numbers you need are 6818223, and 6818224; shouldn't set you back more than $50.00. Further, and I hate to say this about anybody, I think you need to find another shop. If a mistake is made, owning up to it and correcting it isn't just good business, it's common courtesy.

I had the same problem of a broken lock mechanism with my glovebox.

I wedge the door open slightly which exposed the upper wire latch.
This expose enough of the upper wire latch which was cut with a hacksaw blade wrapped with duct tape (use caution not to ding up the "visually sensitive parts")

The latch mechanism in the glovebox door and of course the upper wire latch was replaced.

Took me about a hour.

I noted that the replacement latch was "upgraded" in certain areas to make it lock a little more durable.

Well,

I picked-up the car today and man...its a piece of art! There is a hole
where the lock for the glovebox door used to be. Opening it feels like the whole thing will just fall off, but doesn't. The inside part of the is put together by a mess of glue. It makes noise and moves around. Anyway, its crap.

I went on the site www.fcpgroton.com but what am I supposed to do there, buy three different glovebox doors and hope they take back two of them??

You know, everyone wants to make fun of the silly little Bangladeshi or Indian mechanics working abroad. I tell you what though, those guys know what they are doing and pay attention to detail! They love their jobs working for foreign companies (ie. Volvo) and do everything to make you happy. If there was a known way or method amongst volvo fans to properly fix a glovebox door, no way could they hide behind not knowing it...for any reason!
Ever since I brought this car to the Dealerships here its been one dissapointment after another. There is a bunch of work that needs to be re-done. I've already wasted 2K on shady work.
I think its time for some serious TLC on this thing. I don't want to give it up and I can't take it back overseas with me. I have seen some advertisements here and there for small companies that re-build these bricks from ground up. They look like they put time and effort into them. I'll be gone for a year, so its not like they have to rush it. There will be someone here taking care of my business.
Does anyone out there have a suggestion for one of these places? As long as its NOT west of Ohio I can drive it there and drop it off...for a long long while. It'll be great to come back to basically a new car. Appreciate the answers.

Chucky

change dealers..NOW...

post a pictureof your glove box lid (external & internal) and i bet some of us here will say thats a....(whatever) and its part number..blah

Interesting idea....

I need to do some engine and bodywork on her anyway. Its worth
the trouble/expense. There is definitely not another like it
here in the States...
So, whatever I may find out after I post this photo I'll pass
to whomever will re-novate my car. Its a task right now to
find the right place that can do the whole job.

Thanks,

Chuck

Chuck;
Give this place a try for a used glove box door.
They are very helpful and I think they should have what you need as long
as you can verify the year, VIN.

http://www.erievovo.com/

Chucky,

My experience with SESI, the former Volvo of Ann Arbor, was also negative.

The only dealer I've had good luck with is Dwyer & Sons in Commerce Township. It's probably too far from Detroit to be a viable alternative.

Like Punx said, the archives are an invaluable source for DIY information. Even if you take it to a dealer that information will enable you to ask the right questions and let them know that you won't be fooled.

Good luck finding the right part.

Bryan

It's hard to believe that Volvo uses different glovebox doors for different markets! The MODEL YEARS do change at different times for different markets, though. Your '94 might POSSIBLY be a US '93 or even a '95.'93s had a lot of unique parts including 4-bolt wheels and a different, more fragile timing belt. See if you can find model years '93 - '94 - '95 to compare gloveboxes. It you can find a model year that looks similar and then get it from one of the used parts specialists like erievovo.com (they're pretty good and MUCH cheaper than the dealer IMO).

BTW, I couldn't get a replacement cap for my PS reservoir that fit, Volvo does inventory things verrry strangely since Ford bought them! Who knows? They may have SENT you a 780 glovebox lid!

BTW, the "correct" way to break into your glovebox without destroying the door is detailed in the brickboard archives.

There are also occasional poster from Europe here but also at Volvospeed, Swedishbricks, turbobricks and alt. autos Volvo

-Punx

mibbie you could find the replacement glove box here?

http://www.fcpgroton.com

best,
belle
--
'After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music' - Aldous Huxley