Hello All,

Recently the latch on my 1996 Volvo 850 GLT wagon broke. I have owned this car since new, and this problem has occurred a couple of times. The usual fix, was my mechanic would cut the hook the latch “locked onto” and then replace the hook (Volvo Part # 6818223) and the latch (Volvo Part # 6818224). The hook is still available from Volvo, but the latch is no longer available. You can find used Volvo latches on Ebay. I purchased two used Volvo latches, but was concerned that although, I would be able to once again open my glove box, it would fail again, and probably at an inopportune time, i.e. being pulling over by a police officer and being asked to produce my insurance and registration. A parts clerk at my local Volvo dealership said there was a guy on-line who sold replacement latches for 850s.

I went on line and found a video about this substitute glove box latch. The gentlemen’s name is:

Chris Bogue. He sells a latch that he makes by hand for $25 and a wire tool he calls “opening tool”. It is a heavy gauge piece of wire with a curved hook that allows you to open the broken latch without having to cut the “hook” to free the latch. The cost of this tool is $25. Chris has a website called “mercymotive.com” where you can see Chris use this opening tool to open the glove box on an 850. He also has a video showing how to install his replacement latch. I placed an order for two latches (I have two 850 wagons) and one opening tool. That cost $75 and the priority shipping was $7. When I received the latches made by Chris they were noticeable more sturdy in construction than the Volvo latch. I just had one of the latches installed by my mechanic, so I once again can open my glove box, and I feel based upon the quality of the replacement latch, that I will not be troubled by this problem again.

As a public benefit to the other members of this community, I would like to share Chris’ contact information. I am not a paid shill, and I receive no financial benefit. I share this information only to help spare others from the frustration and delay I experienced in trying to get the glove box fixed on my Volvo. Chris makes these latches in batches, so if he is out of them (he was when I placed my order) you may have to wait until he has the time to manufacture a collection of latches, but the wait, in my opinion was worth it. With his permission I am posting his contact information:

Mr. Chris Bogue
574 SW 1st Street
Madras, OR. 97741
e-mail: boguestuff@gmail.com

I hope this information proves helpful to other members of Brickboard. It is my way of giving back the help that many of you have shared with me over the years in fixing my Volvos and keeping me from going broke in the process.

Hugh