Hi folks and Brickboard admins,

I just had an experience that I think I could have avoided had I been better prepared. I cracked my windshield badly while trying to extract my cowl panel.

Here's what I suggest be added to the FAQ:

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Regarding the center bolt for the cowl panel lip: the 10mm bolt that holds the braided ground wire from the valve cover ended up being the mysterious 'third screw' that holds the cowl panel on. The AC line clamp right beside it is also 10mm, but has a nut on the other side of the firewall and holds nothing else.

If the car has an aftermarket windshield, or one not installed by someone in the Volvo in-crowd, it can be installed with the cowl as well as the cowl's top molding adhered to the windshield, making it almost impossible to remove. In this case, I found that working the looser side as far out as possible was the only way to 'crack' the other side loose. Unfortunately, while prying out the butyl rubber near the stuck edge, the force of leverage put a 10-inch vertical crack in the glass.

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I hope I'm not overstepping here, as I'm pretty green, but I think these couple of remarks could save some other folks a little time and grief.

Thanks,

Ari

I've been reading your posts since February. You are like an impulsive Bull in a China shop. That's why you broke the windshield. This does not need to be in the FAQs section.
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'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.no.net/ebrox/Tony's%20cars.htm

That's pretty bad, but...

Don't mess around with the rear window - A shop tinting my rear window on our '90 744 TI tried to pry some trim off and cracked the window.

More than $1200 for a rear window with the fine wires in it!
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 435,000 miles put on 9 bricks

Yes, that does sound worse. I'll be sure to avoid that rear window (already tinted). I got quoted $180 for a new windshield installed.

Thanks,

Ari

Wow: I cannot imagine anybody adhering the cowl seal to the windshield. I suspect they used too much adhesive, it squeezed out, they failed to clean it off, and installed the cowl on top of it.
Anyway, your respectful request is respectfully honored: to the FAQ.
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See the 700/900 FAQ at the select shortcut button on the top right of the screen.

Thanks, Steve, I appreciate it.

Ari