I ordered parts in early June for my '88 244GL for inspection and finally suspension upgrades. I noted on the internet sale that I needed the parts asap for inspection and if they would mail the parts without the back ordered adj. pannard rod. 5 weeks went by and no parts. I called them and they acknowledge the mistake. The order picker ignored or missed my note. They shipped it that day and it arrived when promised. My car is now out of inspection and I wanted to install the downtube, cat and high flow exhaust for it to pass. I opened the box and examined the parts only to discover the Starla downtube was welded so SH__TY (the welds wern't complete around the bungs and there was splatters ALL OVER the downtube). It looked like a kid had welded with a sparkler. I won't install it just to have the egr plugged bungs leak or fail in a year. So now what do I do? Do I send it back and wait a min. of 10 days and pray for a "good" downtube or just intall it? I am the second owner of this car and until last year it was my daily driver. Now it's my Sunday car with many upgrades. I haven't gone cheap on this car before and I won't now.
I have to park my car on the street and it must be inspected. To avert any tickets I went to my local police dept. and explained the situation in mid June. They were wery understanding (turns out the officer I talked to was a fellow Volvo driver) I don't want to create any problems and my time is running out. Can I get from a local supplier a good downtube and just return IPD's? What manufacturer should I request? BTW: The adj pannard rod is now backordered initially from July 1st to now hopefully Aug. 15. I fell IPD has really dropped the ball lately. I have ordered parts for my other cars before with no problems. This time I spent $1200. and they totally screwed the pooch!

I've heard other bricksters complain about the quality comming from IPD and I'm tired of companies not ensuring that quality parts are being sent out. Send it out! It wll look OK from our store. If the order picker had simply taken an extra 30 sec. They would have realized the poor quality of the downtube. Don't they inspect their products? Don't they do quality control to protect their reputation and their customers? Do they think they are the only game in town? Take it or leave it? They know that us Bricksters keep our cars for a long time and we want good parts not patches so we can sell the car on fleabay?

I ordered from them because I THOUGHT they were reputable. Now I have to find another source. A recent post has helped me with that.

I know that they will square it away but they should have done it in the first place not after the customer is teed-off!!

Scott from IPD called me this evening with-in 3 hours after e-mailing my phone number to him. He more than bent over backwards to please me (I hope I'm not too difficult to work with) and we worked out the situation. I have never been more impressed with a person and/or company before! We talked for about half an hour on various things.

Keep an eye on their website in a couple to a few weeks (hint, hint.) Some Bricksters have complained about the quality of IPD's products including me. I'll tell that customer service is what matters and Scott proved to me that IPD feels the same way.

I strongly suggest that any board member who any ideas on how to improve IPD; should e-mail IPD to help them and us work more efficiently.

My dream: To do one-store shopping for ALL of the parts for my family's RWD bricks in one place.

My goal: To make IPD that store although they couldn't possibly stock all those parts? OR could they?

I other thing I would like to mention is Scott told me is that some of the people working this summer at IPD are newbies but relatives to the current staff; who other Boardmembers have backed up on how good the service is.
It's nice to see a "family" business in the figurative sense.

I just put 2 new Starla header pipes on my 91 and 93 and then had both old ones welded good as new. The Starla's fit and work well for about $100 each from eeuropart and FCP Groton. Dan

I never want to play russian roulette against you! You're too lucky!

Seriously though, it sounds like with Starla; it's either hit or miss with the quality of their parts.

This opinion is based on my experience with Starla and the statements from others.

Hello and sorry to hear about this. I am off today and was contacted directly by a friend that frequents Brickboard, so I don't have all the facts in front of me to address all of your concerns, however I have asked my parts manager to bring in a BOSAL pipe for comparison. We'd be happy to expedite it to you on Monday if you're still interested in a Bosal pipe. Another option is we can get you an original Volvo pipe at our cost to compensate for the inconvenience you've gone through. I understand that you may have already purchased a replacement local and if that’s the case, we’ll arrange to have the Starla picked up and to process the refund to your account asap.

We sincerely apologize for giving you the impression that we don't care about your concerns (the take it or leave it comment) and I will speak with the our customer service person who told you we "commissioned" this part to understand what he meant and to clarify it with him that this is not the case on this particular part. We do have many parts made to our specs, but this is not one of them.

It is our goal to bring the best value to Volvo owners and we often list more than one brand or quality level in our catalogs and on our website and we generally identify budget parts with an "E" suffix on the end of the part # to indicate "economy version”. It doesn't apply in this particular case, but once we see the BOSAL, we may offer it exclusively or as a premium option. I did speak to our customer service manager over the phone and he said the Starla pipe we have in stock appears to have normal looking welds on it, so maybe this one was an exception. We'll definitely pursue it further. We carried BOSAL in the past and if I recall, we discontinued them due to quality issues on the 240 Turbo systems, but that was over 5 years ago! Things change.

I look forward to your e-mail and will follwo up first thing Monday morning.

(please e-mail me directly at scott@ipdusa.com / Thanks)

Another poster stated that he felt we tried to hide the brand of parts we sell. To clarify, that’s not our style, and the brand of a part is clearly stated on our website in the product description and or staff is available toll free to answer any brand questions you may have regarding different brands and why we carry a specific brand etc.


To the poster who mentioned the M45 and M46 shifter lnkage bushings, thanks for the info. We'll get them added to the site asap.

Sincerely,

Scott Hart
ipd Volvo Division Leader

Wow Scott, I'm starting to feel like a cad!! I never expected such a quick positive response from IPD. After posting my gripe, several Brickboarders weighed in with their opinions. Several agreed that the quaility may no longer be be there but there was a common opinion that you guys will "make it right".
Your prompt response only re-affirms their opinion and has put my mind at ease a lot; knowing that IPD does have the enthusiast interest at heart.

First off, even though the rep said the pipe was "commissioned for IPD" I knew he was wrong but he was not intentionally misleading or B.S. me (it was more like he was reading from a sales brochure.) I had compained about the poor quality welds aroung the O2 sensor bungs and splatter marks all over the pipe. He replied: "It wasn't a show piece and if I wanted it to look nice, to have a shop fix the welds." I'm not that picky. I was more concerned that the incomplete welds would fail prematurely. The splatters by themselves are insignificant but with the incomplete welds around the bungs; it led me to believe the quality was circumspect. He was more than willing to accept the return and was even going to send me an e-mail with the UPS info.

A day after I had posted my gripe on this board, another member posted one about Starla's muffler he had just got from another source. The quality on that piece was way worse than mine judging by the pics. this tells me that Starla isn't doing the quality control they need to.

As to Borla being better than Starla? Based on my experience: Bosal pipes and mufflers are better than Starla. I don't know about the head pipe. I've only heard that Bosal is better from other people who have used both. If neither meets your standards; other Brickboarders have reccommmended OEM Volvo. If you would be able to provide it as an upgrade; it may help sales rather than hurt you.

One other suggestion may be to have your order-pickers do a percursory look over the parts to ensure that they are complete and acceptable for shipping rather than waiting for a customer complaint to return the item to the vendor.
I also believe that the manufacturers are going cheaper on the quality of their merchandise because of increased operating costs and we have become a "throw-away society." Most people don't keep their cars as long as Volvo owners and they may fiqure that the people who buy these parts will no longer own the car when the "new part fails" It will become the new owners problem.

Volvo over-engineered their RWD cars and it almost put them out of business.

I would also like to confirm your statement about hiding the manufacturer of the parts. I personally never experienced this problem. On the other hand, sometimes on the web site it doesn't state who the manufacturer is. When you do receive the part, it comes in the manufacturer's packaging.
BTW: If you still carry Scantech bushings. Either offer them as an economy part and OEM Volvo bushings as an upgrade or drop Scantech altogether. They're junk! I know this personally and you can confirm this from other Brickboarder's posts.

How about sending a commentary card or e-mail to purchasers every quarter for feedback on how the company is doing and their quality? This would let you know what parts are working and what new parts the consumer may want you to stock?
This post obviously has struck a nerve in the Brickboard community; both pro and con.

I will be sending you a direct e-mail at IPD. I just wanted to post this for everyone else; in order to be fair to you and IPD.

Anyone else have some ideas on how we can make IPD better/the Best? Chime in!!

I really appreciated your fast positive response. I just had typed a full response to your's when my laptop shut-down on me tonight (I'm using my home unit to post this.) I'm too tired from ressurection an '89 Nissan Pulsar that sat for 11 yrs (that's another story for another board!) I wanted to at least reply as fast as you had to thank you and your friend who contacted you for working with me. Sat. I will re-type the full post so that everyone will know my progress from today and my changing impression of IPD.

hello
good post.
seems like the ipd i have dealt with.
i do miss the summer catalog i used to get, but i see you did lower some of your prices when the catalog stopped coming to my house.
good luck
mike
that being said the longer i own these old cars the more VOLVO parts i buy.

Hey Aaron,

Sorry to hear that your experience with IPD was lousy. Its so frustrating to get bad parts, especially after paying a premium for it. At least they are willing to refund you for it. That would be the only thing that would be worse. If you want to go with Bosal, FCP Groton (www.fcpgroton.com) has it for 89.78. If you want to get a OE Volvo part, contact Tasca Volvo. (www.tascavolvoparts.com) They sell parts at employee prices, and will ship to your door. A lot more convenient than having the parts counter people at the local dealer scoff at you. "You really ought to get a new Volvo..." Yeah right. 'You really ought to do your job and be quiet!! haha.


Regards, Jon 'Uncle Olaf'

Thanks for your input I have dealt with FCP before and had great service. Do you think I should order from Tasca or FCP? I only want to do this once this decade.

Hey Aaron,


I will agree with Lucid and second Tasca for an OE part, since the car is your 'baby' and you want to keep it. I am glad to be of help.


Regards, Jon

"Do you think I should order from Tasca or FCP? I only want to do this once this decade."

I'd say Tasca, because their price is about 15% above cost. FCP can't get that price at their "local" OE source, and adds a small markup besides.
Shipping would probably be the same from either MA or CT to your location.

Another Dealer I've gone to for years is Beechmont Volvo in Cincinnati. They give a 20% discount and free shipping to VCOA members. Good for heavy stuff.

FWIW, I got a header from them 3 years ago for '93 245. It was $171, pricey but beautiful compared to the two aftermarket jobs I sent back to FCP. I almost wanted to hang it on the wall. And Bosal, to my knowledge is not OEM Volvo. Maybe better than some, but just another aftermarket product, I believe.

Thanks for your input. That settles it. I will order the headerpipe from Tasca and be done with it.

The '93 header 3536202-9 from Beechmont had a $214.69 msrp and delivered for $171.75 back in 1/05.

Today's Tasca look-up shows $239.06msrp and $153.95list + shipping. A higher msrp than Beechmont 3 years ago, but a lower list! (which will probably be up around $170 with shipping.)

Usually Tasca's And Beechmont's msrp prices agree to the penny, but I heard something about different "price zones", which might explain the occasional difference.

I just talked to a person at IPD and they said take it or leave it! WTF!!

They will refund my money and not charge me for return shipping but that's all they have and they said they pretty much decided that Starla could provide them with what they wanted for the price they wanted. So to me that means that they aren't so much concernd about providing quatily parts as much as making a profit!!

The guy went into a speil (SP?) about R&D and IPD commissioning Starla to make these parts. I suggested that they switch to Bosal and he said to rally the Brickboarders and call IPD to tell them what we think.

Unless I get a positive response from Scott, I WILL NEVER ORDER FROM IPD AGAIN!!

Wow. IPD actually said they *commission* Starla to make headpipes for them?

That's like saying I commissioned Burger King to make Whoppers...

I feel your frustration. I recently got the same treatment from another distributor on a crap-o-matic rebuilt steering rack and decided that I wouldn't deal with them ever again.

Good luck,
-Ryan
--

Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars, GT Braces
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars
Buckeye Volvo Club

See my latest post about contacting them and giving our opinions as to their parts and servicde.

I smelled a rat when he said about the "commissioning" of the parts. I didn't feel like going up one side and down the other on him about the B.S. he was feeding me. I'm simply going to write an e-mail to Scott including all the details of today's conversation and see how he handles it before I write them off.

If it's obviously defective, then yes I agree: they should have seen that... though aftermarket is aftermarket, and the only "right" way to go here is to spend an arm and a leg on a headpipe from the dealer. I went with Starla for that reason.

You could try Bosal from a local supplier.

Is your current downpipe "weldable"? The original ones weld up pretty well.

I'll agree with you IPD can be sort of frustrating, since they aren't clear or up front on what kind of part you're getting. Their shipping can be hit or miss as well.

Overall, I'm mostly pleased with them. Most of my parts come from other places, but I'd like to see IPD stay in business.

-Ryan

--

Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars

The downpipe is Starla, why should I pay extra for someone else to fix a new pipe? I think the Volvo one is Bosal. Why pay extra for a blue box?

I would like to see IPD stay in business as well; only if they continue to provide quality parts and service. Survival of the fittest!!

What I meant is that the original pipe that came with the car is very repairable. If your original pipe isn't too far gone, get it fixed for $20 and send the Starla back.

The pipe from Volvo may be Bosal (I *think* you're right), but (I also think) the Bosal you get from the dealership is different than what you get from a plain old parts distributor. Sounds like it can't be true, but it happens. There's a reason folks say that nothing compares to the genuine Volvo pipe

-Ryan
--

Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars, GT Braces
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars
Buckeye Volvo Club

The 20 year old header pipe is severely rusted and not worth fixing. I would rather put a new one on and hope to get at least 10 years out of it.

You may be right about the quality difference but keep in mind since Ford bought Volvo, even their oem parts aren't what they used to be. I'm betting that they are betting we won't keep our cars long enough to find out if the new part is as good as the previous oem part.

You wrote, "but keep in mind since Ford bought Volvo, even their oem parts aren't what they used to be." How did you come to this conclusion, or what evidence?

Today I just replaced the fuel door hinge on my father's '90 745Ti. It has always been a flaw but now the injected plastic hinge doesn't even fit right.

I paid the stealership $15 because they were the only source I knew who carried it. After it fought me and I called the dealership about swapping it for another one he said I purchased it and installed it myself it wasn't returnable. I explained that I hadn't "installed" it yet because of the problem and I didn't want to break it.

How 'bout fuel relays and in-tank fuel pumps? I'm replaceing them every 60k always with new hoses and socks.

The trim pieces for the RWD's from interior to exterior. Some are still available for the 700-900 series. Forget the 200 series.

Volvo hasn't even put the 200 series non-engine/suspension part numbers in their computer system. I have to go in with the part number and have them call for availability. Maybe the stealerships around here in the Lehigh Valley, PA just plain old suck!!

I will ADMIT that they do carry the best engine and tranny mounts.
Another factor I should keep in mind that sometimes Volvo may be at the mercy of some of their manufacturers who may be decreasing their quality to meet costs

I hate it when people go cheap! It's counterproductive and re-affirm a throw-away society, but I digress.

You wrote, "I hate it when people go cheap! It's counterproductive and re-affirm a throw-away society, but I digress." You are right and I agree 100 percent. But you realize, you and I and the people who read this column are in the minority. As for quality of repair parts, there is a remarkable propensity to buy the absolutely cheapest part possible that will work right now because few people have a long-term view any more. Even here on Brickboard a surprising number of people write in, "Where can I get xxx bolt?" Well, the obvious answer for an obscure part is go to the $#@! Volvo dealer. If they patronize the dealer, maybe he will continue to stock parts. All in all, I think Volvo is better at selling quality parts than many, and I would think that many items for older cars (240s, 700s, and 900s) pre-date Ford.

Sadly, the car manufacturers are just responding to the marketplace. The lease mentality has been deadly to long-term durability. A person who leases a car for 4 or 5 years typically does not care about the car's durability beyond that period, and subsequent owners have to live with the consequences of skipped maintenance.

(Oops, sorry, long digression.)

The problem with your local dealership not having any other than engine/suspension parts listed, may very well just be a problem with your local dealer. I called my local dealership (the good one) and asked for the clips for the pet protector. They were able to look in their computer, and within seconds, had the part number, and also had the part in stock. About the only thing that they have not been able to service is the engine oil temperature gauge, and that is because Volvo discontinued that part years ago. Maybe you want to look toward a different dealership. Give Volvo of Winter Park Florida a try, you just might like them.

Bill

The two local dealership only care about selling new cars and servicing those cars only. Trying to get service and/or parts for our RWDs is like pulling teeth. My family has bougth 4 new Volvos from them over the last 30 yrs.

A couple of months ago a sales rep from one of the dealerships called and asked how our Volvos were doing and if we were looking for a new one.
I replied that since Volvo service and parts are so difficult to obtain from them that we had purchased a Merecedes C-class. I could hear his jaw hit the floor.
We really didn't buy that junk. I just wanted to make them sweat.

The manufacturers for Volvo also are cutting corners on the quality of their parts which makes Volvo at the mercy of these manu. for these RWD cars.

As to your oil temp guage needing service. I may be able to help. I have a couple of oil pan senders and guages in C or F for 200 series and one F for 700 series if you need the parts. The senders are nearly impossible to find anymore, the guages can be found online pretty cheap because the senders are no longer available from Volvo. Volvo doen't even have the part numbers for the senders/guages in their system anymore.

I've been dealing with IPD since all their stuff was for 122s and 140s.
I think that they have perhaps grown too fast. If I were you I'd call Scott
and tell him what you put in your post and reiterate that your car is ALWAYS
subject to inspection, so you really can't deal with parts that are not RIGHT
the first time. They have always been quite eager to acknowledge their errors
to me (others may have had different experiences...) and do what they could to
correct the problem.
In the past their service and tech support have justified the higher prices.
That relationship may have shifted some since the realized that they have to be
profitable to stay in business (like everyone else).
--
George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

I appreciate your response and I will talk to Scott. I am willing to pay more for better quality. That's why I went with IPD in the first place. I checked my local supplier and he reccommended Bosal. He's had good luck with their stuff on his VW's.

I've never had a problem with IPD....because...

I may be one of the only long time Volvo Owners who has never bought a part from IPD.

I've looked at their catalog and web site, and everything has always seemed over priced to me.

That's my story
steve

Yes, some of their stuff is overpriced but you don't just pay for the part, you pay for the reputation and customer service which in my opinion this time they really screwed the pooch!

I can't speak to your problem with IPD but as far as the down pipe goes there is just no getting around the fact that the original Volvo part is far better than any aftermarket pieces. The last two 240's I've driven had fairly recently installed aftermarket exhaust systems which promptly started separating at the pressed joints. Welding all the joints was required.

I've heard that Bosal is just as good as the stealership. the two local Volvo dealerships don't like to deal with older RWDs. They have bluntly told me my '88 244GL 180K is used up and I should just get rid of it. That Pi__ed me off big time!!

I have to go in with the exact part number or they hem and haw about ordering dealer only parts. I may have to deal with Tasca online from now on.
Most of these guys don't know squat about the older RWD. I have to school THEM on it. they are extremely unprofessional.

If your 88 is in decent shape (shiny paint, no obvious rust, interior not ripped up) and drives well, you should ask to speak to the general manager of the dealership, invite him outside for a look at your car, and tell him what his employees told you, and that it seems to you that they are badly off base with their comments, and then, to rub it in, tell him that when the time does come that you are in the market for a new car, that it is unlikely to be a Volvo, as they have lost that perfect balance of quality, simplicity, durability, safety, economy, ease of servicing, and yes, even a bit of sportiness, that they once had.

As for IPD, you are on the right track---I believe they have gone in the wrong direction lately, what with Subaru parts, and all the stupid accessories for late model cars. In my opinion, they should have concentrated on RWD parts, and broadened their coverage where it is lacking (can you believe they don't carry shifter bushings for M46/M47s---something that all of these cars will need sooner or later, and they only cost $5 a set from FCP Groton) grudgingly adding a line of 850 parts as these cars age, and ignoring stuff like the XC90 completely. There is a company in Charlottesville VA, called International Auto Parts, who deal exclusively in parts for Italian cars (Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo) the last of which were imported 15 years ago, and most of those have fallen victim to the dreaded tinworm, resulting in a MUCH smaller customer base than that of RWD Volvos, yet they remain in business, and their parts coverage is as good as ever, if not better. Also, IPD should pledge not to carry any Asian made parts, other than those of known, proven quality, such as KYB shocks. European whenever possible, with American made being (usually) an acceptable substitute. With quality parts, and better coverage of the older models, they could regain their reputation as THE go-to source for anything to do with a RWD Volvo, but they have chosen not to do so.

i forgot to tell you in my response that the paint is going to be redone next spring by my family autobody guy who does A1 work. No Maaco for me! After the suspension upgrades is finally the paint, I can't wait!

I converted my tan GL interior for a complete black GL interior with the exception of the leather seats. My interior is in mint shape. In the summer the seats get waay too hot so I put in mint shape black cloth seats. I have also put oem strut braces and turbo sway bars, full guages including oil temp in F, oil pressure, voltmeter, ambient temp in F. It already of course came with big tach, small clock. Center armrest (no cupholders), rear safety brace, power sunroof kit found in PNP. complete oem 240 turbo power mirrors. I even put in a '90's flat black instrument cluster with the odometer rolled to the correct miliage. So I don't have to reach underneath to reset the service light. I put in the fresh air vent for the driver side that was omitted from '86 on (still looking for a diesel donor car for the passenger side.) complete black oem floor mats including the trunk mat. full poly bushings.
New calipers all the way around with slotted rotors and PBR pads (debating swapping the new rubber brake hoses for SS.) I can use those rubber brake hoses for my '88 245 daily driver.
High flow exhaust, lowering springs with adj. torque arms and pannard rod.
New intank pump, main fuel pump, fuel pressure reg. headgasket, front seals, timing belt and tensioner, Iac, radiator, water pump (at every 50K she gets new water pump and timing, accessory belts.) New complete parking brake cables, shoes and hardware. I have oviously jacked up the horn and replaced the whole car (thanks to Jarrod's post; the horn will be modified as well.)

I am the second owner of this car. I bought 12 years ago from the orig. owner with 75K miles on it for $2500 and drove it until last year as my daily driver until I got tired of putting a qt. of oil in every 750 miles. I decided then that it would be my Sunday car and I would make her like to new. I maintain all of my families RWD Volvos so of course I have to have the nicest one. Althought my father's daily driver '87 744Ti 220K is sharp. I've been pestering him to sell it to me but he won't. I threatened to stop fixing her so he has to sell her to me for a rock bottom price but I just can't let her fall apart so I grudingly maintain her for him. My father is 59 so I figure in another 15 to 20 years, he will give to me 'cause I know he will still have her.

It sounds like your car has been very well maintained, therefore its life expectancy at present is approximately the same as that of most new Volvos---they are unlikely to be good for much more than 200--250K, at which point (if not before) it will become uneconomical to keep them going. I base this on my experience with an 89 745 I owned several years ago. After I put about 125K on it (for a total of 250K) I sold it to a friend who was looking for a cheap car. I told him that I thought it would make it to 300K if he took care of it. That was 5 years ago. It now has 365K on it, and is still ridiculously original---engine, transmission, fuel pump, alternator, starter, all the stuff that usually has to be replaced. As far as I know, it has NEVER had to have the valves adjusted. It has only ever had indifferent maintenance, and while I had it, I flogged it mercilessly ("drive it like you hate it") By the time your car hits 400K (assuming no rust problems) it will probably need an engine overhaul, at which point it will be good for another 10 years or more.

In terms of engine electronics, many seem to think that 88 is the best year of all---the wiring harness problems had been corrected by then, and the LH 2.2 system is less troublesome than the 2.4 that replaced it in 89.

Unfortunately, I don't think it is possible to install the passenger side foot well vent in later cars, as the fuel injection ECU is in the way. My 75 had one, so that might be another source for the parts, if there is in fact room for it, but I'm pretty sure there isn't.

2 things:

I've got two 240s with over 400K miles. Both just about totally original. It took a flood to (more or less) kill the 242. Keep that oil changed and there's no reason you can't reach 500K!

Secondly, it is possible to add a passenger side foot vent. It just requires relocating the computer. I put one in my '80 245. I ended up bolting the computer up behind the glove box. There's plenty of give on the wiring harness that goes into the computer box.
--
Formerly 'HearToTemptYou'

I knew you could re-locate the computer to make it fit. Is the driver side vent the same as the passenger side one? When I have been going to the PNP, I have been pulling the vents on all the pre '86's and stock-piling them for in the future when other post '86 Volvo 200 series drivers may want to put them in their cars.

When you maintain your family's fleet and everyone knows you locally as the Volvo guy, Ya gotta reputation to keep!! I can't be driving something that looks like it belongs in the bone yard. Especially when I chase down other RWD Volvo owners to talk to them about their Brick. Sometimes if I see a car with something like a trim piece missing, I will offer to sell them one from my inventory and install it just to keep the car looking whole. I also tell them about this board and a couple of other boards, parts suppliers and mechanics who can help them keep their Volvo running for cheap.

The passenger Side vent is not the same as the drivers side. You need to find the vents (and covers) from diesel 240s, and some '75 240s.
--
Formerly 'HearToTemptYou'

I have ordered parts from IPD before - had problems, and they took care of it very well. That was a few years back. Unless they have gotten too big for their business, with few staff to handle it, they have always enjoyed a good rep to my knowledge.

I would bet they would do all possible to rectify your problem. It very well could be that Starla is falling down on the quality end, or the one you got was just a bad build.
--
' Of all bad men religious bad men are the worst. '' (C S Lewis

I've heard that if you have a problem they are very good about correcting it. In my opinion it shouldn't come to that. Maybe it's my former military training in respect to "attention to detail and no excuses" that I demand more from people than I really should.

Mmmmmmmmm,

I have been doing business with IPD for a while now, and yes, I have had a few problems with some of the items. They have always jumped through the hoops to see that I was satisfied, and that's about all I could hope to ask of them. I tried to order a part that had been discontinued, and they even went to the trouble of looking to see if there was even one of the parts left in the pipeline, when they could have easily said, Sorry it's discontinued. I think that your situation is an isolated one, and as far as their prices being overinflated, I don't agree. They have always provided a first quality part at a reasonable price. You don't hold a patent on expecting and demanding the best from someone. I did my 26 years in the Blue Machine, and I expect your best. Nothing less is acceptable. That's what I have gotten from IPD.

Bill

Many people posted the same opinion as you in regarding IPDs customer service.
Scott from IPD re-affirmed it. I may end up eating crow. MMMMM it tastes good even if the crow does taste a little bitter.

I didn't mean to imply that they were over-inflated but higher priced.
I am more than willing to pay a higher price for better quality parts and most importantly: Customer Service!
I would pay someone a little more to provide me with a known good product and all of the parts needed to complete a project in one location. This includes compensating them for their time in doing the research to ensure the parts are up to our standards.

Blue machine eh? I'm assuming you're retired from the Air Force.
I was a snipe in the Navy for 6 yrs. Electrician's Mate 1st class. EM1(SW)

God bless! and thank you for your service!! It's not about serving your country so much as serving your fellow man even when he won't serve himself!
That's what you call a sacrifice for your fellow man.

Those would sacrifice freedom for safety, deserve neither!!
I think it was Ben Franklin who said this, I may be wrong.

"I hate it when people go cheap! It's counterproductive and re-affirm a throw-away society, but I digress."

I've always found that I never regretted paying top price for the absolute best quality. That doesn't mean I don't shop/haggle/grind on price and deals....my wife refused to go with to purchase anything other than groceries and I've even gotten discounts there....

However, as I get older I realize that I can get more money, but I can't get more time...if I waste or allow someone else to waste my time...then they've stolen a portion of my life....and I can NEVER get that back!!

As for IPD, I've been buying from them since 1985 when I upgraded my suspension/sway bars on my 745 Turbo-Diesel (got 245,000 on it and then got a 95 945 turbo currently with 236,000 and going strong! Oh yea, I put IPD suspension on it also!!)

In the last year I've expanded into buying from FCP and E Euro. Mainly for availablity of parts no longer available at IPD.

But as far as service goes, IPD has always been very good to me. Example, I had redone all brakes/discs over a year and a half ago....long story short I have problems several months later and they replaced the discs and gave me 1/2 price on the pads. They replaced a trans mount that failed way too soon also...again NC. I'd buy more...but they've reduced their inventory on 900 parts....

Almost makes me want to buy a V70 or a 60R lol!! I'd love to find turbo chip upgrades to increase power but that's only on newer models.