Volvo RWD 200 Forum

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Dumb question about 240 driver seat backs 200

Is it the foam or the metal that causes me to see so many 240s with the driver's seat leaning back on the right side of the seat back only.
Foam can be fixed, but metal tubing??

Or is it a different problem that requires a newer seat?

Just curious.

Klaus
--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)








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Dumb question about 240 driver seat backs 200

I was able to weld up my DS seat frame no problem and did the denim repair of the foam as well. THhe upper cross piece on mine had dropped completely down into the seatback and the headrest of course had no place to attach. The original spot welds are weak. Made a world of difference and don't forget to throw the seat covers in the washing machine and let air dry. Good as new besides the wear of course.
Charles








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Dumb question about 240 driver seat backs 200

It can be either or both. As Vrollvo said, the spot welds at the top corner of the backrest frame can fail, allowing it to twist out of shape. This will be obvious, as the seat will be grossly distorted, (and extremely uncomfortable to sit on) and it will flop around quite a bit. More common is deteriorated crumbling foam, which will cause a misshapen but still solid seat. It's not that difficult to take the seat apart and swap your skin over to an intact frame and foam, and, as previously mentioned, the frames and foams are interchangeable side to side. The trickiest part of the job is probably removing the big knob that adjusts the back rest angle. It is not obvious, but it has a round center cap that must be pried out, and then a sheet metal spring clip that has to be removed very carefully so as not to render it unusable. To remove the headrest there are a couple of buttons to push at the bottom of the tubes in the backrest frame that its legs fit into. You can't see them---you have to work by feel. You may have to cut the upholstery on the donor seat to get a good idea of where they are.








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Dumb question about 240 driver seat backs 200

Just as a point of information--the stamped spring clip holding the backrest knob does not have to be removed--rotate it so its "legs" align with the voids in the plastic knob.








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Dumb question answered, thanks all 200

When I replaced the 1975 164 front seats with a pair from a 1991 240, I reinforced the foam with leftover blue jeans and it worked great.
Now that I know that the seat frames are interchangeable, left to right, I will not consider a broken driver's seat a liability when looking at a "new" 240. I just don't like driving down the road with the "Detroit lean" :)

Thank's again,

Klaus
--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)








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Dumb question answered, thanks all 200

Reinforce the foam with old blue jeans? That's a great idea! I have several pairs of old jeans that I don't want to throw out but can't find a use for them.

How exactly do you reinforce the foam with them? Place the jeans in spots where the foam has crumbled away?
--
Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 281,000 miles
Original engine, transmission, drive train, starter
Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15








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Dumb question answered, thanks all 200

It doesn't work with "crumbled" foam. In most instances, the foam is cracked or torn by the seat frame. Using 3M fabric adhesive on the blue jeans will keep the foam together and put a barrier between the seat frame and the foam.

Klaus
--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)








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Dumb question answered, thanks all 200

Ah, I see. I may give that a try. Thanks for the tip.
--
Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 265,000 miles
Original engine, transmission, drive train, alternator, starter
Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15








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Dumb question answered, thanks all 200

I think more than 50% of the seats...it's the foam. Look at the seat. You will see the Frame leaning on the fabric if the Foam is bad.


Over the years, I have read of many with broken Frames.

It's the way we all get into these cars. Right foot in sit and lean way over onto that side of the backrest as we bring out other leg in.


--
'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








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Dumb question about 240 driver seat backs 200

Mine was the foam. I went and got some good foam from pick and pull. I took them home and steamed and reinforced them with upholstery denim.








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Dumb question about 240 driver seat backs 200

Mine was the foam as well.

Here's the standard seat repair link, if you don't already have it:
http://home.no.net/ebrox/Tony1.htm








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Dumb question about 240 driver seat backs 200

Loose bolts in the frame has been my experience. Dan








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Dumb question about 240 driver seat backs 200

My 88240 same problem. Driver's seat looked as if someone had done the wild thing in the reclined position. Took it apart, tried to straighten and weld the busted frame. To no avail, it was trash. PNP is the only solution. Got a beautiful passenger side seat and perfect frame, wrong color, swapped the base from the driver's seat, switched the adjustment knob. Just like new?

To be safe I've since grabbed another spare seat.







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