Volvo RWD 200 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 8/2010 200 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Tail Light Woes? 200 1983

posted by  whitedavidp on  Mon Oct 11 05:18 CST 2010
Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
last visit: Fri May 23 10:44 CST 2014
[RELATED]

I own both 1980 and 1983 240 sedans. It is clear that they are starting to get old as parts are becoming harder to find from the usual sources like IPD.

Just the other day I discovered that the left reverse light lens on the 1983 has vanished. I read in the IPD catalog that this is a known issue and that spares are available. However, they list them only for later models which have a 6 panel tail light rather than the 5 panel on both of my vehicles.

I also note that at IPD, on EBay, and elsewhere I can find aftermarket replacements for the entire tail light assembly for far less money than the cost at IPD for the original equipment units (that is all they have available for my model years).

So my question is: is it possible to fit a 6 panel assembly in place of my current 5 panel units? I suppose I would simply not be able to connect one of the lights but perhaps that is not correct either. Has anyone tried this conversion? If so, how did it go?

Thanks








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Tail Light Woes? 200 1983

    posted by  Trev29 on  Mon Oct 11 23:59 CST 2010
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
    last visit: Fri Oct 17 05:56 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    Are you saying the clear reverse lens came unglued and fell out?

    If so you may be able to fabricate a temporary lens. Would cutting out a rectangle from a fluorescent fixture lens panel work? (Use polyurethane caulk to glue.)
    --
    1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb but electronic ignition and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Tail Light Woes? 200 1983

      posted by  whitedavidp on  Wed Oct 13 05:14 CST 2010
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Fri May 23 10:44 CST 2014
      [RELATED]

      At my local hardware store I saw a number of alternate materials. They had diffusing panels for shop lights but they were large and fairly expensive. I settled for a scrap of plexiglass that they cut to size for me. The total was $1.00! I have taken the orbital sander to both sides to "frost" the material for light diffusion. I think I have some 3M 5200 sealer lying around and will try that for glue. Thanks for the great idea!








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Tail Light Woes? 200 1983

      posted by  whitedavidp on  Tue Oct 12 04:25 CST 2010
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Fri May 23 10:44 CST 2014
      [RELATED]

      Yes, the clear plastic fell out somewhere. Damn! I am planning to see what I can do to "repair" the problem as you suggest. I see some tail light repair products are available but am not sure they will work or be sturdy enough since they seem to be like a heavy tape. Your idea to use a fluorescent light cover is excellent. Thanks








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Tail Light Woes? 200 1983

    uid 2796's pic
    posted by  bulletproof on  Mon Oct 11 12:16 CST 2010
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
    last visit: Fri Oct 24 12:02 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    As you can see in the picture, the opening is larger for the 6 panel fixture. Foreground is an '84 that had six panel lights. Background is a '79 with five panel.

    But the openings for the fasteners are in the same location. So, if you are prrepared to cut some of the sheet metal, I suppose it would be possible.

    Personally, I wouldn't do it. You should be able to find suitable replacements.



    --
    '80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Tail Light Woes? 200 1983

      posted by  whitedavidp on  Thu Oct 21 07:30 CST 2010
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Fri May 23 10:44 CST 2014
      [RELATED]

      Is there any chance you still have access to these two vehicles? It would be great to know how much sheet metal I would have to remove in order to get the 6-panels to fit. I know that the 5 panel in my car has an opening of about 240mm. I have been looking for used 5-panel units and even when I have found them, their condition is questionable. So I am still considering some of the 6 panel units where the bolt holes fit. I doing so, I understand that some re-arrangement of the wires in the wiring connector will be required. I am not sure exactly what needs to be done so any experience with that is also helpful. Thanks.








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

        Tail Light Woes? 200 1983

        uid 2796's pic
        posted by  bulletproof on  Sun Oct 24 23:26 CST 2010
        Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
        last visit: Fri Oct 24 12:02 CST 2014
        [RELATED]

        Is there any chance

        None whatever.


        Sorry it took me so long to notice your question.
        --
        '80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon








        •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

          Tail Light Woes? 200 1983

          posted by  whitedavidp on  Mon Oct 25 04:40 CST 2010
          Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
          last visit: Fri May 23 10:44 CST 2014
          [RELATED]

          Thanks for the response. I went to a local Volvo junk yard as they told me repeatedly, despite my protestations, that they had new 6-panel units that would fit. I saw that they had in mind and it was evident that it would not fit in the 240mm opening in my cars. I told them that I did not think it would fit and they again insisted that they had done this dozens of times and that it would indeed fit. They offered to install them for $60 but I didn't have the car that needed the work with me so I declined. But I would have loved to see how they managed and what they would do when it didn't fit.

          However, it is clear that with some sheet metal removal - not that much really - maybe another 40-50mm per side towards the license plate, these 6 panel lights could be used. However, I know there will also be a need for some re-wiring. But the connectors are the same - just different colors in different places. I might have to split one of the current wires to power an extra bulb. And this may be worth the effort some day. For now, I cut a piece of lexan and glued it into place after sanding it with some 3m 5200. Works ok.

          Cheers








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

        Tail Light Woes? 200 1983

        uid 27's pic
        posted by  Art Benstein on  Thu Oct 21 08:11 CST 2010
        Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
        last visit: Fri Oct 17 20:10 CST 2014
        [RELATED]

        I can see why you'd want to do the conversion. Checking the price of the 1235587 and 88, they are today twice what I paid in '03. If you go by list price it is safe to say someone crunching your tail light in a parking lot will get your car totalled.

        If someone has done the sheet metal mod, I'll bet you'll find them on TB
        --
        Art Benstein near Baltimore

        A backward poet writes inverse.






<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.