I did a quick FAQ look for this (and found an old thread of mine), but I wanted to get them in one thread.

I am removing my engine and transmission (maybe as one, maybe as two...don't know yet). My questions (as of right now) are these:

Removing the hood, is it easy?


The metal bracket (?) that is in the front of the car (not the removable grill you can replace from the junkyard, but the one bolted to the car), is that easy to remove? Possible to remove?

I know to remove the radiator, but this bracket (it's the piece that the hood latches to) is left there and would be in the way. I've heard there are spot welds there potentially but that they aren't necessarily required when it is put back in.

Removing the rad support is a good idea if the trans is coming out with the engine. It saves having to lift and tilt the assembly. Certainly the structure of the front clip is not compromised, so you can support the body on jack stands without worry. It's a Volvo, not a regular car. I've done it many times, although I usually just yank the engine.

The motor and/or motor-trans can go in easily--there's no need to remove the upper radiator support (what that part is called). If your car has AC the condensor is going to be right there anyway. Have the car supported tall enough so the transmission can be tilted way down. A floor jack placed fore and aft under the car to catch the tranny tail helps to get it slid into place.
Remove the fan blade/clutch from the W.P. to help clear the rear edge of the U.R.S.. Having a rig that is adjustable for tilt helps but is not absolutely necessary.
I don't mind resetting a hood. It unbolts from the hinges easily enough--mark it to get it close on reinstallation. The hinges sticking up can be in the way--they remove easily too---mark them very carefully. have fun---Dave

Thanks for the input.

I already removed the hood..didn't mark it though. :(

But I think I'll be able to get it figured out eventually.

I also removed the radiator support, but I was going to put it back in before I lift the car up (just to be safe).

One of the reasons why I removed the radiator support was I am limited in my ceiling. And since it's just about to start the rainy season in Portland, I really couldn't do this outside. Had this been during the summer, sure.

The support came off SUPER easy, so at least it wouldn't be hard to put it back on later if i had to.