I was loooking to change the front end on my 88 245 dl. What parts do i need to do this what setups are compatible. I would like to get gt setup with integrated fog lights and the 2 circular lights would this fit mine? What about the 4 squares. Do i need a new hood?

You should be proud to own such a distinctive front end. But alas you can't do anything. I know because I had an accident with mine and lost both front headlight assemblies. I thought that I could use the older style twin round headlights. but my '86 had other plans. In '86 VOLVO decided to change everything on the venerable 240 series. The hood went from an in to an out, you will understand this if you look at the leading edge by the spray nozzels. The hood was redesigned so that older parts could no longer be used. This meant that the headlight mounting plates are different as well as the lower "radiator" plate is also different. It was designed to accepted headlight washer assemblies, of which I personal have never seen one. The fenders where also redesigned to go with the more sleek fornt end. So all plans you had can't unfortunatly be done. So enjoy the front end you have and don't try for a face lift, leave that to the weiners at G.M., Dodge and Ford and enjoy your distinctive ride.

"It was designed to [accept] headlight washer assemblies, of which I personal have never seen one"

That would have been a feature on European 240s only because the plastic lenses on US-spec cars would easily scratch, and they have 3 small "nubs" on the surface that were used with headlight aiming machines. The bumps would interfere with the wipers.

Ben,

If you look at the [US] '85 and older hoods you will see that they have a dimple as the meet with the cowl. Look on your '86 and you'll see that it has the opposite, a slight elevation as the hood meets the cowl. Because of this I think an earlier hood might look out of place on your car.

bye,

Csaba

For the cost, time and aggravation of swapping the front end of the car, you could simply replace your current DOT aero headlamp units with the bolt-on E code headlamp assemblies. This would give you lighting that is far superior to any other lighting options, short of mounting 8" Rally lights across the front of your car. Styling wise, the euro headlamp assemblies look incredible, and will transform the look of your 240. Total cost of OEM parts is about $900, although you can go cheaper with far-east made copies.

How would one go about obtaining the european parts necessary for a conversion to the euro look? I have seen european 240s and they do look much nicer, but I don't know how to buy the parts I would need. Also, would I be in violation of any laws if I did this? Thanks.

Check archives for the phone no. for Verringi Volvo in Florida. Total cost of OEM parts is about $900. Far east copies are about $450.

You may be in violation of stupid laws requiring US cars to use unsafe headlamps. As long as your lamps are aimed correctly and use standard wattage bulbs, they should not provoke a response from you local law enforcement officials.

I had the same idea of getting E-lights but to spend 900.-- for lights on a car that cost only 2000.-- seemed off balance. Nevertheless if anybody has a better idea I will change instantly to E-lights

Ben,

In addition to all the things Michael listed, you would have to swap the "substructure" under the hood. By this I mean the upper and lower radiator supports, and the plate that the headlights bolt to. I did a lot of measuring and test-fitting in consideration of doing the swap you describe on my 1990, but it would have been imposible.

For the 4 rectangular headlights, 4 round headlights, or 2 round headlights, you'd need to swap the hood, front fenders, grille, headlights, and turn signals at least. If you want a flat hood, you're out of luck because they won't fit on the '86 and newer 240s. What do you mean by "integrated fog lights"? Like the ones mounted in the grilles on the 242GT's? I think those are probably driving lights, because fog lights are more effective when mounted low (like under the bumper) and the GT grille won't fit without a flat hood. I considered changing my '87 to the older style so I could get better output from my headlights, but to me it's just not worth the effort to change so much.