I am not mechanically inclined so please bare with me. I have a 1984(automatic) 240 sedan with quite a bite of body rust(the most amazing well running car in history). I recently found a 1982(4 speed i think) 240 sedan with what was explained to me as "vaccuum and brake problems", however the body is absolutely perfect. My question is this, can i do any parts or body changing to give me in the end one dependable and nice looking 240? THANK YOU!

/// Transfering the automatic into the manual is not high tech but it is heavy tech. The ratio in the rear end will not be the same and that will have to be swapped as well. (Because of pattern gear wear it is not a good idea to just swap the gears in the rear end. Gear installing is high tech or work for experienced tech. Low tech is swap the whole rear end.)

If you swap the rear end you might as well replace all the bushings while you have the rear end out. Again not high tech but tedious tech without air tools and lifts.

I would, depending on price buy the 82, repair the vac and brake trouble and drive it while I assessed the feasibility of doing the swap. Another car might come along that would be a closer engine system to you good car.

Use the classifieds to sell parts you do not use.

"vacuum and brake problems" doesn't sound that bad. If the engine itself is O.K. on the 82 then replacing hoses is not a problem unless the PO has messed it all up trying to find the problem. brakes are pretty much the same and can be swapped freely. brake lines can be a pain to take apart without damage to them but they can be replaced with little trouble. All of the big stuff on the engine can be swapped but the ignition systems are different. The 82 has a system that was only ever used on the 82. But we have two of them in the family and they are the strongest ones yet. 300k+mi and 230k mi. If you can, find a volvo mech. in your area and pay him to check it out. It could save you money if you buy it or not.

There is no technical reason why you can't put the mechanics of the rotten car in the sound older bodyshell. The brakes should be interchangeable without difficulty. Changing the injection and turning a manual car into an automatic is not difficult, but VERY time consuming.

In all honesty I reckon that if you have to pay someone an hourly rate to achieve it you're on a loser. On the other hand if you can beg borrow or steal the appropriate tools/facilities, are prepared to get your hands dirty, and learn as you go along it is do-able on a DIY basis.

How you value your time, the stigma of dirt engrained fingernails, and oil smelling of cats piss in your ear at one in the morning is only a decision you can make.

Still can't figure out why you want everyone to get their kit off though;-)

Regards

Samantha -

The 82 and 84 have significantly different engine control systems. Volvo went from the B21F to the B23F. Wiring and harnesses are different. So, would it be better to put the 84 engine and all that into the 82, or to use 82 body parts to renew the 84? Depends on the condition of the 84 body. The big changes on the 84 body are the bumpers, other stuff will swap. Have you access to a good body shop? It would be a good challenge to a good body guy.

Good Luck,

Bob :>)