I have an 87 245 that has minor rust - until you look inside the rear wheel wells. In front of the rear tires - right where the seat belt anchors are, the area around was rusted out.

My first indication that anything was wrong, was that in wet weather, the left rear foowell would collect water.

Today when I removed the interior upholstery for a closer look, I was shocked - If we had been in a collision, I know for sure the left rear lap belt would have not held - and the right is doubtful.

So until I can do a major steel repair - Using the rear fender well sections from a solid parts car - we are down to a 3 person 245. Rear passenger center seat only.

If any of you have a 200 series that has been driven in salty winter conditions - check it out...

Thanks for the information.
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Thanks to everyone for the help, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, M46; 86 240, 133k

My 84 has been patched there with a welded plate along with the spare tire well on the back end. Its common in rust areas. I would get really worried if the jacking point was weak. If you jack up the rear end and the rocker/wheel well starts to collapse its time to put that puppy out to pasture.

Goldy,

I was up at my Volvo specialist shop last fall when right beside my 87 245 was another 87 245 with the same issue as yours. This gentleman's car had both of them rusted right out. The man then looked at mine and was surpised to see both of them (not to mention the car as well)intact.

Provided that the steel in the fender well surrounding where these attachment points are is in good shape, just have a welding shop weld in some mild steel with a corresponding nut - no need to go cut up another car. Most 245's in the scrap yard probably have the same issue as well.

Happy Bricking!!!

Richard

87 245 DL 365,000 km
82 242 GLT 121,000 km

I happen to ahve two parts cars - Volvo's we have retires due to front end collisions...

THe 80 245 has way less rust than the 86 245.

So it was a simple matter to use a 4 1/2" angle grinder with a "Zipcut" blade.

About 5 minutes per side....after jacking up hte car and blocking the rear axle way off the ground.....


Now all I have to do is weld them in and rust proof and water proof the area.

thanks for the comments