Have a 242 with good body but the interior has been fried by the sun. Now have a totally rusted 244 from way up north that will be donating the interior. Had to get a really rusty one, because I try to "save" any Volvo in decent shape. The 242 was meant to be an engine donor for another vehicle. Just couldn't bring myself to gut it. So this is how you start a "collection"?
Question: The headliner appears to be a "rigid" one piece item. To remove and replace the headliner, does the windshield (or back window) need to be removed?
More questions to come as I get deeper into the project!
Thanks, Bruce

I do also know that those new Mr. Clean Magic Erasers will clean up the headliner about like new. used one on mine, smoke infested headliner. shines like new.

Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement! The reason I initially thought about replacing the headliner in the 242 was that it was extremely dirty, and cleaning it was only partially successful. The mildew must discolor the white plastic. Was going to try bleach, but seemed easier just to go with the better headliner. This car sunned itself in a farm field for the last 10 years, and was to be the motor donor for my 82 wagon, but got it home and cleaned up; and was amaised at what was still there and in good shape. The seats are remarkably well intact but the cloth is pretty ripped. Plan to use the seat covers (and foam) from the other car. Certain plastic parts (predominantly the TAN ones) turn to dust when handled. Replacements are coming from the donor. I understand that the TAN is the least durable and seems to be the most faded color. The dash pad is terrible, and will be replaced. The donor car is an 85 Canadian car that is rusted to mid door (really!!), but interior, and motor appear good. I don't think much will remain at the end of the project. It is so rusted, I did not feel guilty of thinking about stripping it and trashing what is left. Right now I will just be trying to get the 242 back in good shape and on the road. No fancy stuff except for a newer (92) radio, and rear speakers. The aftermarket radio disappeared years ago. Had to buy some car covers--the neighbors are starting to complain. I think they must think I am wealthy having so many cars! Now if I can only get one to run!!!! Resistance is futile... must not look at Volvos on E Bay.....AAHHHHHHHH
Again, Thanks

Bruce,

I recently re-did the interior of my 88 244DL. I had a very good healiner from my late,great favorite Brick of all time ... a 1980 242 which I wanted to install. I had the seats out for re-hab and I removed the pass side door to allow maximun clearence as we wrestled it through the door frame. My wife and I managed without doing any serious damage to the headliner ... a very careful bit of what we called a "potato chip" bend lenght wise helped get it through the door opening. I would think putting it into a 242 with it's longer doors would be easier. In short it can be done without removing the rear window ... the front seats do need to be out and the pass side door off it's hinges. BTW The new interior in my 88 looks great ... especially the headliner!

The answer is, Yes- you have to remove the rear window to get the headliner from a 244 (found out the hard way). The 242's should fit out the door, but don't quote me, I've never done it.

Bruce,

...and that's how is begins ! Warning: with each removal/ repllacement, enhancement...the hook sets deeper.

Not sure about the hard head liner in the 242...never had mine out. Would think that all you have to do is remove the interior molding around the windshield, sides and rear window. Not sure why you want to replace that...colors not the same as the 244 ? Most of the 242 head (hard) liners I've seen were black...goes well with any color interior. Take it that both 2 and 4 door have sun roof. You may have to swap the seat covers (skins) from the 244, to fit the folding seats of the 242. While your at it you can do other improvements to those front seats ( foam, lumbar, heat...). The rears will swap real nice. All 240's share the same demensions as far as interior goes. I've swapped floor carpet from a 245 to a 242...perfect match.

How deep are you going in this project ? just interior swap or other improvements. Is the 242 NA or turbo ?

Currently I have two on the road and two getting ready for the road and looking at two more for parts....and that's how it goes. Had to get rid (town) of four.

Enjoy...
Twoforty

Not much from a 244's interior will work in a 242 due to the folding front seats and larger doors. Good luck. Dan
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85 245 M46 194K, 92 245 A70 122K

headliner will come out with out removeing the window or seat .I've done it ,lay the front seats down as low as they will go...blessings..kris