I am going to look at a V70 tomorrow, and want to take off the top timing cover to ascertain the health of the timing belt. Unfortunately, I can't take a look at my brother's V70-as it is 90 miles away. If anyone can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks :)

T30 for the spark plug cover. 10MM for mid 98 and newer timing cover for cars with manual tensioner. 12MM for early 98's with hydraulic tensioner.

The timing belt cover is held in place with a 10mm BOLT, bring a socket wrench with you. The spark plug cover uses T30 screws.
You didn't mention the year of the V70. The older versions use hydraulic tensioners and need new timing belts at around 70K and replacement tensioners at 140K. The manual tensioners and belts are good for around 105K, except for 1999 and 2000 where the manual tensioners were found to be defective and needed to be replaced at 90K (the replacement tensioners have all been good).

It will be difficult to determine if the timing belt neeeds replacement by visual means, unless there is impending doom. A light crazing on the inside of the belt is normal, but that is confusing to many who do not know the difference between light and deep. Your best bet is to look for service records or the sticker that indicates when it was replaced.
In your hot climate,I would be just as concerned with vacuum hoses and condition of brake fluid, antifreeze, and tranny fluid color.

Klaus
--
The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

In my limited experience the timing belt looked new when pulled for overdue replacement, which goes by the mileage numbers, not visual inspection.

'97 855 175K
'87 245 147K (former)

Thank you, one and all, for the help :) When I went to look at the V70, I immediately saw that it had been in an accident. It wasn't worth my time to dig any deeper than that to ascertain the condition of the belt. I hope everyone has a most splendid weekend, and coming holiday :)