I see the front ones on ebay and they're usually listed as a "rare accessory". I was wondering if you could take one out of a rear seat and fabricate brackets to use in the front between the seats. Has anyone done this?

I thought of trying to rig something up also. Ended up getting the one the guy sells on eBay. Made a huge difference in comfort.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volvo-240-260-center-armrest-arm-rest-New-Cover_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33701QQitemZ8058874998QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

is the current eBay listing.

This is the same type I installed, please note these are not Volvo original items. It's also important to know that when these came out, the top and bottom surfaces were covered with factory matching cloth, not vinyl... that sucker would burn your forearm off on a hot sunny day! When new, the sides were covered in vinyl though. Just FYI.

jorrell

Volvo offered as an option, all vinyl, vinyl sides with matching cloth top and bottom and all cloth center armrests. You could pretty much get one to match any interior color or surface. They also offered a ratcheting armrest that bolted to the driver's seat.
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'63 P-210
'67 1800s
'88-240
my pages

After having restored four front center arm rests, I can say the following with certainty:

1: Volvo never made a 240 front center arm rest although a number of dealers sold them.
2: The rear center arm rest is twice as wide as the aftermarket front arm rest and will not fit between the front seats.

3: If you find a front center arm rest that has a good foam core, brackets, and hardware, get it. They are pretty easy to create new vinyl and cloth covers for. I have done four of them with a Singer sewing machine that was made back in 1898!

jorrell

re: "...1: Volvo never made a 240 front center arm rest although a number of dealers sold them...."

Actually, Volvo did sell them. It's shown (a picture) on page 7 of the 1986 edition of "Volvo: Accessories, all models" booklet.

To quote the description accompanying the picture: "9. Adjustable armrest. Make driving more comfortable...arrive relaxed.. with Volvo's adjustable, fold-away armrest. Push-button convenience allows you to set six confortable positions. Available in beige, blue, brown, grey and black." [although I suspect that the grey choice was a editorial mistake -- see below.]

And on page 23, under "Adjustable Armrests, all models, 1975-1986", the part nos. are:
Brown, 1129148-1
Black, 1129035-0
Beige, 1129059-0
Blue, 1129060-8

Only funny thing is, whereas the description says that it comes in grey as well, there was no part no listed in the back pages for that color. Oh, well, who would want a grey interior, anyway. :-)

Ken:

Thanks for the feedback. I based my statements on what the parts guy at the dealer told me back in 90, and the fact that I have never seen one. At the time, I was looking for one to put in our 89 244 (RIP). Learn something new every day!

jorrell

Thanks, but sorry to hear that your dealer's parts guy was so unaware (or uncaring) -- in '90, I'm sure that Volvo (at their regional distribution centers) might still have had some stock on that armrest that was for '86 cars (and probably earlier) cars even if it wasn't listed in the (then) current '90 options -- although now, it's probably all gone.

Keep checking eBay, though -- they show up now and then.

Best regards,

They did make them in the gray, I have a couple that match the '86-88 diagonal pattern in gray. They are way more rare than the other colors but they do exist. I've also ones that match the later gray from '89 on.
--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'63 P-210
'67 1800s
'88-240
my pages