Like most Volvos sold in Europe mine came without AC.

How difficult would it be to install a complete AC system from a junker into my car?

Thanks for your thoughts!

It would be fairly time consuming, since the air plenum and under-dash components are quite different. Removing the junker's system would take some time, as would reinstallation. Buy the Volvo OEM Heating/A-C manual BEFORE you contemplate doing this so you'll see what you are getting into. The manual is essential.

I did just that when my pregnant wife said she needed AC on our aging '78 244DL.

It needed a blower motor. Bought the entire system (including the blower motor) for $200 from my independent Volo mechanic. It was salvaged out of a '76 he had on his lot.

Most of the operation was mechanical. Unbolting hoses and components and brackets,then mounting them into the car. Took a long weekend.

Some special modification included relocating the coil to allow the PS fluid bottle to be moounted on the strut tower. And a couple of bolts and studs were needed in the engine block for the compressor mounts.

Charging the system was left to the pro.

At that time, I believe the cars came non-AC. The Ac system was a dealer installed kit costing about $800 plus labor (totalling $1200)

I used a tape recorder to help chronical the disassembly procedure. It helped a lot when installing the system.