Dear Volvo buffs,

My 19-yr old daughter ran into the back of a pick-up going about 5 mph in her 1988 240 DL wagon. The high bumper on the truck missed the Volvo bumper but nailed her right in the grill and hood area. I have pried the hood open and have found that the front cross member which encloses the A/C condensor is basically crushed in. The headlight assemblies are both damaged also. I began removing everything thinking that I could just replace this section with one from the boneyard. However, I noticed that the steel framework appears to be tack-welded to the metal section at the bumper level as well as to each fender. So even with all the bolts removed, the bent up section cannot be easily removed. My question to the message board is: Am I nuts to try and fix this car myself? And how does one remove this section of metal to replace it? The bumper and associated metal work at the lower level are okay and both fenders are basically okay. And finally, does anyone know where one can find good used Volvo parts, like a hood, grill, and the damaged support steel in New England?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Cheers,

Gene

hi gene. those tack welds can easily be drilled out. i actually drove a sharp chisel between the seams and pried them apart in about 2 minutes. i have a good radiator support available as well as an excellent hood. i would certainly suggest fixing it yourself. i can also get a grille and anything else you may need.how about $75 for the support and hood. if the car is driveable i'd be happy to swap the parts with you in my shop. i'm located in burlington ct. good luck! jasonzeiner@cs.com or 860 675 4886