I've been driving my '90 740 wagaon for a month now and have determined that I either have to do something about the driver's seat or undergo back surgery again!

My question: Is it worth buying the new seat foam (500+) from IPD and rebuilding the seat or should I look at an aftermarket seat? If the latter, any recommendations for someone who likes a firm seat and needs good lumbar support?

Thanks.

REBUILD REBUILD REBUILD!!!

Having been operated 2 times in the back, I along with my doc can attest that the stock seats are just the ticket(unless you auto-cross, they lack lateral support).
The Lumbar support is an easy fix, all it takes is a bit of time and 2 tie-wraps or some wire. If you want more details on the repair drop me a note and I will explain in detail. I have many volvo's and they all have great seats, but with a broken lumbar support a wrecked chevette seat is more comfortable(BTW I even have 740 seats in my ford F150). Fot the ultimate in bolt-in seat upgrades for a 7 series try to find some seats out of a 780, they have superior lateral support, but are every bit as comfy as the regular seats. Also leather seats seem to be firmer as time goes on.
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65 122s/73 1800es/80 262c(350ci v8)/89 745t/87 780/89 240/89 740t/ 87 740

Rebuilding the lumbar support is not a difficult job. It takes patience and about 4 hours for the newbie (as I was when I did it) but it is a very satisfying repair with the IPD (www.ipdusa.com) kit.

I have replaced bottom seat covers and it is an easy though tedious and time-consuming process.

I have two seat bottom and seat back foam pieces that are in pretty good shape if you are interested - but they do not have seat heaters and transferring them from one seat to another can be very difficult as they are pretty well stuck down onto the seats after ten years. Let me know if you are interested.
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Darius in Albany NY '86 744 GLE (174K); '91 745 Turbo (164K)

I had the seat on a 240 rebuilt for about $200 by a local auto upholstery shop recently. Nice job and I wanted to maintain the stock look. However, it doesn't compare to the Recaro seat I installed in another 240 years ago. It was the cheapest genuine Recaro available (if you call $600 cheap) and you could drive coast to coast without an ache. I had an '84 740 many years ago and I recall that the seats were very firm. I loved them and my wife hated them. They were similar to Recaro in construction and firmness. If I had that car today, I would be inclined to rebuild the originals. BTW, the shop I used is in Easton, PA. Not sure where in NJ you are. The shop I used does Volvo restoration and service and expanded into full service upholstery.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'83 242TI Flathood

i've been meaning to check out the local corbeau dealer to see if i like any of their seats. not recaros but a lot cheaper.

Hello Skip,

I noticed you mentioned Easton,PA. I am in Bethlehem,PA. New to the area I haven't seemed to be able to find a junk yard around here with many Volvo's. I have 86' 740 turbo wagon and need a place to get used parts. If you have any suggestions I would be most appreciative!

Anastasia

There aren't any good junk yards that specialize in Volvo locally but I have heard there is a good one in Hazelton. Locally I pick an occasional part at one of the many indy mechanics. Try Yankee Trading on Bushkill drive in Easton. Diversified Auto at 25th and Freemansburg in Easton or Jeff's CARS in Wind Gap. No guarantees they will deal with the public but I have been going there for many years. I also have them do the service on my cars that I can't or don't want to do.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'83 242TI Flathood

Thanks Skip! I knew of Jeff's Cars, Jeff is a good guy. I purchased some parts from him today. I will check out the other places...

Thanks again,
Anastasia
86' 740t wagon 364,000

If your lumbar support isn't working, someone posted a do it yourself fix for the lumbar support last month using a coat hanger and it works!

You can try looking for a used seat in a boneyard. New cushions can be had from either IPD or Borton Volvo. You can also look at why it is failing: in my case, the side fabric had separated, allowing the cushion to sag. The foam itself was fine.