I just bought the car without a roof rack on it. It has holes in the roof with grommets in them. I aquired a used rack that will fit but I don't have the screws/bolts/grommets that insert into the empty holes on the roof. If anyone knows a place I can get them or know what they are called I would appreciate it. This is my first Volvo and I love it. Any advice would be great. I have looked at several sites and they just have the same old stuff. Also which manual should I get (Haynes/Chilton/Bently)? Thanks, Tom

The stock racks as you have read are attached with "wellnuts". They fit into 1/2" holes (12 of them) in the roof. They can be attached from the outside as they slide into the holes and then swell up when the mounting screws are tightened.

Although I like the stock rack, making clean 1/2" holes to mount one might be a hassle. They provide a moisture barrier, but you might want to replace them sooner than I did (20 years!).

Volvo in San Diego, California had the wellnuts (in stock) for $2.25 each (pretty reasonable for a Volvo dealer). RPR has them for $2.19 each. One online fastener place lists a pack of 100 for about $40.

The correct size is described as "1/4S".

Regards,

Mike

When I have to get parts from volvo I tell them I am taking an auto mechanics class from a local vocational school (which is true but they never check) and I get a 20% discount. I get discounts from almost all dealers and the good parts stores that supply mchanics by telling them I am connected to a school. Works for me!

I've used them all (even Clymer) but my 12 year-old Bentley is the one that gets all the use. (Getting dog-eared)

Early Haynes had some good tech info on early '80s cars. Chilton tries to cover too many models and does justice to none, IMO.
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Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current) — 240s (one V8) — 140s — 122s — since '63.

Thanks for the info... Bentley it is

Don't. It'll leak. Plug the holes with 1/2" hold plugs, and get
yourself a Thule or Yakima gutter rack. It shouldn't run you more
than $60 on EBay. If you're set on using the stock roofrack, Volvo
should have the mounting kit, or you could get the 1/2" well nuts
from a good hardware store or industrial supply house.


-b.

Yipes... Thanks for the advice. I really like the looks of the old racks. I was considering taking down the head liner and doing it right but ebay is looking better and beter. It rains a lot here in oregon and I prefer not to have it raining inside the car. Thanks again.

You don't need to take down the headliner to install the new well-nuts. Just wiggle them in from the outside, and attach the brackets with screws. I just removed my roofrack, and was able to remove the old well-nuts from the top with needlenose pliers. When I took off the brackets and rubber gasket, I discovered that most of the holes had rust growing around them. That will need to be addressed.

I agree that the aftermarket racks are more desireable from the standpoint of versitility and strength. If you like the looks of the factory rack (I don't) then that's the only reason I can see for having one.

The 'well-nuts' can be bought from Volvo, or cheaper from a good hardware store.
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Jim Egelston - Seattle - '81 245DL, '85 244GL, '94 945T, '89 535i, '74 R90S