So, my dad tells me that I have to post my wee little personal victory in here. He says he'll be checking in on it, so I better get on it.

I've successfully completed my first solo mission in my 89 240 wagon. I've replaced a broken odometer gear.

I ordered the part from odometergears.com. I found beautiful instructions, complete with pictures, on this web site: http://www.hyperocity.com/volvo240/volvoodometer.htm

First time around, I removed the instrument cluster, carefully dismantled it, replaced the old broken gear with the brand new shiny one, and put it back together. I put the unit back into the car, but alas: it did not work.

I'm told it NEVER works first time around. Silly Murphy.

I took it out again. Dismantled again. Fiddled with the gears, and tried it once more. Then, I took my bucket for a victory drive around the block: 1.9 miles.

And so goes my story. Hurray for me. :)