I am gambling on some PnP parts..in a way that does not seem a gamble. My current vehicle, 1990 240 DL sedan, was bought to last only two years and after become a true winter beater. As such, all maint items have a price tag. I never skimp on oil, filters or brake fluid but...

I was unwilling to spend $160 on rebuilt calipers (of unknown quality), rotors and cheap pads to redo the front brakes. Especially when I found 1988 240 with newly installed front calipers 95% pads and rotors too new to have a developed a ridge, in the PnP. In spite of these wonderful qualities, the brake lines STILL would not break loose with my el cheapo 11MM flare wrench. I buggered up one line before I came to my senses and cut the hard lines with a pair of dikes.

So, I am on the prowl for a Snap-on 9-11mm wrench on ebay (oddly, Pawn shops around here do not deal in used hand tools!). For the one I rounded off line I assume my best bet is to soak in penetrating oil then pound a 6-point socket onto the fitting with a BFH? Failing that, vice grips?

On a totally different note I met the nicest, most uniformed Volvo owner at the PnP. He his a Narobi born and has lived in, of all places, Gary, Indiana for the last 30 years. He has owned his 1988 240 GL Sedan since new (it is pretty rough now) and wanted to get the ODO working. I took him to the yard, disassembled a speedo for him to show him the gear he needed and why the last 4 IP's he bought had not helped. I told him about this place and even wrote out the address so we might be seeing him here. Neat guy...totally clueless.

I owe 90% of what I know about Volvos to this board and it always feels good to give back...even if it is not here.

Mike