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Yesterday, not only did I actually go to a junkyard and find two wrecked 240s to try to scavenge from, but also I successfully installed a new warning light bulb and holder after pulling out the speedometer cluster.
First, I didn't know what the 240 junkyard situation was in my hometown of Charleston, SC. I went to a junkyard a few weeks ago and found out that it didn't have any 240s. Out of the two 740 Volvos it did have, only one had something I might want to pull--a power antenna, that looked to be plug-and-play with my 240's manual antenna. However, I balked at the price: $75.00 for an antenna I wasn't even sure would work! In comparison, VLVWorld offers a "new" power antenna for the 240 for $65 plus shipping. That price is still high, but I *know* it will work, and for $10 less!
So, I wasn't heading back to that junkyard, even though this week it had a 240, one. Odd, I thought, as a trip around my town usually reveals at least five 240s on the road. That's good to see them out and alive still, but some had to have been retired, so where?
I went to a different junkyard, and after a bit of wandering around the yard (alone; no "insurance" limitations here!) I came across a sedan under three or four cars and a wagon underneath one. From each of the Volvos I pulled some of the dash warning lights and holder (not much else was needed or in great condition), and from the wagon (from 1983) I came across an owner's manual, unopened to the Volvo radio! I got five bulbs plus holders and the manual for five bucks, and I think I'll put the manual up on eBay one of these days for that same amount.
The reason I needed a new dash warning light bulb and holder is because I think I broke one, the one behind the "Overdrive Off" light (automatic transmission), while I was pulling the cluster during the odometer gear replacement a few weekends ago. Thanks to the knowledge gained from the first repair, I was able to pull the cluster (leave the wires attached) and replace the bulb before putting everything back together in under fifteen minutes. I started the car up, and the light worked again! I considered my money and time on the Brickboard well-spent.
As a post-script, if anyone knows of a great junkyard that is the mythical resting place of all of the 240s I see in the Charleston, SC, area, I'd love to hear where to find it. So far, Blue and Gold's was the one that's expensive and not useful, Coastal Carolina seems pretty cool and down-to-earth, and I'm planning to visit "B&D" on my next trip.
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'89 244 GL -- 103,800 miles (see profile for info on car)
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