Good question as to who did the brakes last. I was certain I had a receipt from the dealer for that (and also that I have a fairly complete history on the car). The newest receipt I could find was for all four brakes in 01 when the car had 66k. The fronts have most certainly been replaced since then, as the rears were way more worn. But unless I mixed up the order of my paperwork, I don't know about the fronts. Which means, it may not have been Volvo.

Nope on the stainless (in fact, hoses seem to be OG). I have no reason to believe the calipers themselves are fine. I've not had them apart, but did flush the system last fall, and the old fluid looked good. On that note, the slider pin boots looked good as well (at least until I took a torch to the bracket).

The thought to fit 850 calipers/brackets was a knee jerk reaction to the problem (i.e: I hadn't given it the appropriate amount of thought). I believe that original 30 year old Volvo parts in working order are probably better than 90% of aftermarket stuff. It's fine to know there's that option, but I need to keep things simple.

As far as junk from u-know-where, I am pondering something. I've not been able to source a bracket alone, but of course there are plenty attached to new or reman caliper assemblies. While looking at Rock Auto for a bracket, I see they have an assembly on closeout for under $18 (plus shipping). My thinking is that having this on hand will allow either: A - a failsafe backup if I completely mess up my original bracket further trying to get the pin out. Or B - I can just swap it in, and take my time (and let penetrating oil time to do its thing) with the job. I find it difficult to believe that even a lousy bracket could be worse than what I have, but who knows? Further thought is leaning towards trying to find a used bracket for this purpose. No junkyards near me with older cars, and the used bits I've seen on eBay right now are complete left and right assemblies for more than I want to pay since I merely want the bracket. I might have luck putting a wanted post here and on some other Volvo boards.