So, i'm going to be looking at this car tomorrow:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/sask ... nFlag=true

Here's what i know:
-1980 = antique
-it doesnt run currently
-apparently its a rusty heap

I don't know much about 240s, so i'm looking for some wisdom here...
-What are some common areas of structural rust to look out for?
-i'm expecting to see a b21a carb'd engine in there. is this correct?

What else should i look out for?

I offered the owner $500 for it, but he said it's not worth that and wants $200. So i see this as an interesting opportunity

Without being able to see a proper badge or the front end, its hard to assess what's under the hood, but the presence of Coronas could indicate a GL or GLE model, in which case it will be a b21f with K-jet. If its a DL, it will be a b21a. If there is rust, the common areas are the butt cheeks at the back, around the rear wheel wells, and around the windshield. If it hasn't ran in a while, and its got the b21f, you could be looking at completely going over the fuel system. Fuel distributor, warm up regulator, fuel lines etc. could all be full of crud. If its the b21a, there's a whole lot less to go wrong. Breaker points are a headache, and the carb will be worn, but its easy to keep running. I spent about the same on several 240's with K-jet, and if the car hasn't been run recently, you're in for a lot of money and work. But it could be something small and simple to fix, and you'll have a fine car.

The question is why? There are newer ones out there for the same price and they don't have nearly the rust issues and have efi.

Greg...early dash says pre-1980 (?) but tail lights say post 1978 so a '79?

Early dash was up to 1980, that's what my wagon had.

RT

Yup. New style dash started in '81.

Thanks for the comments guys, this is exactly the kinda stuff I wanted to hear!

To be honest, 240s are getting really quite rare out here. And the owners want a lot of money for them.

Regardless of the presence of carbs or kjet I want to do a megasquirt conversion, I have all the necessary efi components from a b230 etc.

It'll be a hot rod. I'll fix structural rust but surface rust and worn paint will be ignored.

Can someone clarify what the "buttcheeks" are? I've heard this term used quite a bit but I don't have a good idea of what actually it is you all are talking about...

The butt cheeks are just behind the rear wheel wells, where you would put the spare tire. The bottom is rounded in shape for the wheel.

RT

Did you see that advert for the late wagon in Victoria...no rust...way better deal at $2400 even if this one is free.

Agreed.

Also, bear in mind if this is a b21a, and you want to Megasquirt it, you'll have to do a COMPLETE fuel system swap. The carbed cars don't have the same fuel feed and return lines, relays, and neither electric fuel pumps. This means opening the fuel tank, adding the pump there, adding the main pump bracket and pump, and plumbing all the factory fuel hard lines. The plugs for the wiring are there, and the plug for relay is tucked up under the dash. Holes for the fuel line clips are there too. But its a big job.

QFT. If that wagon is as good as the pics it's a stupid good deal at the asking price, 245's are holding/increasing in price for the nice ones especially rust free slicktop sticks.

Sol, if it was a 242 or a 245 could see putting forth the effort as you will have something at the end of the day, can't see putting that much time and money in to a sedan. Can't believe I said that but it's the unfortunate truth, this from someone who brings old Volvo's home like lost dogs. Unfortunately they all can't be saved.

Hmm, interesting perspective.

I do have a walboro 255lph intank i was thinking of using for it.... but i also don't like doing a lot of work (just a reasonable amount of work )

Well, i'm going to go look at it tonight. I know what to look for, if it IS really that far gone i might have to let it go..

This heap was my inspiration:
http://www.juststance.com/wp-content/gallery/volvo-240/volvo08-medium.jpg

Well it certainly has the rust component covered...

If you want a cool sedan for a "bit" more money, you should buy this:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.htm ... ail_alerts

Here you go, much better starting point IMHO. Some stuff already done, 242, EFI, flathood, stick etc.. Google maps says only 2400 km...

As they say on TB, "I'd hit it".

http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=293958

OK so, here's the verdict:

It was definitely a heap. body was in pretty bad shape, the thing was half taken apart and sold. oh well.

On the upside, i made a new friend lol. The guy's got a 142 and really loves the oldschool stuff. It was actually weird talking to another volvo enthusiast...i'm used to being a kind of lone wolf

I'll just wait until Jim gives up on one of his "project cars" and sells it to me

Well, I haven't bought/sold anything in a few months so you never know...