Volvo 740 Top Radiator Support help

hey all,

So, I've replace the headgasket in my new-to-me '86 740 TubroWagon. but that's not really the point (you know how it goes, though...).

But one of my upper radiator/intercooler brackets was missing. And now I realize why.

the part that goes across the front that the radiator/intercooler hold down brackets bolt to...well it's fiberglass (or some such composite) and it has nuts molded into it for the left and right radiator/intercooler hold down bracket. I pulled the OTHER (the one remaining) nut out of the fiberglass part today...

[Dr. Emmet Brown] "Damn...

Damn, damn!" [/Dr. Emmet Brown]

So...now I'm looking for a way to repair this (or a replacement). I see a part number cast into it...I suppose I could see if the online vendors can get it. Or I could put a piece of aluminum sheet and a couple of nut plates on (the nut plates rivet in place...I hope I can find those local).

I'll try to get some photos to show what I'm talking about...

Clem

I had the same problem with my '89 744T. The nuts spun loose in the composite. JB Weld (not the Quik Weld) has held 'em in place now for 9 years with no issues for me. IIRC, I used a little JB weld at first, to kind of tack it into place with it all assembled, but being careful not to get any on the threads. Next day I disassembled, gave it a second coat to make a fillet and a better bond, let it cure and then reassembled. It's been fine ever since.

HTH

Thanks!

That may have to be the direction I take. I'll take it apart tomorrow and do some experimenting. On one side, the nut insert is long gone...so I might just JBWeld a hardware store nut in place...

Thanks,
Clem

Pop the grille out, it gives you access to the underside, then you can use a nut n' bolt.

In reply to EvanR:

Really? Even with the intercooler in place? Maybe I'm remembering the layout wrong...

I'll be digging into it a bit more this evening (Sorry...I didn't get photos yet). The bolts look like they com ein right over the AC condenser.

Thing is...I'm already missing one of the hold down brackets. Anyone know where I can find one other than the junkyard? I don't imagine there's a bunch of 740s with intercoolers lined up the few junkyards around here (I might have to wait until I make it to KC next).

Thanks,
Clem

ClemSparks wrote: Anyone know where I can find one other than the junkyard? I don't imagine there's a bunch of 740s with intercoolers lined up the few junkyards around here (I might have to wait until I make it to KC next). Thanks, Clem

Turbobricks classifieds. But considering how many were made I'd be surprised if your local junk yard didn't have a turbo 740/760 in it.

Flogger00 wrote: In reply to EvanR: Really? Even with the intercooler in place? Maybe I'm remembering the layout wrong...

I'm pretty sure... It's been a while since this happened on my '87, but I recall just taking the grille out and popping in a through-bolt.

So...here's how I GRM-fixed this one. At least for the time being. I took off the part in question. I replaced the one I broke like mentioned above (liberal use of JB weld). For the one that was gone before I got thecar, here's how I fixed it:

I saw it had a pretty thick "boss" molded into it where the nut inserts were originally. So, first I drilled a hole all the way through. Then I counterbored it from the back with a bigger drill bit so it looked like this:

The plan was to drive a flanged nut into it...here's me sizing it up.

The photos I didn't get were when I actually put the nut in (I used a bolt from the other side to square it up and then hammered it home) and when I applied the JB weld.

I think it's going to work "for now"...which means until I get around to doing it right...which means "Indefinitely."

Thanks for the inspiration to just make it work. I get too tied up in details sometimes and can use that extra nudge.

Clem