The Iconic Volvo 240 Front Bumper - A Symbol of Practicality and Durability

The Iconic Volvo 240 Front Bumper

The Volvo 200 series, specifically the 240, is one of the most iconic cars ever made. Produced from 1974 to 1993, this rear-wheel drive vehicle had a distinct box-shaped design that made it easily recognizable. Much of its signature style came from details like the front bumper.

The Standard Volvo 240 Front Bumper

When the 240 was first introduced, it came with a simple front bumper design. This large chrome bumper stretched across the front of the car, curving slightly upward at each corner. The overriders on the bumper were rubber blocks meant to dampen low-speed impacts. This original bumper design remained unchanged through the late 1970s.

In the early 1980s, Volvo made some updates to modernize the styling of the 240. This included swapping the plain front bumper for one with a rubber air dam. The new bumper cover featured two cutouts for auxiliary lights or fog lamps. It also incorporated larger steel overriders in place of the original rubber ones.

Aftermarket and Custom Front Bumpers

After being on the market for over a decade, a range of aftermarket and custom front bumpers became available for the Volvo 240. Enthusiasts installed these upgraded bumpers for both form and function.

Some of the most popular aftermarket 240 bumpers were made by IPD, Gennie, and Wings West. These direct bolt-on replacements came in a variety of styles. Many featured integrated air dams, overriders, and skid plates. This allowed owners to customize the look while adding functionality.

For those wanting a more unique style, custom metal bumpers were also an option. Custom bumpers enabled owners to fabricate a completely custom look. They offered increased durability and allowed more creativity in design. However, the downside was the extra fabrication work required.

Bumper Accessories and Upgrades

Beyond just swapping the bumper itself, Volvo 240 owners had many options for accessorizing or upgrading their front bumpers:

• Auxiliary lights - Extra fog lamps or driving lights for improved visibility.
• Light covers - Covers protecting auxiliary lights from damage.
• Bumper guards - Metal guards bolting onto the bumper for extra protection.
• Rubber bumper trim -Trim pieces to protect painted bumpers from chipping.
• License plate relocation - Moving the license plate off the bumper for a cleaner look.
• Bumper reinforcement - Strengthening the mounting points to prevent tearing.

With simple hand tools, most bumper accessories could be installed in an afternoon or weekend. This allowed owners to customize the look and function of their 240s front bumper.

Front Bumper Replacements

For those needing to replace a damaged front bumper, finding an original or direct replacement was relatively easy:

• Junkyards - Pulling a used bumper from a parts car is an affordable option.
• Aftermarket - Companies like IPD stock new replacement bumpers.
• Dealerships - Some Volvo dealers still stock NOS original bumpers.
• Classifieds - Joining Volvo forums and groups can turn up used parts for sale.
• Custom - A custom metal bumper is an option for those wanting something unique.

Thankfully, the Volvo 240 had such a long production run that sourcing parts like the front bumper is not usually difficult. And for those wanting something more unique, the simple design also made customizing relatively straightforward as well.

The Volvo 240 Front Bumper's Place in Automotive History

While the Volvo 240 was never considered a performance car by any means, its front bumper is still iconic. The large rubber air dam bumper defines the recognizable 200-series styling. It's a symbol of practicality and durability, much like the car itself. Even all these years later, the Volvo 240's front bumper remains a defining character line of one of the most legendary vehicles ever made.

FAQs

What were the original Volvo 240 front bumpers made of?

The original 240 front bumpers were made of chrome-plated steel with rubber overriders. In the early 1980s, Volvo updated the bumpers to have a plastic air dam cover and larger steel overriders.

What's the easiest way to find a replacement 240 front bumper?

The easiest way to find a replacement 240 front bumper is to remove one from a junkyard parts car. Many salvage yards still have inventories of older Volvo 240s.

Can I install fog lights on my Volvo 240?

Yes, many aftermarket and custom Volvo 240 front bumpers have provisions for installing fog lights or auxiliary driving lights. These can be wired into the existing electrical system.

What are some popular custom front bumper styles?

Some popular custom Volvo 240 front bumper styles include integrated skid plates, air dams, and bumper guards. Custom metal bumpers also allow for completely unique designs.

How can I tell if my front bumper needs reinforcement?

Signs your Volvo 240 front bumper needs reinforcement include cracks in the mounting points, sagging overriders, and deformation after minor impacts.