Volvo 740/760/780 1982-1992: How to Remove Bumpers

In the 1980s, Volvo solidified its reputation as a manufacturer of rugged, safe, and practical vehicles. The 740, 760, and 780 models embodied this philosophy with their understated design, advanced technology, and unmatched durability.

Body Styles

All three models were available in several configurations:

  • Sedan (744, 764, 784) - The classic four-door with spacious interior and large trunk

  • Wagon (745, 765) - The legendary "bricks" with massive cargo capacity, beloved by families and travelers

  • Coupe (780) - The exclusive two-door version by Italian design house Bertone. Stylish but rare due to its high price

Model Overviews

  • Volvo 760 (1982-1990) - The premium flagship with 6-cylinder engines (V6 gasoline or diesel), plusher interiors, and upgraded suspension

  • Volvo 740 (1984-1992) - The more affordable variant with 4-cylinder engines. Simple, reliable, and tough - became one of Volvo's best-sellers

  • Volvo 780 (1985-1990) - The rare Bertone-designed coupe. Limited production with powerful engines (including turbos) and luxurious interiors

Bumper Material (may vary)

Polypropylene plus ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer. Marked >PP+EPDM<.

Front Bumper Removal

 

Removes with side pieces, aluminum reinforcement, and impact absorbers.

  1. Open hood

  2. In engine bay, remove two nuts (threaded top-to-bottom) securing impact absorbers

  3. Inside wheel wells, remove three screws per side securing bumper corners (remove air filter housing if needed)

  4. In wheel arches, pop out two clips per side holding fender liners

  5. Underside: remove two bolts per side securing reinforcement brackets

  6. With helper, pull bumper forward to detach

front bumper mounting points Volvo 740/760/780 1982-1992

Front Bumper Mounting Diagram Volvo 740/760/780 1982-1992

Rear Bumper Removal

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

Removes with side pieces, aluminum reinforcement, and impact absorbers.

  1. Open trunk

  2. Lift carpet and side compartment covers

  3. In trunk, remove two nuts securing impact absorbers

  4. Inside wheel wells, remove two screws per side securing bumper corners

  5. Underside: remove two bolts per side securing reinforcement brackets

  6. (If equipped) Remove screws for underside plastic cover

  7. With helper, pull bumper rearward to detach

rear bumper mounting diagram volvo 740/760/780 1982-1992

Technical Features

  • Engines: From modest 2.0L 4-cyl to powerful 2.4L turbodiesel or 2.8L V6

  • Safety: Reinforced body structure, ABS (later models), headrests, and seatbelt pretensioners

  • Suspension: Multi-link rear (760) or simpler leaf springs (740)

Interesting Facts

  • "Indestructible": Many 740s/760s still running today, often exceeding 300,000 miles

  • Racing Heritage: 740 Turbos competed in 1980s motorsport; still popular for drifting in Sweden

  • Design Icon: The expensive 780 coupe became a collector's item

  • Global Taxis: Their toughness made 740/760 popular taxis worldwide

  • Hollywood Star: Appeared in films like "Ronin" (1998) with Robert De Niro

Legacy

The Volvo 740, 760, and 780 represent an era when cars were built to last decades. Today they're prized restoration and tuning projects - proving a true Swedish "brick" isn't just a car, but a piece of automotive history.