how are the front springs held into place?

there is the bottom plate whats at the top holding them as what ever it is looks pretty f*cked on mine the spring can move so i take it that means its screwed?

The bolt on top of the shock holds the top spring plate along with the top bush and bearing. The bolt surface is normally held on with 3 or 4 spot welds to the bigger spring plate, but its probably rusted through or badly split and cracked. So you will need a replacement, NLA from Volvo, so its a recovered part or complete redesign. I think Dia (Classicswede) might do a conversion, but probably pricey.

Just stuck an order in with him for the set new front and rear shocks with springs.

will see what they include when they get here.

Obviously I don't know what you have ordered, but shocks and springs for a 300 normally mean just that, The shocks are inserts and the top spring plate would not be included unless you ordered complete struts.

ok
i have ordered springs, front and rear shocks....
so i will still need to find the "pan"

does anyone know anywhere i can get the top spring pan ill be taking the wheel off tonight to have a proper look but i think its rusted through and the spring has mooshed it

any help would be appreciated

Sam