Wood/carbon/aluminium dash kits

[Luke]

I keep seeing these on eBay, has anyone fitted one, are they any good or do they just look like rubbish stickers?

Volvo S70 V70 97-99 dash trim kit

I only want to use the panels that would normally be wood or aluminium on a different spec car, so thats the glovebox strip, the main centre console and around the handbrake, fitting any more that that would create a pretty overwhelming intereior. I'm specifically interested in the brushed aluminium finish for my V70.

I know I can buy the official aluminium dash panels from Volvo directly, but I bet they cost the earth and I know they aren't exactly easy to fit. Anyone actually done this? Should I just get the sticker kit and be done with it?

[SaffronC70]

I swapped my interior (the parts you mentioned) for aluminum pressed Volvo parts (got invoice for £380 eek) - I got a bargain on Ebay for £80 the lot !

In my opinion, if you went for the stick on stuff, you'll never be happy with it.

Look out in breakers etc for the parts, I also like the Piano black parts, very classy.

The only reason I swapped mine out was the yellow Burrwood that came with the car !

Swapping is easy, but take time and care plus make sure you have the right tools.

Chris

[Luke]

Aha,

I knew I'd read about someone changing these panels, of course it was you Chris, I remember the "before" pictures you posted, they had me reaching for the Ray-bans!

£380 is bonkers! I think I'll phone around the usual breakers and se if they've got a V70 with some nice dash inlays. I think you're right about the stick on stuff too, I think it's going to look pretty shoddy...

As for fitting these panels, how easy is it exactly and what are the 'right tools'?

[SaffronC70]

Torx allen keys, plasters, short screw drivers with decent grips, anti septic spray, a bit of will power and you should be okay - if indoubt, trust it to a specialist so you don't break anything !

I'm an engineer, so I guess it's second nature for me !

[Luke]

Glad you listed plasters and antiseptic spray, I've still got a scab on my hand from replacing the sunroof blind on my T-5R...

All sounds very familiar, I'm sure I'll figure it out, just got to find a donor car now!