Hello All:

On 3 of the 4 doors on my 98 V70 GLT, the inner panel insert (that contains the door grip and window controls) has started to bubble and peel away from it's backing.

My dealer offered me 4 new entire door panels (they come only in sets of 2) for $600 plus labor. This is after a core refund for the old ones. Close to $1000 if I have them do it.

A local auto upholstery guy estimated about $100 per door, but only if the inner panel insert can be removed and repaired on its own.

Question is: does anyone have experience removing, re-upholstering, and replacing the inner panel from within the larger panel? Can it be done? I know the peeling/bubbling thing is known to Volvo and they even had a repair kit available for some time. I just want an idea of what to expect if I have the upholstery shop start to take apart the door.

Thanks.

Matthew

Matthew I called my dealer on this. You stated:

"My dealer offered me 4 new entire door panels (they come only in sets of 2) for $600 plus labor. This is after a core refund for the old ones. Close to $1000 if I have them do it."

Dealer is saying you don't get 4 entire door panels for this price - this is the price of the repair kit. I've seen these kits and its not something I would personally attempt myself. I think you would want to have the dealer do it or take the repair kit to the upholsterer.

Good luck - this is a frustrating problem & I can't believe that Volvo isn't treating us owners better on this obviously widespread problem.

Agree with previous posts:



1. I've had bad luck with salvage yards on door panels. They never seem to have them.

2. I have replaced 1 of my 3 panels so far. I found a used panel (entire door panel) from an online source. I found it very easy to do. It took literally about 15 minutes using the illustrated directions for removal available online . http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/doorremove.htm

3. The insert is pretty integral to the door panel. After seeing one from the backside, it looked like it would be a mess to separate the panel from the door. I had considered the upholsterer option too, but worry about the appearance and quality of the repair once it was completed.

Why not check out auto salvage yards for used door panels? Perhaps you could find used ones for half the price. Do a google search under auto salvage yards and you should find some good info. I've done this in the past and have have pretty good luck at www.brimsimport.com or strickerbros.com. Brims has about 20-30 volvos with excellent interiors on hand for salvage. I was there last weekend and bought some parts myself. Give it try just to see, hope it helps and good luck!

matthew,

That is a decent deal. They used to be about $450.00US each at the dealer (ask me how I know).

I'm glad that Volvo is accepting the panels for repair again.

Removing and installing the panel is very easy. Order a Haynes manual for the 70series for $25.00US and save $375.00.

Bryan

Bryan:

Are you saying that removing and installing the ENTIRE door panel is easy, or the sub-panel within the door panel that is actually peeling? Volvospeed.com has an excellent illustrated step-by-step for removing the door panel, so I'm covered there, but I don't know if the sub-panel can be removed and re-upholstered. That's what I want to do.

BTW, the panels are still $450 at the dealer, but they refund you $300 per door if you turn in your old ones as cores. Hence, $600 for a set of 4.

Matthew

Matthew,

The inserts are very difficult to remove without destroying the panel.

The repair kit is okay, but will not have the foam backing of the original. Also, if the installer is not very experienced, it will look terrible.

That $150.00 price is well worth it. The fact that Volvo is being environmentally responsible is better yet.

Bryan

The panel inserts are under $100 for all four

so where does one find these alleged panels???????

Is this a dealer price, or aftermarket?

Thanks,

Mike Harris

Where do you get them for under $100 for all 4 ???

Although I do not know the answer this is something that i'm interested in myself...got a '98 XC with the same problem on both rear doors...I'll keep my fingers crossed that there is an easy way to do this.

Mogwai