I finally got tired of the broken handbrake cover (and reeeally bored) and refused to pay the absurd amount for a replacement that would break just as easily. I also wondered why Volvo stuck a pocket in there once they'd moved the seatbelts instead of slimming down the cover. So I made a new one. Mostly.

Cut down the old cover, reinforce, saw, router, saw, file, router, router, file, sand, polish, glue, and voila!

http://album4.snapandshare.com/29684/40477/802306o.jpg

http://album4.snapandshare.com/29684/40477/802307o.jpg


The wood is Ipe, which is mostly used for decks here because of it's strength and stability. I used it because...it was there. BTW, I would recommend dust collector, dust mask, face shield, long sleeves, etc, etc. The dust never bothered me in the winter but it mixed with my sweat, got into the pores, and very strangely, burned like my flesh was melting, but only in the sunlight. Odd. And painful. Anyway. I also took a piece of the plastic I cut off the cover and mounted the seatbelt light back in the back for a more finished look.

What do ya think? I'll take a picture when I get it in the car finally, though I've already had it in to check for fit. Probably should have added a cupholder somewhere...

BTW, does anyone know how to post multiple pictures to a single post? Will it accept html code?
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Sean: Black '93 244, 117k mi., Amapa wood, low-profile, handbrake cover in progress...