I recently replaced my peeling 06 V70 fabric A-pillar covers with plastic covers from earlier years. Identifying the correct parts was not straightforward to me (relatively new to Volvos), so here is a writeup to help the next person who wants to try it.
The P2 V70 and S60 from roughly 2001-2004 have interchangeable plastic A-pillar covers. Sometime around 2004, Volvo switched to fabric-covered covers which seem to start peeling along the forward edge as the glue fails. Others in this forum have reported success regluing, but I was hoping for a less labor- and care-intensive process.
The first order of business is to determine the color. Having VIDA helps here as the A-pillar cover part numbers are called out according to color code. Volvo has a 4-digit color code on the ID plate/sticker, which is often located either on top of the fender just inside the engine compartment or on the right side B-pillar. As with Volvo part numbers in general, there are typically multiple color codes that refer to the same color. Although there is some logic to the specific digits in the 4-digit code, it's not as tidy as one might hope.
The sticker on my 2006 V70 had code A981. VIDA refers to this as "Oak/Arena," but I have read that it might also be called "Taupe/Light Taupe" in non-US markets. VIDA indicates that V70/V70XC/XC70 color codes AX8X, BX8X, AA7C, DXXC, VOR3 all use the oak/arena interior color scheme for side panel and roof liner. I believe the corresponding S60 color codes for this color scheme are 9X8X, 9I7C, and 9X72, but am not completely certain.
I went to the local men's mall and visited all of the S60 and V70 cars on the lot. Quite a few had the indicated color codes and their A-pillars matched my desired color. I think I paid around $20 each.
A word about how the covers are attached: the covers have two tabs at the very bottom that fit into corresponding slots at the outboard forward edge of the dash cover. There are a couple of roughly 7mm plastic alignment pins halfway up that fit into holes in the metal A-pillar but which do not hold it fast. Near the top of the A-pillar cover, there is a plastic clip that can expand a few inches, which holds fast to both the A-pillar and the cover at either end of the clip. Above that is a metal clip that holds the top of the cover fast to the A-pillar.
The next consideration is the type of plastic clip that holds the covers to the A-pillar near the top. There seem to be at least three variations, but I have not seen the first type. The second and third types are shown in the photos below.
The first type of upper plastic clip has a drawing in VIDA that looks like two ends connected by a single flexible strap.
The second and third types have two ends connected by two folded plastic straps. The longer folded strap is to be oriented downward when installed. The only difference between these two types is that the mating hole in the cover is a different size. The plastic covers appear to have a small hole and use part 8684846. My 06 original fabric cover had a larger hole so I had to order new clips.
Volvo indicates that one should cut the straps for these upper plastic clips and then install new clips. However, I found that by rotating the clips 90 degrees, the fastening ears aligned with cutouts in the mounting holes and the clips could be gently removed without damage. Had I understood this before I went to the salvage yard, I would have removed the clips along with the covers and used those.
The metal clips (9193498) hold the top of the A-pillar firmly in place. I also failed to get these clips from the salvage yard when I removed the covers. However, they seem to be the same for old and new covers, so I very carefully worked them off of the fabric covers and reinstalled on the plastic covers.
To remove the A-pillar covers, work a plastic/nylon pry tool under the top of the cover where it meets the ceiling at the outboard edge. You will need to give it a good pull at the top. It will come away at the top (when the metal clip detaches) a few inches. At this point you can undo the upper plastic clip, either by cutting the plastic straps or by rotating each end 90 degrees and pulling out. Then pull up slightly while moving the top of the cover inboard to get the bottom tabs clear of the dash cover.
The VIDA procedure includes pulling the weather stripping away, but this does not seem to be necessary. Just be careful not to tear it, and when installing the cover, gently work it over the edge of the cover.
To install, first make sure you have the metal clip installed on the upper tab of the cover. Then install one side of the upper plastic clip (I found it easier to attach it to the A-pillar first, then press it onto the cover when the cover was close (see below).
Fit the forward tab into the dash cover slot and work the bottom of the cover out and forward slightly to engage both bottom tabs. Move the cover closer to the A piller as you go up, being careful to keep the weather strip over the outboard edge of the cover. When you have the upper end of the cover within a few inches of the A-pillar, get the upper plastic clip pushed into both the A-pillar and the cover holes. Then engage the metal clip into the matching hole in the A-pillar and snap it in.
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- a-pil-05a-plastic-right-upper-clips-compared.jpg (181.36 KiB) Viewed 8707 times
- a-pil-06-plastic-right-upper-metal-clip.jpg (159.03 KiB) Viewed 8709 times
- a-pil-07a-right-upper.jpg (68.33 KiB) Viewed 8708 times
