Can I rehab my windshield pillars?

sixspence · Post by **sixspence** » 30 Jul 2019, 20:01

Like many, my 2007 XC70's interior windshield pillars fabric is yellowing and peeling off.

I realize that I can find new ones for around $150 or so, but can I just sand and paint them?
Anyone have any success doing something like this?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 30 Jul 2019, 20:27

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This arrived so I will be trying it in the near future on fabric then some plastic also. Use 90+% alcohol for cleaning before painting anything. You need to wipe off quickly as the higher alcohol does remove and sometime melt the coating on plastics.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003C ... UTF8&psc=1

sixspence · Post by **sixspence** » 30 Jul 2019, 20:31

Can you post after you try it?
Are you going to peel off the fabric first?
Curious to hear how it goes.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 30 Jul 2019, 20:37

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I've used something similar to this with success in the past. I know the old glue is crumbly but you could get a new piece of fabric and after cleaning and smoothing out the plastic glue it on.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 30 Jul 2019, 20:42

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I will most likely peel the whole thing. It's gotten worse in the short time I've own the 03 S80. I will try the glue method first and paint if necessary as it will stiffening the fabric. The gluing part I think is what will hold it in place whether old or new fabric.

That project will be much later as I have too many cans opened right now so you may not want to wait for my results.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 30 Jul 2019, 20:48

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Both the front edges of the headliners in the 08 C30 and 03 S80 are starting to fray while the 03 Odyssey and 03 Lexus look excellent. I think the Swede's did not consider heat in any of the glues they used. The door panel glue were completely dries on all 4 door in the S80. Dry flat noodle. Took quite of bit of gluing and clamping to get it all back so it does not squeak, rattle or feel loose while on the door.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 30 Jul 2019, 20:53

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These two videos combined should help you remove you pillar if you have not already. You should have the safety clip.

Post by **E Showell** » 31 Jul 2019, 05:04

I'll sell you some plastic ones instead of you'd like.

sixspence · Post by **sixspence** » 31 Jul 2019, 10:07

E Showell wrote: ↑31 Jul 2019, 05:04 I'll sell you some plastic ones instead of you'd like.

You have '07 XC70 beige pillars?
Price?

Post by **oragex** » 01 Aug 2019, 16:40

Some plastic ones may fit but be aware of the safety clip, there is more than one model of those - be sure to get the ones that come with the pillar (or get them used from the junk yard) and look at them to have the two small tabs intact as shown in those videos - you don't want the A pillar to fly into the car's passengers in case the curtain would deploy