2000 V70 dash pad change question?

[scot850]

While I have the dash in bits and hope to re-assemble in the next couple of days, I have a question for you folks out there.

The existing dash top is not cracked, but has several marks (possibly from a dogs nails) which are annoying but not the end of the world on the passenger side.

At a recent 50% PnP visit I found another taupe/ash dash pad in almost immaculate condition, but I removed the air-bag as it is different from a 98 to a 99-00 in terms of the connector wiring.

When I removed the air-bag from the 98 dash pad, there was a covering between the dashpad and the air-bag, almost like a very thin material or paper type material. It was partially glued to the dash pad and it tore when removing it. My concern is this may happen when trying to remove the air-bag from the 00 dash to swap onto the 98. Anyone done this before and or swapped air-bags in the dash pad and have any advice (like live with the original)?

Thanks,

Neil.

[scot850]

Ok, as there were no replies to this I will update the thread.

So, the first thing is the 2 dash pads fit the same, the only difference is the actual airbag. 98 has a different connection to 00 I have, and not sure where the 99 fits in to this.

You have to be VERY CAREFUL removing the airbag. If you read the scary label on it you should be a demolition expert to do this job. I did it but it does not mean I suggest it is safe or wise. I speculate that as someone needs to do this in a workplace environment and the airbag had been disconnected for a few days I would be safe to go, but took my time.

First thing it lay the dash pad on a flat surface with airbag facing up.

Loosen the 6 x 10mm nuts holding it down to the dash pad frame.

DO NOT just lift it up and away. There is a fragile material that covers the airbag front. Also chances are if like mine, there are 8 'tabs' (2 per side) of the material that have come away from the the glue holding them in place. I stuck them back down using superglue.

Then, carefully lift one side at a time and run something blunt and flat under the edge to break the seal between the airbag face material and the dash pad metal frame. Do each side in turn. IF you damage the material the airbag should not be used!!!

Then carefully lift the airbag off. Note there are 2 locating pins so when you refit an airbag you can only orientate it one way.

Refit the 6 nuts and tighten them to 10Nm (Volvo spec). I used the cylinder head process doing the 2 middle ones first. You may find the dash pad flexes slightly so use one hand to lift it so you are not stressing the airbag or dash top so they fit flat to each other.

Neil.