Aluminum trim installed

[Razor1973]

As a follow-up to this older thread of mine, I just finished installing my aluminum trim, which I got from John (Parts @ Boston Volvo). The job is quite easy if you have the right tools. The whole thing took me about one hour.

I personally love it, but feel free to let me know what you think. Keep in mind the car is anything but clean, plus I didn't even wipe off the trim to bring out the shine before taking these photos.

[njb8199]

It looks nice.

Is it me, or does the shifter look smaller?

[Razor1973]

Thanks, Nick. The shifter is slightly different, but not smaller.

[njb8199]

It does look smaller and sportier.

[JRL]

Looks very nice.
DON'T polish that trim or all the pattern will rub off

[Razor1973]

Thanks, Jim. I won't.

[Turbos60]

that has got to be one of the nicest interiors i have seen

[Razor1973]

Quote, originally posted by Turbos60 »

that has got to be one of the nicest interiors i have seen

That's quite a statement, so thank you very much!

[02s60t5]

Big improvement over Grandpa's wood!

Aluminum trim should really be offered from the factory in the US.

[Razor1973]

Quote, originally posted by 02s60t5 »

Big improvement over Grandpa's wood! Aluminum trim should really be offered from the factory in the US.

Agree 100%, just like a manual transmission, diesel engine and a larger color palette that includes something remotely exciting, like red or bright blue (electric?).

I am not a big wood fan, but wouldn't have had a problem sticking with mine had it not been so dull and plastic looking.

[gascos80]

It would be totally possible if american car buyer will switch from the "instant gratification" to the pre-order mode.

But, this is just a wishful thinkig. Till then - we will be living with much fewer options than Europeans.

Inventory control, dead assets, etc, etc...

[COMark]

Quote, originally posted by Razor1973 »

The job is quite easy if you have the right tools. The whole thing took me about one hour.

What tools? If I can't persuade the FDC to swap the wood out for me, I'll be looking to do the same thing.

Any idea how the alum trim looks with the light interior? I'm kicking around the idea of the light interior, w/alum trim, and the dark rubber floor mats to add some more contrast.

Looks great , nice work


Modified by COMark at 2:34 PM 1-6-2008

[njb8199]

Mark;

I THINK there is a picture in the S80 brochure of the sandstone beige interior with the aluminum trim. If not; look at http://www.volvocars.co.uk website and go to the build your own feature and you will see the Inscription interiors in any shade with aluminum trim.

Your color combo sounds interesting but I don't think its appealing.

If you could get brown carpets and floor mats instead of the sandstone beige then that would be a HUGE improvement.

[dagovna]

Quote, originally posted by Razor1973 »

Agree 100%, just like a manual transmission, diesel engine and a larger color palette that includes something remotely exciting, like red or bright blue (electric?). I am not a big wood fan, but wouldn't have had a problem sticking with mine had it not been so dull and plastic looking.

You mean like some of the colours they have in Canada? You should look at the global sight and see hat is really available

[Marc R Collins]

I am so glad Volvo Canada offers the aluminum as a no-cost option. I almost went through the same procedure you did with an Audi A4 where for some idiotic reason Audi North America decided that the interior trim (wood vs. aluminum) would be determined by whether you had a V6 or turbo 4 engine, even though the wood clearly looked better with the beige interior and the aluminum with the black. Or, the wood could go with the luxury package and the aluminum with the sport (which was available with either engine). However, the car turned out to be such a lemon that I dumped it before I could get a chance to swap trims with another annoyed and mismatched owner.

[t6tim]

Looks sweet...

How much $?

Tim

PS
Happy 1,000th post to me!

[fleuger99]

I think it looks fantastic, especially with the dark interior.

[Razor1973]

Quote, originally posted by COMark »

What tools?

The first one (bone tool) and the last one (some type of hook used to pull the dash piece out) are both Volvo parts. You can purchase them too.

Quote, originally posted by COMark »

Any idea how the alum trim looks with the light interior?

The SwedeSpeed gallery has photos.

Quote, originally posted by dagovna »

You mean like some of the colours they have in Canada? You should look at the global sight and see hat is really available

I have, which is why I complain about the color palette offered here.

Quote, originally posted by t6tim »

How much $?

It was less than $400 for me, but ask John for prices including shipping to CA. Not only is he great to deal with, but will also give you a very cheap/honest price. When I asked Parts departments around me, every part averaged $200-250 and this kit is 4 parts (door panels [4 pieces], dash [2 pieces], console and shifter). You do the math.

Quote, originally posted by t6tim »

Happy 1,000th post to me!

I know how it feels.

Quote, originally posted by COMark »

Looks great , nice work

Quote, originally posted by t6tim »

Looks sweet...

Quote, originally posted by fleuger99 »

I think it looks fantastic, especially with the dark interior.

Thank you.

[COMark]

Quote, originally posted by njb8199 »

Mark; I THINK there is a picture in the S80 brochure of the sandstone beige interior with the aluminum trim. If not; look at http://www.volvocars.co.uk website and go to the build your own feature and you will see the Inscription interiors in any shade with aluminum trim. Your color combo sounds interesting but I don't think its appealing. If you could get brown carpets and floor mats instead of the sandstone beige then that would be a HUGE improvement.

I found a few pics online. I really liked the mixed dark/light pic but I'm absolutely certain it's not available in US because VCNA doesn't want US to have freedom of choice.

SO, isn't the dash the same color off black color regardless of leather color (US Market)? And shouldn't that dash color match the off-black floor mats?

When I order it'll probably be the off-black w/alum trim wrapped inside a Barent Blue T6. I'm looking for a sporty appeal. I'd consider Electric Silver if I could convince my wife and IF Volvo allowed it But I like to explore all the combos before I commit

[njb8199]

Quote, originally posted by COMark »

I found a few pics online. I really liked the mixed dark/light pic but I'm absolutely certain it's not available in US because VCNA doesn't want US to have freedom of choice. SO, isn't the dash the same color off black color regardless of leather color (US Market)? And shouldn't that dash color match the off-black floor mats? When I order it'll probably be the off-black w/alum trim wrapped inside a Barent Blue T6. I'm looking for a sporty appeal. I'd consider Electric Silver if I could convince my wife and IF Volvo allowed it But I like to explore all the combos before I commit

The dash for black leather cars is black. The dash for sandstone beige leather cars is brown top with a beige horizontal panel.

I would definitely go for Barents Blue/Black/aluminum. That would be a sporty color combo.

Don't be afraid to push for Electric Silver. As its already in the US color palette; Yannis SHOULD be able to work something out for you.

[COMark]

Quote, originally posted by njb8199 »

The dash for black leather cars is black. The dash for sandstone beige leather cars is brown top with a beige horizontal panel.

Ahh well that would seem to settle that question. Looks like I'll be sticking w/off-black.

Thanks

[Freeworld]

Looks very nice -- kind of techno. They really should have thought of it. And 400 is very cheap.

[Razor1973]

Quote, originally posted by Freeworld »

...kind of techno.

Techno... hahaha

[Razor1973]

Here's that loaner.

[zamo]

That looks damn nice!

[Razor1973]

Quote, originally posted by zamo »

That looks damn nice!

Thanks, Oscar. Get one.

[JRMS60R]

Looks great!

[Razor1973]

Thank you, sir. I'll be posting info and photos on my next "mod" tomorrow.

[soledoc]

I just installed 5 of the seven pieces. Same as razor's. It looks sharp. Got the pieces from John at Boston Volvo. I don't have the other two tools to install the large piece on the dash and the small vent piece on the left.

[Kaizai]

when I get my S80 this will be my first mod!

Gee thanks, I was trying to talk myself into not nodding my next car

[nicebag]

How difficult is to replace co-driver trim?

Actually, I had some resonating sounds coming underneath, and dealer is afraid to disassemble it.

[soledoc]

Very easy...and I'm not that handy. All you need is that bone tool (I think that's what it's called). You start at one end and slowly pry it off and go all the way to the end of the piece. Then you just pop the new piece in starting at one end lining up the holes and slowly press as you go down the piece to the other end.

It's the 2 pieces on the dash around the vents that are tough. I'm taking it to the dealer tonight and they said they would help me. You need another special tool (hook) to do that part.

[NJdiver]

Looks Great- One question- I have the dull wood in my 09 which I like and wish the radio had the same thing because the glare off the metal around the radio display is killer at times. Do you notice glare on a bright day?

[vivek9856]

Quote, originally posted by NJdiver »

Looks Great- One question- I have the dull wood in my 09 which I like and wish the radio had the same thing because the glare off the metal around the radio display is killer at times. Do you notice glare on a bright day?

Really? The metal has that flat kind of finish to it, so it doesn't reflect too much. Plus, in the place where it is, its not that easy to get sun reflections off of it.

Maybe your problem is that you have a new '09. Wait till the fingers thoroughly touch all the metal surface area. Fingerprint-antishine. Works great!

[soledoc]

Just got back from the dealer. I had the shop foreman do it for me. he installed the two final pieces on the center dash that were the hard ones...the ones around the vents. He spent about an hour doing that taking apart the vent structure and the side panels. It loooks great. I asked him what I owed him...he said don't worry about it. He knows I've been coming there a long time (even though my last two volvos I didn't buy from them). I'll bring him a bottle of scotch for his time. That was very nice of him to do.

BTW, John at Boston Volvo was super helpful in getting me the trim pieces. I showed my wife tonight and she loves it.