Remove roof rails for repaint

[smartmanhansom]

Hi, I'm new on here so please be gentle.
I have recently bought a 2008 V70 P3with some scabby roof rails. i need to remove the rails or the covers to enable a good repaint. Can you please instruct me on how to do this. I've searched YouTube but there is nothing helpful.

[Pidgeonpost]

I have the same problem. I watched a couple of YouTube videos and although I attempted the method shown in the video in the link my el cheapo trim removal tools just bent and nothing moved. I then posted on here and got a reply which said that the end caps on P3 models can't be removed in this way, the roof rails have to be unbolted from inside the car. Obviously this involves faffing with the roof lining which is not very appealing.
I haven't been able to verify this, and it seems odd that Volvo should introduce such a change of design when there's no obvious reason to.
When I spoke to my Volvo indie about this it wasn't something he was aware of, but he gave me a stronger trim tool to have another go at removing the end caps. Haven't tried it yet. A forum member also posted a .pdf on the subject which I'll post if I can find it. This was one of the videos I watched.

https://youtu.be/QNAaCIYy3OA

[smartmanhansom]

Thank you Pidgeonpost. ive checked out the video you sent but as you say its of a p3 so is different. but i will try this to see if it works. i hope i dont break anything. thanks

[yostumpy]

Could you not mask off and repaint on the car?

[simboc2004]

I have bought some secondhand aluminium roof rails to swap onto my 2011 car with black rails, however i have been put off by the lack of any guides to doing it... I will have a go shortly, I think, having managed to source exploded views of what is bolted where (not quite sure yet how that "T" bar locates, nor how you remove the end covers). I also need to replace the rear tailgate struts and will need to remove the rear headlining for that job. As stated above, on a P3 all the nuts holding the roof rails on are accessed from inside the car. You will need to remove battery leads first (because of potential air bag deployment) and then remove the headlining full length (or at least pull down enough to allow tool access. When i tackle it I will post instructions and pictures, however I am awaiting a dry day... Replacement seals are available on Ebay if you think it might be necessary - I'm going to fit new ones as I am doing the job.

When done I will have a pair of black roof bars - in very good condition - available for free.