Radio surround trim

[SteveSarre]

Hi all

In V70s , C70s and presume S70s, the radio surround (and centre console) is often decorated with wood effect plastic (or sometimes silver metal effect).

Is this simply stuck onto the base underlying plastic? Is it possible to remove it and transfer to another car? Any tips on doing that? I know the wood effect gets very brittle with age.

In particular, I am stripping a C70 which has the silver metal trim, and I would like to reuse it elsewhere.

Or maybe I could obtain some trim from some other manufacturer and cut and fit?

As far as I can see, the radio surround is not a removable part of the dash. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks,
Steve

[ITSv40]

I don't think the trim could be successfully removed from the base plastic. The complete trim - base plastic and decorative facing is separate from the main dash and can be unscrewed. I understand the top dash needs to come off and the radio and heater control panel removed and then the securing nuts can be accessed. Never had the need to do it, so haven't got personal experience, but there are plenty of postings on the net from folks who have done it.

[SteveSarre]

Hi ITSV40

OK thanks.

I have looked quite hard but I don't see how this comes apart.

"
The complete trim - base plastic and decorative facing is separate from the main dash and can be unscrewed. I understand the top dash needs to come off and the radio and heater control panel removed and then the securing nuts can be accessed.
"

I will look again.

Steve

[ITSv40]

RobertDIY to the rescue, hopefully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGWPwd43xJA

[DaveNP]

If you have to reach through the radio slot to undo plugs or similar, be careful of those little square teeth along the top of the opening. I've still got the scar on the back of my thumb from when I sorted my heater control cables 4 weeks ago.

[SteveSarre]

Hi ITSv40/all,

OK. Another excellent video from Robert.

I didn't miss anything obvious because Robert does suggest that you need to remove the dash first (not just the upper dash) to get at some of the fasteners.

It so happens that on a car that I am breaking, I wanted to remove and save the lower dash because it doesn't "click and clack" like so many if the mounting tabs are broken. I have followed dash removal videos (probably also by Robert), and have undone everything that I thought needed to be undone - but I cannot get the lower dash to lift out.

So I may try again to remove it. Then I will be able to see about removing the trim.

If I cannot remove the lower dash, I may consider cutting the trim section out (with some surroundings), now that I have a better idea of how it is fitted in.

A lot of work!

Steve

[Donmac]

I changed the trim in my 1999 C70 and it was awkward, painful and time consuming. When done I found that the colour of trim had never been offered in the UK on a coupe so, had to order the rear trim for a Convertible from Volvo (factory order) at a price then, blank off the redundant rear window switches

If I had to do it again - which would require two well twisted arms and a gun to the head, I'd consider taking out the dashboard as shown in the YouTube video.

Just my ha'pence worth - hope it helps.