Roof gutter trim - paint bubbling

[DT19]

My roof trims have a couple of areas where the paint has bubbled. At least I think it is, they seem to be coated in clear plastic so I'm not sure if that's the problem. I understand this is a fairly common issue which is a shame because my car looks good otherwise. Is there a way to fix this without going to the bodyshop or buying new trims?

[GreenBrick]

I was wondering the same, as my V70 has bubbling on some trim also.
I was relieved when I realised it was not structural steel that was rusting, having owned Austin and Vauxhall cars in the past, I feared the worst.
What are these trims made from?

[Simon Jones]

I believe it's a steel or aluminium strip encased in a plastic moulding. It cuts easily with a hacksaw which was what I did a while back to retro-fit roof rails to a previous V70.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by DT19

My roof trims have a couple of areas where the paint has bubbled. At least I think it is, they seem to be coated in clear plastic so I'm not sure if that's the problem. I understand this is a fairly common issue which is a shame because my car looks good otherwise. Is there a way to fix this without going to the bodyshop or buying new trims?

These should have been replaced much earlier in the car's life when the warranty was active or goodwill for a few years afterwards ..
Made of alloy , plastic coated , not much you can do it will take years to get worse ...

[DT19]

If it's made of alloy does that mean it won't be rust? Is it just air under the paint? I wonder if I could use a needle and syringe to draw the air out.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by DT19

If it's made of alloy does that mean it won't be rust? Is it just air under the paint? I wonder if I could use a needle and syringe to draw the air out.

contrary to poplar belief certain grades of alloy corrode as much as steel . you could grind it back and use some filler and make a local repair perhaps? However it probably doesn't even notice from 6 feet away ..

[jnmonaghan]

Why not get the paint colour code of your car from the designation plate mounted in the engine bay above near side front wheel (mines 604-26, midnight blue) and get some touch up paint from Volvo or as I did , go to a motor factors that supplies the trade and they will mix you a small bottle or spray can of the paint you need.

Jude

2003 V70 D5

[DT19]

Yep, it's not air. You're right Clan, it can't be seen unless you're close but you know how it is. Thankfully at the moment that's the only thing that's bothering me about the car. Let's see how long that lasts now I've tempted fate.

[DT19]

Just called my local Volvo dealers to price up new trims. Not too bad, only £294 for all 4 but not including the clips Don't think I'll bother, it doesn't annoy me that much.