Blitz that fake wood trim?

[ab2504s]

The one thing that I really don't like in my car interior is the fake wood trim inserts on the doors (and glovebox).

My plan is to remove the door cards, detach the trim pieces, lightly sand/key, then paint them with a rattle can.

The last time I had one of the door cards off (to fix a rattle) I vaguely remember looking to see how hard it would be to get the trims off. It was a long time ago & can't really remember much - other than it didn't look straightforward & that the bits that made up the assembly were locked together with some kind of star washer.

Has anyone else tried removed the trim pieces from their doors? If so, is it doable - & can you get them out without breaking the fixings etc?

Car is a 2003 V70

Thanks all

[Simon Jones]

I've seen results on other cars where folk have used spray cans to tart up interior trim. Looks ok for a bit, but as soon as it scratches or wears off, it stands out for all the wrong reasons. If it were me, I'd either use some kind of wrap or source the brushed silver trim pieces.

[oragex]

There were a few color options besides the walnut wood. There are also silver, dark composite and mate black inserts. Except for the glove box (4 screws) the trims are fixed in the doors with round self securing clips which need be cut with cutting pliers and replaced. I believe at some point there is also some glue but it will stay without the glue once back in place.

[JGTTDI]

Ab2504s, I have some gloss black vinyl at home if you want to try that on the trims?

Thanks Jonathan

[ab2504s]

Thanks for the replies. And thanks Jonathan for the offer of the vinyl - I appreciate it. But, I was itching to get started so I had a go with some stove paint that I had in the shed. As the glove box trim is trivial to remove I painted it as a test.

Before & after pics attached.

I am v.pleased with the outcome. The matt black is a great match & suits the understated interior well. I've used stove paint before for various things and it is extremely durable - time will tell though.

My next decision is whether to tackle the door trims - i.e. is it worth the time/trouble? If I thought I could get them all done in around 2-3 hours effort I would definitely do them.

[canis]

But the fake wood is so klassy! I don't understand why so many people ruin the effect by putting it next to genuine leather seats. Faux leather would complete the look. And we can eat spam from plastic plates at formica tables.

Seriously, that looks much better than the mutton-dressed-as-lamb. Big improvement.

[cheshired5]

Hmm, just more matt grey added to an already grey interior.
I'd have left well alone or at least gone for a grey carbon fibre effect but each to their own of course.

[Georgeandkira]

How well the stove paint color matches its surroundings almost eerie.
A bit of contrast is called for.....
Real ivory inserts would be lovely (and inhumane)
A dusty lavender perhaps? (like highlights on a FLUKE meter)
A dusty orange? (like Lufhansa's corporate stuff)
Muted cherry (there's a parrot these colors)

[ab2504s]

Before I sprayed the trim piece black I sprayed it with primer & refitted it. It also looked great in light grey - I was in 2 minds whether to finish it in black or not. The main thing however, for me, is getting rid of the fake wood effect -
it's been irritating me for years.

Agreed, the dark interior is a bit austere. I've got to hand it to Volvo though, the interior quality on their old cars is incredible. My 2003 V70's just hit 100,000 miles and the charcoal leather seats still look brand new, even the driver seat. Next to my wife's fairly new VW GTI the interior quality comparison is like chalk and cheese.

[PC2CV]

I like a bit of fake wood on a dashboard, i might be in the minority haha.

My V70 has the aluminium trim which looks ok, it just seems to be a bit prone to dents/scratches. Is the fake wood trim on V70s prone to scratching/wearing or any other issues.