I’m pretty happy with the finish. Did a color match to the roof at local auto parts place. They recommended against mixing to the 189 Polar White code because of age and likely yellowing over time. They mixed a rattle can in 1K for me, topped it off with 2K clear coat. Wet sanded 600, 1000, then rubbing compound and finally polishing compound. Topped off with some wax. It’s not perfect, as I’m definitely no professional when it comes to body work. But I was pleasantly surprised how good this looks installed. The color is really close, almost perfect, and any residual scratches from my not-so-perfect polishing job match the natural wear of the original paint on the car.
Brought the Pegs to Costco and got some Michelin Pilot Sport All Seasons.
Yeah, this made a huge difference in the look of the car. But also, the car feels sooooo much better on the road. Such an improvement that I’m leaning to a refresh only on the suspension, shying away from any significant mods. Should bring the driving experience to a perfect middle ground between sport and well mannered.
Made a bunch of progress the past couple weeks on various age and wear related issues. Disclaimer, I don’t really have any pics of these first few fixes, but most of you have probably seen or done these things already. So here’s the list:
– Front passenger seat is worn and cracking but not completely split through the webbing. Wife has been using Oro-o’s thread as a tutorial:
Center armrest re-cover DIY (can be used on seats, too)
Our interior is “Oak” vinyl with beige fabric. Picked up some Oak color matched acrylic to finish once we’re happy with the layers of Dap caulk.
– Center console armrest, vinyl/leather was worn down do the fabric. All we could find was a beige vinyl cover on flea-bay. My wife did the swap, using gorilla glue construction adhesive and some hd clamps from the wood shop. Came out amazing. The beige obviously doesn’t match the oak, but it does match the cloth. Also the hard plastic throughout the car is beige so already a two-tone style of interior. The color actually looks great. If we we don’t love it over time we can just paint it (since we already have the color matched paint for the passenger seat repair).
– Found some donor cars, another V70 with Oak interior and a C70 that we’ve been able to scrounge for items. Replaced a cracked speaker cover in the cargo area, and replaced the missing ash try in the rear passenger area. The donor V70 also had an OE Volvo cargo net so I hand washed that and added it to the back. Also grabbed some door panels with not-yet-delaminated vinyl inserts to replace the sagging vinyl in Gertie (still have to do this job, will order some new clips shortly). Took some TYC headlights off of the C70. They look to be glass like the OE Volvo lamps, but they are much brighter. Was a fun swap to do on the cheap with real world gains, until we come across some jewels.
– Today is the first day I’ve been able to put some new toys to use. Got a 4 ton jack with a 19″ lift, and some HD jack stands.
I took advantage of Gertie’s maiden flight and changed the turbo return line gasket and o-ring.
Needless to say, it has been a busy week and she is really coming together. Love this car.