I'm glad I found this thread. I discovered today that my panels have the vinyl or whatever bubbling in the corners, and the drivers door interior panels are separating. I didn't notice either of these when I first bought the car, so I wonder if the dealership's detailing process sped up the degradation.

Unfortunately, I have no maintenance records, and I've only had the car 10 days, so my #1 and #2 priorities are a new timing belt and replacing the PCV system (thanks to what I've learned on this forum).

I've done some minor cosmetic repair work so far; mostly things that didn't cost much. Keeping the engine happy is higher on my priority list, but also has a higher price tag.

Thanks for all the helpful information,
jim

 

Let me explain these panels to some of you.
(I sell many Gen 1s each year and own a few myself).
I can go into the reason why they delaminate but that's another story
When removed, IF they come apart easily, you're lucky, most do not and you need a clean, straight to glue them back.
Sometimes you'll be cursing while trying to razor each inch off carefully when the foam partially sticks to one side or the other.
The glue Volvo used was bad and while some of the panel will literally fall apart in your hands, most of the time some of the foam sticks to the other part, making this job a real PIA.

To one poster, there are no more repair kits made anymore.
I have a couple of NOS CHARCOAL repair panel sections, if anyone is interested, email me.
jrl1194(at)aol(dot)com
They will be $40 ea. plus shipping and are still a POPA to install but they do work and fit perfectly.)
Personally if you want something that will last the life of the car I would reupholster them in a material/cloth, not leather or vinyl or the same thing may happen in a year or so, the bend is too sharp (poor design) to last in the sun and heat, (which is why V70R panels are always perfect, they are in three separate sewn sections.
(I do NOT have the driver's door but have the other 3).

To badpuppy, to fix the separation in your second picture, all you need to do is remove the panel and silicone that entire outer section portion back together, this is very easy compared to trying to fix the center panels