I've never changed them on an 850 before and was just looking for tips, pointers and anything else helpful that I might need to know.

Do they just pull up from the base of the windshield?
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Wallie

I've got a '93 GLT and had to do the roof stip replacement thing about a year ago. If you haven't already purchased them from your Volvo dealer/other source, they will run about $150 each new. The best way to take the old ones off is to start from the base of the windshield. The strips have a rectangular-shaped piece that "snaps" into a corresponding piece built into the roofline. Just carefully pull up the old strip (straight up) and line up the new one. You really aren't hurting anything if you pull up hard on them, so no need to be too cautious! Cheers!

Goosen

Yes, they do just pull up from the windshield. Take it slow, then spray paint
with flat black paint. I have a 94 wagon so I only had to do the ones by the
windshield. I was reluctant to try it until I had the windshield replaced &
watched the tech take them off. I cleaned off the old paint first. It really
turned out pretty good and not that difficult.
Good luck !

I agree...when we had our 850 the rails peeled (most likely like yours are doing). I took them off (pops right off, but be careful not to bend them, they are aluminum), sand plasted all the loose stuff off of them and spray painted them with high temp, matt black paint. They looked like new and lasted fine until we sold the car a few years later. This is a much cheaper option than replacing them. The dealer wants over $100 for each side.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Thanks for the replies guys. Mine arent that bad actually, they're just very faded except where the load bars sit. The po kept the bars on the car for a very long time. Underneath where the bars sat looks like new. I bought a set from a 99 V70XC for $75 that are just this side of mint and I just wanted to ask for tips etc, never removed them before. If it wasn't for the deal I got MIJ then I certainly would have tried what you did. Sounds like it worked out well for you.
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Wallie

If they aren't chipping or pealing, try kiwi leather dye...black. I'm serious...it works on other black trim. Apply it with a rag and not the little spong applicator on the bottle. I bought a bottle at Walgreens and used it on my wife's V70 black trim. A year later they still look great. If you spill any on the paint, get it up quick. Harder to get off later. Good luck!
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

The roof strips that are on the car might even be a good replacement for someone that has peeling strips. Mine are just faded so I figured I'd try and get something better and found a nice set for $75 etc. If any body wants the older set after I remove them they can pick them up for free but they'd have to be local, I'm in Boston.
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Wallie

Hey I'd advertise them or put them on eBay....everybody wants these who drive an 850....I'm serious.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Thanks for the idea, I'll do that...put them on eBay. They would be a good replacement set for someone that a peeling issue etc...
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Wallie