Installation of a Cargo Compartment Security Cover

Re: 2000, V70 GLT

Several notes on this board have given me the confidence to tackle some customization projects on my wife's car. This note is my attempt to repay those who forged ahead of me and to broaden the knowledge base of the board. Thanks!

I installed a Cargo Security Cover in less than 30 minutes. The task was very easy and seems to be very difficult to screw up. The cover looks great and makes the V70 appear more luxious since observers can't see the trash (old beer cans, used diapers, Vanity Fair magazines) in the cargo area of the wagon. The cover seems to be of heavy enough material (like a good quality window shade) to survive many years of use; we'll see.

Funny thing about this cover is that the stereo sounds better with it.

I'm surprised by that benefit.

For reference, the cost of the cover was $182 from Voluparts, a source selected because it was close to my home and was cheaper than my local Volvo dealer. I didn't shop around so there may be cheaper suppliers out there especially on the internet. The part number for a beige cover is 9134830.

The unit is very similar to an encased pull down window shade. The package contained the cover and 2 drilling templates. No screws are needed since the cover is held in place with two prongs on each side that fit in the holes you will drill into the cars molding.

My installation process and suggestions are:

1) I removed the two side pieces which are located beneath the window, along the pillar, and behind the back seats. These side pieces are slotted and are mounted horizontally. I used a putty knife to pry the edge nearest to the center of the car upward. Once the centermost was free, I pulled horizontally the side piece toward the center of the car. The edge further away from the center of the car has a tongue and groove holding setup. Thus it is important not to pry upward the sides closest to the front, closest to the rear, and the furthest away from the center of the car.

2) I positioned the drilling template in and around the hole left by the removal of the side pieces and secured it with a vice grip pliers. Then, I drilled through the tunnels in the template. I could not find a 13 mm (33/64") drill bit (specified in the instructions) so I used a 1/2" drill bit and enlarged that hole with dremel tool with a sanding disk. I suppose sandpaper wrapped around a wood dowel would work just as well also.

3) I reinstalled the two side pieces that I removed earlier

4) To install the cover, you push the two ends inward and the overall width will shrink enough to install the unit. Each side of the unit has two prongs which fit into the holes we drilled. Its at this stage that I made sure the holes were large enough to swallow the prongs entirely.

5) Using the putty knife I pryed out the little tabs on the edge of the car. Prongs on the pull out end of the cover will fit into these cut outs. Then I pulled the cover out and was finished.

Easy and with no grunting. All areas of this installation were easy to get too.

Regards,

Hannah's Dad