Klaus,

Thank you for your reply. Great minds think alike. I say that because my private Volvo mechanic looked at it today, and he too said pretty much the same thing you did. This is a common problem with the Cross Country model of my vintage and there is nothing you can really do about it. I guess I will have to manage my expectations. Hey, my hairline isn't what used to be either. So it goes.

If a R model ever presents itself to me, I'll look for those panels. I guess, I will just learn to live with my XC, "As Is".

I have a pretty good auto upholstery shop I bring my Volvos to. I have had the seats on my three Volvo wagons redone (two 1996 850 wagons and the above referenced 1999 V70 AWD XC) and they did a pretty good job. When you get in the cars, the substitution of new leather is almost seamless. Maybe he can put a piece of trim over the exposed foam so it won't look so unsightly. Sure it won't match the passenger door, but I could live with it. If I am lucky in that regard, I will post the results on this forum.

Again Klaus, thank you for your advice.

Hugh