Hi All,

Well, the Volvo is still at the shop. With the body work that has to be done for the rust, it'll probably be there next week, too! Oh well...

While it's at the shop, I'm thinking of, well, the cosmetic aspect.

CARPETING

1. First, I am going to remove some carpet from the cargo area and wash it either in an industrial size washer or at a carwash. This way, I can see if it will work for me before I take apart the insides. If it doesn't work, I'm ordering new carpet or looking at the junk yard.

2. So, now that we know what we're doing (cleaning old carpet vs. purchasing new), let's say that we take the carpet out using all of the instructions that I can find on this board. Then what?

2A. Where can I buy new padding? Can I just use carpet padding from Home Depot?

2B. I know that once the carpet is up, I should clean and inspect the floor for rust. Fix anything that is rusted (or, gulp, have it fixed). Should I then paint the flooring with an anti-rust agent? If so, what?

2C. Anything else that I should look for or take car of while I can?

RIPPED VINYL

The driver's side seat is too far gone. So I am going to purchase some real sheepskin seat covers for the front seats. The color matches, so that's good. However, there are some puncture holes in the back seats. There are small, but I notice them. I got this vinyl and leather repair 'kit' at an auto parts store. Will this work or does anyone else have a better idea? The map pockets are pretty much gone. I am not going to replace them because I find them to be very inconvenient. So, whatever I use, I'll also use to patch up the holes left from the hardware.

DASHBOARD

It's cracked. Not very noticable. Should I leave it or is there a way to repair it? Besides duct tape, of course.

CENTER CONSOLE/EBRAKE HANDLE

It's currently tan, filthy, and cracked. I want to replace with black. Interior is two-toned, so this should look okay. Anyone have anything they are looking to be rid of? I don't believe that the heated seats are working and I am not going to invest in fixing them. In this case, there shouldn't be a problem with me getting the console without the switches or cut outs for the switches, correct?

CONVENIENCE

There are no cup holders. What does everyone else use for a cup holder? Between the kneew while driving a manual just won't work for me!

OK, I think that's it for now. I've got all of my washes, polishers, and goodies awaiting a homecoming. I'll post a 'before' photo and then later, when it's pretty, an 'after' photo. I'm sure you're all just dying to see the now infamous "eBay Wagon". LOL.

Thanks,

Julie