I don't know if it is just me, but when I get a Volt, the first thing I want to do is either replace the door inserts or have them painted. The inserts are my biggest pet peeve. I'm sure tinkering with removing the door handle/arm rest will take some effort.

Any current owners can weigh-in on if this is possible?

http://image.automobilemag.com/f/28843256+w750+st0/2011-chevrolet-volt-door-panel.jpg

Not all of the interiors come this way. I have a Cyber Gray exterior with (AFF) Light Neutral Seats/Dark Accents (leather) interior. The doors are plain tan--no graphics.

Check the order book here: http://gm-volt.com/files/Volt_workbook.pdf

I think only (AFE) Jet Black Seats/Ceramic White Accents (leather) and (AFC) Jet Black and Green Seats/Dark Accents (leather) have the door panels with graphics.

Chris

I am looking at getting the (AFI) Jet Black Seats/Dark Accents. That is good news! I thought all of the black seats got the graphic.

Wow - i have not seen those - they are ugly. I would paint them as well. On most cars you just need to remove any screws you can find then pull, the panel is mostly held on with pressure clips. For a Quality Job you should order new clips each time you remove the door, some parts depts wont even charge for them, others its only a few dollars. If you reuse clips you will probably get a loose panel or a rattle within a year or so. Based on this photo my guess would be a screw behind the door handle somewhere, one in the Armrest (usually the handle part of it) and perhaps another around the edges or at the bottom somewhere. Then Pull fast. Panel will pop off. Sand, primer, paint, sand, paint, top coat, new clips put back on. Best to just drive around a few days with no interior panels. I have done this on every past car i owned except my current one (lease).

Another option - see if you can find someone who wants the graphics and trade door panels with them.

I really like the solid champagne gold trim that's on the neutral leather cars like mine. The finish is well done, plastic or not, and doesn't look cheap to me. But I'm also glad mine doesn't have the pop-art graphics of the "Deluxe" trim on some of the colors.

Worth asking the dealer what the replacement cost of the solid panels cost. You may be able to buy just the insert and hopefully not the whole door panel.

The door panels come off without much effort. There is a single screw behind a small plasic cover, in behind the release handle. Then 2 screws under the rubberized mat inside the pull handle "well". Then a the panel pops/pulls straight off with the aid of a "trim" tool (small plastic pry bar) as there are standard plastic "push pins" around the outer circumfrence.

So if you ever wish to tackle this an do a "custom" job (I dont blame you, personally I think those graphics are hideous) shoot me a PM with your email and I''ll send you the gSI (global service information) procedure.
WOT

The door panels come off without much effort. There is a single screw behind a small plasic cover, in behind the release handle. Then 2 screws under the rubberized mat inside the pull handle "well". Then a the panel pops/pulls straight off with the aid of a "trim" tool (small plastic pry bar) as there are standard plastic "push pins" around the outer circumfrence.

So if you ever wish to tackle this an do a "custom" job (I dont blame you, personally I think those graphics are hideous) shoot me a PM with your email and I''ll send you the gSI (global service information) procedure.
WOT
Just in case someone hasn't mentioned if for a day or so, the value of your participation here is extraordinary, this being a good example.

Just in case someone hasn't mentioned if for a day or so, the value of your participation here is extraordinary, this being a good example.
THANKS DonC !
(I find some of your insights quite enlightening as well)
:D
WopOnTour

My Red Volt with black/black premium interior has plain silver inserts on the doors. Looks very good as is. Wouldn't want the styled type inserts.

The door panels come off without much effort. There is a single screw behind a small plasic cover, in behind the release handle. Then 2 screws under the rubberized mat inside the pull handle "well". Then a the panel pops/pulls straight off with the aid of a "trim" tool (small plastic pry bar) as there are standard plastic "push pins" around the outer circumfrence.

So if you ever wish to tackle this an do a "custom" job (I dont blame you, personally I think those graphics are hideous) shoot me a PM with your email and I''ll send you the gSI (global service information) procedure.

WOT

I sent you a private message, as you offered, but it must have been lost in space. Would really appreciate the the GSI proceedure that you wrote about. thanks alot.
Stuart #B2209

I sent you a private message, as you offered, but it must have been lost in space. Would really appreciate the the GSI proceedure that you wrote about. thanks alot.
Stuart #B2209Here ya go!
Once the door panel is off, what is required to remove the trim piece from the inside will be obvious.
Please post photos!
WOT

Here ya go!
Once the door panel is off, what is required to remove the trim piece from the inside will be obvious.
Please post photos!
WOT

Thanks alot.
Stuart #B2209

WOP...Are the inserts available seperately or would I need to replace the whole inner door panel. I really don't think painting them would hold up well. Our Volt has those awful looking inserts.

WOP...Are the inserts available seperately or would I need to replace the whole inner door panel. I really don't think painting them would hold up well. Our Volt has those awful looking inserts.
I too am waiting for WOP's reply. But my plan it to cover the panels with matching black leather and simply reinstall them
Stuart #B2209

Well OK, let me clarify.
The colored inserts are techncially PART of the door panel itself. The inserts cannot be purchased seperately. But someone that knows what they are doing (ie a "custom" pro) would still probably be able to cut them out or dremel off plastic welds to remove the inserts and have them painted (or covered?) somehow.
Anything is possible, but it's really not just as easy as pulling off the panels and just "popping" them out.
WOT

Do you think it would be possible to loosen the graphic panel enough so that you could cover the panel with leather and force the edges into the small seam that borders the panel? ( I dont know if I am making my idea clear, but when I was at the shop having my convertible top fixed, the artisan was poking around that edge with a fine flat bladed tool that resembled a putty knife.)
Stuart #B2209

Do you think it would be possible to loosen the graphic panel enough so that you could cover the panel with leather and force the edges into the small seam that borders the panel? ( I dont know if I am making my idea clear, but when I was at the shop having my convertible top fixed, the artisan was poking around that edge with a fine flat bladed tool that resembled a putty knife.)
Stuart #B2209I'm afraid you just wont know until you try. Too many variables.
I suggest you let him pull off one of the door panels and go from there

WOT

What model of VOLT has these ugly panels. Mine - 1912 silver ice - cloth interior.

What model of VOLT has these ugly panels. Mine - 1912 silver ice - cloth interior.

The 2011's have this glossy plastic panel with a futuristic graphic on it. My 2011 is white diamond tricoat with black leather interior. the door panels are as in the photo below. I believe that on the 2012's this is an extra cost option. I would have paid extra to have NOT gotten these panels but, alas, it's a leased car so I am not sure I will bother to change them.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT1yx-SeEZDQWhTrVmGc-coxre8W7dCjjcBhtRtHP_yPslRFLOTcQ :eek:

Stuart #B2209

The 2011's have this glossy plastic panel with a futuristic graphic on it. My 2011 is white diamond tricoat with black leather interior. the door panels are as in the photo below. I believe that on the 2012's this is an extra cost option. I would have paid extra to have NOT gotten these panels but, alas, it's a leased car so I am not sure I will bother to change them.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT1yx-SeEZDQWhTrVmGc-coxre8W7dCjjcBhtRtHP_yPslRFLOTcQ :eek:

Stuart #B2209

Not all 2011s have the "fancy" door panels. My Cyber Gray with neutral leather has nice, plain inserts.

I wonder whatever became of his door panels.......

OK, someone has to stand up for the "ugly" graphics door panels. :-)

I have them and I like them.

I did not think I would when I was ordering. But once I got the car, I liked the way they looked. But I understand that people like and dislike different things. What a boring beige world we would have otherwise, haha. Still I like knowing how they could be customized even if I would never change mine by covering up their beauty.

I also like the white console. Reminds me of the white knobs and trim my dad had on his 56 Corvette.

Love seeing the take-apart details, WOT.

You can add me to the NOT A FAN of the graphics list. In fact when I first test drove a demo Volt the salesman opened the back door first revealing Black Leather w/ Green Accents. I looked at my wife and told her I really liked the green accents. Then he opened the front door and I gasped "What the hell!". The graphics ruined it for me, so I ended up ordering my Volt with Black Leather and Dark Accents.

When I placed my order I even asked my dealer if it would be possible to order the Blk Leather w/ Grn Accents and then pay for a spare set of dark inserts seperately to install myself. He checked and said they could not be purchased seperately. I'm happy with the dark accents, but had I seen the thread and WOPs instructions I might have gone for the green accents afterall - oh well. I may still consider painting my dark accents door trim from silver/gray to black, I think it would look better but not sure I'm that daring and may just leave well enough alone.

I wonder whatever became of his door panels.......

I haven't been able to get back to the leather man to pursue this. ...And I do intend to, although I think it's pretty unlikely that we will cover the panels...leased car etc. I will post again about this either way.
Stuart #B2209