I suspect the major marketplace - USA, didn't consider these as an essential
feature. Rather than produce a fully equipped car, as they did previously,
the decided to cut costs and allow the customer to "customize" their Volvo.
My 1999 XC was fully loaded with mud flaps, yet the current 2001 had many
standard features disappear. Yes, the sticker price was less than the '99
but ended up more expensive when I added the features I fully expected: mud
flaps, trip computer, roof load bars, security screen, rear mesh holder
(only 1 on '01 and 2 on '99), CD player, etc... I notice the '04 has the
security cover, grocery bag holder and a CD radio included with the XC, but
unfortunately no mud flaps!.
Installation: You must remove the rear wheels, maybe fronts as well, then
drill out the pop rivets where the mud flap attaches to the plastic trim or
wheel arch. Then use the supplied pop rivets to re-attach the mud flap
through the plastic moulding.
Effectiveness: Not as good as the older style that lined up with the tire,
but they seem to likely catch a stray rock. In winter time, the snow
build-up can distort and possibly dislodge the rivets.
I installed them on my 2001 and could scan the pictorial diagram to give you
a more precise idea of what's involved to install them.
Best of luck... Cam
Cameron Price Newington, Ontario, Canada
http://cvolvo.com
1953 PV444 "E" #54940
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