Installing the trunk trim on ŠKODA Octavia Tour - a task that even a beginner can cope with with proper preparation. This procedure is relevant for owners who want to update the interior, protect the body from scratches, or replace a damaged factory panel. Depending on the model generation (Octavia A5, A7 or A8) the process may have nuances, but the general scheme remains similar.
The main reasons for replacing the skin: wear and tear of the material, the desire to install a more practical option (for example, plastic instead of fabric), or tuning to suit an individual style. In this article we will analyze step-by-step algorithm, suitable for most versions Octavia Tour, including station wagon and liftback. We will pay special attention to fastenings, choice of materials and typical mistakes that are made during self-installation.
Which cladding to choose for ŠKODA Octavia Tour
Before purchasing new sheathing, decide on the material and type of fastening. Factory panels for Octavia usually made from:
- 🔹 Plastic - lightweight, moisture resistant, but can creak at low temperatures.
- 🔹 Fabrics with foam base - soft, silent, but absorbs moisture and gets dirty.
- 🔹 Leatherette - premium look, but requires careful care and is more expensive than analogues.
- 🔹 Carbon or aluminum - for tuning, but increases weight and cost.
For Octavia A7 and newer casings with clip fastenings are suitable (original art. 3U5 863 201/202 for left/right side). For A5 Often, modifications to the fastenings are required, since the factory clips may not match the analogues. Please note complete set: some panels are sold without seals and fasteners - you will have to buy them separately.
If you plan to install non-original casing (for example, from Heko or Thule), check compatibility using the vehicle's VIN code. Some models require trimming along the edges or additional fixation with double-sided tape.
- Plastic
- Fabric
- Leatherette
- Carbon/aluminum
- I don't know
Installation Tools and Materials
To dismantle the old and install new casing, prepare:
- 🔧 Plastic mounting blades (2–3 pcs.) - for removing clips without damage.
- 🔧 Screwdriver with Phillips bit (size PH2) - for screws securing lights.
- 🔧 Double sided tape 3M (width 10–15 mm) - for additional fixation.
- 🔧 Degreaser (for example, WD-40 Specialist) - for cleaning surfaces.
- 🔧 Construction hair dryer - to soften the glue when removing old casing.
If the casing is fastened with rivets (relevant for some versions Octavia A5), will be needed riveter and new rivets with a diameter of 4–5 mm. Useful for cutting material stationery knife with a sharp blade.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal spatulas to remove clips - they will scratch the plastic and body paint. The best option: a set of plastic spatulas with curved ends (for example, Kraftool 3326-3).
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic spatulas | Removing clips without damage | Flathead screwdriver wrapped in electrical tape |
| Double sided tape 3M | Fixing sheathing in problem areas | Adhesive sealant Loctite 406 |
| Construction hair dryer | Softening the glue of old sheathing | Hot water in a spray bottle |
| Degreaser | Cleaning the surface before gluing | Alcohol or gasoline "Galosh" |
Removing the old trunk trim
Start by preparing the interior: open the trunk, remove all items and disconnect the battery terminal (negative) to avoid short circuits when working with the lights. Next, follow the algorithm:
- Remove the plastic plugs from the rear light bolts (they are located inside the trunk). Pry them up with a spatula and carefully pull them out.
- Unscrew the bolts of the lights (usually 2-3 pieces for each) and disconnect the power connectors. The lights can be left hanging from the wires or temporarily secured with tape.
- Find the trim clips. B Octavia Tour they are located around the perimeter of the panel (usually 6–8 pieces). Carefully pry the casing with a spatula and pull it towards you - the clips should pop out.
- Remove any remaining glue from the body. If the old casing was on double-sided tape, heat it with a hairdryer (temperature 60–80°C) and remove it by pulling it at an angle of 45°.
On models Octavia A7 and newer clips are often hidden under decorative overlays. To find them, inspect the trim for small round or oval grooves. If the clip breaks during removal, replace it with a new one (part number of the original clip for ŠKODA — N 908 132 01).
What to do if the clip breaks off inside?
If part of the clip remains in the hole in the body, use tweezers or a self-tapping screw: screw it into the center of the clip and pull out the piece. An alternative is to drill a hole with a 3mm drill and insert a new clip.
Preparing the body before installing new trim
After removing the old panel, thoroughly clean the surface of the body from dust, grease and glue residues. Use a degreaser and a lint-free cloth. Pay special attention to:
- 🔸 Areas around clips - Dirt often accumulates there.
- 🔸 Trunk corners — there may be rust (treat WD-40 Rust Remover).
- 🔸 Places under seals - They also need to be cleaned and dried.
If there are scratches or chips on the body, prime them and paint them with a spray can (select the color according to the code ŠKODA, for example, LA5W for white). This will prevent corrosion under the new skin.
For better fixation of the new panel, apply to the body primer for plastic (for example, 3M 05907) in places where double-sided tape will be glued. This will increase adhesion and prevent peeling.
Before installing new trim, check the operation of the rear lights - turn on the hazard lights and brakes. If the lamps do not light, clean the connector contacts from oxidation.
Installing new casing: step-by-step instructions
Start installation by attaching the clips. Insert them into the holes in the new trim (usually marked with arrows or notches). Then proceed like this:
Try on the panel without fixing|Attach the clips around the perimeter|Apply double-sided tape to problem areas|Connect the light connectors|Secure the lights and plugs-->
1. Try on the trim without fixing to make sure all holes line up. On models Octavia A8 Trimming for a parking sensor or camera may be required.
2. Secure the clips, starting from the top of the panel. Press until you hear a click - this means that the clip is seated in the groove.
3. Apply double-sided tape to areas where sheathing may come away (usually on the sides and bottom). Preheat the tape with a hairdryer for better adhesion.
4. Connect the lamp connectors and secure them with bolts. Make sure the wires are not pinched by the sheathing.
5. Install decorative caps onto the bolts of the lights and check the tightness of the panel around the entire perimeter.
If the casing “walks” or comes off in some places, use butterfly clips (article N 908 147 01) for additional fixation. They fit most models VAG, including Octavia.
⚠️ Attention: On Octavia A7 FL (facelift) the trunk trim may have a cutout for a button to open the trunk from the passenger compartment. If your panel does not have a cutout, carefully make a hole using a utility knife according to the template.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with careful installation, mistakes can be made that can lead to squeaks or peeling of the skin. Let's look at the most common ones:
- 🚫 Ignoring clips — if you do not secure at least 2-3 clips, the panel will “breathe” when moving.
- 🚫 Tightening the bolts of the lamps - this deforms the plastic and leads to cracks.
- 🚫 Using low-quality tape - it will fall off in a month. Take only 3M VHB or Tesa Powerstrips.
- 🚫 Failure to comply with temperature conditions — the sheathing must be glued at +15°C and above, otherwise the tape will not adhere.
On Octavia Tour With a panoramic roof, the trunk lining often becomes deformed due to heat. In this case, use clips with rubber gaskets (article no. 1K0 868 241), which compensate for the expansion of the plastic.
If creaks appear after installation, treat the sheathing joints silicone grease (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Spray). Apply it to the clips and places where the plastic rubs against the body.
Before final fixing the trim, check the operation of all systems: rear lights, parking sensors and trunk release button. This will save time on repeated dismantling.
Additional tips for trim tuning
If you are installing trim not only for replacement, but also for tuning, consider these options:
- 🎨 Panel painting in the body color - for this use acrylic paints with a primer (for example, Motip).
- 🎨 Installing LED lighting along the contour of the trunk. Ribbons will do SMD 5050 with IP65 moisture protection.
- 🎨 Vinyl stickers with a 3D effect (for example, carbon or aluminum). The main thing is not to overload the design.
- 🎨 Soundproofing — before installing the trim, stick it on the body Bimast Bomb or STP Accent to reduce noise.
For owners Octavia RS or vRS perforated trims are relevant - they improve the acoustics of the subwoofer if it is installed in the trunk. Such panels can be ordered from Heko or Thule for a specific model.
If you are planning to install backlit trim, think about the wiring in advance. The best option is to stretch them under the plastic panels along the threshold and lead them to the fuse box (for example, to F37 at 10A for trunk lighting).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about trunk trim ŠKODA Octavia Tour
Is it possible to install casing from Octavia A7 on A5?
No, due to different body shapes and mounting locations. Sheathing from A7 wider and has different cutouts for the lights. The exception is universal panels from Heko, which are suitable for several generations, but require pruning.
How many clips are needed to secure the trim?
Standard Octavia Tour 6–8 clips are used. If the panel is heavy (for example, with leatherette), add 2-4 additional clips on the sides. For reliability, you can combine clips and double-sided tape.
How to remove the trim if the clips are broken?
If the clips break off, carefully pry up the trim with a flat-head screwdriver (after wrapping it with electrical tape) and pull the panel towards you. Pull out the remaining clips with tweezers or drill them out with a drill. For new casing, buy a repair kit of clips (item no. VAG N 908 132 01).
Do I need to remove the taillights to replace the trim?
Yes, in 90% of cases the lights will have to be removed, since the trim is attached underneath them. An exception is if the panel is fixed only with clips on the sides (relevant for some versions Octavia A8).
How to avoid squeaks after installation?
Creaks occur due to friction of plastic against the body. To eliminate them:
- Check the tightness of the skin - if there are gaps, add clips.
- Process the joints silicone grease.
- Install between trim and body cushioning material (for example, Dynamat).