Date: Thu, 22 May 1997
From: Craig Heffner
Having trouble with leaky weatherstripping around the vent windows on my '71 1800E. Anyone know where I can get replacement weatherstripping and any tips on installation? I can be reached at:
cjheff@ccmail.monsanto.com
Craig -
I replaced these parts on my car about ten years ago, and I don't remember the job well enough to be much help. I do remember it was a bit of a struggle, that is, some brute force was required. Generally, rubber parts can be lubricated with silicone grease to make them easier to install in tight places. I keep a tube of Sil-Glyde handy for this purpose. Looking in my parts book for the earlier 1800s, I can see that you'll have to remove the door upholstery and the vent windows before replacing the seals.
I purchased the parts from Boston Volvo. The left vent window rubber seal is part number 668189 and the right one is part number 668190. I can't be positive that your car would take the same part numbers, since yours is a later model than mine, but they are probably the same. In any case, call Boston Volvo at 1-800-336-2355, and ask for John Sharisky (this is important -- not all of their staff know the 1800). If the parts are still available, he'll be able to find them.
One other thing. Don't expect new seals to stop all the leaks. After I installed them, the water still came in readily, although not quite as fast as before. Oh, well, at least they look a lot better than the originals, which seemed to have been trashed by someone trying to break into the car. -Glenn.