I am on a roll with simple questions (that I dont know the answers to).

How do I install a new antenna seal on my 85 300D? All I can see is the chewed up part slightly below the surface of the fender. Can I just wedge the new seal in the top or do I have to attack from below?? If from the top I guess I would have to dig out the dregs of the old one.

Thanks.

i just replaced mine. no matter what / how i twisted etc it would not install from the top. you need to remove the lining in the trunk, the antenna, and install the new grommet from underneath. i used a pair of needle nose pliers to assist pulling it through the fender. reninstall antenna and lining and you're done.

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

Suggestion: Go to the local hardware or paint store and get a pint of linseed oil. The thick kind. I think it is call unboiled. Clean the wheel well in the trunk under your antenna. Paint the area with the linseed oil up to the level of the floor of the trunk. Soak it well. This area is famous for rust mostly because the antenna seal leaks and water puddles in this wheel well. Linseed oil stays flexable for many years and will not crack like tar based sealants.

My ant. seal is visibly toast. Water not a concern yet. But I like the outside the box thinking.

Going to have to agree with 84300DT, I also tried to shortcut - with vaseline, soap, oil, twist turn, use sailor language -would not seat. After messing with it for an hour - spent twenty minutes pulled the antenna and popped it in.

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BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

Thanks for all the input. I went from underneath as well. Wont go from the top.

I used nosegrease on mine to help (from below)

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Rob M
Norwich, VT USA
1980 240D Euro delivery 4 speed manual silver/blue
~160K miles

From the top. Used some White Lithium grease, and it slid in. After removing the antenna, of course. Steps and pics for those interested.
1. Open Trunk
2. Remove Drivers side Liner
3. Remove two phillips screws
4. Pull Antenna down
5. Remove old seal
6. Grease or soap up new seal and antenna tip
7. Push new seal up from bottom, paying attention to the lip, or push seal down from top, paying attention to the lip. (note, you may have to rotate seal to ensure a seal.) Did that make sense?
8. Push antenna back up into new seal.
9. Reinstall two phillips screws from step 3
10. Check antenna operation
11. Reinstall trunk liner from step 2
12. Close trunk, have favorite beverage, think of how you saved a bunch of money by not having the stealership fix it.

Attached Thumbnails

         

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I never even considered attacking this from underneath!

Thanks for the tip.


Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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