Argh!

I bought a new antenna seal, since my '84 300D was missing its seal. I slathered it in dish soap, but no matter how hard I tried, I could get it to pop into place. I can get it pushed down to the point where it only has to go 1cm more to clear the bottom flange.

I tried pushing with plastic tools, which weren't strong or pointy enough.
I tried pushing with metal tools, which were strong enough, and it looked like I could get the lower flange through, but when I stopped pushing I guess it had only compressed, not popped through. Plus the metal tools cut the seal a bit.

So... should I (using a new seal) take the antenna out, THEN put in the seal and then the antenna? Do I have to do that by taking out the trunk liner, then removing the antenna, or can I remove the bulbous upper part of the antenna, put the seal in, then slip the antenna in?

If I have to take out the trunk liner, how do I do that to access the antenna?

Thanks!

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Aaron
'84 300D 267,000 - Running WVO - Rice Bran Oil - Mmmmmm, fishy...
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Hello MonsieurBon
Remove the antenna.
Insert the antenna seal into the quarter panel from the top.
Install the antenna assembly.
Have a great day.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

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Thanks, I guess that makes the most sense. How do I get to the antenna? I don't see any screws that would let me pull out the plastic trunk liner.

Thanks again!

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Aaron
'84 300D 267,000 - Running WVO - Rice Bran Oil - Mmmmmm, fishy...
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On the W126, the trunk liner should be able to be pulled out without much fuss nor muss. I think they're the same on the W123. I'm not sure though.
-Joe

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.