I'm looking for the "lock strip" used on some European cars' windshield seals in the 80s, e.g., Volvo, Saab, BMW. It's the black (or chrome) strip that you insert into a windshield or back window seal that pushes the seal down flush against the car body. I've searched on some forums and Googled a bit but have only come up with spendy kits for BMWs and nondescript stuff from vendors I've never heard of.
Anyone got a reliable source for this stuff? Also, it looks like there's a tool for inserting it -- is it necessary for a one-time DIY job or can I get by without it?
Thanks...
Contact your local Mr. Windshield or equivalent, he may be able to point you somewhere.
Dan
ddavidv
SuperDork
8/19/09 4:52 p.m.
I've helped myself to these at the junkyard. They tend to be made to fit the contour of the glass in the corners though. BMW E30s I know have a single straight piece that runs across the bottom of the rear window. Not sure what you're trying to accomplish.
I pulled one out of a junkyard for the E30.
e30 lockstrip is still available from BMW, and the price is fairly reasonable.
Guess I'll go the pull-a-part route, but I won't like it: they charge a buck a foot for trim pieces (yes, I am a tightwad -- I could get a used cyl. head for the same $$!).
The lock strips on the front/rear glass on my '86 Saab were originally some sort of chromed plastic that has long since faded, turned brown, cracked, and shrunk.
ddavidv
SuperDork
8/20/09 5:27 a.m.
Are new ones hideously expensive? I think the turbo models had black ones that don't turn that turd brown color.
New ones are pretty cheap. The stuff is universal and is sold in bulk by the foot; you just cut off the excess.
I've seen them on e bay for around $30, and I would guess any auto glass installer should be able to order some as well for you.
My Capri uses an aluminum trim piece in each corner that covers up the cut ends. I never installed it myself yet, but the installation tool can be found for only $10 or so at many of the big chain auto parts stores.
