Hello All,

I have two 1996 850 GLT wagons, both of which have dealer installed roof racks. One wagon has 377,000 miles and the other 305,000. I noticed about a year ago that the black plastic tape/stripping that covers the roof rack starting from the bottom of the front window up to the top of the “A” column was beginning to crack from age. I recall at the time I inquired from my local Volvo dealer if this plastic strip was still available. However, between its cost and the cost of having it installed by an independent auto body shop, I nearly lost consciousness. I decided to put off “fixing” this crack black plastic strip until it failed completely.

Well, today was that day. Spontaneously a six inch strip near the top of the “A” column completely cracked and separately from one side, exposing the shiny metal strip below. I had to fight the urge to tear it off completely. In stead, I effected a “cave man” repair and put some clear glue on the metal strip and pushed the black plastic strip back in place. I know this won’t hold.

I’m sure this problem has occurred with other owners and I would like to know what other people have done. I see two options:

1) Bite the bullet and buy the new stripping from Volvo and have it installed by the body shop and put on a “Happy Face’.

2) Rip off the plastic stripping on both sides of the roof rack and just expose the metal strip below.

3) Try painting the shiny metal strip with a dark colored paint to match the guard rail.

If anyone has any other suggestions, I would love to hear them. I know this problem will ultimately occur on the other wagon too, so I could really use the help and insight this website provides.

Let me express my thanks in advance to all who respond. Keeping these 20 year old Volvos looking presentable is a challenge.

Hugh