I have a 1958 PV 444 with the rear/side ratcheting pop out windows. I need new seals for both sides, and Eric at Hi Performance Auto can't find them anywhere.

Is there a source for these seals, or is it possible to use 544 seals? This is a rat rod, not a restoration, so I'm fine altering or adapting something to work.

I appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks!
Jason

Hope this will help, here goes, the 1958 444 that I have has a smaller pop out window than the 1963 544 that I also have. The part number for the seal for the 444 from 1947 to 1957 is 92518 and that is for the non pop out window. The 1958 444`s were built before august of that year and should have the same part number as the one from 1957. I`m not sure about the pop out window seal. That`s just the way I understand it. The seal in my 444 is different looking than the one in my 544. I held a spare pop out window for the 544 against the 444 and the 444 window is smaller. larry

Thanks, Larry, that's very helpful. You're the only person who has been able to confirm that the two versions of pop out windows are different sizes and that the seals look different.

I think I'm out of luck on getting seals for my 444 pop out windows. My options are to either go back to fixed 444 windows or get some 544 pop out windows and seals and try to make them work.

The window openings of my 444 pop outs have two metal ribs all the way around that the seal sits in. It looks like the outer rib is part of the body (and probably used for the fixed window installation), and the inner rib is a separate piece that was spot welded in. I have new fixed 444 seals, but no glass. The seals don't work with the two ribs, so it looks like I need to remove the inner rib to install fixed windows.

Does anyone have a 444 fixed window glass that they could trace a pattern for me to have new ones made? Or is there a standard way to trace the opening and make a window from that? I just want to be sure everything will seal.

That sounds like an easier option than finding a set of 544 pop outs, buying new seals, and modifying the openings to make it all work.

Thanks!
Jason

It occurred to me while reading your thread--have you thought about a seal from another make car? Original VW Beetles had a $5 option--pop out rear windows--and the shape is similar to a Volvo. Every darn part for Beetles are available and I'd guess seals are probably cheap enough to play with. From my experience with Beetles that had and did not have pop outs and having owned a '65 544 with -- if you do any real distance driving you want to have them to reduce drumming in your ears. -- Dave

That was a good idea, but from my initial searching I don't think it will work. It looks like the VW pop out seal style is completely different from the Volvo style.

The VW pop out windows have a metal frame around the glass and then a rubber seal around the frame. That seal mates with a pinch welt seal pinched on the body edge around the opening.

The 444 Volvo pop out windows have a metal frame around the glass, but all of the seal is around the opening. The window fits inside the main body of the seal and then seals against the large back flange (see the photo).

Does anyone have a picture of the cross section of a 544 seal, or can you tell me how it fits in the opening?

Thanks,
Jason

Hi. Not sure if you got your question answered already or not but the 544 pop out window seals will not work. I tried these a few years back and unfortunately they are different. I ended up re-using my 444 seals with some good quality 3M rubber glue and this did the trick. I wish you luck. If you happen to find a source for the 444 pop out seals I'd appreciate if you'll let me know. Thank you!
--
Anthony "Tony' Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (aka 44408, 444L, Old Lady)
See https://sites.google.com/a/scarolas.com/www/Home/58volvopv444

Thanks, Tony. From what I've found, the 444 pop out seals are definitely not available in any form anywhere. I checked with various Swedish and American sources with no luck. There are rumors of some NOS sets that were around in the last decade, but I haven't been able to track them down.

I got a set of 544 pop out windows. I haven't decided what I'll do yet. I'll either modify to use 544 windows or come up with a custom seal for 444 windows. I've looked through pages and pages of moulding profiles, but haven't found anything even close to what I need. I spoke with a moulding manufacturer about making a new extrusion, but it would be cost prohibitive for my project. Several thousand dollars just to get set up, but production from that point on would be relatively cheap.

I have lots of other things to do, so I'll wait and hope that inspiration strikes...

Jason

What would be good to have is a good correctly dimensioned drawing of the cross section and some large and clear pictures which show this cross section. People like me who like to search around and find something that matches or is usable would benefit. There are sellers and manufacturers all over the place. USA, UK and Australia being just a few. Many sellers do get them from the same source though.
If anyone here can post pictures, please do.

Here are photos I took and shared of my 1958 PV444 and the moulding as I was searching for options:

https://goo.gl/photos/KBeMYkGyJe2g6Nna6

I can try to take some more exact measurements, or take a few photos with a slice of the moulding on graph paper, so you can work out the dimensions.

Thanks,
Jason

Thanks for the pictures. Measurements would indeed be useful.

Pop-out windows are a necessity if you're going to drive with the front windows rolled down. I had a brand new 544 back in '65, and with the back windows closed & the fronts open, at highway speeds the pulsating noise is unbearable. Like sticking your head inside a bass drum. The upholstery on the rear seatback would actually pulsate. A few years later I had a VW beetle, and it had the same problem.

I might have some used from a 544.. but would first need to confirm that they'd work
--
-Matt I ♥ my ♂

I know for a fact that the 544 pop out window seals are not the same size. I ended up "remaking" my seals by using the originals and some good quality 3M rubber glue.
--
Anthony "Tony' Scarola
1958 Volvo PV444 (aka 44408, 444L, Old Lady)
See https://sites.google.com/a/scarolas.com/www/Home/58volvopv444

If 544 seals work, I'll buy new ones. But I'm looking for confirmation from someone who has used them.

Thanks,
Jason