I'm replacing the turn signal lenses on my 1989 244. The old ones had rust stains around the screws - I assumed the screws were rusty, but when I got them off it turned out to be the fasteners underneath that had rusted out under the chrome plating (little metal nuts pressed onto the plastic bosses in the turn signal bucket).

I'd hate to put brand new lenses on these fasteners and have them look awful in just a few months. Is there any way to replace these without buying all-new turn signals? Are the little press-on nuts available anywhere?

Thanks in advance...

If you are worried about rust, wire brush the nut and spray rustoleum rust primer(It converts rust to black primer)on it. Replace the screws with same type but in stainless steel. SS won't rust and shouldn't have a galvanizing action with the nut.

Well, if your turn signals were authentic Volvo parts and old enough to warrant replacement, that means they were probably on there for many years--many years for the rust to discolor them. That means that your new lenses will have to be installed for mnay more years before they approach the discoloration you've experienced.

But, perhaps more reassuringly, I replaced the turn signal lenses on my car in the spring of 2004. I seem to recall most or all of the screws and some of te assembly being rusty. A year later, there is no rust "leaking" onto the lenses that I can see (however, I never had a problem on the old lenses, either). I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. If it's a problem, you can always take the lenses off and clean them.
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'89 244 GL -- 114,XXX miles (see profile for info on car)