My son drives a 1983 240GL with a sunroof and automatic transmission. We have a dealer we trust (I have bought 3 Volvos, my friends know I drive Volvos, they have always treated me right and want my wife to buy a Volvo someday). They have recommended a couple of repairs on the GL, and I wanted to see if they are reasonable for two inexperienced people (self and son) with no good garage equipment, or if I should bite the bullet and have them do it.

They say the rear automatic transmission mount is failing, and indicate this is not a critical repair but it buffers vibration from the transmission into the rest of the car. I assume this means having to detach at least part of the housing for the transmission and keep it supported properly while the mount is replaced. I have no appropriate equipment for this; estimate for the work is less than $175, including parts.

Second repair: they say the bushings (I believe was the term) for the transmission are failing; and this causes added noise while shifting. Estimated cost for them: less than $100.

The other repair has to do with the sunroof. Shortly after we bought the car we had to repair the travel mechanism for the sunroof. Now, a year and a half later, we had a big rain storm with lots of wind; traces of water were blown through the seal for the sunroof. My son feels he should repair it before there is any major infiltration of water from normal rains or snow melting. Is this a do-it-yourself item, or should it be left to a body shop? And if it is suitable for DIY by klutzes, where can I obtain a replacement seal? I don't much want a salvage one to replace one that is weathered. I think I want new.

Thanks.

VolvoKurt
--
83 240 GL