Reading linked spreadsheet numerics as text

[ML]

Hi

I'm trying to link a spreadsheet via recordset definition so a mixed
numeric/alpha field is read entirely as text.

The definition is:
Dim rstSs As DAO.Recordset

Set rstSs = CurrentDb.OpenRecordset("select [P/N], Description,
RefPrice, QTY, Condition from sheet1", dbOpenDynaset)

Trouble is, the numerics in the P/N field are read as #Num! (numeric
overflow), and I would simply like them defined as text without having
to define them as such on the spreadsheet.
I tried Cstr([P/N]) but received error.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

ML