A non cal-look window rubber question

[danny gabbard]

After all these years of playing with vw's, I've never used stock window rubber. When do ya put the chrome strip insert? Before or after rubber is on the glass?

[johnl]

The last time I did the replacement (28 years ago) I think the strip went in prior to installing the glass.  My front and rear window rubbers need to be replaced and I have the rubber, but have been dragging my feet.  Any suggestions on the best way to do this will be appreciated.   

[Tony M]

Rubber on glass then chrome trim - slide center cover onto one side of the chrome trim - use silicone spray and take your time - trim will want to come out - best with 2 people - but can be done with only 1 - have fun 

[Zach Gomulka]

Put the rubber on the glass, the trim on the rubber, then rope it in. You'll have to slightly contour the trim to match the shape of the rubber (not the other way around!), if you don't it will pull up on the rubber and look funky- if it even stays in.
I only use silicone spray on the groove where you rope it. Anywhere else will make it easier for the trim or glass to work its way out of the rubber. When roping the windshield in, start from the bottom center, go evenly up each side, and finish in one of the top corners. I've never has a windshield break since I started doing it that way (knock on wood!).

[Mike Maize]

I prefer good used trim from the correct year window so the shape is right. It makes a BIG difference in the finished look. Rubber on glass, molding on rubber, then into the car. I don't use any lube when I put the molding in the rubber because I am paranoid it will pop out.

[javabug]

Like you've ever built a car with window trim.   

[danny gabbard]

Shit, I must be showing my age or something. No I got this real clean original 60 bug I'm putting together.

[Mike Maize]

Like you've ever built a car with window trim.   

All part of my secret vintage life.......

[Neil Davies]

I prefer good used trim from the correct year window so the shape is right. It makes a BIG difference in the finished look.

Definately! On my last car I hadn't got the front screen trim, so ended up using a fastback rear screen trim cut down! The only giveaway that it wasn't stock were the extra joiner pieces on the screen posts! Pain in the arse job though.

[danny gabbard]

I got the chrome in, By the 2nd 1/4 window I got it figured out. NOW I no why I havent used stock window rubber! PAIN IN THE ASS!!!!!

[deano]

Danny, Danny, Danny. You are doing this all wrong. You first install the chrome trim on the car, then install the glass, and THEN fit the rubber seal. Trust me on this one

[fredy66]

dam dam dam i have fuck todays at the garage on one blody window, the back one.
rubers do not stay to the glas and the cromlist is a fucking royal pain in the ass.
please help me what the         i'm  doing wrong
all is from ww no sheap kind of stuff

[Jason Foster]

Dude Chillllllll

[fredy66]

i am home having a beer and TV.
but that window is no fun better day tomorrow

[pupjoint]

i wouldnt wana drive a car without those trims

[fredy66]

next one is a cal-look no chrome what so ever

[Bryan67]

If you use silicone spray on the rubber you better make REAL sure the paint is TOTALLY dry or it will take it right off.

[fredy66]

If you use silicone spray on the rubber you better make REAL sure the paint is TOTALLY dry or it will take it right off.

i think its dry 2 years old now 

thanks man

[Rennsurfer]

I got the chrome in, By the 2nd 1/4 window I got it figured out. NOW I no why I havent used stock window rubber! PAIN IN THE ASS!!!!!

Wow! You've got the patience of Job (Biblical person). Good job. Those are NOT fun to install.

[danny gabbard]

Make sure that the alum trim peice is formed to the proper shape or you will be chaseing your tail. I started in a corner and worked around. Its kinda hard to explain, But roll the edge of trim into grove in the rubber as you work your way around. Stay calm as your doing this. And a little hit on the bong never hurts before ya start.

[fredy66]

Make sure that the alum trim peice is formed to the proper shape or you will be chaseing your tail. I started in a corner and worked around. Its kinda hard to explain, But roll the edge of trim into grove in the rubber as you work your way around. Stay calm as your doing this. And a little hit on the bong never hurts before ya start.

thanks man i try that some day.
made me laf 

[Zach Gomulka]

Danny's got it. If the trim is new it needs to be conformed to the shape of the glass/rubber. Original stuff obviously doesn't have this problem. Start in a corner, and work your way around. I don't use any lubricant on the rubber to the glass, or the trim to the rubber- I don't want them slipping apart! Only lube the channel where the rope goes in. I've found that parachute cord works the best, it's got the perfect diameter (too big is hard to pull, too small rips the rubber) and it is very very strong. When you rope in the windshield, start at the bottom and work your way up, but END IN ONE OF THE TOP CORNERS. I've had a few windshields 99% of the way in, then they snap down the middle as soon as the rope is pulled out. Since I started ending in a top corner, I haven't had one break (knock on wood). Also, pull the rope at a 90 degree angle to the glass, less chance of it ripping the rubber that way. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it!

[fredy66]

thanks for the tips Zach i give it a gov to morrow after work and let you now have i,m doing

[fredy66]

ok another day at the garage having fun with the rubber 
after many hours of fun i found a old rubber that cant be used anymore
but then i notised the differences in the OG and the WW rubber.
the WW rubber is shit, it looks the same as the Brazilian stuff
and there is no lip folding over the frame of the car, looks shit and probably leeks too

 I'm disappointed in the quality of the rubber from WW
from now on I'm taking my money to some where else

[danny gabbard]

Ya I know what ya mean, But the original stuff had molded ends. Try not to get down on the stuff from ww. They make some real nice stuff ! I use a lot of stuff they make and sale and alot of times its dead nuts on the money.

[Bryan67]

I`ve used a lot of WW rubber with no complaints at all. Not sure what is going on with yours.

[fredy66]

i now it suppose to be god  but I'm not Happy all the other stuff i have from them is god but the window rubber I'm not happy wed.

[fredy66]

think i tray this ones

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=885497