Questionhey there im srry to bother you but i am restoring a 67 vw bug, and i need to replace the window seals on the windows and winsdshield and back shield, but i have no idea of how to take the window out and putting it back in without damage. thanks
John
AnswerHi John,
Not a bother at all, I am glad that you are taking an interest in the restoration process.
This procedure is tricky, but rewarding, and you CAN do it. It is not an 'expert only' job. You just need to be patient.
1) You need to take a razor blade and carefully begin cutting away the old seal. Because it is new to you, take your time and work on the outside of the car. The trick is to get as much old rubber off as possible, and as close to the window as possible. You don't need to push very hard, just cut away the seal. If you feel like you are scraping metal underneath, ease up on the blade.
2) Now, gently press the 2 side windows towards the inside of the car.(Cut windshield and rear window from the inside and pop outward) You may need to keep trimming, but eventually, it will pop out.
3) Clean the window really well and get some dish soap. Put a nice thin coating and some water around the outside and inside of the seal. Fit the seal over the window.
4) Now, get some string (a little thicker than kite string, and place it around the outside of the window seal, in the channel.
5) Press the window in from the outside (have someone hold it) The string should be with you in the car and be just crossed over at the top.
6) As the window is being pushed in (gently) slowly pull the string so the seal now starts to pull the window in and creates a nice lip around the headliner. If the string slips out, or the lip doesn't completely seat, don't yank on the string too hard -- push it out slowly, and start over.
No silicones, sealants, etc. are necessary for any of the windows. Just a string, blade, dish soap and plenty of patience.
Let me know how you make out, and it will look great!
Ron
