Installing the rear glass in a Volkswagen Beetle can be a difficult process and should be done with the help of an assistant. The rubber window seal must be installed correctly to protect the interior of the car from leaks. The window seal has two curved surfaces: The large one goes on the outside of the vehicle and the small one goes on the inside of the vehicle. Next to the outer surface of the seal is a narrow indentation that is square in shape with grooves along the bottom. This indentation is where the window glass is placed. The rounded indentation is where the flange of the car will be placed. The flap that includes the small curved surface must be pulled inside the car during installation.
Locate the squared indentation in the window seal and the larger surface that goes on the outside of the car.
Insert the window glass into this groove, making sure that the exterior surface of the seal is on the same side as the exterior surface of the glass. Do not use lubrication during this step.
Check the entire seal to make sure it is firmly and completely installed on the glass.
Place the cord in the rounded indentation in the seal, making sure that the ends of the cord overlap for at least 18 inches on either the top or the bottom.
Add lubrication to the indentation on top of the cord. To make a good lubricant that is easy to clean up, mix 1 part soap with 9 parts water.
Carefully place the window in the opening in the vehicle with the help of your assistant. Make sure that the glass is square in the opening and that the ends of the cord are inside the car. Check that the outer seal fits properly over the exterior of the car.
Pull on one end of the cord from inside the car while your assistant applies gentle pressure to the section of glass you are installing. This will pull the inside seal into the car. Stop when you reach the first corner.
Pull on the other end of the cord in the same way until you reach the opposite corner. Continue to alternate pulling one cord, and then the other, to complete the seal. Do not get one side too far ahead of the other side.
Slap the window seal with your hand at any place where the window does not appear to be completely set in place. Do this only when the inner seal has been completely pulled inside the car.
Clean the window and the window seal to remove any excess lubricant.
