I haven't taken the glass out of any Vanagon, but I may have a
simple solution for all those interested in removing the chrome.

My 89 never had the chrome.  I remember reading somwhere, maybe
on http://www.vanagon.com (somewhere under Info) that in either 88
or 89, VW switched all to use no chrome window molding.  So unless
the actual body metal and/or size of the glass changed in the process,
why not just remove chrome and rubber seal and replace with new seals
for an 89-91 (or 88-91 ?) Vanagon ?

Yeah, maybe it's more cost and work.  But if simply removing the
chrome winds up causing a leak, then that's even more costly and
more work.

Dave L.