As a result of inspiration from the list, this week I yanked the awful
looking plastic chrome trim from the windows of my Vanagon.   The
windshield was already replaced with a solid gasket so I was only
concerned with the side and back hatch windows.

Someone mentioned going to a glass shop and letting them do the job with
ease using professional tools and expertise so that's what I tried
first.  The first two shops acted like my request was a big bother not
worth their time.   The third shop at least took the time to look
closely at my van and offer suggestions.   The guy recommended replacing
the plastic chrome with a ribbed round rubber gasket that is normally
used for holding window screens in aluminum frames.   The gasket cost
$0.05 per foot so I bought 50 feet for $2.50 and set off for home.

I used a cotter pin pulling tool to open the slot and pushed the rubber
gasket into the slot with a grooved wooden tool I fashened myself with
my pocket knife.  I used a liberal quantity of spray silicone to ease
the process and I think it would be nearly impossible to do this without
some type of lubrication..   The process was slow and  laborious but the
result is very satisfying.   I was going to wait to see if I got any
leaks on the side windows before doing the back but the sides looked so
good I could not wait.  If the back leaks I'll deal with that later.
(this fix costs $1.00 per window while a new gasket from BD costs
$55.00)

I washed my van after I was done using lots of water pressure at the
window gaskets and could find no leaks so I am in luck.
The appearance of my Vanagon is massively improved.   I wish I had done
this a long time ago.

John McLean   87  Vanagon  GL    (218,000 miles)