87 GL
Installed black screen spline purchased at Home Depot for $2.29 in the
groove where my yellowed nasty front window trim used to be yesterday.
The job took about an hour using silicone spray to lubricate the rubber
trim and a screwdriver to expand the opening for installation. It was
tedious, but got easier as I went along.

Before investing the time and money (hah!) to install the spline to
replace the function (?) of the original window trim, I searched the
archives for messages about "window trim." Many listees think replacing
the trim is unnecessary and experience no leaks or problems over long
periods of time with the window trim simply removed. However, one listee
had done some "research" on junked Vanagons removing the front
windshield from inside both with and without the original trim in place.
He said is was approximately half as difficult to remove the window
(presumably with his feet) with the original trim removed as with the
trim in place. Another listee actually admitted to experiencing leaks as
a result of removing the trim. This last message got my attention and
led me to conclude that it would be better to be safe than sorry. My
Westy is rust free and I want to keep it that way.

I pressed on the seals at the corners as I installed the spline, and it
indeed appears that the corners WITH the spline were slightly stronger
and less resistent to pressure than the corners WITHOUT the spline. In
the end, I just feel better with the spline in place.  As many listees
point out, with certain topics on this list (tires, engine replacements,
auxillary batteries, now window trim) the approach is to research,
ponder, discuss, then draw your own conclusion. What is right for you
many not be right for the next person.

TIP: if doing this job yourself, consider your dominant hand in deciding
the direction of spline installation. I am right-handed. Installing the
spline counter-clockwise (facing the back of the van) is much easier
than installing clockwise.  Vice versa if you are left handed.

Hola.

-Al

>anthony kimmons wrote:

>
>I've had mine out for about a year now. No problems so far and
>it rains quite a bit here in Houston. Did like the idea of the
>black screen spline though, I might go ahead and do that. -t
>
>
>
>Tracey wrote:
>
>> Ed,
>> I have been thinking about taking the "chrome"-turned-brown plastic
>> strip out of mine as well and thought about whether the windshield
>> would leak too......so you just pull it out and there is
>just an empty
>> groove left in the rubber trim? Do you think that accumulation of
>> water and road dirt will cause rot sooner than if the chrome
>strip was
>> left in? Any listees have experience with this?
>>
>> Tracey
>
>--
>
>Anthony Kimmons, Houston Texas
>http://www.akimmons.com
>