At 06:11 PM 6/9/98 -0400, Lawrence Johnson wrote:
>A question for those who have been there:
>
>I bought new (WCM) front window plastic trim from Ron Salmon when we
>were en route to Manassas. The old trim came out easily and the rubber
>seal cleaned up with no fuss. I applied liquid dish soap to the slot in
>the rubber trim as a lubricant and then tried to insert the new plastic
>window trim. It was very difficult but I succeeded in working in about
>one foot length. This was obviously the wrong way and I'd probably
>damage the new trim before I swore my way all round the window.
>
>Before I bust something, what is the correct way to install this shinny
>silver colored plastic trim into the slot of the rubber window seal?
>
>Larry Johnson
>'86 Syncro Westfalia
****************************************************
BTDT (Way too many times)

Speaking from experience, I hate to be the bearer of BAD news.  The proper
way to install the window trim is to remove the window and rubber as a unit
from the vehicle and then install the trim.  However, this presents a new
problem because I am of the opinion (again from experience) NEVER to re-use
a window seal, because it invariably leaks.  I'm sure there are others on
the list that will dispute this and have good sealing compound fixes to
re-use a seal, but I have been manufacturing and installing window seals
for Vee-Dubs for over 2 decades and I've just about tried it all in this
department.

And I learned the hard way - installing the trim with the window and rubber
already installed is most extremely difficult at best, especially in the
corners where the plastic will break very easily.  If you think installing
the plastic trim is difficult, try doing the original metal stuff in the
earlier models with the window already installed - can't be done without
ruining the trim as well.

I've tried to do this on my 84 Westy (same stuff as the 86 - Infact the
same 80-91).  Gave up after breaking the trim and will do it after I
replace the window seals (PO did a lousy job of masking for re-painting
anyway) sometime this or next year.  Looks pretty good without the trim
hassle.  Maybe I'll install all black no groove seals when I do it.

ORDER OF INSTALLATION:

Window Seal on Glass, then Trim into Seal, then Install as a Unit into the
Vehicle.

Jim Thompson
84 Westy 2.1 * 62 Sedan * 90 Fox Wagon
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