> Is the chrome-plastic, outside window trim in the rubber gasket around
> the windows on a Vanagon functional, or only for looks?  Mine has
> discolored from the sun and looks terrible.  Can it simply be pulled out
> without changing the weather sealing qualities of the rubber gasket?
> Does the same apply to the windshield?

It is purely cosmetic, and cannot easily be replaced with the gasket/window
in place.  I have had customers who removed it, and have not heard of them
having any problem that way, although personally I'm not sure I'd take the
chance on my own van. (Maybe try it on the windshield or rear window first
rather than pulling if off of all the windows at once.)

- Ron Salmon
 The Bus Depot
 http://www.busdepot.com