>I want to replace the rusted poptop seal on my 89 with that from Bus Depot
>but I haven't been able to determine how closely it match the factory one.
>Has anyone taken a close inspection between the two? I want to keep mine as
>original as possible. Will really appreciate a closeup photo (digital?) of
>the seal (inside and outside) of the three sides and the front side.

Vince,

From a distance the Bus Depot seal appears identical to the factory one.
Up close, *really close*, you can notice that the Bus Depot seal has a
different surface texture, the texture of the exposed rubber is slightly
rough, like a very fine emery cloth, whereas the factory rubber is
smooth.  The top edge of the factory seal has more of a bevel to it where
the Bus Depot seal is more squarish.

I installed the Bus Depot poptop seal on my 84 Westy leaving the flat
seal and luggage rack seal stock as they were fine.  I am *very* happy
with the fit and finish.  Yes there are *slight* differences in the
finish, but you have to really look to notice, and if you would be
replacing all the seals this wouldn't be an issue.  Actually I like the
look of the replacement seal better than the factory - it went on very
straight and uniformly and looks great, and I am very picky about how the
Westy looks.

I'd shoot a photo for you but it is raining outside.  :-(

Tony

Anthony L. Mourkas
Hampden, Maine, USA
1984 Vanagon Westfalia
1987 Vanagon GL Syncro
1991 Jetta Eco Diesel