Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2002 19:49:19 +0100
Reply-To: Robert Steven Fish <fish@SALZBURG.CO.AT>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Steven Fish <fish@SALZBURG.CO.AT>
Subject: Re: side window removal
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Removing the sides, from what I gather, is pretty much like removing any
windshield or rear window. This info below is based on my experience
removing windshields... someone correct me if it is different for side
windows (as I will also need to do the sides this spring to replace my OEMs
with the vented windows)
I have found that a large bucket filled with really soapy water can help
things out a lot in removal, but even more in the installation.
You need to carefully push the window out from the inside, at a corner, near
the body (so you do not stress and crack the glass). Then you will see how
the window rubber works, (you can also pry the seal away a bit on the
outside and/or inside to see what it is doing, but do not cut it if you plan
on reusing it) and it should become obvious how to work the seal out as the
window is falling out.
Suction cups and a friend on the other side can be very helpful.
upon installation you need to have a length of nylon rope (1/4 inch should
work) which you insert into the second groove of the rubber. The first
groove (the outermost groove) will of course be filled in with the glass
piece.
I have found that the start and finish of the rope ends should be long, and
should be both at the bottom center of the window. This is where everything
should be coated with lots of soapy water... rope included. I use a soap
that is similiar to a saddle soap.
have your friend set the glass in from the outside and the seal will be
resting on the rope... you need to pull the rope such that the lip of the
rubber seal will come towards you, and wrap over the metal of the chassis
when the rope is gone... this locks the window in place... if you do this
slowly, carefully and precisely, all the way around you will be fine. You
can have your friend apply slight downward pressure from the top edge while
you are doing the bottom edge.
Folks say that you do not need the plastic bead that inserts into the groove
on the outside of the seal (the trim piece) but I personally think it helps
lock the windows in... especially at the corners. I have used a black
screen spline and that works quite wel and looks nice too. Again, lots of
soapy water when trying to push the spline into place.
Do not get creative and use WD-40 or any silicone spray or other slippery
product, as many of these do not dry out, and remain slick. If it remains
slick, then your window will not be solid, and you run the risk of it being
pushed out... especially dangerous on a windshield.
Be careful as even the slightest twist or tweak can crack your glass!!
Good luck, and while you are at it, you might think about documenting it
with photos, and posting it for others to learn from too!
Happy New Year!
RSF
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<º)))>{ <º)))>{ <º)))>{ <º)))>{ <º)))>{ <º)))>{
Robert S. Fish
Salzburg, Austria
1987 Wolfsburg Vanagon 2.1 GL Weekender
1987 Golf Cabriolet
1991 Golf
> I want to remove my 4 rear side windows for body work, how do i do this
and
> can i save the rubber or do i haver to cut the rubber to get the windows
> out? is there a trick for doing this? and how about reinstalling the
glass?
