Date:         Fri, 17 Jan 1997 19:46:46 +0000
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         vwbus@netbiz.net
Subject:      Re: Glue for Rubber Seal


> I can get the original-style poptop seals at a good price from my
> wholesaler, but I have to buy them in large quantity.  To do so, I
> would need to sell at least a few of them quickly.  I'd be willing
> to offer them to the list at a really cheap price if I could
> generate 3 or 4 orders out of it, thus making it possible for me to
> order them.
> 
> How does $45 (plus UPS) sound for the pop-up section seal only, or
> $60 for both the pop-up section and the luggage rack section?

A bit steep.

> 
> These seals use the metal clips like original (although I think
> they're no-rust aluminum, if I'm not mistaken), and look similar to
> the original. They replace the 3 vertical sides (where the poptop
> meets the side of the bus).
> 

SAVE $15 (at least)

As I've posted before, I have a cheaper solution, the exact same seal
offered by WCM, Whitney, VW Canvas, and what I'm sure Ron is offering 
is available by the foot from McMaster-Carr Supply company.  The price
is $1.32 the foot for under 250 feet but goes down above 250 feet.  A
vanagon uses about 32 feet, say 34 for safety, a Bus a bit less.  That
puts us at $45 FOR THE ENTIRE VAN if you want to order it today (well
during business hours) yourself or about $40 FOR THE ENTIRE VAN (after
I had to pay individual shipping) if we bulk order.  If you want to
save yourself $15 and order right now just call McMaster-Carr at
(908)329-3200 and order part number 1120A23 with bulb position "A". 
Their description (sometimes they ask) is Vinyl Protective Trim with
Sponge Rubber Seal, and the bulb position "A" determines which side
the bulb is on relative to the clip position and water seal.  Go out
and measure and order exactly what you need for your particular van,
I'd imagine a Bus will be under 30 feet so $40 (but its too cold for
me to go look at the '78) McMaster-Carr is open during normal east
coast business hours and takes all major credit cards, and that price
is shipped (and although they ship UPS ground, stuff from them never
takes over 2-3 days anywhere in the US they got some kind of deal with
UPS).

Now although Whitney supplies the same stuff for the part between
pop-top and luggage rack I'd re-use the part on the van (as Ron
suggests) for between the pieces as its clips do not rust and it will
be OK plus this stuff does not fit well there.  WCM does supply a glue
on piece for this in their kit, if you need that piece (wide 1.5"
flanged lip seal) I'm afraid you better belt out the $70 or whatever
WCM wants for the set although their profit must be at least 100%.
Anyway this is the vinyl edged sponge rubber bulbed aluminum clipped,
EXACTLY as WCM provides, stuff I'm talking for  $45 total for a
vanagon.  I've ordered the WCM kit for the '77 and this stuff is
already on the '81 and the mmaterial is IDENTICAL.  Go get it.

Oh one final alternative as of late last year VW Canada still sold the
Bus and Vanagon OEM molded seals for like $350-$500, I'm actually
going to order one if they are still available for the '77 for
autenticity and collector (ooh I hate that word) purposes.

One more thing, for the front piece Whitney sells a possiblility,
steel clipped and $29 for 25 feet, is a 13/16" flap lip seal on an
edge like the WCM stuff, part number 81FA2914B, in my 593C catalog,
looks to me like it might work well, but I can not vouch for it, if
someone would order, it would do about 4 buses for the pop-top to
luggage rack seal if it worked out.

John Anderson
vwbus@netbiz.net
saving you money