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Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:34 pm

have been attemting to repce the front window in my 1969 bay, but still can't get it to sit or seal. Have done the 3/8 rope in the seal grove, more dish soap in the sill area, but still no joy ( no pun intended). Any ideas out there?

Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:35 pm

get a second person.

Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:41 pm

take it to a professional.

that way when it cracks it's not your fault.

Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:04 pm

did you buy a new seal from OeVeeDub or are you trying to use the old one?

It is easier with two people and two thin ropes. We use 1/8 inch. Seal goes on the glass using a white stick. Ask the glass shop you bought the glass from for one. One rope around each side, pull top an inch or two then bottom an inch or two. Then other side of top then other side of bottom, putting the center of the window in and working outwards. It is always a crap shoot. First one we did this year went in fine. I slapped it one last slap to say good job, hit a bubble and it cracked. It cost me for a 2nd windshield which we put in Ok. End result was it would have cost me the same had I paid them to install the first one.

Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:26 pm

Search Samba for "windshield install" - there are some really good descriptions. read them all - you'll get all the angles. I learned a lot from this, too:
http://www.vw-resource.com/windows.html
I just did mine using some nylon cord about 3/32" dia (I think 3/8 is way too big) a single piece wrapped around the bottom and overlapping ends on the top (finishing on the bottom, but my dashboard was out). The headliner overlap seemed to give me trouble finishing on the top. You'll need help, BTW, and I wouldn't attempt it unless you're the patient methodical type - you will probably not get it on the first or second try. I lubed up the outside of the weatherstrip and was careful to CENTER the windshield in the frame and press in as far as possible. I applied even pressure on the outside opposite of my son pulling the lip over the frame and we worked along each side about 6" at a time. we had to keep an eye on the bottom, it kept pushing out, so I had to keep pressing it back in. Open hand pushes, right at the edge - we took it slow, had to restart a couple of times. Didn't seem like it would fit - but it did in the end.

Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:52 pm

i did ALL my windows recently, and finished with the windshield cause i knew it was trickiest and so i got lots of practice first. i used weedeater line in the groove, worked great. Silicone spray is the stuff to get, spray liberally on seal and sill. absolutely center the windshield and press in as evenly as you can- too much force on one side and not the other will break it, ask me how i know. if it isnt as centered as you want it, stop, pull out, try again till youre satisfied. another good tool is a pick with a hook on one end, helps to grab the seal groove in the event that the cord doesnt pull the groove over the sill. stop immediately and use the pick to dig the groove over until the cord is useful again. wrap the cord around inside the groove 2x around the window, first time around should do the trick, and second time around for safety/make it seat fully. after one time around, go out and push in a little all around.

go slow, be careful, you can do it alone. =)

Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:59 pm

onion456 wrote: Silicone spray is the stuff to get, spray liberally on seal and sill.

I'll never use soapy water again after using silicone spray. Love the stuff!

Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:22 am

Just did my first one a couple of weeks ago helping wakka420 put his in. We used a thin cord (the kind you use for laying out concrete forms). Wraped it around the seal twice and it went right in. We did find that it was easier with three people though.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:43 pm

I used the form string, too - I think it's called builders twine. It's up there with duct tape and coathangers as a toolbox helper. (even makes good temporary throttle cable, heh, heh) Synthetic, not cotton. Wish I'd known about the twice around trick!!! I've read that if you use weed eater string, you have to use the smooth round stuff, not the line with the ridges. All mine was ridged, so I went with the builder's twine.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:10 pm

window shop here that does it for a living recommends Wd-40 rather than silicone or soapy water as it evaporates and leaves a wax residue only.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:28 pm

I used some "tire shine" stuff. It was pretty slippery and didnt mess up the seal. Said it was green with no residue or something. Anyways, The window went in great and i can say that after a few rains it does not leak. Minstrel is right, 3 people works best. Just wear gloves because your hand will get a beating.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:36 pm

Thanks for all the help on the window install. Yes I have the seal from OeVeeDub, and tonight I will try the contractors twine. If that dosen't work out, I have contacted a local glass company.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 4:07 pm

SGKent wrote: window shop here that does it for a living recommends Wd-40 rather than silicone or soapy water as it evaporates and leaves a wax residue only.

Really? That's interesting. I guess it is a water dispenser and provides extra corrosion protection too!

Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:11 pm

yes - I recently read an article on WD-40 as the main promoter / inventor died. It was made to spray the inside of missles during the space race to keep corrosion away without having secondary corrosive effects. When the glass shop told me I kind of wondered about it but the article on its history confirmed that it is designed just to leave a lite wax film.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:43 pm

ye'all fergot the most important thing--a pair of safety glasses!!

Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:50 pm

morymob wrote: ye'all fergot the most important thing--a pair of safety glasses!!
Good Catch!!!

Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:29 am

Shampoo makes an excellent rubber lube. Don't use your wife's $45 a bottle stuff. Get some for a $1 buck at the dollar store.

Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:35 am

Windex, some small rope and a friend worked fine for me :lol:

Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:39 am

Silicone spray and cotton sash cord always works for me.

Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:17 am

I tried the two person thing to install the windshield....NAAAAAAAAA!

After two attempts and ruing a seal I called a glass company it only cost me 70 dollars. It took him about 10 min to install it. What is nice about having a glass company do it if they brake it they have to replace it.