TheSamba.com :: View topic - reinstalling windows with american style window trim

Sat Mar 06, 2004 6:25 pm

Ok -
69' ghia.
removed front & rear windows and chrome trim
installed headliner, (look pretty good so far )
now, I am trying to install my windows

I have new rubber ( wcm ) and and attempting to use my old moldings. I had to pull the trim out because the window seals were caked to it. The window moldings got sort of "rolled" in the process.
This is driving me crazy! And NO I won't concede and use Cal-look ( yet ). I tried to put the window on first and then put the molding on but the moldings need to be bent adjusted too much to fit.
I tried putting the moldings on with the window OUT but still not easier.
My moldings are in fine condition -- they just don't have the proper contour since I removed them.
Please help me! What are the tricks? Can I just ...sigh.. buy new moldings that will fit more easiliy? I am hestitant to call a glass place because I am guessing they will not want to deal with it, plus the car has no engine right now. Off to search shoptalks and more samba for answers. If __anyone__ is in my area and can help me I will provide months worth of beer I AM AT MY WITS END
thanks for the bandwidth

Sat Mar 06, 2004 7:47 pm

Yes, the bright trim moldings are soft and pliable.
You need to pre-bend them to fit the contours of the glass.
Wrap the glass with the rubber weatherseals first, insert bright trim into the rubber weather seals, and then install the complete unit on the car.
Be patient, take your time and work with a gentle touch.
Buying new trims will not make the job any easier.

Vince
http://www.karmann-ghias.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rust never sleeps. - Neil Young

Sun Mar 07, 2004 6:29 am

oh master, how can I learn patience more quickly...

Sun Mar 07, 2004 8:18 am

Mon Mar 08, 2004 10:28 am

I feel your pain. I unfortunatly was overcome and bowed out, installing cal-look rubber. I'm keeping my trim for "next time".

I tried it, I tried it with help. 3 different glass places tried it. I tried it again. I used the rope trick, soaped the rubber to make it slippery, put the rubber in hot water.... I could get three sides in but not the forth. I returned seals and bought the cal-look type and popped the glass in, about half an hour. I hear there is a higher quality seal now with blocked corners. I wonder if it may install easier.

Mon Mar 08, 2004 10:56 am

I have a possible method for dealing with this, I will be sure to post it if it works.
I budgeted 4hrs to reinstall the windows. Oh boy was I wrong, this is why projects get stalled, abandonded and sold. 4hrs would have been plenty of time for cal-look rubber.
I was walking home this morning ( don't ask ) and I saw a late 80's volvo which had a very similiar looking trim in the front window. I figured that it would be installed right so I strolled up to it to take a look at the corners. Two of the corners had 1/3" gaps! I took a deep breath and resolved not to think about windows, rubber, and moldings for the rest of the day. :^o

Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:02 pm

sorry to bump this post.. again .. but

I found someone to give installing the front and rear windows....
Well, he managed to get the back in ( sort of ) the aluminum trim is still out in some places.
He told me that the window seals were not wide enough, did not have enough of a pocket etc. He didn't do the front because my trim was not in good enough shape. I had heard that a better fitting rubber molding was going to be avaible, is it?
Also, is there anywhere that one can find NOS window rubber?
I haven't given up yet....
thanks