Glass seals and Chrome trim

tcflame · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 2:30 pm Post subject: Glass seals and Chrome trim

Ok. So at this point i've walked away. I'm working on glass install, all 4, with new american style seals and chrome trim.
be it known this is my first time with glass install so maybe i need some tips.
I'm working with JBugs seals (maybe this is my problem) and chrome. i laid the seals in the sun for a little while to soften up. starting with a 1/4 glass i installed the rubber. then started laying in the chrome which is tough but using silicone helps. now it is a round and round fight to, 1-keep the seal on the glass and 2-keep the chrome in the rubber. over an hour on one glass fighting my way around the stupid thing. I'm very frustrated now so its all sitting in the garage.
Have i wasted money buying these seals from JBugs? this is my first bug and after more research i've learned to rely more on WW. My interior was bought through SewFine but i got these seals way back before i knew better.

Any thoughts or hints???
Thanks,
Tommy

grandpa pete · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 2:37 pm Post subject:

Tape it on as you go ; once the seal and chrome are on the glass tie string around everything....go to pg24 half way down of my build thread for photos and explanation of the rest
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=569619&highlight=sedan+delivery

buguy · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 4:04 pm Post subject:

Bring it down to the Daytona flee market show this weekend. Someone will help you out.

tcflame · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 5:31 pm Post subject:

unfortunately, it is on stands with the engine out at the moment aside that i work on the weekends. but it is a good idea.
i will say that i saw a well assembled glass/seal/trim on this thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=616922&highlight=quarter+glass

those were west coast metric seals. Chris Vallone uses wcm seals also.
when i finally got this one side assembled, its a fricking joke. i have the seal duct taped to the glass on both sides and the trim taped over also. otherwise the trim pops out at the front edge and the damn seal acts like its too big and bulges off the glass with out the tape. if no tape the seal would almost fall off! i would have thought the seal would have to be stretched over the glass real tight? i think these jbug seals are part of the problem. they just fit badly.

bluebus86 · Banned Joined: September 02, 2010 Posts: 11075

I have found seals made by West Coast metric to be the finest I have seen. I have some I installed a quarter century ago (wing window seals on my 61 bug). 100,000 + miles later, parked in sun much of the time, and them seals are as soft, black and pliable as day installed. (they lived a rough life of California sun, industrial fall out (parked next to taxi way and runaway at busy naval air station for a dozen years at work, this car was no garage queen).

West Coast Metric uses an extremely long lasting rubber formulation, EDPM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) as near a life time seal as possible.

I would look into West Coast Metric as my first choice. Ask for EPDM rubber for the best. Quarter century and still as good as new. The wing window have no leaks, nor make whistle noise at high speed to this day. Amazing. Laughing

Ps back to the runway at work, I had to cross a taxiway once and a while, not a real busy one, so it only had a stop sign for me, and a big sign saying " Yield to Aircraft" (duh) anyway I yielded to a jet one day and after it cleared the intersection, proceeded across after looking both ways and about half way in the middle of the taxi way my car lurches quickly to the right and a my face is hit by the blast of the jet thur the lowered window, yum yum that kerosene taste.

After that I learned to wait a very long time at the stop sign after the aircraft passed, specially the jets!!! I still think to this day I heard the jet rev up a tad as I passed behind. Funny pilot.
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tcflame · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 12:30 am Post subject:

i think i mentioned that this is the first time im ever trying this. let me ask a question as im starting with a quarter glass - when putting the glass in the opening, sould i be laying the bottom lip of the seal over the the metal it is supposed to be over and then stringing it OR should i just be holding it in the opening like a cork to a bottle as evenly as possible and then start stringing it?because my problem was also getting the lip over the body(im a bit lost for words but i think i made the point)?

grandpa pete · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 6:52 am Post subject:

Hold the glass flat in the opening and let the pulled string get the rubber over the bottom lip .Side glass is a two person job .
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63 two fold rag
66 sedan delivery Type 6

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=569619&highlight=sedan+delivery

panicman · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 8:46 am Post subject:

tcflame · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 9:10 am Post subject:

OKAY!!!

That was my first mistake. I laid the bottom part of the seal OVER the body first....... Duh.
Ok. Thanks guys! I'll try it this afternoon and report back!!!!!!

carcrazed · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 9:58 am Post subject:

LOTS of soapy water sprayed into the groove is a necessity! I have heard people use pledge which is an option. Keep that seal lubed up when pulling that string along an inch at a time with a helper pushing on the outside where you are pulling. I broke 2 windshields years ago on my '65, BUT was more patient (and older) this time a few months ago installing windows on my '61. I took my time, used a thin clothes line type rope and LOTS of soapy water. All of them were done within an hour and no broken glass. take your time. If something starts to get REALLY tight and the rope won't pull around with effort, back up and start over. It will go with a little patience.
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tcflame · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 6:18 am Post subject:

HAS ANYONE USED JBUG GLASS SEALS SUCCESSFULLY?

Thats my question?

HAS ANYONE USED JBUG GLASS SEALS SUCCESSFULLY?

I'm not worried about cracking a windshield yet when I can't even get in the first 1/4 glass.....

Omg, for days i'm trying to get JUST ONE glass in this car! It's Not happening!
after looking at this thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=616922&highlight=quarter+glass

what he has, compared the the hot mess im looking at here - not even close. These seals, of which i'm only on the first of 4 (still) don't fit like that. working on the r/s 1/4 glass first i got the rubber on the glass. after its on it try's rolling off. so i get it to a point where it seems ok and then try to install the chrome and thats just like going in circles chasing it back in the groove and once i do get it in, it doesn't stay in. it pops the coupler off and jumps out down to the corners. so i get it close and now i have the chrome duct taped into the seal completely. but after the chrome is in, it distorts the seal and pulls/pushes the seal off exposing the edge of the glass like the seal is oversized now.
so, now not only is the chrome duct taped into the seal the seal is duct taped to the glass. as stupid as this seams and looks, it will not stay together any other way. i tried tying it with the string like Pete used on the windshield but that wasn't even close.
This seams like it is WAY OUT OF LINE to do where others have said they've done an entire car in under an hour. but never having done this type work i've nothing to compare to. This assembly wont even go into the opening without pounding the corners and even then it doesn't seat into the hole. it is always out 1/2" to 3/4" somewhere. I've tried trimmer string of .065, .095 and masons line and none of it stays in the seal either.

I really feel that the issues are because of inferior product but it would be nice to hear someone else say "Yea, I tried Cip1 or WW or Jbugs or whatever and had a lot of difficulty too"
on the other hand, I do hear a lot of people say that WCM is the finest they've used but I hate throwing money down the toilet. However, If these wont work I don't need a heart attack trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
Has anyone actually had to toss seals for this reason?

Side note: just so I've said this incase anyone is ready to tell me maybe I shouldn't be trying this type of work , i'm quite capable. I've been maintaining my own vehicles for 35 years. with the CORRECT tools, PART'S and directions i have no doubt about attempting any repair, automotive or otherwise so thanks for not throwing gas on the fire of someone that is extremely frustrated at the moment. it's much appreciated.

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vwnut1 · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 7:37 am Post subject:

I feel your frustration after installing the windows recently on my project. I originally purchased German window seals from JBugs but ended up exchanging them (too hard) for West Coast Metric (WCM) window rubber. It made the job MUCH easier becasue the rubber is softer and easier to work with.
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rusty60 · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 8:17 am Post subject:

Yes, I used J bugs rubber, yes it was a pain as a first timer, took several tries, used a little silicone spray then getting it set right is the key. I was 3/4 into and didn't seem right, walked away, removed and reset then went back at it. string is key and the ratchet strap. Its doable solo, but a second set of hands and eyes cant hurt

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tcflame · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 8:22 am Post subject:

tcflame · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 8:24 am Post subject:

rusty60 · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 8:42 am Post subject:

yea, Did them all, started with the rear, then to the sides and the coup de graw was the front window rear was easiest, sides its almost mandatory to have second set of hands, watch some videos, the slapping helps a bit, silicone on the metal your trying to snug window in. take it slow, step by step inch by inch. or MM by MM Smile

Todd66 · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 11:00 am Post subject:

I've done 3 bugs with JBugs window rubber. All with the chrome inserst. The chrome was factory, but that shouldn't be your issue. I only had an issue with one windshield (it cracked) and I am pretty sure that was my fault. I actually used window cleaner concentrate for lubrication. Good luck!

Tony S. · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 11:08 am Post subject:

I tried using JBugs rubber and had no luck. I must have tried the rear window 15 times with and without a helper. I ordered West Coast Metric seals and the rear and side glass went in on the first try working by myself. I had a helper on the outside of the windshield and it went in the first try like butter.

planenut · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 2:41 pm Post subject:

After all the research about installing glass, I talked to my local VW shop. I told them about so much broken glass, and they told me how. I had someone keep pressure on the glass, and I started the windshield at the lower right corner, came across the bottom, up the left side and over the top and back down. Now I'm not saying that's the best way, but it worked well for me. They said that they also broke windows trying to start in the bottom middle, and work up both sides. They don't use that procedure anymore, and haven't broken any more glass. Hope it all works well for you. I was extremely antsy also, but was well relieved when we finished.

tcflame · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 4:37 pm Post subject:


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