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Sat May 11, 2002 10:29 am

Many bugs for sale on this site show cars with new window rubber, but most are missing the chrome strip (I think it's called the "key") that runs through the middle of the rubber seal. I only see the chrome on cars that are original or perfectly restored. I have removed this from my car's window before to replace the windshield or back window and it is next to impossible to get it back in the rubber seal. What's the deal here? Does the seal work as well without this metal strip? Does the car need it to be truly original? Can one buy this metal strip anywhere and put it in if the car is missing it? See site below to see what I'm talking about:
Car with metal strip in back window: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/classifieds.php?photo+200204240650079516

Car without metal strip in back window:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/classifieds.php?photo+200205110901474712

Thanks!!

Sat May 11, 2002 3:51 pm

Well they make rubber without a slot to put the strip and it works fine. In fact not all cars had the window trim. up to 52 splits didnt have it and neither did non-US market standard Beetles, nor did 71-75 non Super Beetles.
It is difficult to get it back in, some people just buy the non chrome strip rubber for this reason and some think it looks cleaner than with the chrome. If your car is an early model or if you are doing it stock I think it looks good. I am going to put the chrome strip on my '59 once I get to that point.
When you buy new window rubber I think you specify wheather or not you want it with the chrome, if you do I think it comes with it. It should.

Sat May 11, 2002 3:57 pm

wolfsburgwest has the rubber for the trim, they also have the trim brand new if you need that as well, it is not that hard to install and makes a huge difference in appearance as far as i am concerned.

Fri May 24, 2002 9:43 pm

i agree that chrome trim can make a car. last time i tried installing trim in slotted rubber the chrome strip ended up looking like a pretzel. it may be easy to install for someone with six hands and perfect luck but are there any tips you old guys can give us?

Fri Jun 07, 2002 5:35 pm

Ask three friends for help. Then you will have eight hands and six ears to listen to you complain about how much it sucks to rope glass into place. If you pull the headliner out of place during the process, you will also have three other minds to help you think of new cuss words.

Use talcum powder on the rubber when you put it in. Keep the powder off your mohair headliner if you have an early car.

Wed Jun 12, 2002 9:12 pm

nobody's complainin' brother. i guess you old guys just get grouchy when you don't get your geritol.