Door Seals

[veedubbed314]

This may belong in the stupid question section, but I have a 68 that I am just getting started on the resto of, and I really want to get the door seals replaced since the car sits outside mostly for now.

My question is, are all door seals the same? Or are the ones from WW better than the rest, or is there another company that have better door seals that are better?

I want to buy full door reseal kits with the windows felt and scrapers as well as door seals.

Ive been out of the aircooled game for over 20 years, but its so good to be back!! Ive got some catching up to do!

[baldessariclan]

I got the “German” door seals from WW about a decade ago, and think that they are of excellent quality. They have held up well through the years, without any discernible distortion or hardening so far — I like them very much!

Some people prefer the “Brazilian” seals however, as they reportedly tend to allow the doors to close a bit easier initially. Not sure how well they hold up over time though — may harden and crack after a few years (?).
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1971 Standard Beetle — fairly stock / driver

baldessariclan -- often in error, never in doubt...

[jeffrey8164]

I used West Coast Metric for all the rubbers on my Ghia.
They were installed in 1994 and are still in great shape today.
The only issues I’ve had are with the door wedges which crumbled about a year ago and the trunk seal which is showing signs of dry cracking in the corners.
Not bad for 30 years though.
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Volkswagen!
Turning owners into mechanics since 1938.

“Let he that is without oil throw the first rod”
(Compression 8.7:1)

[Cusser]

[OldSchoolVW's]

[veedubbed314]

I just ordered the WCW "german" door rubber. I didnt do the full kit, just the main seals on the outside of the door. Ill have to do the rest of the window stuff later. I really just need to make sure the door seal now, the windows seal OK for now.

Thank you everyone for the input!

[Chinaclipper]

WCM and WW both have, I think, good rubber seals, altho I have found there is still a significant "break in" period they don't tell you about when you install the door seals.
It takes about a week or longer to "break 'em in"; until then you will find doors have to be "firmly" shut until they do.
Hehehe first time I replaced the seals I thought I had bought the wrong ones, but then, sure enuff, they "broke in" and now they're like butta'
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China Clippers Official 1971 Super Beetle Project!
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=728089&highlight=

[bomberbob]

There is a difference between the german seals, and the Brazil variety. I should have taken photos of the cross sections before I did my doors.
German seals are solid, and have more seal material in them. I tried to install new German seals, seals prevented the doors from shutting. I even tried taking a razor and cutting them up to remove material (ruining them) to get the door to shut. I finally gave up and ordered the cheaper Brazilian seals. They appeared to be hollow, where the German seals were solid. Put the Brazil seals in, door shuts fine. Possibly later when I have time I will circle around and attack this again, but for now I am running these cheaper squishy seals.
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1968 Beetle torn apart again
1990 Jetta GLI megasquirted, burning E85 (currently in storage)
2004 Jetta turbo GLI
Marion, Iowa

[talljordan]

Bob that is interesting to hear. Where did you order your brazilian seals from? I have been SUFFERING with my german seals. Can not get the doors to close unless I SLAM them.
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1972 Super Beetle, Parked until adequate restoration funding is acquired in restoration!

Wanted: Male computer diagnostic plug end

[Chinaclipper]

[veedubbed314]

This is all good to hear. My seals now are so bad the door has about 1/4 or more of play when closed! The seals are just mashed and rotten. Since I live in the southeast, humidity and moisture can be an issue, so I want to keep the interior as dry as possible for as long as possible. I already got the seals from WCW, just need to install them. I got some silicon spray and a plastic putty knife to help make the job easier(hopefully).

[talljordan]

Chia.

It's been 3 months, I even trimmed away at the edges of the seals. The issue persists.

It's time for me to try different seals.
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1972 Super Beetle, Parked until adequate restoration funding is acquired in restoration!

Wanted: Male computer diagnostic plug end

[bomberbob]

I don't want to point anybody at a particular supplier, but I got mine at J Bugs. Brazilian seal for left door is $16.96, German seal is 48.41. So you get what you pay for.
Description of the seal on their website says "This is the best Brazilian seal available, but does not offer the same quality or lifetime warranty that you get with the German seal. This seal is recommended for short term use."
All I can say is I fought with the German seal for hours, even going so far as to start cutting seal out to try and get the door to close without slamming it hard. I gave up. The forum experts will say the door needed aligned, possibly so.
Prices are as of right now, when the tariffs kick in prices will probably go up. Get em while they are hot.
_________________
1968 Beetle torn apart again
1990 Jetta GLI megasquirted, burning E85 (currently in storage)
2004 Jetta turbo GLI
Marion, Iowa