Windshield Seals for C Molding

FL-Frank · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2017 3:34 pm Post subject: Windshield Seals for C Molding

I'd like to add the front and rear windscreen moldings to my 64 Coupe, and see that Airhead Parts offers the C profile seals on their website.

I've heard stories about how difficult it is to install the moldings because the seals avilable in the marketplace are not quite right.

Any input on the Airhead Parts seals' quality and fit much appreciated.

Thanks!
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“Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD

PeteSC · Samba Member Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 881

I used the West Coast Metric C-Channel seal on my windshield. It's a very nice product.

FL-Frank

PeteSC · Samba Member Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 881

Fits great. If you have the right tools installation is not that bad. I put seal on windshield and installed in car, then put the c-channel in. I could not get the channel in the seal with it out of the car; no amount of tape would hold the seal on the glass while pushing the channel in, since you're essentially pushing away from the glass edge. I used a windshield rope tool bought off Amazon and roped the channel in. Silicone spray in the seal channel groove helps a lot. As you install the channel press it firmly down into the seal so the top edge of the seal "snaps" over the top edge of the channel to hold it in place...this is very important at the corners....if not secured there the channel will work itself out of the seal as you work your way around. I also have a dental pick nearby to help get that top edge over the channel where needed. Some gentle taps on the channel with a rubber mallet also helps get it down in the seal in any stubborn areas.

kiwighia68

Installation with the Airhead (KGP&R) rubber shouldn't be a problem if you have the original glass. (Some glass and windscreen apertures sizes differ from year to year in our Ghias.)

The rubber goes on the glass first. Then the moldings, including the clips that cover the gaps in the centre where the two moldings (per windscreen) meet.

Install the rope in the groove in the rubber - as shown in many prior posts. Apply a liberal mix of kitchen washing up liquid and water to the inside parts of the rubber where it will be in contact with the metal of the channels.

It's a two-person job from there. The one on the outside presses the glass and rubber down in step with the removal of the rope on the inside. One hand holding the glass down on the opposite side of the work area.

Five minute job per windscreen each of the 3 times I participated.
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Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015

FL-Frank

Thanks guys, now....who has spare clips they can part with? I have an original set of moldings ready to be rechromed, but no clips Crying or Very sad

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“Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD

Era Vulgaris

Are you talking about the windshield seals from KGPR/Airhead with the SQ suffix in the part number, that they manufacture themselves?

I've got them on my car installed by the previous owner, although '67 is the T channel version. They leak and don't fit right. There were large gaps between the seal and the body in each corner. I had to run a bead of clear windshield silicone caulk around both sides of the seal to make them water tight. They leaked from the body side of the seal and from the windshield side as well.
I plan to track down some real German-made seals to replace them after I finish all the other little projects on my car.
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Currently own:
66 Karmann Ghia, L390 Gulf Blue, under construction, here: www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760505&highlight=
99 Mazda MX-5 10AE, Sapphire Blue Mica, 6 speed, LSD

Previously owned:
98 Porsche Boxster, silver, 2.5L -- 67 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1500sp -- 98 BMW Z3, Atlanta Blue Metallic, 2.8L I6 -- 75 Porsche 914, Laguna Blue, 2270cc -- 72 Porsche 914, Signal Orange, 1.7 FI -- 74 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1600dp -- 74 Triumph TR6 with O.D., sapphire blue