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FL-Frank Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2015 Posts: 823 Location: Jupiter, Florida
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Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2017 3:34 pm Post subject: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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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! _________________ “Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD |
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PeteSC Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 881
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Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2017 5:40 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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I used the West Coast Metric C-Channel seal on my windshield. It's a very nice product. |
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FL-Frank Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2015 Posts: 823 Location: Jupiter, Florida
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Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 3:05 am Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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PeteSC wrote: |
I used the West Coast Metric C-Channel seal on my windshield. It's a very nice product. |
Thanks Pete. How's the fit? Any installation issues? _________________ “Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD |
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PeteSC Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 881
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Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 6:49 am Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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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. |
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kiwighia68 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013 Posts: 2874 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 11:34 am Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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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. _________________ Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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FL-Frank Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2015 Posts: 823 Location: Jupiter, Florida
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Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 2:16 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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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 _________________ “Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD |
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Era Vulgaris Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2012 Posts: 1677 Location: Raleigh, NC
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Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:45 am Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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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. _________________ 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 |
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FL-Frank Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2015 Posts: 823 Location: Jupiter, Florida
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Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 9:45 am Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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Era Vulgaris wrote: |
Are you talking about the windshield seals from KGPR/Airhead with the SQ suffix in the part number, that they manufacture themselves?. |
Yes, however, it sounds like the seals fro West Coast Metric may be better? _________________ “Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD |
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PeteSC Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 881
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Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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The WCM seals are great. |
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FL-Frank Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2015 Posts: 823 Location: Jupiter, Florida
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 12:58 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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PeteSC wrote: |
The WCM seals are great. |
Thanks Pete, I ordered a set today.
BTW, I nearly choked when my local plater quoted me $300 per piece to rechrome the four trim pieces! _________________ “Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD |
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kiwighia68 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013 Posts: 2874 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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FL-Frank wrote: |
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 :cry: |
Good quality here from Germany:
https://www.vintagecarparts.de/artikel.php?set_sho...artnr=ZT2T _________________ Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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FL-Frank Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2015 Posts: 823 Location: Jupiter, Florida
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:00 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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Thanks! Do you know if this is for the C molding? It says "T" _________________ “Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD |
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c21darrel Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2009 Posts: 8211 Location: San Dimas
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FL-Frank Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2015 Posts: 823 Location: Jupiter, Florida
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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c21darrel wrote: |
Yes, those are not what you need. |
However, they do have the C channel clips too I just ordered 4 of them. _________________ “Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD |
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kiwighia68 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013 Posts: 2874 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:55 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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FL-Frank wrote: |
c21darrel wrote: |
Yes, those are not what you need. |
However, they do have the C channel clips too :D I just ordered 4 of them. |
Sorry about that: They have both C and T. And heaps of NOS and other things you won't see anywhere else. Most reliable business too. _________________ Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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FL-Frank Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2015 Posts: 823 Location: Jupiter, Florida
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 4:05 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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kiwighia68 wrote: |
FL-Frank wrote: |
c21darrel wrote: |
Yes, those are not what you need. |
However, they do have the C channel clips too I just ordered 4 of them. |
Sorry about that: They have both C and T. And heaps of NOS and other things you won't see anywhere else. Most reliable business too. |
Thank you very much Kiwi! The offerings on their website are most impressive! BTW, I had the opportunity to visit your country years ago...what a beautiful place, full of wonderful people! I'm one of the Yanks that was all set to bungee into a river gorge, but chickened out when I got to the end of the platform and looked down _________________ “Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD |
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kiwighia68 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013 Posts: 2874 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 4:46 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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FL-Frank wrote: |
kiwighia68 wrote: |
FL-Frank wrote: |
c21darrel wrote: |
Yes, those are not what you need. |
However, they do have the C channel clips too :D I just ordered 4 of them. |
Sorry about that: They have both C and T. And heaps of NOS and other things you won't see anywhere else. Most reliable business too. |
Thank you very much Kiwi! The offerings on their website are most impressive! BTW, I had the opportunity to visit your country years ago...what a beautiful place, full of wonderful people! I'm one of the Yanks that was all set to bungee into a river gorge, but chickened out when I got to the end of the platform and looked down :lol: |
Yes, I did a slow dive off that platform - and don't remember anything after that until they hauled me into a boat down below. The next day a tourist from the UK came off the rope at the top of the first rebound and broke a few ribs and nearly drowned. They were not equipped with fast boats to rush downstream to rescue jumpers. Still safer than crossing the road, they say. _________________ Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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Andre@KGPR/Airhead Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2011 Posts: 228 Location: Ventura CA
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 5:06 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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Era Vulgaris wrote: |
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. |
There's DEFINITELY something else going on here. When did the P.O. purchase SQ seals? We haven't had our own USA made version very long. Is your glass original to the car and the correct size? Do you have an invoice number from the previous owner that states when (and where) he bought the seal in your car?
We worked directly with the manufacturer to get them exactly to spec. Your experience doesn't match up with anything I've heard anywhere else, from anyone, and I'd like to get to the bottom of it. |
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kiwighia68 Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2013 Posts: 2874 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 6:14 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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Andre@KGPR/Airhead wrote: |
Era Vulgaris wrote: |
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. |
There's DEFINITELY something else going on here...Your experience doesn't match up with anything I've heard anywhere else, from anyone, and I'd like to get to the bottom of it. |
I had the original glass and KGP&R rubbers (the more expensive molded ones) and they fit perfectly André. And there are no leaks. _________________ Festina lente - hasten slowly
1968 Ghia named Emiko
Resto completed Dec 2015 |
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Andre@KGPR/Airhead Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2011 Posts: 228 Location: Ventura CA
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Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 1:14 pm Post subject: Re: Windshield Seals for C Molding |
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kiwighia68 wrote: |
I had the original glass and KGP&R rubbers (the more expensive molded ones) and they fit perfectly André. And there are no leaks. |
Thank you, I appreciate your input.
I went and talked to our product manager (Dave). He recently sent back a whole crate of late windshield glass, as it does not fit-- it's too small. An employee here (Jason) fitted one to his car at about the same time we got a call from a customer that was having issues. Dave went and measure what we had in stock, and everything we received in our last shipment was too small. They all measured under 17".
We won't sell these and will remain out-of-stock on late windshield glass until either the problem is corrected, or we find a different supplier. FYI-- just about everyone is carrying this same windshield glass, and previous batches have indeed been the right size. No idea when they went small or how many are out there. MEASURE YOURS BEFORE INSTALLING.
If you are using an earlier Pilkington repro or an original windshield, you're good to go. |
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