Windshield Seal - Always Replace, or... ?

[childofthewind]

Is it advised, when getting a windshield replacement, to also replace the seal, even if the glass place says it doesn't need to be replaced? I've read conflicting things about this (as in, you should ALWAYS replace the seal in conjunction with the new glass).

Much appreciated!
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1987.5 wolfsburg hardtop; 2.1

“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote." - Melville

[Alaskaberrys]

I haven't replaced my windshield yet so haven't much advise on how well the rubber stands up to uninstalling and reinstalling - but - is it original? If so, it's 30 years old give or take a month or two, how long much longer will it keep the wet out? And will you know if it isn't?

Mark (of the rust paranoia....)
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'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...)

[childofthewind]

It's not original, it was replaced around 6 years ago and still looks good.
_________________
1987.5 wolfsburg hardtop; 2.1

“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote." - Melville

[Jeffrey Lee]

Rubber components like window seals can take a 'set,' assuming a unique shape to suit the variables of their particular installation. No two installations end up precisely the same, so when re-used with a new piece of glass your used window seal may have tight spots (and worse) gaps, causing water leaks.

Better to spend the extra few dollars and use a new seal when installing new glass.

Good luck!
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Camp Westfalia
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[Alaskaberrys]

Just popped up in the classifieds...

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2128310

Not German but new.
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'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...)

[Wildthings]

When I replaced the OEM German seal in my '74 it was 16 years old, hard as a rock, and badly cracked. The American made seal it got replaced with is now 29 years old and quite soft still. I doubt that I will ever put the '74 back on the road, but I might risk rerunning the seal if I did, I could always use some polyurethane to seal it if need be, had to do that with brand new seals at times anyway. What I am saying is that replacing the seal is a judgement call, does the old one have a reasonable amount of life remaining and is the new one made from quality materials so it won't die an early death? In the old days, at least, German made was not a sign of quality when it came to rubber products.

[davevickery]

I don't know what the right answer is but I usually reuse them and normally go with whatever the glass place says.

[childofthewind]

Yep - lesson learned... always replace the seal while you're doing the windshield - even if it looks good!!
_________________
1987.5 wolfsburg hardtop; 2.1

“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote." - Melville

[davevickery]

Why, what happened, did it leak?

[childofthewind]

[childofthewind]

[Ahwahnee]

All I can say is results vary.

I have long ago lost count how many windshields I have had in the past 30 years but the seal is the original, still pliable, still looks good and still seals.

The van has enjoyed indoor parking its whole life which probably helps... plus the original German seal may be superior to replacements offered through the years.

[childofthewind]