Window Seals/Felts, Power Windows, Vent Windows, and Tint Strip

[jyl]

It is high time to replace the window rubbers and felts on the '88 Vanagon. While I'm at it, I'd like to install a power window kit, tighten up the wing vent window hinges so they stay open, and strip off the window tint film.

Any tips on all this?

Specifically I'm wondering:
- I've never ever removed glass from a vehicle. Would you recommend buying the rubbers (from where? the stuff is spendy!) and bringing it to an auto glass place to do?
- Is the GoWesty power window kit okay? The van has power mirrors (which don't work) if that matters. I read something about factory harnesses . . . ?
- Vent window tightening - seems irritating but simple?
- To remove tint film, do you like steaming, heat gun, or chemicals?
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1988 Westy, Bostig v2.0

[VicVan]

If you want to save some coin, just change the bottom scrapers (two outers, two inners). Unless the others are really shot and you hear whistling on the highway, I would leave them be.

For the power mirrors, first check the wires inside the rubber boots at the door jambs. Most likely broken wire(s) there.
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'90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH)

[16CVs]

I can sell you a proper set of power window regulators with wiring and switches, I would avoid those Add on units. There are clunky and slow. For not a lot more money you can an OE set up

As far as removing tint, glass cleaner and a bunch of fresh razor blades. Changing those scrapers is an easy job. Depending on the year, I only change the outside scraper as well as the run channel felt and the run in the back of the vent glass. Go Westy has an excellent video on that job, buy them from GW and then watch their video.

On Daly vans with chrome door openings, I just grab the chrome and completely remove it, a good pull and it comes right out from behind the vent rubber.
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1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[jyl]

OE would be nice! PM sent.
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1988 Westy, Bostig v2.0

[Crankey]

I just had some very old tint on mine and it chipped off like loose paint.
After it was all gone I washed with sprayaway "world's best glass cleaner" and it all cleaned up fine.

I have read that one can tape plastic (like a section of a trash bag) to the inside of the windows and spray ammonia in there and leave it in the sun for a little while and it melts the tint gum. No experience on that but it sounds about right. Not a big problem if you have the glass out you could put both windows in a trash bag and soak them, close the bag and leave in the sun.

I got my new window rubber from either can cafe or go westy. I don't remember the cost was too much different. Go westy has a utube vid on the process but I'd be a little more fussy than they show regarding cutting the top part to fit because they end up with gaps.
I'd cut it long and keep testing and grind off excess with maybe 50 grit sanding disc on a 4.5" grinder.

[khughes]