Why the issue with one piece windows?

[ryanator]

Hi all, just wondering why there are issues with one piece window installs when the pre- 53' bugs came standard with them and worked fine?. isn't there a way to recreate the same in-door scenario in later models? Appreciate some feed back, thanks!

[Glenn]

Crappy aftermarket parts is the reason.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

[56Cabrio]

X2 what Glenn said and you will appreciate the wing windows in the summer time.
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1956 Rag Top owned since 1988
1956 Convertible owned since 2000
1963 Hard Top

RIP Dad 4/20/1951 - 2/4/2023

[ZENVWDRIVER]

[ryanator]

appreciate the feedback....the car im looking at has one piece windows, and as far as the hot days, it is a ragtop....should help some!?

[type4split]

i put 1-peice windows in my 1st beetle. i was young and dumb. had to CUT the cross member out. seals or wiper seals ever sealed correctly. nothing fit correctly. if i remember correctly i needed parts from a later car (kit didn't come with)

i'm sure if it was designed with the correct engineering like original it would be fine. but everyone knows the aftermarket stuff is more of the idea of, rather than fully vetted product ...
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[ryanator]

yeah, they are saying that a 65-68 regulator works better in earlier models due to the double pull instead of the single pull slides. one question, do the newer regulators bolt up without any modifications?

[OvalinAz]

[slayer61]

Crazy. I kinda miss the look. I buddy had them installed in his '75 in 78 or 79. They were bad ass and an essential part of the "Cal look". He didn't have a lick of trouble with them...
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[Blue Baron]

I installed them in my oval 40 years ago when I was young and dumb. (Today I'm no longer young.)

Since it's a really hard thing to reverse, I never bothered to do it. The nice thing about them is you can stretch out your arm
on the window sill with no obstructions.

I used later, '65 or '66 window regulators, so the earlier handles would still fit. I had to drill new holes, and also make a bracket to
attach the bottom mount to the door. Most people don't notice the difference, and I found a trick set of ventshades from an Oldsmobile!
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[ZENVWDRIVER]

That's a great lookin' oval- z
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[Blue Baron]

Thanks Mr. Z.
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We are striving for perfection, to make our cars run forever, if possible.

Heinz Nordhoff

[RLFD213]

I put this in the body forum but figure this would be a good place to put it also.

here is a short tutorial for how I did my 1 piece windows. I decided not to use the clips and found screws and nuts for the out scraper and lag screws and nuts for the inner scraper. The lag screws work well because they have the square base and that sits in the steel insert. The hardest part is getting the nuts started on both sides, your hands will hurt and it’s very challenging. I also had to trim the ends of the scrapers where they meet the window Chanel seal and the inner scraper I needed to cut the lip down because it was very tight and I was having problems with the window going up and down.

As with anything if you are creative and take some time to plan things out it may work. The window is very stable and goes all the way up and all the way down without issues. Earlier I did attempt power windows because I figured the motor wouldn’t have an issue moving the glass. I bought a kit from autoloc but it was a good kit for this as the motor needed to be moved. There is another kit out there that the motor is already in the proper place.

Hope this helps a little more

[Glenn]

I like the wheels.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

[banana split]

[RLFD213]

Banana I got the window scrapers in the kit from JBugs. The kit was empi. Securing the window scrapers where the vent window is I used 3M trim adhesive for the top part and just left the inside parts alone. I figured the window would hold it in place. I did have to trim the inside scraper by the window. I just cut the lip off by the window.

[banana split]

Looks like the design of the scrapers have changed since I last installed a set.
I'll have to buy some for a 1964 chop top I'm building. Are these new EMPI seals flexible? I see you have them curving upwards on both ends. Looks good that way. The old style that I'm familiar with had steel embedded and were very rigid and next to impossible to bend this way. Can you post some close up shots of your curved ends? Always nice to see what others have done to make things look clean.
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[RLFD213]

Hi banana the ends curves up since I cut them. There is still the metal that goes into the seal but the seals are really long now so I Left myself 3-4” on each side.

I get you some pictures this weekend.

I wish some of these custom builders who do 1 piece windows would post what they do. There are some nicely finished ones I’ve seen lately

[banana split]

Much appreciated
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My Beetles :
1951 Crotch Cooler 11G Split Ragtop
1953 Zwitter
1964 Chop Top

[Clatter]

One-piece windows are a fundamental part of The Look.
Cleans up the lines on the car and shows its true form unspoiled by an ugly vent wing.
VW obviously had it right in the early days but had to find 'features' to add on to try and help sell more cars.

Correct installation of early-style door windows involves fab work most people aren't able/willing to do.

The 65-68 regulators are a key part of the installation.
The bolt holes near the crank mech do not match, and you'll have to drill a couple holes and figure some spacers.
You also have to support the different regulators inside the door.
Best to weld brackets in if you want everything to work.
Most people skip steps, using a block of wood or some other kludge.
This is where one-piece windows get a bad rap.
When they're installed all halfass and janky they rattle and don't line up and you have to help the window up and down with two hands.

They work perfectly if installed right.

Nothing cleans up the car better.
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