Does the insert in window rubber serve a purpose?

[DINK]

The formerly chrome insert in all my Vanagon window rubber is old and worn out. Does it serve any purpose or is it purely cosmetic?

Thanks
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66 Panel < 40,000 mi.
73 Std. Sedan
GBNF: 64 21 Window, 64 Deluxe, 73 Westy, 79 Bay, 84 GLI, 91 GL, 04 GLI, 87 Syncro Westy

[ChesterKV]

If you remove it the rubber seals will back away towards the glass a bit since the strip is no longer filling the gap; it's more noticeable at the corners. I removed my old worn-out chrome trim and that's what happened and nothing else; the windows are still firmly held after several years. A lot of people have done this and some people have warned against it but I've never seen proof that it creates problems.

Good luck
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1984 Wolfsburg 7-passenger stock sunroof
1992 Subaru Legacy EJ22 boxer motor installed.... van is now sold.... currently playing with a 1987 Toyota MR2 with 1.6 liter twin-cam motor. Better than the Subaru boxers....... I'm impressed. Well, okay, in an "apples and oranges" kind of way.

[takitezy]

I also took out my chrome in an 77. The window did not seal as well. If the seals are old and cracked get new ones, and don't worry about getting the ones for the chrome they both should seal equally as well.

[DINK]

I've got a new windshield on the way. It will have a new "cal look" seal as opposed to one with the insert. I'm just waiting on a few good weather days where I can remove the old one, do some paint touch up and then have the winshield installed.

Thanks
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66 Panel < 40,000 mi.
73 Std. Sedan
GBNF: 64 21 Window, 64 Deluxe, 73 Westy, 79 Bay, 84 GLI, 91 GL, 04 GLI, 87 Syncro Westy

[ChesterKV]

For the side and rear windows, vaseline helps to restore some of the elasticity in older rubber. Just apply a thick film and leave it on overnight. Just wipe it off. I'm in the S.F. Bay Area so the sun hasn't been that harsh and the rubber on the old van is in pretty good shape and still pliant.
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1984 Wolfsburg 7-passenger stock sunroof
1992 Subaru Legacy EJ22 boxer motor installed.... van is now sold.... currently playing with a 1987 Toyota MR2 with 1.6 liter twin-cam motor. Better than the Subaru boxers....... I'm impressed. Well, okay, in an "apples and oranges" kind of way.

[msinabottle]

I get very good results on all things rubber, vinyl and even hard plastic with baby oil, cheaper the better. Just use a clean rag (A perished pair of briefs is excellent) and rub it on.

If there's still some on the surface in a week, you could wipe it off, but people are always amazed at the condition of our cars, and Winston's plastic and vinyl look startlingly nice. It works just fine on the window seals, although the outer oxidized layer will come off on the rag. I do those last.

Best!
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'Winston,' '84 1.9 WBX Westy
Vanagon Poet Laureate: "I have suffered in
many ways, but never, never, never in silence."