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Das Ding
Samba Member
Joined: April 25, 2008
Posts: 73
Location: Shenandoah Valley
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 Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 8:06 am Post subject: Weatherstrip Windshield use original or replace? |
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Hello All, Am replacing windshield with a new piece of glass.
Original weatherstrip appears to be in good shape.
Should I buy a new one or use the original? |
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74 Cosa
Samba Member
Joined: June 06, 2006
Posts: 535
Location: The Midwest
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| Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 8:37 am Post subject: |
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| Just remember the original rubber is now 40 years old. The elasticity of the rubber seal will be poor and not seal well. Spend the money and buy a new seal. |
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GI Joe
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2005
Posts: 2013
Location: Athens, TN
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kubelmann
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2003
Posts: 3268
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| Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 11:29 am Post subject: |
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A few ideas to consider:
1. The windshield seal in your car is probably original meaning it is/was good quality rubber.
2. Out in the VW parts world there are three types of VW Thing windshield seals.
They include: A. NOS (new old stock) ~ OE German ~ good rubber
B. Aftermarket ~ unknown quality rubber
C. Used (rubber quality unknown)
3. Make sure if you replace yours, you get a better quality/condition part.
4. If you reverse the direction the seal faced when it is reinstalled, the area that was sun beat will now face in and the fresh side that has never seen sun will be outside. Like swapping CV direction, this often give old OE parts a new life.
5. NEW OE German parts (especially rubber parts) are nice. |
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GI Joe
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2005
Posts: 2013
Location: Athens, TN
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| Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 2:32 pm Post subject: |
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NOS is great for down to detail restoration and on either a non-critical part OR a non- driven(or at least not much) car....
40 yr old rubber is Still 40 yr old rubber.... Whether it sat on a shelf for 40 yrs, or was installed on a vehicle(obviously the elements will affect this one quicker  )...
Real suggested life of rubber parts is only like 5-7 yrs(belts, hoses, tires...et al)
With the issues of winter incursion and rust in the lower section of a Thing windscreen frame, I wouldn't chance a rebuild with 40 yr old rubber...
that's my $.02...
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Das Ding
Samba Member
Joined: April 25, 2008
Posts: 73
Location: Shenandoah Valley
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| Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 6:28 am Post subject: |
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Thank you all for your invaluable input.
I will buy a new one, and will have an original if anyone wants to buy it!
Thank you all again,
Zane |
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NOVA Airhead
Samba Member
Joined: July 20, 2005
Posts: 5225
Location: Richmond, VA
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| Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 8:16 am Post subject: |
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| Das Ding wrote: |
Thank you all for your invaluable input.
I will buy a new one, and will have an original if anyone wants to buy it!
Thank you all again,
Zane |
When I did my car I installed new window glass and rubber. The original rubber was pretty brittle.
I used TTS rubber. It fit fine and is good quality.
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