Hood seal install.

[ovalvwfan]

What's the best way to install a new front hood seal. Do I just cram it in there or should I pry up the retaining piece a bit first then tap it back down after the seal is in?
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(o\UlU/o) =

[Glenn]

Cleanout the channel before doing anything. Then start at the top (windshield) and work your way down. Use soapy water and just take your time.
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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

עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי

[Alan Willis]

'60 beetles are easy,as its a three piece kit.Slide a flat blade screwdriver down the channel to open it up,use some dish soap to lube the seal.Once installed take a small hammer and lightly tap the ends and center of the channel to hold the seal in place
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die schwarzen Schafe #666

[ovalvwfan]

So prying isn't required...thank god! And thanks for the advice...will do.
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[ovalvwfan]

Wait a minute...so should I pry or not?
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(o\UlU/o) =

[Alan Willis]

pry,pry!
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die schwarzen Schafe #666

[ovalvwfan]

Dang...okay. What's the word on my 1800 Alan?
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(o\UlU/o) =

[Glenn]

[Alan Willis]

The factory tapped the corners down slightly.Just slide the screwdriver down the channel,it doesn't take any effort
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die schwarzen Schafe #666

[Fritter]

Don't pry anything with a screwdriver or another metal bladed tool...you'll screw up the channel and the paint....

As stated, use soapy water on a warm, pliable seal to start. Use a plastic 1.5" spackling knife to help get the seal under the lip. That's it.

Mike F

[Alan Willis]

Damn,I better not tell my customers how I install their seals I guess
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die schwarzen Schafe #666

[ovalvwfan]

Got one of the three pieces installed. Wasn't too bad until I got down to the front apron where the lip was in less than perfect shape. I did find it easier if I, not so much pryed, but ran a screwdriver down the inside of the lip with just a little upward pressure first. Probably wouldn't have if my Bug was painted but surely that's a pre-paint job job anyway. As usual, thanks for all the advice.
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[Alan Willis]

So,you're saying a screwdriverworked without wrecking your channels?
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die schwarzen Schafe #666

[ovalvwfan]

That's what I'm saying.
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[67 Florida Deluxe]

OK, now that fitting the seal into the channel has been covered, how do you get the F'ing corners in without just giving up and gluing them ?? You have to get the three tits into the little holes at each corner of the hood, but there is NO room to fit my hand under/around/through the huge hood support hinge. Trying to lube it with Dawn or Astroglide make it too slippery to hang onto - so I have to go at it dry to get some kinda a grip on the underside of the tit that's poking through the hole (what little of it I can feel while contorting myself around that stupid hood support hinge ). I finally coaxed the lowest of the three tits into the hole. As I was trying to work the second one in, the friggin end of the tit pulled off (GRRRRR!! ). While trying to work with what little I had left of it, the first one I had gotten in the hole SHEARED OFF!!! (AAAAGGGGG!!!! :2gunfire: ). Soooo, one full hour wasted AND a brand new hood seal wasted. What's the friggin' trick???? I seem to have no luck with tits !!
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-Kent (BaT "daleallen")

OG member of the '67 Posse

A few of my toys, past and present
'56 Oval, '66 KG Conv't, '67 21-Window, '67 Bug, '79 SuperVert, '55 Pre-A Continental

[drscope]

I went through the same thing until I finally got disgusted and walked over to the tool box, took out my long bent needle nose pliers and pulled those puppies through faster then it took to go get the pliers!
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Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch!

[67 Florida Deluxe]

[drscope]

I have a can of food grade silicone lube that I spray on the rubber. Helps it slip in. If there is any nub left that you can get a hold on, it should pop through.

If the titty came off completely, it might be time for some contact cement.

I think this may be the first job where I was ever really happy I bought those long needle nose pliers. They get used for other things, but I don't think I ever really needed them for anything else.
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Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch!

[MLTIGGER2]

What about those tools you use to install window screens? Might work

[67 Florida Deluxe]