Rear window seals and that damn plastic vent!!!

[zippyslug31]

Trying to install my rear, side windows. I know about the "string trick" and have already successfully got the middle sides and hatch glass re-installed.
What is kicking my butt is the plastic vent in the rear windows... the string just hangs and I end up cutting into the seal. Honestly the entire width of the window with seal almost looks too large to fit into the opening (but I know its not).
Pic from Go Westy of the two glass styles; man would it be WAY easier w/o the vents!!!!

Only found a couple of comments mentioning the plastic vent during seal installation and one thread asking about the same issue but no real solutions:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=175155

At this point both my seals are pretty F'd up and I'm frustrated. One side I just sealed up with Butyl windshield sealant and the other side is in but not weather tight; had to walk away from it before I put a fist through the thing!
Before I buy two new seals I'd like to know how to do this correctly.

Does anybody have any other tips, thoughts, advice, #'s of professionals that know how to do this..... or just some pats on the head telling me everything will be alright????
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previous:
'80 westy
current:
'90 syncro westy 2.5L subi, triple knob, 16" wheels.
'84 sunroof van, 2.1L motor.

[jsmitch11]

I have done several rear quarter windows(with vent, without vent, and with slider). Without the vent is easier but the vent window is not too bad. The gowesty rear sliders with vent are a nightmare and I would avoid them. Use the string trick but I would start placing the plastic part into the frame, get that side in, and then work away from the plastic vent. Also glass tools help greatly. A lot of these are very cheap and help a lot(picks, bones, ect.) Also use the string AS WELL AS TOOLS. If you just pull the string hard you will rip the seal almost every time. Good luck!

[danfromsyr]

when I installed my DIY rear slider it was a 'smidge' too wide (say 1/8") but fit fine though not w/o some trouble on the reinstall (I reused the stock gasket, was a real low budget mod)

anyways I found these paint can lid openers very handy to help the gasket pop over the flange.

they're $.50ea so buy (4)

I slipped it in under the rubber w/hook away from rubber, then turn it 180* and pull/pop the rubber over the lip.
anyways a hoked tool helps you get in there and manipulate the gasket.
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[zippyslug31]

[zippyslug31]

[JPrato]

Lubrication, squirt liberally with WD-40 before and as it is going in. I don't have the vents but the middle sliders are a bi-otch and the lube really helped there. The other trick is to have them placed over the opening exactly where they need to go. I do it with three people, one to hold position, one to push in and the third to pull the string. The third may be helpful when the rubber is all lubed up as it can move easily.
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Joe

87 Syncro Tin Top project
84 Westy, 2.5L Subaru power
06 Subaru 2.5 turbo in waiting
46 Cessna 140

[jsmitch11]