Lowlight Quarter Window Install - Fixed Window

John Moxon

OK this is an appeal for illustrated practical information on this "thorny" subject. We often get appeals for an illustrated "How To" and so far there's not much out there.

Of course there is Section A-63 from the Bodywork Shop Manual we carry in the archive: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/1960_karmann_ghia_workshop_manual.php
and Seth's pictures from his '59 restoration: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4145391#4145391

What we do need is a step by step "How To." If you've been through the painful process please add your comments and where you sourced you window rubber etc.

If I've missed any useful pictures and descriptions from anywhere on The Samba or anywhere else on The Internet add the links to this topic.

Thanks
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John.
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Disc · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 3:00 am Post subject:

I've done only one set of Lowlight quarter windows and I swear - never again!
The worst part is WRONG profile of repro rubber. In my opinion this is not specific Karmann rubber repro that is available, but generic rubber that is close to Lowlight rubber profile. We got rubber from CSP (Germany, part # 845 321 143A) and must be high quality. Sorry no pics Sad

After long search I've found pics in gallery of OG rubber in place and difference was visible. I'm not sure but that repro rubber is only one available in the moment.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

[mod edit: revised link to csp product] https://www.csp-shop.com/en/body/quarter-window-seal-845-321-143a-11670a.html
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Nick

vwjimbo · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2012 7:22 am Post subject: thanks john!!!!!!

sorry for the re-post but i tried to view the link you sent me and it for some reason came up as "no match can be found" but thanks for going out of your way to help me with this!!!!!!!
the seals that are shown in the 1st reply are the same ones i have and i wonder if they are the problem? no matter what i try as soon as i get the glass over 3/4 of the way in they just pop out of the seal......i have even tried using mini taping screws and washers to attach the seal to the "c" frame and they still pop out once you get them all the way in!
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Paul_Revere's Ghia · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2012 1:38 pm Post subject:

Install rubber first- then spray with light mist of diluted dish soap-
then slide glass in from the open end and tap home with a wooden mallet- It is not the most straightforward job but this is a good way to do it-

Good luck with it-
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vwjimbo · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2012 4:30 pm Post subject:

Seth,
i have spent a huge amount to time following your thread about your low light. actually it's bookmarked as "MOTIVATION FOR THE DAY" on my work computer.....i have stared at the pics you posted tons of times and still cannot figure out what is up with my 1/4 windows....seems like something is just out of whack but need to figure out what it is (think it maybe the seals).....did your car have some sort of inside trim that held the inside of the rubber in place besides the metal "c" that screws to the window opening?
thanks again for all the time you spent letting me follow the progress on your low light!!!!!
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Loren · Samba Member Joined: January 10, 2004 Posts: 1700

Do you have the metal "L" profile strip that goes inside the quarter window opening? This is attached first with small screws, then the seal, next the window and finally the chrome trim is attached. If you need images of the strip I am talking about I can shoot some pics this weekend.

vwjimbo · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 5:00 am Post subject: ghia headache

yes i have both of the "screw down" c channels.....does the outer chrome trim go on before or after the window rubber and the glass? or before? thanks to everyone for taking the time to help on this!!
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Loren · Samba Member Joined: January 10, 2004 Posts: 1700

The outer chrome trim goes on last.

vwjimbo · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:01 pm Post subject:

would you be willing to post some good pics....inside and out? it's gotta be an issue of the aftermarket seals i have....my 1/4 windows basicly fall out of the seals as soon as the look like there are almost in.
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Paul_Revere's Ghia · Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 1:18 pm Post subject:

vwjimbo · Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 6:47 pm Post subject:

so i was at the columbus volksfest show in ohio yesterday and got to look very indepth at a 59 low light and i am pretty sure the issue is being caused by the seals.......now i guess the question is where to get good 1/4 seals from? don't know if the seals i have are way too soft of what? anybody have a good source for 1/4 seals?
will try to post some pics over the next day or so......once again thanks for the help!!!!
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Paul_Revere's Ghia · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 2:10 pm Post subject:

Mine were from House of Ghia but I think Mike has stopped trading as a parts supplier???? He may have some still in stock if you ring and ask him nicely- or he may be able to point you in the right direction? Wink

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vwjimbo · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 4:42 pm Post subject:

will definatly give him a call.....i am sorta elimanating things down and i think it's the seals are too soft.....am e-mailing back and forth with the supplier they came from to see if anyone else has the same issue......maybe it was part of a bad batch or something i don't know and don't want to post who i got them thru because he was super good to deal with and i don't want any of this to come across as negative towards him!!!!
thanks again seth!!
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never enough hours in the day!!!!

roadkingdoc · Samba Member Joined: May 16, 2009 Posts: 911

i could not get the new quarter window rubber i purchased from a very reputable supply house to work on my 63 ghia hinged quarter windows. i think the rubber is at fault and it think most of the supply houses in the states get it from the same source. i was told this by two of the more popular suppliers. hope you have luck with your rubber.

vwjimbo · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 8:22 am Post subject:

seth,
i know this is a dumb question but did you put the 1/4 seal on the glass first before hitting it into place or did you put the seal inplace on the "c" channel in the window opening first then hit the glass into the seal?
thanks!!!!!
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crimson ghost · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:03 pm Post subject:

I'm no pro but on mine we lined up the seal in the C channel taking in to account that it will be pushed back a little with the window. We also used dish soap to lube up the rubber seal section the window is pushed into.

lonotch · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:15 pm Post subject:

vwjimbo · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:25 pm Post subject:

going to clean everything and try it again....still think it may be an issue with the softness of the seal....but never know maybe the 30th time will be the charm!
CRIMSON GHOST did you have any issue with the glass trying to push outward when installing it like that? cal-look seals or OG with the trim???

LONOTCH i am going to try it again with the seal clean and around the glass like you said......thanks for the help!!!!
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never enough hours in the day!!!!

crimson ghost · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 6:32 am Post subject:

vwjimbo · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 7:06 am Post subject:

same thing here....mine was a drag car out of florida so it had nothing in the doors,1/4 windows,car was completely dechromed they even filled the outer door handle holes (luckily just with bondo they didn't weld them up!!)
missing every "unboltable" part off of the car....so i spent about a year compiling everything from taillights to the ever impossable to find outer window scrapper metal channel....but thanks to the samba i have found about 98% of the stuff for the car and hope to have it back on the road soon!!!
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never enough hours in the day!!!!


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Lowlight Quarter Window Install - Fixed Window
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