Installing beetle convertible window chrome........frustrated!

[Rgl1100]

So I must admit I tried looking this topic up and found very little on the subject. I found that strange because I feel I can’t be the first to have experienced this. I’m very very frustrated. I am the proud owner of a 1966 convertible 1300 beetle. I love all things mechanical and, having recently “discovered” this hobby/enthusiast universe, I can say I am hooked. I just absolutely love this car. I bought it for my wife but I think I have more fun working on it than she does driving it. I decided to replace some of the rubber and cracked seals on the doors. It was a great way to get to really know the innards of the door and mechanism. I had a great day until I tried putting the chrome frame back on the glass. I purchased the seal that goes between the chrome frame and glass from CIP1. Most things I purchase from them are of good quality and work well. The seal looks good and high quality. I’ve tried everything to get it seated all the way to its lip. However, in my opinion, it’s just not possible. I’ve use WD-40, grease, soapy water, lithium grease, everything I can think of. The glass is original and I’ve been banging away trying to get it to seat. I forced myself to walk away from it because I knew I was just one more hit away from breaking the glass. Please help. I want it to seat correctly but I just don’t know what else to do. I did see a thread concerning perhaps the seals are too thick. I’d rather not have to purchase new seals but if that’s the only way I may have to. The seals I have are not molded. I notched it to make a 90° turn and it seem to work fine. The only problem is that the chrome just does not fit over the seal in the glass no matter what I do. Any help at all would be much much appreciated.

[Cusser]

I will say that when I replaced the rear window rubber on my 1971 Convertible, I was just as frustrated, and ending up installing without the chrome.

And similar with the rear window on my 1970 sedan.

So you are NOT alone !!!
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[RareAir]

[RareAir]

Without photos of the seals (glass to frame) no one will be able to decipher you’re actual problem.

A possible remedy might include the use of a home made press. Very similar to a press used to assembly the vent wings on a sedan. Check out this thread for tips- https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=697341&highlight=vent+glass+seal
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1947 Typ 11a
1954 Typ 117
1956 Typ 151
1959 Typ 117
1959 Typ 265
1961 356B
1966 Typ 151
1966 Typ 241

[RareAir]

Without photos of the seals (glass to frame) no one will be able to decipher you’re actual problem.

A possible remedy might include the use of a home made press. Very similar to a press used to assembly the vent wings on a sedan. Check out this thread for tips- https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=697341&highlight=vent+glass+seal

Does your seal have the OEM profile? Part #151837439D

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1947 Typ 11a
1954 Typ 117
1956 Typ 151
1959 Typ 117
1959 Typ 265
1961 356B
1966 Typ 151
1966 Typ 241

[Rgl1100]

Yes, I’m using the OEM seals. I’m referring to the side driver and passenger windows. Although I have heard the rear oval window on the top can be difficult also...

[Rgl1100]

So I ended up getting the window glass to bed right up to the chrome. I used gentle tapping and a wood block. It was very stressful and I was almost sure I was going to crack the glass. I'm actually surprised I didn't. This was NOT a fun project but I must admit satisfying to accomplish. However, it did not go perfectly. I ended up getting the glass to seat but because it was such a tight fit the edges of the seal were stretched and therefore the edge of the seal did not seat to the edge of the chrome. I spoke with Chris Vallone who had a great idea that worked great. I sliced back the extra seal right to the chrome. To create the beveled edge at the interface between the glass and the chrome frame I purchased black outdoor caulking seal in a tube. I ran a bead along the edge where the chrome and the glass meet. You'd be hard pressed to see any difference. As a matter of fact I don't think its ever looked so professional. This was a gut wrenching process and I wish m ore people would have chimed in on the subject. I just know I can't be the only person out there who has come up against this repair recently. If anyone needs any advice or help with how to accomplish this feel free to send me a note. I'd be happy to help you not go through the agony of doing this. I do appreciate the feedback I did get. Everything was very helpful and informative. This forum is outstanding. BTW, it is possible that the seal from Chuck's may be thinner than what I got from CIP1. However, in the end, I don't really think the thickness made much of a difference. I think its a press fit and, back in the day, there was a jig that did this efficiently and quickly. Unfortunately, I didn't have one........

[BEETLEVH]

If you are a convertible owner please read this and provide your thoughts…

I am going to shamelessly drag this thread back to life. After an exhaustive search spanning years, I concur 100% with the OP: there is seemingly not a SINGLE technical article, youtube video, or person in existence that has ever done this repair. There is quite literally more published technical expertise (AND VIDEO!!) of bigfoot than there is on this topic.

Want more proof? My best friend’s dad owns an autobody and glass shop. I asked him if he could have one of his guys please do mine and he fainted. Not literally but might as well have. Told me to go talk to the old VW dude in his shop who was restoring a super vert inside the shop. I went over and he showed me what he did which was completely wrong. He used some sort of flat thin rubber and cut the excess off.

So, here is what I am thinking of doing and would love your input. I want to buy brand new seals from Chucks or WW. Perhaps someone can donate a couple of your rusty but structurally perfect frames (because any damage will screw this up). I will create a plywood jig, use suitable clamps, and document everything. If it works, I will do it again to check and tweak. Ultimately, I would create documentation and/or video on how to do a front window and a quarter window.

Any thoughts?
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1973 Super Beetle Convertible

[Disc]

No jig is needed. Put the seal on the glass, strech it and use a second pair of hands to put the frame on the glass/seal. Bang it with hammer - plastic one! I've done a lot of these (door and quater windows) and never had a problem. Use a lot of liquid soap!
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The glory never gets old, just need new paint.
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Nick