Door Seals and Rubber, Beginning Of Project

houseofboyd

When I bought Mabel ('68 Beetle) she had a brand new interior installed, TMP seat covers with new padding, new dash, new carpet and proper rubber mats, new door panels, visors, etc. Only thi ng left interior that was original to the car was the headliner, but it's in excellent condition. Windshield, popout side windows and rear window all original glass, but all had new rubber installed. So, basically, all that's left is the doors. Wing windows are in terrible shape, scrapers are hard and brittle, door seal flakes apart when you squeeze it. So now it's time to replace all the seals and rubber on both doors. I job I'm truly not looking forward too. I've read enough horror stories on these forums and others that really deter me from taking on such a task. Don't get me wrong, I'm very mechanically inclined and not really afraid to take on any given tasks, but I'm also smart enough to know when I'm in over my head. So basically, what I'm looking for now is somebody else who has taken on this task to get a better understanding of what I'm getting myself in to...This is the kit that I'm looking to purchase:

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=A48-8313-68

Any input, suggestions, links, etc. would be greatly appreciated...!
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Our 1968 Zenith Blue Beetle: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=619501

My '74 SB Build On The Samba: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=609943

Our Web Site: http://www.kentuckyhotwheels.com

1968 VW Beetle
2012 Turbo VW Beetle

Chochobeef · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 9:59 pm Post subject:

If you don't mind playing with fit and possible quality issues, go for it. If it were me I would get the german stuff from WW(WolfsburgWest) or West Coast Metric. I actually pieced my set together from WW. Yes, it was expensive, but wow is the rubber nice. No fighting with it and only a small tinsy bit of trimming on the inner scraper where it met the vent window on a 72 std.

The door stuff is something you definitely don't want to have to do twice and don't want to have trouble with installing. Maybe someone has good luck with the CIP kit, but I wasn't terrible satisfied with stuff i've gotten from them.

Best of luck with your decision.

Tim Donahoe · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 12:28 am Post subject:

I just bought new inner and outer scrapers from Wolfsburg West. They are German (but even so, a crap shoot). But I have heard a number of complaints about aftermarket scrapers, so I paid more cash, hoping to get something that actually fits this time.

You're going to be rolling those windows up and down a lot. Why take chances?

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

vernonc · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 4:04 am Post subject:

As nice as Mabel is and, as much good work that you've done, please don't use anything but the Wolfsburg West rubber kit. You won't be sorry. And, be sure to specify and pay, I think, about 65.00 extra, for the German 'door to body' seals.

Mabel will love you and Lenora will love you even more. Dancing

Just my two cents but put it on my tab. Laughing

mort
_________________
"Those who don't read newspapers are un-informed. Those who do read newspapers are mis-informed." Will Rogers

'69 sedan, low mileage, all original.....currently being 'freshened-up' for road trips and daily driving...just not every day

Freshening-up link http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=617386

houseofboyd · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 5:26 am Post subject:

Well, I think that answers that question...lol For the price difference, I think I'll be going with the German kit....don't want to get half way in to this and realize it was a mistake going with the cheaper kit..... Smile

Thanks to all for your input!
_________________
Our 1968 Zenith Blue Beetle: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=619501

My '74 SB Build On The Samba: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=609943

Our Web Site: http://www.kentuckyhotwheels.com

1968 VW Beetle
2012 Turbo VW Beetle

gargamel · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 9:50 am Post subject:

Yes, go German on those seals. Steer clear from rubber from Brazil and China, in general. Mine were German from WW and they are still in great shape. Too bad I can not say the same about this guy, I know, who went cheap. Pay once; cry once. Buy cheap; pay twice.

houseofboyd · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 10:13 am Post subject:

gargamel · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 10:55 am Post subject:

Best of luck. 1st time I installed inner/outer scrapers I did moan a bit but by the time I got it down, the 2nd window went in much much faster.

Of course this is one of those replacement jobs that can easily reveal more work.

In my case, all that seeping water from bad scrapers lead to my lift channels to be rusted garbage. The chain reaction also led me to address the regulators, rust inside the door, door panels, etc,etc. So what started as a pricey scraper fix just grew from there. Somethine to keep in mind to check out before you make 1 order vs 2-3. Razz

Tim Donahoe · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 1:44 pm Post subject:

I just received my Wolfsburg West inner and outer scrapers in the mail. They look fine, but do not have the seven clips that Joel mentioned in his video (he showed genuine German scrapers that had seven clips). So, I'll install them when I get really bored and hope for the best.

Hm? I wonder where Joel got those seven-clip scrapers?

Tim
_________________
Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien


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