Anybody have trouble with Empi window seals?

[dirocyn]

1973 Standard Beetle, I'm finally getting around to installing new window seals that I got some time ago. So I cut out the seal around the rear quarter window, got it all cleaned up--and the window seals are radically the wrong size.

The box says Empi, part no 00-3599-0, CAL RUB. KIT 72-77STD, 72 SB. My Beetle is a 73 standard, so that should be right, right?

My window will lay flat in the middle of the smallest of these seals, with a couple inches all the way around it.

I'm just glad I didn't decide to do the windshield first...unless that one will fit, and the rear quarter windows don't? I feel like I must be missing something here. A technique for shrinking the rubber seal? Or are these Empi window seals just garbage? Where can I find window seals that will work?

[Tim Donahoe]

Throw the Empi seals in the garbage and get good Wolfsburg West or West Coast Metric one’s.

The seals should be a snug fit when you first install them around the glass.

Tim
_________________
Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[TX-73]

On advice from Samba I used WW seals on windows and doors. Perfect fit. If I remember right I initially ordered the cheaper door seals from them but they were sort of foam rubbery and needed glueing. I returned them and got the German seal equivalents that fit exactly into the door channels. Well worth it.
As mentioned the WCM seals are good as well, for all I know they may from the same mfg.
_________________
My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
Click to view image

[dirocyn]

[volksworld]

x2...most of the taiwan seals are junk...even if they fit right they dry rot in a couple of years

[sb001]

I've noticed different sized quarter windows when I've rummaged through parts bins etc, I always thought the supers rear quarters (even the 71-72 models) were a different size from the standards. Too much evidence (including actually owning a pair of quarters in a parts lot I bought off a guy that were definitely larger than the ones on my 69) for me to agree with the claims on here that all rear quarters after 65 were the same size.

here's a mashup of my 72 Super vs my 69 standard, rear quarter is noticeably larger on the super:

EDIT: VW went to a larger rear window in 72, so maybe it was only the 72 super (not the 71) that had the larger rear quarter, but I still think the vendors (and some folks on here) have it wrong.
_________________
I'm the humblest guy on this board.

1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor

[hazetguy]

[bluebus86]

I installed one of West Coast Metrics first products, near some 3 decades ago. A wing window seal for my 61 Bug. Still soft, flexible, no degrading noticed in these decades of use. They use a superior long lasting rubber.

WCM is my only supplier for rubber bits for my Bug.

Keep a Buggin!
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[hitest]

I am making the switch back to WCM after a decade of using WW exclusively. If a WW seal (or taillight lens, etc.) does not fit- they will still sell down their on hand inventory before fixing the problem. WCM simply fits right out of the box.
_________________

[sb001]

[ROCKOROD71]

_________________
1971 STD BEETLE- DD-1st car, 1st love. keepin' it stock! 1600DP, Solex 34-3 Mexi Bosch SVDA Dist NOW w/POINTS
1977 WESTY "KrustyKamper" 2L FI

[hazetguy]

the actual pieces of glass, compared between a stationary window and a pop-out window, are a different size.

the pop-out glass is smaller than a stationary window glass because it is in a metal frame surrounded by a rubber seal.
the stationary window glass is larger than a pop-out glass because it uses no frame.

the actual window opening size IN THE BODY is the same from 65 through the end of production, sedan, standard and super beetle.
oh wait, maybe it's not, and i need to start stocking up on the ultra-rare super beetle only quarter windows.
_________________
thebucket: I invested in hoodride, now DBD won't return my call?
hazetguy: invested?
thebucket: Yeah Haze, its where people put money into a company in hopes of a return on their money

[sb001]

[sb001]

To the OP- before you toss those Empi seals in the trash, instead of seeing if they fit correctly around your window, I would be curious to know whether they fit your WINDOW OPENING.
_________________
I'm the humblest guy on this board.

1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor

[67ctbug]

Same size openings...

Top is a super, bottom is my ‘67.
_________________
'67 Beetle L41
'74 Westfalia
'69 Plymouth "Adam-12"
'63 Ragtop
'73 914
'72 Dodge Wrecker
Go Cubs!
World Series Champions 2016

[jwp67]

..
_________________
21 million of these cars were built,and everyone of them were sold...kinda astounding given how unreliable they are.---johhnypan

[hitest]

Hazetguy- I commend you for trying.

Steve- Look up classified ads for Volkswagen beetle (not KDF, Not model 38 ) pop out qtr windows. There are only two sizes, ever. -64 and 65+. That indicates just two sizes of openings, ever.

Pop out seals and solid glass seals cannot be confused, combined or installed with each other.

The seals in question are simply wrong. Throw them in boiling water and try to shrink them a little, but they are wrong. If they have a part number on them- post it so we can find out the car for which they belong.

WW seals all have a taped tag on them that requires a blade to remove. That's how WW can pull an order so quickly. And they seldom f up.

If those Empi things have no inventory tag- how the hell was the 13 year old working on his 16th hour of shift for $2 an hour in Red China supposed to stock it correctly for the typical salivating American buyer?
_________________

[otis_bartleh]

[Brian]

tbh I like the jbugs seals because they're a little larger than stock. That way you can hide the shame of having the car painted with the original window rubber in place.
_________________
Wash your hands

'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper

Only losers litter

[otis_bartleh]