Windshield Installation

Mel P. · Post by **Mel P.** » Wed May 21, 2003 7:44 am

First, how do I get the seal onto the glass?
Then, do I install the windshield with the seal just like you would a Bug's?

TIA,
Mel

j_c_hamilton · Post by **j_c_hamilton** » Wed May 21, 2003 8:48 am

Leave it in a bucket of hot soapy water, then stretch it around the glass. Then install the aluminum trim (which of course didn't get distorted at all when you removed it). Then the whole thing is installed in the car.
If you can do it right, then I'm coming to see you. I spent three weekends trying this last summer, and all I got was a broken windshield, a trip to a glass shop, and a windshield seal that still doesn't sit correctly, even after professionals had a go.

MelP. · Post by **MelP.** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:35 am

Aside from the soapy water, is there a procedure to get the seal onto the windshield easily?

j_c_hamilton · Post by **j_c_hamilton** » Wed May 21, 2003 12:48 pm

No, it just stretches on. It helps if someone can hold one end from popping off while you do the other end. Takes a little coordination, but theres no real trick to this step at all.

skid_ro · Post by **skid_ro** » Fri May 23, 2003 7:18 am

I have installed alot of glass in vw's. I worked at a body shop doing alot of work on aircooled..
Anyway... This method works for all glass in vw, except door...

1. Put the glass in the rubber seal, just as it would look in the car. You can leave the chrome trim out...
2. Use either silicone spray (my preference) or soapy water to lubricate the rubber all around the outside.
3. Obtain a long piece of string, preferably nylon no bigger than 1/8" diameter.
4. Run the string completely around the rubber, inside the gap where the steel window channel would sit if it were in the car. It should be a small enough diameter to fit into the gap without protruding. The string should be long enough to cross at the bottom. The ends should both be at the bottom, crossed and hanging down at least six inches each.
5. Sit the bottom of the window in the channel on the car, making sure the rope is crossed and inside the car (at the bottom). The window rubber should sit in the bottom window channel. You will need to hold the glass against the car.
6. With a second person outside pushing on the bottom of the glass, pull the rope slowly toward you (45 degrees)(inside the car). Pull slowly being carful not to rip the rubber seal. You can use more soap or silicone to help out.
7. The person pushing (gently) on the outside should follow the person inside around the glass. Alternate between the left and right side, moving 6-12 inches at a time.
8. The idea is to pull the rubber around the metal and seat the glass. It should not be hard to do. It if is, lube more and move slowly.
9. When the entire seal is in and the glass is sitting in the window channel, push gently all around the glass from the outside, just to seat the window.
10. Install the metal trim with lube by gently pushing it into the gap. It will take work.

I hope this helps...
Email me if you need some better instructions...
skid_ro@comcast.net

phrankentruk · Post by **phrankentruk** » Fri May 23, 2003 8:56 pm

There CAN be problems with Ghia glass. Looky here:

http://www.ghiagirl.com/garages/garage_07/g7d.htm

julietgahan · Post by **julietgahan** » Tue May 27, 2003 9:34 am

My goodness, I tried one time, body shop guys 2 times and a professional glass guy tried 3 times! It still does not fit right and leaks and this is the second brand new seal. Now I know it is just not my car...

Mr. Electric Wizard · Tue May 27, 2003 11:04 am

West Coast Metric makes the best seals, try them...

ToddGsanford · Post by **ToddGsanford** » Tue May 27, 2003 3:27 pm

have had realy good luck with wcm seals have also used an old off brand seal on a ghia and had little trouble on the install. the off brand stuff generally does not hold up as well in the sun etc. Is your glass original or aftermarket ? If it is Pilkington brand it probably is the wrong size. have had lots of problems with this brand on all german cars. The PPG glass will fit as I have installed these with no problems. ( even by myself ) The soapy water and silicone all help as well. a word on the silicone that it does erode the rubber slightly and if your still in for bodywork its a good idea to stay away from it. dish soap works well too.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 28, 2003 3:35 pm

This thread caught my eye as I'm just about to replace the leaking cal-look rubbers on my 63 coupe. My glass is milking at the corners and i managed to pick up a clear screen only to be suprised that it was toughened glass and not laminated glass. I thought all ghia front screens were laminated?