AboutRon Wolff Expertise I am proficient in the following areas of VW Air Cooled Models from 1968-1979:
Vehicles: Super Beetle, Beetle, Thing, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Westfalia/Bus
Areas of expertise years 1968-1979
Engine Rebuild advice for all air cooled engines
VW Brake system replacement
Automatic Stickshift transmission
VW KOOL and DPD air conditioning systems (ex. thing)
Westfalia Electrical system dual battery
Westy Refridge Repair
Westy Cabinet Repair
Westy
AFC Fuel Injection system (1975 bugs) (1975 bus/Westys)
Soundproofing
General type 4 engine rebuild/technical data (i.e. 1.7 ltr, 1.8., 2.0) for buses
VW Air Cooled Beetle and Bus Paint codes
VW Distributor Compatibility Information
Westy component repair
Emission Systems
Exhaust Systems
General Electric System
Door rebuild (windows, seals, vent windows)
Body Panel Removal and general repair (non-welded)
Charging System
Convertible top Installation: Beetle
CV joints
Engine Troubleshooting
Valve Train
Non areas of expertise:
High Performance Modifications
Front end related components
Rear suspension (spring plate adjustment)
Bodywork / painting
Experience
Past/Present clients I often contribute to the westfalia users group technical boards. I have been a member for about 4 years. My usermame is 76Heatwagen
I restore vintage Volkswagens and currently own 4 of them.
Expert: Ron Wolff Date: 12/29/2007 Subject: window seals in a 67 vw bug
Question hey there im srry to bother you but i am restoring a 67 vw bug, and i need to replace the window seals on the windows and winsdshield and back shield, but i have no idea of how to take the window out and putting it back in without damage. thanks
John
Answer Hi John,
Not a bother at all, I am glad that you are taking an interest in the restoration process.
This procedure is tricky, but rewarding, and you CAN do it. It is not an 'expert only' job. You just need to be patient.
1) You need to take a razor blade and carefully begin cutting away the old seal. Because it is new to you, take your time and work on the outside of the car. The trick is to get as much old rubber off as possible, and as close to the window as possible. You don't need to push very hard, just cut away the seal. If you feel like you are scraping metal underneath, ease up on the blade.
2) Now, gently press the 2 side windows towards the inside of the car.(Cut windshield and rear window from the inside and pop outward) You may need to keep trimming, but eventually, it will pop out.
3) Clean the window really well and get some dish soap. Put a nice thin coating and some water around the outside and inside of the seal. Fit the seal over the window.
4) Now, get some string (a little thicker than kite string, and place it around the outside of the window seal, in the channel.
5) Press the window in from the outside (have someone hold it) The string should be with you in the car and be just crossed over at the top.
6) As the window is being pushed in (gently) slowly pull the string so the seal now starts to pull the window in and creates a nice lip around the headliner. If the string slips out, or the lip doesn't completely seat, don't yank on the string too hard -- push it out slowly, and start over.
No silicones, sealants, etc. are necessary for any of the windows. Just a string, blade, dish soap and plenty of patience.
Let me know how you make out, and it will look great!
