Third time's the charm- Windshield install help!!!

m00se · Post by **m00se** » Sat Mar 30, 2013 11:05 am

I have a 1966 standard Beetle and while replacing the old crusty windshield seal the windshield broke. We failed to center it as we were installing the glass into the car and broke it while attempting to readjust.

We tried to use the seal that allowed for the metal trim, but it shredded during the install and removal process (stupid cheap rubber!) So for the second windshield we tried the Cal-look rubber. It was REALLY difficult to install the rubber on the windshield whether it was hot, cold, dry, lubed or whatever... It took several man-hours to get the thing on the windshield. But we did it! Then as I tried to get the windshield into place using Windex as a lube it was still not settling in correctly. So I switched to soapy water thinking that the Windex was drying to fast and we removed the window, wiped it down and started again. This time the same thing was happening and I slapped the window as I saw on a couple of YouTube videos. THAT'S how I broke the second windshield. I had no further progress as to getting it settled flush with the lip inside the frame and so slapping it just ended up cracking it straight down vertically.

Now I have a third windshield and I've gotten it all set up; I have the gasket on it and a shoelace in the bead to pull the rubber over the lip. If I get one side close enough to the top or the bottom, the other side does not even get close and I can't get it centered in the opening! If it is centered, I can't sink it in close enough to the lip to pull the rubber over it. This time I used silicone spray for lube and I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS BEFORE!!! I don't want to break another one. HELP!!!

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:44 pm

This answer may seem like a cop-out, but it's the best advice.

Instead of buying and breaking another windshield, find a glass place that installs VW windshields and let them deal with it. Then if they break it, it's on them.

Also, no rubber should split when you install the metal trim. Seek outr quality products. (And every VW looks better with the metal trim, IMHO.)

m00se · Post by **m00se** » Sun Apr 14, 2013 6:47 pm

Blue Baron wrote:
Instead of buying and breaking another windshield, find a glass place that installs VW windshields and let them deal with it. Then if they break it, it's on them.

Also, no rubber should split when you install the metal trim. Seek outr quality products. (And every VW looks better with the metal trim, IMHO.)

Well, I took your advice after a guy at my local bug shop gave me the name of a glass place whose owner is a huge beetle fan and also has a '66 at home! They ended up having to grind the window down about 1/4" because it just wouldn't fit with the cal-look gasket that I had; even though the window was the same size as the one they use at the shop. Lesson learned- I got it done at All-American Glass in Fresno for $30 and it only took about 15 minutes in and out! Now I just need to finish replacing my right cylinder head and I'm back on the road!

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Mon May 13, 2013 3:12 pm

Most Cal Look rubber is crap. Make sure it's from a reputable manufacturer like West Coast Metric.

m00se · Post by **m00se** » Mon May 13, 2013 3:45 pm

Blue Baron wrote:Most Cal Look rubber is crap. Make sure it's from a reputable manufacturer like West Coast Metric.

I don't know who the maker is, but I have now heard that the local stuff isn't great. I didn't know there was such a big difference, but apparently there is. Live and learn...