Refitting rear windows..

Post by **The_blue** » 28 Mar 2007, 12:26

My pannel conversion rear window seals have crumbled.

I took two of the windows out, cleaned the rust underneath, added a quick spray of undercoat and replaced the glass with new seals. as a temp fixture while i get the bigger issues sorted.

I thought that the silver insert (beading?) should be added after refitting but can't get it in again! Am i missing a tool to do this or should the strip be added before fitting?

Also should the seal be cut to match the window or to match the opening?

I've fed it around the glass and cut to fit (+ little extra) but when i've reinserted the window with the string method i'm left with a small gap at the join (2-3mm) I'm guessing that the window hole is bigger that it should be and the seal had been pushed to meet that.

Also while i'm here,

Should seal the rubber to the glass and van? or is rubber to paint enough?

Should the Joint be at the bottom, the top or the side?

Few thats alot of questions!

Any help would be great! [/list]

Post by **VWlewis** » 28 Mar 2007, 13:58

re seals and insert - you really need a tool - JK were selling them. The gap is normal and there is a joining strip required too. The joint is at the bottom of the window.

VW may still stock these .. worth a call.

or look here:

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp ... %2D309%2DF

VW Lewis

Post by **The_blue** » 28 Mar 2007, 20:36

Thanks but the gap it in the rubber not the trim

Wouldn't worry if it was only the trim

Do i seal the trim to the van some how?

Post by **kevtherev** » 28 Mar 2007, 20:50

they are rubber to paint...and the gap (at the top or bottom) can be filled with a nice rubber mastic....mine is and its half an inch!

Am i missing a tool to do this

yes

Post by **The_blue** » 29 Mar 2007, 15:03

kevtherev wrote:they are rubber to paint...

Sorry but what do you mean??

Could i lift the edge and pipe silicone sealant to make it watertight?

Post by **guz** » 30 Mar 2007, 08:22

don't use silicon sealant near car paintwork,
it gives off acetic acid as it cures and this
will damage your paint.

you want a black bitumastic or rubber sealant
like domestic gutter sealant, Nev off here had
his rear side windows s+f by RAC autowindscreens
and that's what they've used on his join/lil gap.

have access to the fillet tool you need, well my
mate up the farm has one to do his minis, gawd
what a job they are at times !