Window rubbers - converted panel van

[orangebooboobearcrew]

Hello,
I need to change all of our side window rubbers on our 1980 2.0l Aircooled converted panel van.
Could anyone tell me the best way how to get the old rubbers out plus get the new ones in at all? What is the best technique?
Also, I've bought a replacement seal for the offside middle window from Just Kampers for the panel van conversion but it seems larger than the window - is this normal and should I cut to size when fitting? (NB this is the louvred window - does this matter?).
Cheers,
Member 3718

[ermie571]

hi mate...

we removed old ruubbers easily removed by cutting the outside with a stanley knife...renders the rubbers useless, but you are changing them anyway!

New rubbers.....you have some joy filled moments coming your way!!!
You will need some lubricant (not washing up liquid or engine oil....we were recommended vaseline (which I couldn't find) or vegetable oil) and some strong string. Will need two of you.

The way we did ours - put STRONG stringin rubber (wrapped it round twice) then put glass in rubber. From outside, offer window up to aperture. I sat on the engine bay and pulled the string. This pulls the rubbers over the metal lip. You will have to push /thump gently, from the outside too. We found at the end that the window had not quite seated fully....but some gentle persuasion around the rubbers on the outside persuaded the window to locate properly.

But this was in a velle, not a converted panel. YOuwould then have to refit the gap rubber on the inside.

Hope this helps

Emma

[orangebooboobearcrew]

Cheers Emma - that's really helpful. Everyone keeps telling me this is a nightmare job so I am at least prepared for a few hours of hell.... Thanks again

[SplendiferousII]

When you come to fit the plastic bead, there is a special tool to make life easy. However I have simply bent up a piece or wire to form a diamond to spread the rubber - the bead is feed through the diamond and you just push it around - easy peasy lemon squeasy.

Will try to find a link to a web site to show the pukka tool.

Where did you buy your replacement rubber and how much was it?

I need to do my windows.

[Grun]

Just Kampers have the tool you are looking for (and picture)
Here

Mike

[PEET]

I used thick smooth rope as i was lucky enuf one day to just catch a pro doing it one day, the string works but is more awkward and can cut the rubber. He also tipped me to use absorbent rope soaked in the lube.

Another cool tip he gave was fit the rubber inside out i.e put the strip on the inside as it gives a smooth look to the rubber on the outside and semi intelligent scallies can't jus pull the strip out and pop ur window out to get in. Also when your strip fitting tool slips off it jus goes on interior trim as opposed to the nice new paint u've jus sprayed the van with...

Waterproof the new seal afterwards with windscreen sealant like this...
Make a soapy mix in a spray bottle and spray around window.
Pump loads of sealant under new seal edges - pump it in there don't worry bout how it looks yet.... Oh n spray more soapy water over the sealant!
Get a rubber or soft pliable scraper and scrape the excess off, because you sprayed around the window with the soapy water it doesn't stick and it should just fall off, do remember to wipe the scraper clean each time you empty it of sealant tho else u'll be putting it back on ur van!

And remember to stick the ends together with the sealant at the same time!!

Sorry if thats a tad indepth but it's how the pro told me to do it and it did work for me first time 4 windows in in under 2 hours and in the peeing rain!

And if ur nice i have the inserting tool sat in my toolbox if u promise to pay for the post return it and if you need it 2 lengths of the window rubbers.

[orangebooboobearcrew]

Pete the feet,
Mate, thanks ever so much for your advice - great tips and I feel more confident having a go now!
I've got the insertion tool (from JK) and am okay for the rubbers but thanks ever so for your kind offer...
Just waiting for the weather to turn and will have a go one Saturday.
Thanks again!!
Chris

[orangebooboobearcrew]

Thanks for all your help everyone - got my seals from JK and armed with all this info am hot to trot now!

[PEET]

Hope it goes well n u feel smug ya done it yaself afterwards!! PM me if u want my number jus in case ya need to ring someone when ya doing it? It's a free service...