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Date:         Wed, 3 Jan 2001 18:14:13 -0500
Reply-To:     "Michael E. Pidcoe" <pidcoe@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Michael E. Pidcoe" <pidcoe@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Side Rear Window
Comments: To: vwvan@CORNHUSKER.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Fred, I have never replaced a vanagon window but I have replaced dozens of bug and bus windows, including my '74 Thing hardtop and all of the windows in my 21 window deluxe (sold to purchase my '71 single cab which I sold to a kind gentleman who assured me it would get restored.) Anyway, if they go in like the older VW's I would first suggest that 50 degrees is way too cold to do this. It is very important to have nice warm seals with which to work as well as warm glass seems less likely to break than warm glass (why? dunno). Here is what I would do: 1. Find a warm garage. 2. Put the warm seal on the warm window and take some string (I use the same kind that you might buy for kite flying). 3. Wrap the string around the warm window rubber groove, twice. Try to finish with the two ends of string overlapping at the base or top center of your warm window. 4. Spray the warm window seal with something slippery. I have had good luck with windex, wd-40 and liquid dishwashing soap. 5. Have a friend (or two for a large window) hold the warm window up against the opening and apply gentle pressure while you pull the string out slowly. I have found that if your friend(s) apply a slight bit of extra pressure against the area where you are pulling, the window will seat easier. Also, it is best to pull the string back against itself, that is to say keep the string against the window and pull parallel to the window or one more attempt to explain would be, do not pull the string away from the window at a 90 degree angle. I hope I am explaining this clearly enough. It is likely that you will have the lip for the warm seal over the edge of the window opening by the time you complete your first pass around of string removal. The second pass is for insurance. Make sure that your friend(s) maintain the slight pressure against the window until the string is removed. Too much pressure can crack the window and make it hard to remove the string. You did not mention removing the old window & seal but I will add, to avoid breakage, I usually just take a razor blade or utility knife and cut the old seal away. This is an easy job when it is warm. I hope that I did not forget anything. Oh yeah, did I mention that it should be warm? Good luck, Mike Pidcoe '82 Diesel (Hanagon-Blue) '86 Syncro w/Suby engine - very very soon


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