Date:         Fri, 4 Jul 1997 00:06:46 -0400
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         kelphoto@bright.net (mark keller)
Subject:      Re: Winshield seal

I just had my windshield out last week. Seems the seal's "pliability" was
the issue. If its hard, your looking at another one. How hard is hard?
Yeah, well for me if I can push my thumbnail into it, its ok. If my nail
crys out before the seal gives, then IMHO it may be too hard. The Glue with
a special adhesive is either Urethane or Butyl rubber windshield sealant.
Parts Stores carry it. NAPA has both, the nod goes to the Urethane, but
this is a "truck type gasket" ie. the seal itself provides the clamping
power to retain the windscreen.  The adhesive is really just a sealant, so
butyl, which takes longer to "set up", would pose no disadvantage.

When considering the "Hardness", remember that the glass can break rather
easy, and it's the "give" in the seal that allows the assembley to fit and
compress into the windshield opening.

BTW, I priced a VISTAR Inc. windshield glass installed, was $180 with a new
gasket. So if your in the ballpark, I'd consider them. Liftime Warrenty and
all that. Usual disclaimers stuff shall apply.

Sincerely

Mark Keller
91' Carat WLE

>I am looking at replacing my cracked windshield, and noticed in the Bentley
>book that the rubber seal is glued to the body with special adhesive.
>
>Does this mean that the rubber seal  is not resuseable?