At 12:52 PM 3/16/98 EST, DEREKWH125 wrote: >I noticed substantial leaks, on both driver and passenger side, after having a >new windshield installed last year using an aftermarket seal. Recently I had >the seal replaced with a factory seal and the leaks have stopped. I was told >by the glass guy that he has seen a lot of problems with the aftermarket seals >and only recommends the OEM. > >Derek >'Syncro GL (for sale) >San Rafael, CA -----------------------------------------------------------

To Derek and the Listees -

There are NO aftermarket seals for the Vanagon that I am aware of. WCM, RMMW, Ron, Kyle and myself (amongst others I'm sure,) are selling the OE Seals because that's all that's available, often bringing them from VW (or the OE mfr) in Europe or buying them from the dealer here. I have not seen any Mexican/Brazilian being brought in by my importers/suppliers (Thank Gawd!) either as of yet.

I raise this point because I had a windshield replaced two years ago on my Ex-80 Wanagon because someone threw a rock from the highway into it while parked in my driveway. I ordered the seal from VW and had a local Auto Glass shop get the glass and install the whole enchilada. It did leak in the right lower corner for a awhile, but then stopped. I attribute this to either a poor installation on the installer's end or possibly rust pitting on the window flange.

Rust pitting on the window flange of the body is something that should be attended to before installing a new seal. Experience in manufacturing and installing earlier splittie and breadloaf seals has proven to me that the flange area the seal comes into contact with has to be smooth as a baby's rear for the seal's internal water deflection's ribs to work properly. The area may have to be filled, sanded and painted to achieve this.

I am working on manufacturing the Vanagon windshield seal. Tooling is basically done and I am awaiting samples to install on a couple of Vanagons for the ultimate in "moisture" tests. Hopefully sometime this year I will have them available and at a much better price than VW.

My $0.02 worth

Jim Thompson 84 Westy 2.1 * 62 Beetle * 90 Fox Wagon Check out our latest cool stuff at: http://www.oldvolkshome.com ------------------------------------------- Check out the Odd, Weird, One of a Kind Items For Sale On the "OddBall Page" http://www.oldvolkshome.com/oddball.html ------------------------------------------- Our Website is totally redesigned for ease of your use. Now in "Frames" or "No Frames" format: Frames - http://www.oldvolkshome.com/frames.html No Frames - http://www.oldvolkshome.com/homenf.html ------------------------------------------- Now use your VISA, MasterCard or AMEX at: Sherwood Automotive * The Old Volks Home PO Box 176 * Palo Cedro, CA 96073-0176 (530) 221-5342 (Voice or Fax) jim@oldvolkshome.com jim96003@c-zone.net