Years later and it is still very pertinent info. Changed out the front glass on our 72 super bee yesterday. Did not have weed wacker line but split some speaker wire and used a strand of that. I can usually get about anything done by myself but found that solo installation kicked my but, after two failed attempts I got a friend involved and it went just as shown on video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Chris.
I bought them from Cip1. The problem is solved, though. I paid a guy who has a bug and an auto glass company to come out and fix me up. He saw it rising in the opening just like I saw, so he brought out a big suction cup and pulled the window down in the opening, then it went in nicely. The windshield went in much nicer. Thanks, Chris for responding. You are a gentleman and a scholar!
Put in the rear window in my 63 Sedan today! Your knowledge is very much appreciated Chris.I also put in the rear engine seal today. Thanks again man..
I recently procured a 1971 Super Beetle and had no rubber for the glass that came with it, ordered my parts but had no idea how to do the final install. This saved my ass! Great tips and tricks, really appreciate the vids.
This was so helpful, thanks! One comment though - beware that silicone spray can mess with your headliner glue - be ready with a car trim tool or plastic blade in case you just need to tuck the headliner edge into the rubber as you pull the string.
If you installed the headliner with contact cement DON'T USE SILICONE. The contact cement just dissolves and the headliner material releases. I used glass cleaner on the rubber seal and opening in the past, but thought I'd try the silicone after viewing this video. Almost a disaster. I clamped the headliner material in the window opening as soon as I saw the material releasing, cleared the silicone in sections using lacquer thinner, and then re-glued the headliner. Sure glad I found this video.
I watched it a few times, then had my girlfriend's son watch it twice with me. We went out into the garage and slapped the front of my Ghia's windshield in. It was a little different, but went in on the second shot. The back was harder and we had to start the top in place first but it all came down to bumping and slapping. One part didn't seat well and I got the rubber mallet out and bumped it down at the bottom while leaning and pushing in on it. Thanks again!
After tons of research I went with your method of weed eater line and silicone. Worked perfectly. Also did side windows and doing back window tonight. Thanks!
Awesome Vid Chris, the only think I can add, Is use a dowel with or without a hole in it to make it easer to pull, and easier on your hands. Also ill point out that if using weed walker line, use the smooth line, not the line with ridge lines running down the length of the line. You have a great channel and lucky to have your dad to help out, even if he pounds on the glass!!
Did you cut the old seal out yet? When installing the new one, soak that seal with good silicone. You can also leave it out in the sun a while to get it soft. Which brand seal are you getting? WEst coast metric is great. The others are hard.
You make this look SO EASY! I tried the rear window install twice yesterday, and both times the bottom corners would pop out and not stay. The window continued to rise in the window opening no matter how much downward pressure we used. The other thing that kept happening is that as soon as we started putting pressure on the whole assembly by putting it in, the chrome strip would start popping out. This job is impossible.
Thanks Chris. Your video is informative and easy to follow. [In addition to slapping at the window, it is useful to remind your helper to take off any rings (yikes) before proceeding.]
I was going to do seals THEN fix headliner tear; but after watching this I see why I'm going to reverse that order. You did make it look easy though. Lol. I think the combination of a good suction cup and a dad would be good, although it looked like you did need both hands for some of it. Thanks again Chris
Good vid. One problem I found with this method years ago was that if you try to reuse the old rubber, even if it looks usable, it may have hardened and the string can act like a cheese wire and cut into the rubber due to the lack of flexure. I was young and trying to do an Austin Mini resto on the cheap. I'd taken the windows out to repair and respray the shell.
Awesome video as always, your videos have been a massive help rebuilding a car that came to me in boxes. One tiny little tip from back in the day when I fitted a fair few windscreens, I used nylon chord (perhaps weed whacker string didn't exist back then) and ran it into the slot in the rubber using a threaded nozzle from a silicon sealant tube, it made it super easy to get the pull choard into the slot and was a tool that I just kept in my toolbox and used time and time again for years.
Thanx for your video Chris. Its already 12 years ago you posted it, bur still useful. I have a question. Do you think it's wise to use a hairdryer or so to warm up the window rubber so it is more easy to put it in place?
I did give it a go but I think the thickness of the trimmer string is critical. I went at it four times making sure my gap was tight as could be yet sometimes it just refused to work. I can definitely see the merit in it though. Unfortunately I had to go with 3/16" nylon rope. That only took me two tries and I got it.
Watched this and you other video about installing trim. I understand not to pull from both ends anymore. What is the benefit of liquid soap versus silicone? Do you have any alignment issues when pulling from one side only? As always, thank you for the tips‼️
I have put many of windows in a bug /convertible.bus/ I have always use a rubber mallet. Never had a issue. Learned it while I was stationed in Germany.
We also do not know where you got your parts from, what you explain is typical for cheap aftermarket seals and chrome. Did you silicone, did you heat the seal a bit, maybe leave it out in the sun. There are many factors involved.
In this video I'm not sure if you discussed it.. But in my situation I'm not replacing my old windows i'm just going to put new rubber on everything and make it a tight seal. DO I have to get new windows or could I take mine out, clean then up, and put new rubber on them and use the same technique you did in this video?
The seals are German. They are very nice. They are actually formed in the window shape. The seals went on the windows nicely, unlike the Wolfsburg West seals i tried before. The WW seals the back window seal would not stay on the window. It constantly rolled off the window. It was impossible to put the chrome strip on.
Chris...I am about to install aftermarket windshield on my '74 Super (curved windshield). Would this same method be recommended? I would like original glass but had too much trouble finding any, especially without selling a kidney LOL. Found a perfect SB windshield at the local parts yard for a song and a dance. Couldn't resist.
My front windshield rubber is not perfect flush with the body in the right lower corner. There is a gap between the body and the rubber. Can I fix this without removing the windshield again?
Yeah you should be able to, if you grab a small piece of wood and place it in the inner corner of the seal and tap it downward to try and close that gap, that sometimes works. What brand seal did you use?
I did this years ago, and broke the windshield right away. I was using a hammer fist lightly, but it didn't matter. I see the light slapping works well. I will be getting a 73 Super very soon, and it has a curved windshield. Ugh!! All the glass is out of the car.
@brighteyefilms You're both right. Wehn it comes to classic cars, there are many schools of thought. If you're buying them to restore then selling them, yeah, the older cars are going to be a better investment. Driveability isn't that big a concern for a trailer queen that's going to shows. The later cars are, as said, more driveable, especially the 1302's and 1303's. if you're getting a car less to restore and more to drive, newer models are more enjoyable to drive and tinker with and hop up.
hi Chris same application applies to a 71 super? also want to know engine 1600cc did valves. 006 but still rattle sounds can I do 005 of an inch without having issues or change adjuster screws it's really annoying
@@classicvwbugs I was helping my brother install the front window on his 73 super beetle convertible and we just could not get those corners in, If we got one en in the opposite side would pop out we used silicone to lubricate the seal and it did not help. Maybe it was the weather? it was in the low 50's So we had to stop.
@@classicvwbugs I don't remember I went to Arizona where he lives to help him with the job. But I am pretty sure he got it from Wolfsburg or west coast metric. So you are saying that it depends on the quality of the rubber seal uh?
Can you remove a windshield without destroying the rubber seal? I want to take mine out of my 66 ghia for paint and would like to reuse it. I have heard to take one out to cut the inside with a razor knife, but of course that would destroy it.
But these German seals went on the window nicely, and received the chrome strip with little work. Now I am again attempting to put the back window in (can't do windshield now as it is broken) and I'm trying to do it exactly the way you show in the vid. No matter what the seal WILL NOT pull around the upper corners of the window opening! This is because as it got pulled around the bottom the window got pushed up in the window opening and there's nothing that can be done about it.
Thanks a lot Chris! This worked perfectly with me. I have a question, the chrome in the rubber, should it be placed before placing the windshield? Can it be done after?
Chis, I am restoring a very original '67 that has all original glass. I'm really scared of braking my original Sekurit windshield when I install it. Any tips for avoiding this disaster?
Hey, I have a 72 super beetle, me and my dad we're trying this on our rear window, but the seal we had was spliced to make it fit. But when we tried the window kept popping out. Do you reccomend we get a new seal?
Question for you after I wish you congratulations on your wedding a bit ago. To remove my glass in my 67 that's been sitting for 25+ years and the rubber is dryer than dry and cracked, what do you recommend to remove the glass to replace the rubber? Shall I simply carefully scrape the old rubber and let it chip itself away from the glass and car until the window is free? It seams that it's almost a stupid question and I answered my question but this glass is hard to find and I don't want to spend any more damn money than I have to.;.;
That it happens alot that the rubber dosen go all the way out on the out side, would it help to have the same thred but on bouth sides so when u have puled the one on the inside u can then pull out the one on the out side for ultimate fitt?
yo!, I never seen pop out windows Close up, But I just ordered some. Would I put them the same way?? or do you have any tips >>? 1960 VW just in case. Thanks, and DOPE VIDEOS
I have been fighting with my rear window for 2 days now. I'm using weed Wacker wire and it will not seat properly at all. I've used silicone spray and still won't seat properly. I'm at my Witt's end
Never slap the glass with the heel of your hand, spread the load over all your hand. Reduces risk of breakage and if you fitting day in day out ( as I used to) you would risk injury to your arm joints.
hi, I have a 71 super beetle flat windshield and I did the same way you did you install the windshield but for some reason the rubber doesn't cover or reach the corners of the window. I though it was the glass, replaced and still same issue. I bought different rubber brand maybe that will work. any idea or suggestion? thank you
I found it easier to do the front than the back. For some reason the back would slide off track on me. A little patience and help from the wife and we successfully got them installed on a 70.
When I did my front window, after we got the bottom and the sides, before we rounded the top corners, we were able to pull the glass down an inch. We each put a hand on the inside and outside and just pulled down. Had we not done that, it woulda broken.
Hey man I have a 68 bug, and I want to replace the front window seal. When I bought the bug it came with some window seals. How do I know which is for the front and which is for the rear, or can they be used on either window.
Years later and it is still very pertinent info. Changed out the front glass on our 72 super bee yesterday. Did not have weed wacker line but split some speaker wire and used a strand of that. I can usually get about anything done by myself but found that solo installation kicked my but, after two failed attempts I got a friend involved and it went just as shown on video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Chris.
I bought them from Cip1. The problem is solved, though. I paid a guy who has a bug and an auto glass company to come out and fix me up. He saw it rising in the opening just like I saw, so he brought out a big suction cup and pulled the window down in the opening, then it went in nicely. The windshield went in much nicer. Thanks, Chris for responding. You are a gentleman and a scholar!
Put in the rear window in my 63 Sedan today! Your knowledge is very much appreciated Chris.I also put in the rear engine seal today. Thanks again man..
I recently procured a 1971 Super Beetle and had no rubber for the glass that came with it, ordered my parts but had no idea how to do the final install. This saved my ass! Great tips and tricks, really appreciate the vids.
This video encouraged me to remove the glass on my 1995 Toyota van to start removing rust. Silicone spray worked like a breeze. Thanks!
This was so helpful, thanks! One comment though - beware that silicone spray can mess with your headliner glue - be ready with a car trim tool or plastic blade in case you just need to tuck the headliner edge into the rubber as you pull the string.
If you installed the headliner with contact cement DON'T USE SILICONE. The contact cement just dissolves and the headliner material releases. I used glass cleaner on the rubber seal and opening in the past, but thought I'd try the silicone after viewing this video. Almost a disaster. I clamped the headliner material in the window opening as soon as I saw the material releasing, cleared the silicone in sections using lacquer thinner, and then re-glued the headliner. Sure glad I found this video.
Or you can use liquid soap, that works well.
I watched it a few times, then had my girlfriend's son watch it twice with me. We went out into the garage and slapped the front of my Ghia's windshield in. It was a little different, but went in on the second shot. The back was harder and we had to start the top in place first but it all came down to bumping and slapping. One part didn't seat well and I got the rubber mallet out and bumped it down at the bottom while leaning and pushing in on it. Thanks again!
Without you, I would have nothing but pieces in the floor. Thank you for all the great videos!
After tons of research I went with your method of weed eater line and silicone. Worked perfectly. Also did side windows and doing back window tonight. Thanks!
Congratulations on another Bus ! Cooker's looked like a good time .
Awesome Vid Chris, the only think I can add, Is use a dowel with or without a hole in it to make it easer to pull, and easier on your hands. Also ill point out that if using weed walker line, use the smooth line, not the line with ridge lines running down the length of the line. You have a great channel and lucky to have your dad to help out, even if he pounds on the glass!!
Good points
Did you cut the old seal out yet? When installing the new one, soak that seal with good silicone. You can also leave it out in the sun a while to get it soft. Which brand seal are you getting? WEst coast metric is great. The others are hard.
You make this look SO EASY! I tried the rear window install twice yesterday, and both times the bottom corners would pop out and not stay. The window continued to rise in the window opening no matter how much downward pressure we used. The other thing that kept happening is that as soon as we started putting pressure on the whole assembly by putting it in, the chrome strip would start popping out. This job is impossible.
Thanks Chris. Your video is informative and easy to follow. [In addition to slapping at the window, it is useful to remind your helper to take off any rings (yikes) before proceeding.]
I was going to do seals THEN fix headliner tear; but after watching this I see why I'm going to reverse that order. You did make it look easy though. Lol. I think the combination of a good suction cup and a dad would be good, although it looked like you did need both hands for some of it. Thanks again Chris
Your videos are a life saver. They have really helped me restore this old bug of mine Thank You Thank You and keep up the instructions.
Sounds like the quality of the seal. Where did you buy the seal?
Good vid. One problem I found with this method years ago was that if you try to reuse the old rubber, even if it looks usable, it may have hardened and the string can act like a cheese wire and cut into the rubber due to the lack of flexure. I was young and trying to do an Austin Mini resto on the cheap. I'd taken the windows out to repair and respray the shell.
Awesome video as always, your videos have been a massive help rebuilding a car that came to me in boxes. One tiny little tip from back in the day when I fitted a fair few windscreens, I used nylon chord (perhaps weed whacker string didn't exist back then) and ran it into the slot in the rubber using a threaded nozzle from a silicon sealant tube, it made it super easy to get the pull choard into the slot and was a tool that I just kept in my toolbox and used time and time again for years.
Cheers! great video, clear, precise and very efficient.
Chris thanks for the knowledge, you are much appreciated.
Desde Bogotá Colombia muchas gracias, es lo más práctico que encontré sobre el tema.
I tried this with weed whacker line, it really works great. Great idea, thanks.
Thanx for your video Chris. Its already 12 years ago you posted it, bur still useful. I have a question. Do you think it's wise to use a hairdryer or so to warm up the window rubber so it is more easy to put it in place?
Absolutely you can.
I did give it a go but I think the thickness of the trimmer string is critical. I went at it four times making sure my gap was tight as could be yet sometimes it just refused to work. I can definitely see the merit in it though. Unfortunately I had to go with 3/16" nylon rope. That only took me two tries and I got it.
Watched this and you other video about installing trim. I understand not to pull from both ends anymore. What is the benefit of liquid soap versus silicone? Do you have any alignment issues when pulling from one side only?
As always, thank you for the tips‼️
The soap dries a lil faster, it really is preference. No alignment issues as long as there is pressure on each side.
Hello Chris welcome to Florida. Have you any tutorial video about how to install the convertible classic bug rear window regulator?
I have put many of windows in a bug /convertible.bus/ I have always use a rubber mallet. Never had a issue. Learned it while I was stationed in Germany.
Where did you get the seal from? Who made it? Brazil, mexico, CHINA?
We also do not know where you got your parts from, what you explain is typical for cheap aftermarket seals and chrome. Did you silicone, did you heat the seal a bit, maybe leave it out in the sun. There are many factors involved.
What color is the Bug ?
Very nice and shinny, love it
In this video I'm not sure if you discussed it.. But in my situation I'm not replacing my old windows i'm just going to put new rubber on everything and make it a tight seal. DO I have to get new windows or could I take mine out, clean then up, and put new rubber on them and use the same technique you did in this video?
Install a safari rear window!!! They look sick and would allow for amazing airflow
The seals are German. They are very nice. They are actually formed in the window shape. The seals went on the windows nicely, unlike the Wolfsburg West seals i tried before. The WW seals the back window seal would not stay on the window. It constantly rolled off the window. It was impossible to put the chrome strip on.
Chris...I am about to install aftermarket windshield on my '74 Super (curved windshield). Would this same method be recommended?
I would like original glass but had too much trouble finding any, especially without selling a kidney LOL. Found a perfect SB windshield at the local parts yard for a song and a dance. Couldn't resist.
Hi Chris. Trying to put glass in a 75 bus. I keep cutting the seals when pulling the cord/ string. What size weed eater cord are you using
wacker line 095
Thanks
What am I doing wrong if I'm cutting into the seal at the corners?
My front windshield rubber is not perfect flush with the body in the right lower corner. There is a gap between the body and the rubber. Can I fix this without removing the windshield again?
Yeah you should be able to, if you grab a small piece of wood and place it in the inner corner of the seal and tap it downward to try and close that gap, that sometimes works. What brand seal did you use?
@@classicvwbugs I don’t know. I bought the car yesterday. The seal has an aluminium strip in the middle…
@@classicvwbugs But thanks for the tip. It might work with a little bit of lube.
I haven’t installed a windshield in 27 years.. installing new rubber on. 63’ with the dreaded flat glass..
I did this years ago, and broke the windshield right away. I was using a hammer fist lightly, but it didn't matter. I see the light slapping works well. I will be getting a 73 Super very soon, and it has a curved windshield. Ugh!! All the glass is out of the car.
Great video as usual Chris.
@brighteyefilms You're both right. Wehn it comes to classic cars, there are many schools of thought. If you're buying them to restore then selling them, yeah, the older cars are going to be a better investment. Driveability isn't that big a concern for a trailer queen that's going to shows. The later cars are, as said, more driveable, especially the 1302's and 1303's. if you're getting a car less to restore and more to drive, newer models are more enjoyable to drive and tinker with and hop up.
hi Chris same application applies to a 71 super? also want to know engine 1600cc did valves. 006 but still rattle sounds can I do
005 of an inch without having issues or change adjuster screws it's really annoying
how bad is the tapping? 005 will not stop much if it is that bad. You sure it is your valves and not the bearings?
@@classicvwbugs I was helping my brother install the front window on his 73 super beetle convertible and we just could not get those corners in, If we got one en in the opposite side would pop out we used silicone to lubricate the seal and it did not help.
Maybe it was the weather? it was in the low 50's So we had to stop.
@@SDsailor7 what brand seal?
@@classicvwbugs I don't remember I went to Arizona where he lives to help him with the job. But I am pretty sure he got it from Wolfsburg or west coast metric. So you are saying that it depends on the quality of the rubber seal uh?
@@SDsailor7 no doubt
Can you remove a windshield without destroying the rubber seal? I want to take mine out of my 66 ghia for paint and would like to reuse it. I have heard to take one out to cut the inside with a razor knife, but of course that would destroy it.
But these German seals went on the window nicely, and received the chrome strip with little work. Now I am again attempting to put the back window in (can't do windshield now as it is broken) and I'm trying to do it exactly the way you show in the vid. No matter what the seal WILL NOT pull around the upper corners of the window opening! This is because as it got pulled around the bottom the window got pushed up in the window opening and there's nothing that can be done about it.
I'm going to use the string trimmer method myself. Mind if I post the results here as a response?
Thanks a lot Chris!
This worked perfectly with me.
I have a question, the chrome in the rubber, should it be placed before placing the windshield? Can it be done after?
As stated in the video, it is always before, never after it is in.
Very Good , weed wacker line ! You taught us Thanks so Much .
For a 65 vw should i use same technique with the weed wacker cord
Yep
@@classicvwbugs thanks
Great idea Chris! Could you explain the best way to remove a front or rear window. I have a 66 Karmann Ghia. Thanks.
Cut weather strip push out
Chis, I am restoring a very original '67 that has all original glass. I'm really scared of braking my original Sekurit windshield when I install it. Any tips for avoiding this disaster?
what happens if you mess up, can you take it out and reset it? so for example if you only have pull the string through?
you can yes, but carefully.
Hey, I have a 72 super beetle, me and my dad we're trying this on our rear window, but the seal we had was spliced to make it fit. But when we tried the window kept popping out. Do you reccomend we get a new seal?
Question for you after I wish you congratulations on your wedding a bit ago.
To remove my glass in my 67 that's been sitting for 25+ years and the rubber is dryer than dry and cracked, what do you recommend to remove the glass to replace the rubber?
Shall I simply carefully scrape the old rubber and let it chip itself away from the glass and car until the window is free? It seams that it's almost a stupid question and I answered my question but this glass is hard to find and I don't want to spend any more damn money than I have to.;.;
I just use a razor blade and cut it out from the inside, then just push out.
for that engine video what will the dvd be called theres is lots to learn for me still
Re: the Volkswagen Australia documentary a rubber mallet was used to help place the window.
That it happens alot that the rubber dosen go all the way out on the out side, would it help to have the same thred but on bouth sides so when u have puled the one on the inside u can then pull out the one on the out side for ultimate fitt?
The old seal is long gone. It is very hot today. I think I'll leave the seals outside for awhile. They are Wolfsburg West seals.
Thanks Chris,really helpful
i have a question do i have to use adhesive to glue the seal with winshield ?
yo!, I never seen pop out windows Close up, But I just ordered some. Would I put them the same way?? or do you have any tips >>?
1960 VW just in case. Thanks, and DOPE VIDEOS
where do you get your window rubbers from or recommend?
I have been fighting with my rear window for 2 days now. I'm using weed Wacker wire and it will not seat properly at all. I've used silicone spray and still won't seat properly. I'm at my Witt's end
This has really helped me out. I need to redo mine. Thanks
Never slap the glass with the heel of your hand, spread the load over all your hand. Reduces risk of breakage and if you fitting day in day out ( as I used to) you would risk injury to your arm joints.
Worked perfect! Thanks (again) Chris
hi, I have a 71 super beetle flat windshield and I did the same way you did you install the windshield but for some reason the rubber doesn't cover or reach the corners of the window. I though it was the glass, replaced and still same issue. I bought different rubber brand maybe that will work. any idea or suggestion?
thank you
is this the same method used for the side rear window?
cool!!!!!very informative!! do I do the same for Side rear windows??
How do you remove the glass on a 69 bug to install a new headliner?
I found it easier to do the front than the back. For some reason the back would slide off track on me. A little patience and help from the wife and we successfully got them installed on a 70.
Good video! What size (diameter) of "weed whacker line" would you recommend? I need to R&R a front windshield and seal on my 65 VW bus.
I just looked at the one I used and its .095 diameter and worked just fine for me. Hope this helps a bit.
Can someone confirm if there's a different shape on windshields between American vw 1968 and 1978
Flat ??.... Curve ??
? Thanks
Hello, I would like to know the reverse process. how to remove the glass without breaking. I want to remove all the glass to paint the car
How do you take it out?
When I did my front window, after we got the bottom and the sides, before we rounded the top corners, we were able to pull the glass down an inch. We each put a hand on the inside and outside and just pulled down. Had we not done that, it woulda broken.
thank you sooo much I was curious about how to do windows. thank you.
Hey man I have a 68 bug, and I want to replace the front window seal. When I bought the bug it came with some window seals. How do I know which is for the front and which is for the rear, or can they be used on either window.
You can tell just by measuring them up to the windows, the rear will never fit the front, and the front seal will be larger than the rear.
I wish all cars were this easy to replace windows on...
Chris, just watched your video on installing a vw window. After the window and seal are set, do you use any kind of window sealant? Thanks, Brian
no sir
I use to do it with twine, which was used to hold hay or straw bales together, 😂
Anybody know the year of the old beetle with the split rear window?
where do i get the seals that you recommend?
Hi, where can i find all the windows for a 1963 bug?
Awesome work guys, super useful :)
Best video for roping in glass.
thanks for the tip chris very helpful.
How do you take out a window and reuse it?
And the trim as they are installed in the rubber
yep
My Engine 1303 makes high sound , could you help me with that i need it to be More Like totally sound
Thanks :)
Well Chris, It happened; I broke my Sekurit windshield trying to install it. I'm done.
split window beetles were from 46-52
I want to see you put in the metal trim.
I have a video on it!
so just get new rubber and put the eater wire in it or comes with it ???
no you have to get the wire.
I have a video on it on my website
Great Vid, However steady on the Sledghammer part, We do fit the same way U Do. LOL Cheers 4 Now
Yeah it is the same.
great tips here! thanks
Sure. I give no guarantees! =o)