Cal-look Window Installation

By Kenny Beghtel (Vanagod@aol.com)

   So your windows are leaking. The rubber is cracked. Your buddies are laughing at you cause you spent $4000 on a paint job and didn't get new window rubber. You need to fix those windows but noone can tell you exactly how to do it. Some manuals cover the procedure for installing windows and for most people having it done by a professional is the way to go. But your a die-hard VW enthusiast and you want to be able to brag to your buddies. This is a basic way to install Cal-look window rubber. For some this will be a difficult job to do.

    First off, get your tools. All you need is a utility knife, roll of twine, liquid soap, clear box tape, and a seal tool. (The seal tool is a long piece of plastic designed to help you pry a seal into place without damaging the rubber. You can also use a bicycle tire pry tool.) Use your trusty utility knife and cut the old seal around the base of the window from the outside. once you have cut a foot or two just grab the rubber and pull. Make sure you don't drop the window while you remove the rubber. Don't remove all the windows, just do them one at a time if you can help it. Once the window is out and you can remove it from the car, find a nice place to sit down and get to work.

    Grab your window seal, liquid soap, Clear heavy duty box tape, and twine. Take the rubber and see how it will fit on the car and the glass. This is important so that you don't install the rubber bass akwards. Warm and stretch the window rubber as best you can install the rubber on the window. Remember that the biggest part of the seal goes on the outside of the window. Insert the window into the little slit in the seal. If its not going easy, use your Liquid soap and lubricate the seal. Now that your starting to get the seal on, use the clear tape to hold the seal on the window. Don't use duct-tape cause it will make a mess on your window. Once the seal is completely on the glass you can remove the tape. Now take the twine. (Get the twine that is yellow. Its the stuff that Gardeners and Masons use cause its really strong for its size, about 3-5mm in diameter). Wrap the twine around the inside of the seal, the first flap of rubber towards the inside of the car. Wrap the twine three or four times around. Leave enough twine to work with. You should have two six inch pieces of twine hanging from the seal. Now lets install the window.

    Go grab your liquid soap, someone dumb enough to help you, and get ready to install the window. Line up the window on the car and make sure to pull your twine inside the car. Lubricate the window seal and the body of the car where the seal goes on. Have your buddie hold the window against the car firmly but not to hard cause the window can break. While you buddie is holding the window, start pulling the twine the opposite way you wrapped it around. If the twine starts to bind just work it around a bit. If its really stuck use more lubricant and pull the other length of twine that's sticking out of the seal. While your pulling the seal make sure that the seal is sliding onto the body. Once that the twine is moving without too much resistance you can speed up the pace a bit. Keep in mind that the first one is always the toughest to install. If your lucky you'll get it the first try. Use the same techniques for the remaining windows. Some windows are easier than others. Just remember to be patient. It may take you a whole weekend to complete the job. Good luck!