glass removal and installation???

Hi again-
Ok- so I am in the process of prepping my 83 rabbit for a fresh coat
of paint (first time with such a project) so of course I am running
into a few problems. There is rust damage along the inside of the
rear hatch -but only around the glass seal. In order to even see most
of the damage to fix it I am going to have to remove the glass.
However I have no idea how to do that. Any one here have any
ideas??? I realize that old glass is fragile and care must be taken.
I can get a back up hatch at a junk yard for $25.00 if I do brake it
or muss it up. ( it has the same rust problem as mine though- but in a
little better shape). So I think I am set to give it a go. If anyone
could give me any pointers and suggestions in this area I would be
grateful. such as do I need to cut the seal off to get glass out, or
is there a way to remove it without ruining the seal? Any special
tools required? When the glass goes back in is it best to relace the
original seal with a new one to ensure no leaks or is that
unessasary?? Thanks.
-Chris

On Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:42:10 -0700, Chris > wrote:

>Hi again-
>Ok- so I am in the process of prepping my 83 rabbit for a fresh coat
>of paint (first time with such a project) so of course I am running
>into a few problems. There is rust damage along the inside of the
>rear hatch -but only around the glass seal. In order to even see most
>of the damage to fix it I am going to have to remove the glass.
>However I have no idea how to do that. Any one here have any
>ideas??? I realize that old glass is fragile and care must be taken.
>I can get a back up hatch at a junk yard for $25.00 if I do brake it
>or muss it up. ( it has the same rust problem as mine though- but in a
>little better shape). So I think I am set to give it a go. If anyone
>could give me any pointers and suggestions in this area I would be
>grateful. such as do I need to cut the seal off to get glass out, or
>is there a way to remove it without ruining the seal? Any special
>tools required? When the glass goes back in is it best to relace the
>original seal with a new one to ensure no leaks or is that
>unessasary?? Thanks.
>-Chris
>

Glad to see you got the ring loose on the mirror adjuster.
I've removed the rear hatch windows on two rabbits I had
and swapped them because the rear defoster wires in/on
the one window was open.
I started on the inside at one corner and pulled / pealed
the gasket away from the frame and pushed gently outwards
on the glass and continued helping the gasket away from the
frame and pushing the (glass and gasket) out of the opening..
Once you get it going it actually goes easily.
To re-install them : with the rubber gasket on the glass ,start
at a bottom corner leaving a six inch leader and stuff a
clothes-line rope all the way around the outer groove with
another six inch of extra rope ending at that corner.
Put the glass/gasket/rope in place from the outside and the rope
ends sticking inside. Then with someones help of holding and
slightly pushing on the glass , you from the inside pull on the
ropes -- this lifts the inner gasket lip over the frame edge.
continue all the way around pulling the rope(s) out.
This worked for me , though it was not my first time on replacing
glass this way.. windshields back in the stone age used the gasket
rather than the rubber glue they use today.
Neither windows/gaskets leaked afterwards.

hmmmm
So this is the poster with the remote mirror and the door panel.
I did not read an update on that problem! I must have missed it! 8^o

Soapy water solution should help with the re-installation.
I guess there is too much rust to just move that rubber away and treat the
rust chemically?

Good luck!

> wrote in message ...
> On Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:42:10 -0700, Chris >
> wrote:
>
>>Hi again-
>>Ok- so I am in the process of prepping my 83 rabbit for a fresh coat
>>of paint (first time with such a project) so of course I am running
>>into a few problems. There is rust damage along the inside of the
>>rear hatch -but only around the glass seal. In order to even see most
>>of the damage to fix it I am going to have to remove the glass.
>>However I have no idea how to do that. Any one here have any
>>ideas??? I realize that old glass is fragile and care must be taken.
>>I can get a back up hatch at a junk yard for $25.00 if I do brake it
>>or muss it up. ( it has the same rust problem as mine though- but in a
>>little better shape). So I think I am set to give it a go. If anyone
>>could give me any pointers and suggestions in this area I would be
>>grateful. such as do I need to cut the seal off to get glass out, or
>>is there a way to remove it without ruining the seal? Any special
>>tools required? When the glass goes back in is it best to relace the
>>original seal with a new one to ensure no leaks or is that
>>unessasary?? Thanks.
>>-Chris
>>
>
> Glad to see you got the ring loose on the mirror adjuster.
> I've removed the rear hatch windows on two rabbits I had
> and swapped them because the rear defoster wires in/on
> the one window was open.
> I started on the inside at one corner and pulled / pealed
> the gasket away from the frame and pushed gently outwards
> on the glass and continued helping the gasket away from the
> frame and pushing the (glass and gasket) out of the opening..
> Once you get it going it actually goes easily.
> To re-install them : with the rubber gasket on the glass ,start
> at a bottom corner leaving a six inch leader and stuff a
> clothes-line rope all the way around the outer groove with
> another six inch of extra rope ending at that corner.
> Put the glass/gasket/rope in place from the outside and the rope
> ends sticking inside. Then with someones help of holding and
> slightly pushing on the glass , you from the inside pull on the
> ropes -- this lifts the inner gasket lip over the frame edge.
> continue all the way around pulling the rope(s) out.
> This worked for me , though it was not my first time on replacing
> glass this way.. windshields back in the stone age used the gasket
> rather than the rubber glue they use today.
> Neither windows/gaskets leaked afterwards.
>
>
>

To help it a little use some wax oil on the seal which also prevents
corrosion.

SFC

> schreef in bericht ...
> On Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:42:10 -0700, Chris >
> wrote:
>
>>Hi again-
>>Ok- so I am in the process of prepping my 83 rabbit for a fresh coat
>>of paint (first time with such a project) so of course I am running
>>into a few problems. There is rust damage along the inside of the
>>rear hatch -but only around the glass seal. In order to even see most
>>of the damage to fix it I am going to have to remove the glass.
>>However I have no idea how to do that. Any one here have any
>>ideas??? I realize that old glass is fragile and care must be taken.
>>I can get a back up hatch at a junk yard for $25.00 if I do brake it
>>or muss it up. ( it has the same rust problem as mine though- but in a
>>little better shape). So I think I am set to give it a go. If anyone
>>could give me any pointers and suggestions in this area I would be
>>grateful. such as do I need to cut the seal off to get glass out, or
>>is there a way to remove it without ruining the seal? Any special
>>tools required? When the glass goes back in is it best to relace the
>>original seal with a new one to ensure no leaks or is that
>>unessasary?? Thanks.
>>-Chris
>>
>
> Glad to see you got the ring loose on the mirror adjuster.
> I've removed the rear hatch windows on two rabbits I had
> and swapped them because the rear defoster wires in/on
> the one window was open.
> I started on the inside at one corner and pulled / pealed
> the gasket away from the frame and pushed gently outwards
> on the glass and continued helping the gasket away from the
> frame and pushing the (glass and gasket) out of the opening..
> Once you get it going it actually goes easily.
> To re-install them : with the rubber gasket on the glass ,start
> at a bottom corner leaving a six inch leader and stuff a
> clothes-line rope all the way around the outer groove with
> another six inch of extra rope ending at that corner.
> Put the glass/gasket/rope in place from the outside and the rope
> ends sticking inside. Then with someones help of holding and
> slightly pushing on the glass , you from the inside pull on the
> ropes -- this lifts the inner gasket lip over the frame edge.
> continue all the way around pulling the rope(s) out.
> This worked for me , though it was not my first time on replacing
> glass this way.. windshields back in the stone age used the gasket
> rather than the rubber glue they use today.
> Neither windows/gaskets leaked afterwards.
>
>
>

Chris wrote:

> Hi again-
> Ok- so I am in the process of prepping my 83 rabbit for a fresh coat
> of paint (first time with such a project) so of course I am running
> into a few problems. There is rust damage along the inside of the
> rear hatch -but only around the glass seal. In order to even see most
> of the damage to fix it I am going to have to remove the glass.
> However I have no idea how to do that. Any one here have any
> ideas??? I realize that old glass is fragile and care must be taken.
> I can get a back up hatch at a junk yard for $25.00 if I do brake it
> or muss it up. ( it has the same rust problem as mine though- but in a
> little better shape). So I think I am set to give it a go. If anyone
> could give me any pointers and suggestions in this area I would be
> grateful. such as do I need to cut the seal off to get glass out, or
> is there a way to remove it without ruining the seal? Any special
> tools required? When the glass goes back in is it best to relace the
> original seal with a new one to ensure no leaks or is that
> unessasary?? Thanks.
> -Chris

The non-glued type of seal didn't require any special tool other than a rope
of small diameter...As a preliminary step, I would check the availability
of a new seal.

On Jul 1, 6:37 am, al > wrote:
> Chris wrote:
> > Hi again-
> > Ok- so I am in the process of prepping my 83 rabbit for a fresh coat
> > of paint (first time with such a project) so of course I am running
> > into a few problems. There is rust damage along the inside of the
> > rear hatch -but only around the glass seal. In order to even see most
> > of the damage to fix it I am going to have to remove the glass.
> > However I have no idea how to do that. Any one here have any
> > ideas??? I realize that old glass is fragile and care must be taken.
> > I can get a back up hatch at a junk yard for $25.00 if I do brake it
> > or muss it up. ( it has the same rust problem as mine though- but in a
> > little better shape). So I think I am set to give it a go. If anyone
> > could give me any pointers and suggestions in this area I would be
> > grateful. such as do I need to cut the seal off to get glass out, or
> > is there a way to remove it without ruining the seal? Any special
> > tools required? When the glass goes back in is it best to relace the
> > original seal with a new one to ensure no leaks or is that
> > unessasary?? Thanks.
> > -Chris
>
> The non-glued type of seal didn't require any special tool other than a rope
> of small diameter...As a preliminary step, I would check the availability
> of a new seal.

Thanks all for the help. I am pleased that it does not sound as if
will be that difficult, (of course it could take a couple of tries).
I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks again- you guys are
great

On Jul 1, 11:31 pm, Chris > wrote:
> On Jul 1, 6:37 am, al > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > Chris wrote:
> > > Hi again-
> > > Ok- so I am in the process of prepping my 83 rabbit for a fresh coat
> > > of paint (first time with such a project) so of course I am running
> > > into a few problems. There is rust damage along the inside of the
> > > rear hatch -but only around the glass seal. In order to even see most
> > > of the damage to fix it I am going to have to remove the glass.
> > > However I have no idea how to do that. Any one here have any
> > > ideas??? I realize that old glass is fragile and care must be taken.
> > > I can get a back up hatch at a junk yard for $25.00 if I do brake it
> > > or muss it up. ( it has the same rust problem as mine though- but in a
> > > little better shape). So I think I am set to give it a go. If anyone
> > > could give me any pointers and suggestions in this area I would be
> > > grateful. such as do I need to cut the seal off to get glass out, or
> > > is there a way to remove it without ruining the seal? Any special
> > > tools required? When the glass goes back in is it best to relace the
> > > original seal with a new one to ensure no leaks or is that
> > > unessasary?? Thanks.
> > > -Chris
>
> > The non-glued type of seal didn't require any special tool other than a rope
> > of small diameter...As a preliminary step, I would check the availability
> > of a new seal.
>
> Thanks all for the help. I am pleased that it does not sound as if
> will be that difficult, (of course it could take a couple of tries).
> I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks again- you guys are
> great - Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Hi again, Another question for all of you, The seal that is in my
rabbit has the chrome strip insert (i forgot to mention that
previously). Does this need to be removed from the seal before
removing the glass??? If so do I simply just pull it out- Also I was
thinking of replacing this chrome strip on the rear side windows as
well- would it be necessary to pull the windows out to replace it or
can it just be pulled out and a new one inserted? Thanks all- I
really appreciate the aadvice you give, I can't tell you how helpful
it has been.
-Chris

On Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:32:21 -0700, Chris > wrote:


>
>Hi again, Another question for all of you, The seal that is in my
>rabbit has the chrome strip insert (i forgot to mention that
>previously). Does this need to be removed from the seal before
>removing the glass??? If so do I simply just pull it out- Also I was
>thinking of replacing this chrome strip on the rear side windows as
>well- would it be necessary to pull the windows out to replace it or
>can it just be pulled out and a new one inserted? Thanks all- I
>really appreciate the aadvice you give, I can't tell you how helpful
>it has been.
>-Chris
>

Chris , Sorry, i don't know , but it would be my GUESS that , yes the
chrome can be removed first. If you can get the new side glass
strips first and look at how it fastens/attaches you could get a
really good idea, maybe? ? good luck - hope you're taking
before/after pictures. Sam

On Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:32:21 -0700, Chris >
wrote:

>On Jul 1, 11:31 pm, Chris > wrote:
>> On Jul 1, 6:37 am, al > wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > Chris wrote:
>> > > Hi again-
>> > > Ok- so I am in the process of prepping my 83 rabbit for a fresh coat
>> > > of paint (first time with such a project) so of course I am running
>> > > into a few problems. There is rust damage along the inside of the
>> > > rear hatch -but only around the glass seal. In order to even see most
>> > > of the damage to fix it I am going to have to remove the glass.
>> > > However I have no idea how to do that. Any one here have any
>> > > ideas??? I realize that old glass is fragile and care must be taken.
>> > > I can get a back up hatch at a junk yard for $25.00 if I do brake it
>> > > or muss it up. ( it has the same rust problem as mine though- but in a
>> > > little better shape). So I think I am set to give it a go. If anyone
>> > > could give me any pointers and suggestions in this area I would be
>> > > grateful. such as do I need to cut the seal off to get glass out, or
>> > > is there a way to remove it without ruining the seal? Any special
>> > > tools required? When the glass goes back in is it best to relace the
>> > > original seal with a new one to ensure no leaks or is that
>> > > unessasary?? Thanks.
>> > > -Chris
>>
>> > The non-glued type of seal didn't require any special tool other than a rope
>> > of small diameter...As a preliminary step, I would check the availability
>> > of a new seal.
>>
>> Thanks all for the help. I am pleased that it does not sound as if
>> will be that difficult, (of course it could take a couple of tries).
>> I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks again- you guys are
>> great - Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
>Hi again, Another question for all of you, The seal that is in my
>rabbit has the chrome strip insert (i forgot to mention that
>previously). Does this need to be removed from the seal before
>removing the glass??? If so do I simply just pull it out- Also I was
>thinking of replacing this chrome strip on the rear side windows as
>well- would it be necessary to pull the windows out to replace it or
>can it just be pulled out and a new one inserted? Thanks all- I
>really appreciate the aadvice you give, I can't tell you how helpful
>it has been.
>-Chris

No, the chrome strip stays in the gasket as you remove the window.
Easy? No. Tense? Yes. I have done a few windshields in air cooled
Beetles and I removed the glass in my 84 GTI before painting. It is a
one man job if you are creative. I recall using a bunch of blocks of
3/8" plywood for some reason. Maybe to help reinstall the Rabbit
window.

I used some lift off tape for the side windows. It is plastic that
wedges the gasket up for painting. When you get done painting you
remove the lift off tape. The gasket stayed clean with no paint and
some paint went under the gasket area so the paint looks better. I
also removed door gaskets when I painted. I had sourced new gaskets
before hand. It depends on how nerdy you want to be with your paint.

On Jul 3, 6:26 pm, Jim Behning
> wrote:
> On Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:32:21 -0700, Chris >
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> >On Jul 1, 11:31 pm, Chris > wrote:
> >> On Jul 1, 6:37 am, al > wrote:
>
> >> > Chris wrote:
> >> > > Hi again-
> >> > > Ok- so I am in the process of prepping my 83 rabbit for a fresh coat
> >> > > of paint (first time with such a project) so of course I am running
> >> > > into a few problems. There is rust damage along the inside of the
> >> > > rear hatch -but only around the glass seal. In order to even see most
> >> > > of the damage to fix it I am going to have to remove the glass.
> >> > > However I have no idea how to do that. Any one here have any
> >> > > ideas??? I realize that old glass is fragile and care must be taken.
> >> > > I can get a back up hatch at a junk yard for $25.00 if I do brake it
> >> > > or muss it up. ( it has the same rust problem as mine though- but in a
> >> > > little better shape). So I think I am set to give it a go. If anyone
> >> > > could give me any pointers and suggestions in this area I would be
> >> > > grateful. such as do I need to cut the seal off to get glass out, or
> >> > > is there a way to remove it without ruining the seal? Any special
> >> > > tools required? When the glass goes back in is it best to relace the
> >> > > original seal with a new one to ensure no leaks or is that
> >> > > unessasary?? Thanks.
> >> > > -Chris
>
> >> > The non-glued type of seal didn't require any special tool other than a rope
> >> > of small diameter...As a preliminary step, I would check the availability
> >> > of a new seal.
>
> >> Thanks all for the help. I am pleased that it does not sound as if
> >> will be that difficult, (of course it could take a couple of tries).
> >> I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks again- you guys are
> >> great - Hide quoted text -
>
> >> - Show quoted text -
>
> >Hi again, Another question for all of you, The seal that is in my
> >rabbit has the chrome strip insert (i forgot to mention that
> >previously). Does this need to be removed from the seal before
> >removing the glass??? If so do I simply just pull it out- Also I was
> >thinking of replacing this chrome strip on the rear side windows as
> >well- would it be necessary to pull the windows out to replace it or
> >can it just be pulled out and a new one inserted? Thanks all- I
> >really appreciate the aadvice you give, I can't tell you how helpful
> >it has been.
> >-Chris
>
> No, the chrome strip stays in the gasket as you remove the window.
> Easy? No. Tense? Yes. I have done a few windshields in air cooled
> Beetles and I removed the glass in my 84 GTI before painting. It is a
> one man job if you are creative. I recall using a bunch of blocks of
> 3/8" plywood for some reason. Maybe to help reinstall the Rabbit
> window.
>
> I used some lift off tape for the side windows. It is plastic that
> wedges the gasket up for painting. When you get done painting you
> remove the lift off tape. The gasket stayed clean with no paint and
> some paint went under the gasket area so the paint looks better. I
> also removed door gaskets when I painted. I had sourced new gaskets
> before hand. It depends on how nerdy you want to be with your paint.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Yes, I would like to be nerdy (I am a self admitted perfectionist).
Anything worth doing is worth doing right. However my pocket-book
does not have a heap of money to do everything I would like, and I did
price out new door seals- over $100.00 -so maybe not now. Why is it
that seals are so bloody expensive- I had to pay about 60.00 for the
hatch seal already. If anyone out there has a better source for
cheaper seals- please let me know about it. Is it possible to remove
the existing door seals without damaging them for reinstallation?? At
the moment they have definate signs of their age and look rather
fragile ( some bits are missing) so I am a bit hesitant to try to take
them off. I was thinking of repairing them with some black silicone
untill I can afford new ones. Thanks for the tips on painting around
the seals- I will definately look into that tape. And am I right that
what you said above means that in order to replace the chrome
stripping the entire window must come out- new chrome inserted into
the seal (while it is off the window) and then one can put the window
back in. MMMMM- not what I was hoping to hear. I am not quite sure
how confident I am with doing that to three windows. Also has anyone
out there tried dying the interior dash and misc. other interior
parts??? Mine is tan- however I would like it to be black. Any
product suggestions or tips would be appreciated? I am a bit weary of
just picking a product and hoping for the best. Thanks again and
again.
-chris