<VV> EM windshield gasket - FINALLY

[Lonny Clark]

The windshield is in! Using the Steele gasket from Underground I was
able to get it in myself, I did not have to take the car to a pro, nor
did I need to cut up the stainless trim. Thanks to everyone who posted
with suggestions. 

Here is what did the trick (number 4 is the important piece that is not
in the instructions): 
1: Put the rubber onto the windshield.
2: Put the cord in the rubber and taped to inside of windshield (as per
instructions).
3: Put the stainless trim into the channel.
4: Starting in the bottom center, pull the rubber into place over the
trim. This pulls the rubber away from the windshield, so place masking
tape that holds the rubber to the windshield and more importantly
retains the position of the rubber as it relates to the trim. Do this
all the way around the windshield using masking tape one inch apart. 
5: Put butyl rubber bead around the pinchweld, heavy at the corners.
6: Spray soapy watery completely around windshield opening.  
6: Place bottom center of windshield onto the pinchweld and lean back
the top until it holds its' own weight.
7: Check your alignment, slide left or right until it's centered.
8: Slowly pull out the cord, working the rubber over the pinchweld. I
also had a small pick with a 90 degree end to help with this.
9: Once the rubber is completely over the pinchweld, I sprayed more
soapy water all around the opening. Then I started pressing down and in
slowly and carefully, going from one side to the other so I didn't put
too much pressure on one point of the glass.
10: Once in place, I removed all of the pieces of tape.
11: Called up everybody to brag on my mechanikin' skills.


Once again, thanks to everyone for their help.

Lonny

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of Bill Hubbell
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2005 10:52 AM
To: kaczmarek at charter.net; virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: Re: <VV> EM windshield gasket

I received my new EM windshield weatherstrip from Steele Rubber today.
As 
promised, here is my report comparing it to an original used (OEM) 
weatherstrip.  Refer to pictures at the following site:
http://community.webshots.com/album/377009302kNOLXF

I am happy to report the Steele weatherstrip does indeed faithfully 
reproduce the correct tapers and channel depths of the OEM weatherstrip.
I 
actually measured the widths and channel depths of both at the top and 
bottom corners, upper, side, and lower surfaces, and as near as I can
tell 
they are identical.  Next, I successfully installed the stainless trim
into 
all four surfaces, and I am satisfied that it fits correctly.

I have not attempted to install a windshield glass and the trim.  Since
the 
replacement glass is generally not as thick as the OEM glass, I would
expect 
there to be a little bit of slop as far as the thickness of the glass 
channel is concerned, but I would expect the trim to still fit
correctly. 
Note that installing the trim and glass into the weatherstrip is not an
easy 
task even when reusing an old gasket; it would certainly be more
difficult 
with a new weatherstrip that has not yet been stretched.

Also, keep in mind that in the installed position, the side sections of
the 
weatherstrip have to curve in the vertical plane (along the sides of the

windshield).  When looking at the used OEM weatherstrip, this curve
appears 
to be molded in. The reproduced weatherstrip does not have this curve -
the 
side pieces are flat, but can be stretched to fit the trim.   Although
the 
observed curve in my OEM weatherstrip could be a result of having been 
forced into that position over many years, I don't think that is
actually 
the case: my used OEM gasket is still quite soft and pliable, with no
checks 
or breaks.

One last point: the Steele weatherstrip has a number of molded rubber
"nubs" 
that stick out on the corners and side sections (leftover from injection

molding, no doubt) and the joints between the sides and top/bottom
pieces 
are uneven.  Most, but not all, of these defects will be covered up by
the 
installed stainless trim.

In conclusion, the Steele reproduction weatherstrip is certainly an 
improvement over what has been available elsewhere, but it is still not 
quite an "exact" reproduction.  It should work satisfactorily, however.

Bill Hubbell