Adventures in Windsheild frame repair

[srgtlord]

So I finally pulled out the glass on my 87 golf diesel to find there wasnt much left holding the glass in place anymore. It was rather scary to see how easy it popped out. So After grinding down the rust on the windsheild frame there are little tiny rust pits that run almost the full length of the windsheild frame all the way around(Besides where the few real holes are...) My question would be, does the frame have to be have complete rust elimination with Naval Jelly and 100% smooth with filler of some sort or can I get away with rust converting primer and let the uerthane work its magic? Educate me lol

[hillfolk'r]

I been there many times. Some paint on crap will last a year or 2 but the best but hardest way is to cut out the cancer

[srgtlord]

I think 2 years will be plenty of time for me to locate a shell in better condition. Currently I have fabbed up the corner piece that was rotted , welded it in and now Im having a hell of a time trying to fill in 1 tiny pinhole that keeps growing ...

[srgtlord]

Ok the gasket came in today, and guess what..its the rope in kind. I found the glue in gasket online but cannot find the plastic trim anywhere. I might be up the creek with this project

[CrazyAndy]

Rope in isn't that bad; just soap up the edges and the seal and get a friend or conscript to help apply some pressure while you pull in the rope on the other side.

[srgtlord]

The reason why Im afraid to install the rope-in is because the corner I fabricated is set back about  1/4 of an inch and im afraid the glass will crack. If someone can vouch that the frame can be slightly off with a rope-in Ill gladly install it lol

[srgtlord]

Anyways this is the seal I purchased.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VW-Mk2-Jetta-Golf-Windshield-Seal-Gasket-Gen-VW-NEW/220342344199?_trksid=p3984.m2045&_trkparms=aid%3D333005%26algo%3DRIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D30%26meid%3D8995787182301221804%26pid%3D100018%26prg%3D1023%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D220342344199%26

Ill get some closer pictures of the seal and the frame when I get a chance


edit: I feel like a dope, Right in the description of the part it says PUSH IN SEAL.... Looks like Im shelling out more money for the glue-in seal. This whole ordeal is turning into a nightmare rather quickly...

[theman53]

1/4" maybe too much. It may go in and crack 10 minutes later or it may crack on install. Get out the grinder and make it straight.

[srgtlord]

The grinder is not going to work for this one.... I might have to cut it out and fab up another piece If I cant get away with the gap. Do you think I might be able to get away with this error with the glue-in seal and just fill the void with urethane?

[theman53]

maybe but it is  not ideal. My Brother in law does glass and has helped me with my stuff. That polyurethane is some great stuff, but it isn't a complete miracle worker. You can build it up a little more than a 1/4" so it should work and seal but if it doesn't then you need to cut it all out again.
Post a pic if it is over or under lapped a 1/4" then it is a bad deal. If it is in/out a 1/4 it maybe alright.

[srgtlord]

Im having doubts about either seal at the moment and whether either of the seals sold by MK1autohaus are the glue in type. I sent the seller an email and am awaiting a reply. If anyone has a source for the glue-in seal and associated plastic outer trim pieces please let me know.

[srgtlord]

" Dear mk1autohaus_2003,

Hello, I recently purchased the push in version of this seal. My first question is, are both seals push in seals or is the 1985-86 seal a glue-in seal? My second question is if the other seal is the glue-in version can I return the push in seal for a refund? Thanks -John

- srgt_lord"

"Dear srgt_lord,

The one you seal you linked off of is the push in version. Here is the link for the glue in version for 1985-86.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VW-MK2-US-Golf-85-86-NEW-OEM-Glue-Windshield-Seal-/360058637368?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item53d52acc38
 If you ordered the wrong seal go ahead and return that to us at the address posted below, and we can work out details for the exchange or a refund once we get it in.
Thanks, Kitt.
Thanks again, Ben


Mk1Autohaus.com"

"Dear mk1autohaus_2003,

I feel rather silly....I ordered both items I need seperately...can you combine shipping for the glue-in seal and the windshield seal chrome? Thanks     -John

- srgt_lord"

"Dear srgt_lord,

if your windshield originally had chrome, then the push in seal is correct. If your car had a glue in seal you would need both the push in seal, chrome insert and push in windshield glass to convert over
Thanks again, Ben


Mk1Autohaus.com"


Now Im really confused...I thought the 85-86 seal he sells was the the glue-in type... looks like Ill end up returning both seals and calling a glass guy and just be done with this nonsense

[srgtlord]

I feel like a dumbass, Because the windshield is a glue in windshield there is no seal that goes between the frame and the glass, only the little crappy trim to fill in the gap. between the body and the frame...

[srgtlord]

Well this project might be going on the back burner for awhile. I have an offer for a cleaner shell originally from virginia delivered to my door I still plan on restoring the shell as there seems to be less and less 4 door golfs nowadays . If this offer turns out  "ok"  this gives me more time to fix this thing.