I've seen before on a few bugs the strip for the bonnet seal has been removed around the sides and front (but not rear edge closest to windscreen), and a "mexican" seal (I think that is what they have been referred to) used which clips onto the bonnet itself.

Anyone had any experience with this system - good bad or indifferent?

It won't be for a daily driver so I am not that worried about 100% sealing capacity from rain compared to the stock seal.

cheers
alan

Alan

Thats what I have done.

I have used the stock seal across the back. The seal that clips to the bonnet is almost the same as the one you'd find on a Japanese sedans boot. I ordered one from aircooled.net

Other than that I can't give any comments as I havn't fitted the bonnet yet - too scared I'll scratch it while I finish working on the rest. But at least you remove the rust trap that clamps the stock seal around the sides and front edge!!

Cheers
Jeremy

[Edited on 24-8-2004 by Jeza]

Yep i did in on my Orange Smoothie 3 years ago. I have the back section still in place and its been driven everyday rain hail n shine with NO water leaks.

It looks much cleaner and stops rust.

Also did the engine bay seal as well. no problems

VW Should have done it years ago whould have save them funds in production

The Mexican seals are available from Vintage Vee Dub in sydney 02-9789-1777 well worth the effort to remove the rust trap on the bonnet.

Alan,
I just recently did it on my 1302. Removed all the seal clips front and rear. Glued down a neoprene seal at the back of the bonnet and used a mini pinchweld with neoprene tube attached to clip onto the bonnet and engine lid. Bought it from Clark Rubber. Cost under $60 for both front and back. If you use the mini pinchweld you will need to trin about 5mm from the inside return edge of the bonnet.

Great clean look without the chance of the black death of rust getting into it.

Brendan

Thanks gents, looks like thats the next job on the to-do list!

I took My bonnet and engine lid rubber clips off years ago..
I bought the mexican type from Vintage Vee Dubs for both for around $50.00
Don't forget to mention Aussie Vee Dubbers to get Your Discount....
I noticed the NEW Mexican classis beetles still had the original type rubber seal across the top....
I have stuck some sticky backed rubber strip from clarke rubber but it lets go in the extraeme summer temperatures...
Not sure to use the original type and glue it down??
it does fit into holes at each end but across the top..??
a good glue... anyone??

Lee-- http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug