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Beetle Rear Window Chrome Trim
Special Air Service - January 15th, 2006 at 08:45 PM

Ive got a 72 standard beetle with the plastic (I think) chrome trim (which has turned black) in the rear window rubber. What I am wanting to know is will the metal trim from any 68 onwards beetle fit my beetle or are there size differences between rear windows that I need to know about and is it possible to remove and replace the trim without taking the window out.
Cheers
Brendan

helbus - January 15th, 2006 at 08:52 PM

If it is the plastic mylar mould, then it is possible to replace it with the window in the car. You buy it by the metre and put it in with a special tool that you slide along, or make a tool using a coathanger, or use a blunt screwdriver. The last way can take a couple of hours though.

You can't put the aluminium strips in if it is that kind of rubber, and to do aluminium strips you have to take the window out.

vw54 - January 16th, 2006 at 07:14 AM

Its much easier to remove the window and fit the chrome trim... the rubber is more flexiable and you will get the mould to sit properly into the groove

you only have to kick the window out to remove it and use some nylon cord to refit

I think you will find it quicker as well.

vw54 - January 16th, 2006 at 07:18 AM

The 1500 68 rear windows are a different size to the 72 on windows so the trim will differ unless yr using the plastic chrome stuff that you buy in a length.

helbus - January 16th, 2006 at 07:53 AM

I've replaced hundreds of mylar strips, mostly on Gemini's and VB-VH Commodores for the chrome look, and black on side windows in vans. The main factors that make it easy are the rubber being flexible, the right tool (or a hand made eqivalent) and a skillful hand. Usually takes about 2 minutes. In my experience it is not easier to do with the window out as the mylar is also a locking strip.

A quality mylar will last many years, a cheap one will discolour and 'burn' within a couple of years.

Special Air Service - January 17th, 2006 at 08:10 AM

Thanks for the advice guys, so now I need to know where do I get the good quality mylar strips from?
Cheers
Brendan

ozvwlover - April 1st, 2008 at 12:45 PM

I've found this thread and want to bring it back again :)
I'm hunting the special tool to install chrome window trim insert. Can anyone tell me where to get it ?

OZ Towdster - April 1st, 2008 at 06:25 PM

Where are you

vw54 - April 1st, 2008 at 06:47 PM

Quote:

so now I need to know where do I get the good quality mylar strips from?



Best quality and will last with weather is from Vintage 02-9789-1777

njg02 - April 1st, 2008 at 09:01 PM

So... if I want to keep my type 3 looking std, can I buy new rubbers that take the mylar strip, instead of going cal look?

Thanks

NeilG

ozvwlover - April 1st, 2008 at 09:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by OZ Towdster
Where are you


Just updated my profile, I'm Sydney. desperately need that special tool to install chrome trim insert. Any help/advice will be appreciated.

68AutoBug - April 1st, 2008 at 11:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by njg02
So... if I want to keep my type 3 looking std, can I buy new rubbers that take the mylar strip, instead of going cal look?

Thanks

NeilG


I don't think type 3s ever had the plastic Mylar strips in their windows...
all aluminium I think....

same as My 68 beetle...

but Now i'm thinking....
replace My windscreen rubber with a later one with the plastic mylar strips....
I'm guessing that the 1976 beetle had Mylar strips in the windscreen rubber... [flat windscreen]

Lee

vw54 - April 2nd, 2008 at 05:52 AM

Quote:

to keep my type 3 looking std, can I buy new rubbers that take the mylar strip, instead of going cal look?



yes the mylar strip can be made any size but you must have the rubber with the groove in them to fit it and the small joiner strip as well if you still have them



Quote:

rnrnJust updated my profile, I'm Sydney. desperately need that special tool to install chrome trim insert. Any help/



there isnt a special tool to do this job the strips must be fitted to the rubber while the glass is out of the car
Its impossible to fit the strips with the rubber and glass ifitted to the car

ozvwlover - April 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 AM

Quote:


there isnt a special tool to do this job the strips must be fitted to the rubber while the glass is out of the car
Its impossible to fit the strips with the rubber and glass ifitted to the car


Yes there is, something like this [url]http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=8104&frostProductName=Windscreen+Installation+Tool&catID=20&subCatID=&FrostCat=G lass&FrostSubcat=[/url

but it just not available in Australia

vw54 - April 2nd, 2008 at 11:08 AM

yeah if you look at the picture you will note the screen is out of the car once again can not be fitted while the screen is in the car as the groove closes up and wont allow the strip to be fitted into the groove