Windscreen Trim Fitting

[sciroccy]

Hi All,

I'm really stuck and need some advice.

I'm about to remove the front and back windscreens on my 1980 Scirocco (and the rear quarters). I have removed the front screen before and replaced the rubber seal but it was a real pain to get the chrome trim back in and it hasn't looked right since. I really don't want to go for the smooth CAL look and want to keep the chrome.

Does anyone have any advice on how to refit the chrome trim?

Do I need to get some soapy water/grease on the trim before fitting it?
Do I need to fit the seal on the screen and then the trim before putting it all on the car?
Can I use the flexible Golf MK1 trim? (this would very much be my preferred method but I haven't heard of anyone trying it)

I have the seals from vintagerubber.com and really want to get the car on the road for the summer but this is holding me up and I don't want to get it wrong.

Thanks

[Nate]

wouldn't advise using grease on the rubber. i'd also be wary of using soapy water, as many kinds of soapy stuff not designed for car use have a high salt content.

silicone lube as used by plumbers would be one option, or a rubber friendly "personal lubricant"

[jimmy h]

Difficult job.

Have you thought about asking a professional to do it for you and paying a bit for piece of mind? Folk who do this stuff as a day job know all the little tricks. The way I see it why waste a day of your own precious time and get nowhere - possibly even break a non replaceable screen?

From what I'm lead to believe, the best way is to put the trim in the rubber before you fit to the car Eg, put rubber round screen, fit chrome inserts, then install as a complete item to car. I once smashed a screen trying to fit inserts last, basically got frustrated and lost patience. Since then I would never attempt the job again (screens)

Good look with the rear quarters too, not heard the best of reports about the VR reproductions. I used NOS VAG seals on mine and they were an absolute pig to fit with the inserts.
I eventually got them in using the above method, but it was a two man job and very time consuming, the air was BLUE! Don't forget you need para cord in the groove in the rubber recess to spread it apart. Also I used something called Hellerman Oil as a lubricant on the rubber.

[Nate]

The screen ARE replaceable. Currently trying to sort out a bulk buy of them for reduced price. Will post details if I manage it. Otherwise pm me if you need details

[marcus]

What about rubber grease?

[The Autoad]

From experience, the best method to use is to fit the rubber around the screen, then fit the trim to the rubber. Then fit the glass/rubber/trim combo as one using a long piece of cord. I tend to use car polish if lubrication of the seal is required.

I have fitted a trim strip with a rubber mallet, my hands and anglo-saxon in the past. Never again.

[sciroccy]

Thank you for all of the replies.

So I'm thinking the Golf mk1 trim is a definite no go?

Does anyone know of an expert I can call upon to do this for me in the Birmingham area? Or can I just call someone like auto windscreens?

[sciroccy]

...also, are there no new rear windscreens available? My demister is useless

[the edmundator]

Have you checked the wires where they go between the boot lid and the body? They often get worn down/broken here, stopping the rear demister from working.

[sciroccy]

Yes, the current at the screen has been tested and it's fine. One line, just barely, works across the middle. Makes it a nightmare in the winter as I want it as my every day car.

[mark1gls]

Check you are getting 12v at the connections, you can usually see a break in the wires fitted to the screen.