Installing pop out windows in the bug.

So a couple of months ago I ran across a set of used pop out windows for really cheap. I of course bought them and they are in fantastic condition. The only thing they needed was the outer seals. I bought some from Bob's VW and on a slow day at work I installed the seals.                                                                       

Here are the windows. I have already installed an outer seal on one of the windows.

Here I am with my buddy installing the other seal. The first one went really well. The 2nd one sucked. It seemed to be a lot tighter and took a lot more pulling and prodding to get the seal in.

I was successful in getting both seals in without ripping them but my hands payed for it. I had blisters and they hurt for a week. Dixie had no sympathy for me or my hands.

Here they are ready to be installed in the bug. They sat around for a few months in my garage before I had the time to go out and install them. I had some time today so I figured now was as good of a time as any.

Here is what was in my bug. They are solid quarter windows. The first thing to do is remove them.

I cut the rubber seals off because they were the original ones and hard as a rock. I then pushed on the inside and they popped right out.

I cleaned where the window was and got ready to install the new ones. I did each side different. On the left side I was having trouble fitting the window in with the hinge installed on the window so I took it off. I then installed the hinge onto the seam of body and then installed the window onto the hinge. This one was very tight and I had to take some time off and cool down before I got to mad and threw the window down the driveway. I was really close to doing that so if you were walking in front of my house I apologise for any bad words you may have heard.

After I walked away and visited with my parents for a few hours I was ready to start again. As you can see it worked out and I got the window in. The right side went in a lot easier. I left the hinge on the window and installed it all together as one unit. It wasn't nearly as tight for some reason.

The next step is to install the back bracket where the window pops out at. All VW's made already have the holes predrilled for pop out windows. The only trick is finding the holes under the headliner. It's really not that hard, just feel around with your finger and it's easy to find.

When you find it, put an awl in there so you can install the screws later. There are 3 screws for the back bracket and 5 screw in front for the hinge.

Here is the bracket installed. I used stainless steel sheet metal screws that are 3/4 of an inch long and have countersunk heads. They worked great.

I picked up some pinch welting and that just goes around the inside of the body where the old window seal hooked to. It installs easy and looks great.

Trim it up around the front hinge

I bought covers for the hinges that finished off the inside of the windows.

I have always loved the look of pop out windows and the kids can pop them open if they get to hot. In the summer they will most likely always be open because they work great as air conditioning.

Here they are all installed and cleaned up. Isaac wants to take a ride in it and see how they feel. I told him tomorrow. It started getting to cold to drive around with the windows open.

I also finally got a piece of trim for my hood. It was always missing since I bought the car. I actually ordered it back before Christmas time and it just barely showed up last week. It looks really good so I guess it was worth the wait. I wish I knew what color of white the bug is painted. I would love to touch up some areas and replace the back fenders but I don't want to drive around with primer on them or worse yet not match. I guess it will have to wait until It gets painted. Someday that may happen.