How to Install Door Seals on Air Cooled VW's.

Installing new door seals on your VW Beetle is essential for maintaining a proper seal, reducing wind noise, and preventing water intrusion. To ensure a professional, long-lasting fit, follow this step-by-step guide. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a professional-quality installation that enhances your VW Beetle’s sealing performance and longevity.

VW Door Rubber Seal Installation

Important Considerations Before You Begin:

  • Do not install the seal by working continuously around the door. This will stretch the rubber, leading to a misfit and potential bulging.
  • Clean the Body Surface: Remove any old, cracked, or rotted seal remnants from the door channel to ensure optimal adhesion.
  • Test-Fit Before Gluing: Before applying adhesive, dry-fit the seal to ensure proper alignment.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

  1. Open the door checkrod arm
    • Remove the circlip from the checkrod pin.
    • Gently tap the checkrod pin to free and open checkrod.
    • The door seal will install behind checkrod arm.
    2. VW Door Rubber Seal Installation
  2. Position the Corners First
    • Begin by inserting the door seal at the four corners of the door frame.
    • For best results, install the top rear and bottom front corners first.
    3. VW Door Rubber Seal Installation
  3. Work the Seal Between the Corners
    • Once the corners are secure, gradually fit the seal along the edges between them.
    • Gently pull the rubber to thin it slightly before pressing it into the channel to ensure a snug fit.
    • Avoid stretching the seal too much, as this can lead to excess material at the end of the installation.
    4. VW Door Rubber Seal Installation
  4. Use a Trim Tool for Final Adjustments
    • A trim tool can be helpful for pressing the seal firmly into place and ensuring it sits properly in the channel.
  5. Check Rod Reattachment
    • Once the seal is in place past the door check rod, reattach the check rod to the body mount using a pin and secure it with the clip.
    6. VW Door Rubber Seal Installation
  6. Back Section Installation
    • When installing the back portion of the door seal, stretch it slightly to fit behind the door latch before securing the remaining top and bottom sections.
    7. VW Door Rubber Seal Installation
  7. Adhesive Application (If Used)
    • If using weatherstrip adhesive, first install the seal completely, then glue it in sections to avoid mess and misalignment.
    • Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s recommended dry-time for proper curing.
    • We recommend 3Mâ„¢ Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive.
    8. VW Door Rubber Seal Installation

German Door Seal Considerations:

  • German-manufactured seals have a powdery gray coating that helps them break in over time.
  • Do not wash or scrub off this coating, as it facilitates the wear-in process.
  • Due to their airtight design, new seals may initially make doors harder to close. Rolling the windows down slightly during installation can help alleviate pressure and ease door closure during the break-in period.