Windshield seals

[Krzysztof]

Meh. Feels better without the rubber anyway...

Almost like on motorbike in the aerodynamic tunnel.

I'm reading different opinion about W&N rubber seals and OE BMW. I looks current technology is too business case oriented to make it properly so it will not shrink too fast.

Not sure in the end. Maybe I will consider to buy used one, made of a "proper rubber", from a donor car which was not exposed too much on UV. Maybe from Sweden or Finland?

 

[tmh]

I replaced both front and rear gaskets 2 months ago with BMW gaskets that I bought from Jim at Mesa Performance. A very good fit fixing the shrinkage that occurred. These seem to be as good, or better, of a fit from the last set 25 years ago, from what I remember. This is at least the third set of gaskets I have replaced from shrinkage over 42 plus years. I do apply a vinyl/rubber conditioner at least once each year.

 

[boonies]

I have been working with a local independent glass installer to put the new windshield in. We have not had any success with the new W&N glass & gasket after numerous attempts and many hours spent.

One of, if not the only, challenge is that the W&N gasket does not fit over the affix the upholstery on the header and sides (see picture).

The new gaskets are substantially different profile. I am curious to know if anyone has suggestions about a different source for gaskets That might have more room than the one from W&N.

Here is the profile of the gasket that I removed. Unfortunately it was too badly deteriorated to use again.

 

[HB Chris]

Walloth sells the BMW gasket I believe and I used that with the Walloth glass and had no issues. I would remove the metal beading, just glue the vinyl B pillar material down.

 

[eriknetherlands]

+1 for glueing the vinyl.

I would also doubt that the rivet in your picture will be a good thing. It may help to keep the metal clamp in place, but it will make it challenging for the rubber to seal tight around it. Is it original?
I would be worried that you may get a water leak just because of that rivet.

These metal strips, do they not have teeth that bite through the paint into the metal, like the clips on the tops of the door, gripping the chrome trim?
If no teeth, and if you want to keep them, then perhaps squishing them with pliers in place may help to keep them seated.
I have a special flat beak parallel pair of pliers , that leave no bite marks. Perhaps something like that could work?

(Just trying to help to get your coupe as dry as possible)

 

[boonies]

Thanks @HB Chris & @eriknetherlands for sharing your thoughts!

The upholstery clamp strips really don't clamp by themselves, I found them riveted as well and replaced two rivets that were missing. I tried to clamp down further on the driver's side pillar, but the clamping action is insufficient to keep them in place, particularly as we tried to rope in the gasket.

The clamps also have a lip that further impedes the gasket from reaching a position where it can capture the metal seam. We found the gasket could be worked into position, but would not hold around the upholstery clamp.

Today's task will be to drill out the rivets and use some Wurth glue to make sure the upholstery is well adhered to the pillars and roof then try again.

 

[HB Chris]

My coupe did not have those so you should be good.

 

[bavbob]

Neither on mine, never saw them before. No issues fitting over glued vinyl. As I am sure you have seen, these are perfect for glueing the pillar vinyl

 

[boonies]

Neither on mine, never saw them before. No issues fitting over glued vinyl. As I am sure you have seen, these are perfect for glueing the pillar vinyl

View attachment 140342

Indeed, they are attached right now!

 

[dave v. in nc]

+1 for glueing the vinyl.

I would also doubt that the rivet in your picture will be a good thing. It may help to keep the metal clamp in place, but it will make it challenging for the rubber to seal tight around it. Is it original?
I would be worried that you may get a water leak just because of that rivet.

These metal strips, do they not have teeth that bite through the paint into the metal, like the clips on the tops of the door, gripping the chrome trim?
If no teeth, and if you want to keep them, then perhaps squishing them with pliers in place may help to keep them seated.
I have a special flat beak parallel pair of pliers , that leave no bite marks. Perhaps something like that could work?

(Just trying to help to get your coupe as dry as possible)

Eric, Do you have a picture of the flat beak pliers? Thanks.

 

[eriknetherlands]

Threadhijack warning...

It's a Knipex brand, type 86 03 250,
I think it is actually used for plumbing, as you can tighten those chromed fittings on shower faucets etc perfectly without 'bite' marks

 

[dave v. in nc]

Thanks, Erik.