Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,

Hoping someone can clarify something for me please.

My van has gone in today for some rust repairs and a full re spray. I thought while all the window seals are off they may as well be replaced(a couple leak a little). I have been looking up some bits on this and some say make sure you get the right ones (obviously), ie is it a deluxe model etc etc. How can I tell if it’s a deluxe model I have? All I know is it’s a 1989 1.9 petrol caravelle. It has the small triangle windows in the front next to the main windows , the slide windows next to the first row of 2 seats in the back, then fixed Windows next to the back row of seats. It does have a rear wiper on the back window and I notice driving around many do not.

Anyway, any help, tips advice would be greatly appreciated. Especially if there is anything else that should be replaced while all the trims/windows are out.

Cheers all
Wesley

Deluxe model has the push in silver trim in the seals, chrome bumpers with black rub strips. Normal is black bumpers, black seals.
They’re all the same and it’s up to you if your changing the lot. I personally changed to standard seals as all my chrome trim was buggered on the windows and I never liked it anyway.

Thanks adie89,

I’m even more confused then as mine has body colour bumpers , although it does have slightly rusty chrome trim set around the windows.

Don't be in a rush to change the original vw rubbers, they are very good quality and last a long time even in sunny climates, to cure the leaks put some flexible black windscreen sealant behind the rubbers.

Following this though, look for really old seals shrinking. This will leave a very small gap in the curve of the corners, allow water in the frame recess and rot it out. The seals should be a very snug fit, firmly sat in the recess with no gap

From new the seals can let water in, people fit new quality seals and complain that they still let water in , so that's why its best to use lots of flexible sealant.

Wesley wrote:Hi all,

Hoping someone can clarify something for me please.

My van has gone in today for some rust repairs and a full re spray. I thought while all the window seals are off they may as well be replaced(a couple leak a little). I have been looking up some bits on this and some say make sure you get the right ones (obviously), ie is it a deluxe model etc etc. How can I tell if it’s a deluxe model I have? All I know is it’s a 1989 1.9 petrol caravelle. It has the small triangle windows in the front next to the main windows , the slide windows next to the first row of 2 seats in the back, then fixed Windows next to the back row of seats. It does have a rear wiper on the back window and I notice driving around many do not.

Anyway, any help, tips advice would be greatly appreciated. Especially if there is anything else that should be replaced while all the trims/windows are out.

Cheers all
Wesley

Hi,
Cant help with the window seals, Im afraid, but would be interested to know a bit more about the respray - I am also considering one on mine (rust spots on all panels, nothing major but as its all panels, would need to do a full respray and deal with the rust - so not just grind it out and cover it up ).
Have not had any quotes yet, but was wondering what sort of ballpark figure to think of....? Thanks in advance!!

Talk to Chris. He does them all. Best quality too: http://www.volkswagenemporium.co.uk/sho ... php?cat=11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - not sure if he has the side ones. You'll need to ask him as he seems to be able to source seals no one else appears to stock.

I have a deluxe too And I agree, fitting seals without sealant is foolhardy. Looking back, the main reason VW did not was partly cost and lack of modern materials. These vehicles are now too precious to risk a leak after bodywork repairs and painting.

Hi All,

Thanks for all the tips and advice. I am going to re use the old seals if possible and put back on using sealant as everyone is suggesting. There is only 1 small leak currently on the front passenger little corner window, so I assume the rest must be good.

As for price Paule39 - a friend of a friend (owns his own garage welding and re sprays) has quoted me £3500. He is doing me mate rates though. Van needs various areas of rust on panels /window frame areas / new outer sill on drivers side - both front floor pans and step (I am sourcing the floor pans and steps). Then Full re spray top to bottom. There are several minor dents also and a cracked front bumper he is sorting also.

He has a good reputation so I am optimistic it will look great when done. I can keep you posted if you want?

Cheers
Wesley

The scraper seals on the cab doors tend to deteriorate so it would be best to fit new ones if the old ones have been taken off for the respray. Brickwerks stock good ones . Just checked the shop site and it seems they don't stock the main top scraper seal for models with chrome trim !

Hi all,

Sorry it’s been awhile since the last post re the welding & respray. Just got the van back this weekend and the guy I spoke about has done an amazing job. Van looks incredible

If anyone is in need of a his number let me know and I will pass it on - can’t recommend him enough.

Cheers
Wes

Hi Wes,
Great that you're really pleased with the work on your van.
Can you tell me whereabouts the guy is based who did the work?
Cheers,
Julia

Hi Julia,

No worries - his workshop is over near Thorpe Park. Spoke with him again today and he loved fixing up the van so much he has now bought his own one.

Where are you based? I can send you his number.

Cheers
Wesley

Could you pm me his number as we are looking for someone to carry out similar works to our van