1973-1979 VW Super Beetle Convertible Cal Look Front Windshield Seal

Tip 1:
When installing any extruded seal (a seal that has a glued or vulcanized seam) it is highly recommended to put the seam at the bottom center of the window. If the seam is installed in a corner the seam can split because of the seal expanding and contracting with temperature changes. If the seal can't be installed at the bottom center, make sure to put it on a straight edge of the window. Failure to do so will void the warranty on the seal.

Tip 2:
"Gripper Teeth", "Blow-Out Strips", and "Alligator Teeth" can be found on various 1973-on VW models. These metal clips have many names but regardless of what you call them they must be removed prior to installing your new windshield seal. VW originally offered these clips at a time when not everyone wore seatbelts. These teeth were designed to hold the windshield in place, and keep the driver from going through the vehicle in a collision. Unfortunately, this also meant that since the windshield did not give, oftentimes the driver/passengers heads would smash against the retained glass. That is the reason modern cars manufactured do not have these clips. Drivers today know seatbelts save lives.

There are no windshield seals made that accommodate these clips. Removing the clips is a fairly easy procedure, but it can chip the paint so we recommend doing this before painting your vehicle. The clips can be chiseled off. Alternatively, you can also drill through the spot welds to remove them. Although this area will be covered up with your new seal, we recommend touching up the removed clip mounts with some paint to prevent rust before installing your new windshield.