Reproduction Westfalia SO-42/SO-44/Dormobile Pop-Top Seal

[easy e]

Sample arrived.
Unfortunately needs revision.
Markups provided...

The bummer is... several things weren't even within spec. Not like I was just nitpicking & finding new things I wanted to change. Like a curve was supposed to have a radius of say 25mm.... and it was like 5mm.

Sad trumpet sound... wah, wha, whaaa

I'll report back when I get feedback on the markups. Hopefully soon.

EDIT: I already heard back... the rep was apologetic & said they'd adjust tooling.
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[Col_Forbin]

man that's too bad, what a pain.. thanks a ton for taking the time to go through this process!
_________________
Goin' where the climate suits my clothes
Levon the 66 Westy:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=655780
71 Deluxe Bay

[easy e]

The manufacturer reported today that they can't make the seal...

"Because of a different steel plate, your rubber seal is a one time extrusion, but our rubber seal needs to be a two step process. This caused three of your design parameters to be difficult to control. Our production department tried many times to meet the requirements, meanwhile, we expended an additional $500 on extra molds, but still not meeting the requirements, truly sorry Evan."

I'll see if they can do it out of standard rubber... instead of EPDM.
This company makes seals for Volvo, so I believe there is an inherent issue that may be unresolvable.
I'll keep looking for options (to get the correct shape).
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[nlorntson]

I've been in contact with Evan (easy e) regarding his efforts but have been waiting to see if his source could come through before I proceeded. Now that his efforts have been (apparently) unsuccessful, I thought I'd share what I have found.

Firstly, I'm not trying to step on anything easy e has done thus far, and I'm thankful for his efforts to date. He's done a lot of heavy lifting.

I have a local company that produces EPDM seals for cars all day long and have contacted them regarding reproducing this seal. I've provided a chunk of NOS seal in perfect condition to them to investigate. So far it is doable for them in their opinion.

If it seems reasonable for me to proceed with sourcing this from this US company, I'd like to see what others think.

So, what shall I do?

[easy e]

You wouldn't be stepping on my toes...
I just wanted the seal to be realized... for all of us pop-toppers!
I can send you the drawing & I probably still have a recognizable piece of seal.
It should save some design effort ($).
Cheers for picking up the baton )
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[BulliBill]

Cheers to both Evan and Nancy for trying to help us all realize a near correct pop-top seal, better than what we've been offered so far. Thanks to both of you!

Bill Bowman
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[busdaddy]

Agreed, yay for both of you!
Bummer the first supplier tapped out, hopefully Nancy's can get er' done, depressing yet exciting at the same time.
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[notchboy]

Id think this is the same for the full pop tops through the bay Westfalias? No? If it is Id be interested in it as a replacement for the bulb type on there now. With that said - I would need a bunch more than the turret top crowd.
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[nlorntson]

I've been wondering if Dormobile tops or any of the bay tops take this same seal. If so, the market is greatly expanded making the cost a bit more palatable.

Anyone know if there are any other applications for this seal?

[notchboy]

This first pic is the same stuff available to you - modern Bulb type. I have issue with the wide strip for the end lip to roof rack seal, just the main gasket.

This is of a dormobile from xavi_242. Left one is OG. Looks like the one you are making and the type I removed off my 77 pop top. I cant find an og shot of Bay rubber.

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[LAGrunthaner]

I'm ordering this one because I have 2 other replacements I do not like.

[delx23]

[LAGrunthaner]

I need to measure mine but I would think 4 meters would cover it but we need to measure it first to be sure. It sure looks like a much better seal than all the other repros.

[BarryL]

Somewhere in this thread I think it was mentioned but I'll bring it back up as I have seen this seal. It is from a Ford Windstar 1995 to 2003 rear hatch and front door. Though not exactly right on either side of the U but the clamping part is big and strong. The donut side is huge and the squeegee side is huge. Maybe a possible replacement for the Westy seal? They are extremely well made and supple.

[crofty]

Hard to tell but I don't think seal would be long enough to touch the body
_________________
Your Vanagon sucks, Stop waving at me.

[LAGrunthaner]

Agree, I like the other one best.

[BarryL]

[easy e]

Looks ok... pretty much like the WW seal.
_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[crofty]

[easy e]

Nancy has made some promising progress with the vendor she's working with!

She sent me a drawing & I provided her some comments. I can't wait to hear how the vendor responds. Big props for her taking this to the next step.

Vendor's first sketch for review is labeled "Rev. 0" at the top-center of the pic. Remainder of stuff around it is my comments.

_________________
aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List