Gary,

I've pulled most of mine out because as you indicated, it looks butt ugly (for
newer Vanagon owners, you will see these plastic "chrome-plastic molding
strips" yellow, crack, break and disintegrate before your eyes as they are
bombarded by UV rays over time - literally). The groove that the strip is in
does not penetrate through the window gaskets (noticed when replacing window
glass). I've had some of my weather strip out for about three years - no
problem - no leaks. I've had the same deterioration on the plastic strip
covering the front corner seams - they are gone too. My Vanagon is 8 yrs older
than yours - you can tear them off now or later.

Older VW's used an actual bright aluminum bead/molding. I guess that VW
engineering thought that plastic would be an improvement (cost improvement
that is).

Fortunately, I like the black-look anyway

Best regards,

Ken Stich
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Gary wrote:
>
> Is the chrome-plastic, outside window trim in the rubber gasket around
> the windows on a Vanagon functional, or only for looks?  Mine has
> discolored from the sun and looks terrible.  Can it simply be pulled out
> without changing the weather sealing qualities of the rubber gasket?
> Does the same apply to the windshield?
>
> Have a good 4th!
> Gary
> 88GL