TECH TIP: 1973 to 1977 Beetle Windshield Seal Installation - On various VW Beetles from 1973 forward, when the windshield is removed you will find gripper teeth spot welded to the windshield surround. There are no windshield seals available that will accommodate these retainer clips. They will need to be chiseled out or if possible, the spot weld can be drilled out. If you do not remove the clips, you cannot install the seal. If you are in the process of restoring or painting your Beetle, do this before any finish is applied. If you are replacing your seal and the car is already painted, this becomes a more delicate operation to save the paint finish. Once removed, make sure to touch up the raw metal to avoid rust forming. Once complete, this area will be covered by the new seal.