Trim strips for the Bus

Trim strips for the VW Bus T2 – completing windows, doors and body details correctly

Trim strips shape various visible areas of the VW Bus T2 body and glazing and provide a clean visual finish. The category covers considerably more than conventional body mouldings: it includes decorative frames for the windscreen, rear window and side windows, door trim frames, decorative inserts for windows and the corresponding clips, grommets and connecting sleeves. A decorative frame for the air-intake grille is also listed. Depending on the component, versions differ according to installation position, vehicle side, material and production period. When restoring your VW Bus T2, you should therefore not choose according to colour or appearance alone. The decisive factor is which window, door or body area the respective trim strip or decorative frame is intended for.

Why are trim strips important on the VW Bus T2?

The trim strips and decorative frames are details that have a clear influence on the exterior appearance of a VW Bus T2. A decorative frame on the windscreen performs a different role from a door trim frame or a decorative insert on a side or rear window. At the same time, a complete installation often consists of more than the visible trim part alone. Depending on the version, clips, grommets and connecting sleeves are also required to secure or connect individual sections correctly. If these small parts are missing or damaged, a new trim strip may not be fitted cleanly. Particularly after painting, window installation or comprehensive body restoration, it is therefore useful to inspect visible trim parts and the corresponding fasteners together.

When should I inspect or renew trim strips on my VW Bus T2?

An inspection is advisable when decorative frames and trim strips are bent, damaged, incomplete or no longer securely fitted. Missing clips, broken grommets or damaged connecting sleeves should also be included in the inspection. With window decorative frames, it is particularly important to consider the complete installation around the windscreen, rear window or side windows. Door trim frames, on the other hand, should be checked according to vehicle side and the relevant door area. The category also shows differences according to production period, for example with trim-strip clips or grommets for plastic trim strips. On vehicles that have already been restored, you should therefore always check which version is actually installed rather than relying solely on the original model year.

How are trim strips selected and installed on the VW Bus T2?

With trim strips, precise identification is essential because window frames, doors and other body areas require different components.

• Identify the installation position precisely: First determine whether you need a decorative frame for the windscreen, rear window, side window, door or air-intake grille, or a decorative window insert.
• Compare vehicle side and version: For door and side-window decorative frames, consider the allocation to left, right, centre or rear as well as split and non-split versions.
• Check clips, grommets and sleeves as well: Inspect the associated fastening and connecting parts for completeness and damage before fitting the new decorative frame.
• Align trim parts without unnecessary tension: Position strips and frames carefully along the intended contour and avoid unnecessary bending when fitting or joining individual sections.

Particularly with long or multi-piece decorative frames, it is worth preparing all fastening and connecting parts completely before beginning the actual installation.

Which trim strips fit my VW Bus T2?

When selecting suitable trim strips, you should compare the installation location, vehicle side, production period and type of trim component. The category includes aluminium decorative frames for the windscreen, rear window and centre and rear side windows, black and silver door trim frames, decorative inserts for front, rear and side windows and a decorative frame for the air-intake grille. Metal and plastic clips, grommets for plastic trim strips and straight and angled connecting sleeves are also available. Some decorative frames are specifically differentiated according to the left or right vehicle side or according to centre and rear side windows. Compare the actual installation situation of your T2 with the respective product assignment so that the decorative frame, trim strip and fastening parts fit together correctly.