Another windshield seal thread...

[Geronimo]

So I was caught in a down pour on my way home from a company car show, and was taken aback when water began to drip from between the dashed and glovebox surround.

Some research suggested new windshield seals... alas after reading through many thread about URO's "new" design and Factory Porsche seals, and DIY or have a pro do it I am as confused as when I started.

Part of me wants to DIY as I can check for any corrosion that may have occurred. But I am also lost on what seals to use... my gut says Porsche Factory, but URO's new design looks pretty nice.

[tshebib]

Mine leaks at the drivers side corner and drips into the door side pocket. I’ve put up with it because ithe car usually only sees rain once a year and garaged when resting. I think I’ve read every thread on this subject and the ultimate solution is 993 seals and windshield with the 964 seal and windshield being close second. This is assuming you have black trim of course. I finally made a decision and ordered the Porsche 964 OEM seal and will put a 964 windshield in. Same procedure as the original only you don’t have to deal with the aluminum trim in the middle of the rubber seal. I would have gone the 993 route if I knew of a local windshield guy who could think outside the box. Also contemplating the 3M bedding and glazing compound for a little extra insurance.

[scotricker]

wait... use a 993 or 964 seal on an SC? same size glass, etc?

Mine has been installed all wrong for years. I think that flappy part should be out, but it's tucked in with goo in there, too. This will not be pretty.

Can I remove the nice glass and re-seal without damaging the glass?

This has been one of those, gonna do it some day jobs.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Geronimo

Part of me wants to DIY as I can check for any corrosion that may have occurred. But I am also lost on what seals to use... my gut says Porsche Factory, but URO's new design looks pretty nice.

What is the cost delta between factory and URO?

Does lost mean fearing the spending of an extra $70? Just talking as I did not look prices up.

Once you get into the process you will find the work is simple grunt work. Cut out the metal trim with a box cutter, glass still in place is the hardest work, maybe.

Get window out. Assess the rust damage. Fix it. This may/can be the most work.

Warm up seal in hot water, place on windshield on a bench and struggle placing trim in. It sucks but not that bad.

Now the easy part. Get fat speaker wire or a really stout tiny rope. Stuff it into the flappy thing and grease with glycerin or KY or soap of your choice. Mr Muscle pal pushes down on windshield from outside as you pull the wire out bringing lip over the metal body lip.

[Superman]

R&R-ing your front glass is pretty easy. I have heard MANY people, including and especially glass guys, say you should spring for the OEM gasket. You can use the glass as a template for shaping the metal trim. Do this. Make sure the trim is fully engaged into the gasket (the trim has a 'hook' that locks with the gasket). Put silicon spray on the gasket and rope it in. Easier than you think.

[Geronimo]

The cost isn't an issue, I was just wondering if people found the NEW URO seal to be better than the Porsche part. There is just a lot of discussion on the seals, from 993 full replacement to URO I was just trying to get my head around the best option.

[cabmandone]

I don't recall what seal I put in my car. I'll see if I can find the invoice for it and post back. As for DIY, the main thing is, don't mess up the metal when you remove the windshield. I installed my own with the help of my son and had never done one before. Just take your time and it goes pretty easily.
Before you write off the existing seal you should check your corners which is where many need to be adjusted even after being replaced. I made a plastic tool to move the upper and lower corners back into place occasionally. I use a rubber mallet and the plastic "punch" against the metal trim which helps keep the rubber in place. There are a lot of threads on adjusting the window seal. The only reason I replaced my seal is I removed the windshield when I was having the car painted. Try adjusting the seal first and then test with a hose. It might save you some time and money.

[Evans, Marv]

I had that same kind of leakage on my '72. When I removed the windshield and dash cover, I found the whole area under the corner rusted out.

[Geronimo]

Well lets hope thats not the case here... I'd hate to have to burn the car to the ground...

[uwanna]

Don't know if you have found this thread on replacement of the windshield seal with the new URO version, but it seems that "3Ddesigns911" had a very successful experience with the new URO seal. Check it out.
I am soon to replace my seal and have a Porsche factory seal on hand,
but I am considering buying a URO one after reading about the posters
good results. His installed pics look much better than even the Porsche
seal.
Re-designed New URO Windshield Seal Review

[universeman]

My opinion: that URO new seal looks too wide. Kinda looks fat, cheesy and non-Porsche, but I've got too much of an eye for these kinds of things. Spring for the Porsche seal, you won't regret it.

[Geronimo]

Yea, I usually will error on the side or Porsche parts. After all is has last 36 years so far.

[RDM]

I went with the Porsche seal and am very happy with the results. I haven't smeared in the glazing compound yet, but that's belt-and-suspenders level of protection.

My windshield did have a bit of rust in the bottom passenger corner. See it here:
SC Windshield / targa window seal replacement and trim refinishing

How does your trim look?

[Geronimo]

Cool, I was reading through your thread the other day.