replacing windshield on 1986 Targa

[alexandervdr]

My windshield is pitted and when the sun goes low , visibility is compromised. A brand new one is ready to be installed including new (OEM) rubber seal. I read a lot about how to do it, but maybe some of you have good additional advise?

[911obgyn]

Double rope it, wrap twice around gap.
Use lots of soapy water.
Make sure trim is installed and straight before you install window.
If the top corners have gaps you can carefully tap the molding out with a hardwood wedge to move gasket to cover corners. I have heard about using a bit of cord inside next to the glass on the corners

[alexandervdr]

Originally Posted by 911obgyn

Double rope it, wrap twice around gap.
Use lots of soapy water.
Make sure trim is installed and straight before you install window.
If the top corners have gaps you can carefully tap the molding out with a hardwood wedge to move gasket to cover corners. I have heard about using a bit of cord inside next to the glass on the corners

I like the double rope suggestion, any recommendation for type/thickness of rope?

[alexandervdr]

one particular concern: I have the antenna in the windshield, is there any precaution when taking the windshield out? Can I disconnect the windshield lead easily ?

[911obgyn]

Does the new windshield have an antenna?
I had to carefully poke a hole on the interior of the gasket, add wire to my windshield. I didnt replace mine with new and had to solder new wires to my windshield because they were broken. I used some 1/4” cotton sash line for the cord saturated with soapy water, nylon paracord works but you have to be careful not to cut the rubber with it. Plastic interior tools may help. You may find rust at the bottom corners so be prepared to remediate any,and all rust. Start with the cord at the bottom. Dont scratch the paint!

[alexandervdr]

yes, the new windshield has the antenna and the cable, it's an OEM part.
I guess I need to remove this plastic vent trim? It completely hides the rubber seal

[alexandervdr]

The windshield is out, was not too intimidating.
I notice the rubber seal had some (flexible ) sealing compound where it meats the glass. It looks as if this is still the original glass&rubber.
Any suggestion how to remove it without damaging the paint?
Not surprising that Porsche put some sealer in, I assume it is recommended? Not one single spot of rust by the way...and it was not repainted neither

[911obgyn]

Nylon tools, or a carved bamboo chopstick.
Some paint thinner and a rag after. You may check with an auto body shop for butyl windshield sealant to replace it. It is responsible for your no rust. My 85 had none and a bit of surface rust was starting.

[alexandervdr]

Originally Posted by 911obgyn

Nylon tools, or a carved bamboo chopstick.
Some paint thinner and a rag after. You may check with an auto body shop for butyl windshield sealant to replace it. It is responsible for your no rust. My 85 had none and a bit of surface rust was starting.

tnx!

[snbush67]

Originally Posted by 911obgyn

Double rope it, wrap twice around gap.
Use lots of soapy water.
Make sure trim is installed and straight before you install window.
If the top corners have gaps you can carefully tap the molding out with a hardwood wedge to move gasket to cover corners. I have heard about using a bit of cord inside next to the glass on the corners

Good points. Do you think it’s possible that the top corners often have gaps because the windshield isn’t centered, because of gravity the glass is sitting to low in the gasket? Maybe the soap allows it to slip lower than it would if it was installed dry.

[911obgyn]

Soap allows the cord to slip the flange of the gasket around the pinch weld. On other windshields i have cut the gasket by not using enough, cord just sawed the rubber!

[alexandervdr]

the bamboo chopstick worked well, combined with lots of White Spirit.Frame is 100% rustrfree. Time to put the new window in.

3 questions:

1. how do I combine use of soap with putting sealer in the rubber groove where the windscreen goes? Seems quite messy?

2. how do I combine use of pull chords with putting sealer in the rubber groove that goes over de metal lip? Seems even more messy?

3. how do I separate the metal rear window base clip from the windshield, see picture

[Maxhr203]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z3hPM2Zd0s&list=LL&index=1

[Arlo911]

Hi Alexander, it's a messy job, whether you use WD40 or soapy water The metal clip stays on the windshield normally, should be mounted on your new windshield too? Otherwise re-attach your rearview mirror and try to pry it off using the mirror as a lever (not recommended), but you have a chance of breaking the windshield...
I think you can order the metal clips seperately, but finding a good bonding agent might be tricky.

[alexandervdr]

tnx MaxHr for the link
to ARlo911: I indeed discovered that the base clip comes with the windshield and is already glued on, which I regret because I wanted to put it a little higher. For combining sealer and soap water I will do the following (unless someone argues against it...).

1. I put the rubber seal around the windshield, without any sealing compound, just did that.
2. Then I will mount the aluminum trim frame.
3. On the car body window lip, the 'vertical' side of it (away from the windshield contours) will get a strip of sealer all around. So no water can come in from the body to the rubber.
4. After having mounted the windshield, sealer is injected under the rubber lip covering the outside of the windshield. So no water can come in from the windshield to the rubber.

This way, the rubber seal is sealed where the water could come in, and that is the outside of the car. Mess should be minimal too ;-)

[911obgyn]

You got this, good plan. Soapy water will evaporate and sealant will stick.

[alexandervdr]

almost there indeed, but still want to know if there is a 'top' or 'bottom' side to the seal. Meaning: are the corner curves moulded-in or is the rubber seal made from a straight profile that is glued together in a loop? FYI: I now have this glue line on the top side in the middle of the windshield, as it was in the rubber seal removed from the car.

[Arlo911]

Yes there is a side, you'll notice right away when the seal is in the right position. Looks like you installed it correctly. Good luck, take your time, and find a helping hand, it makes it a lot easier to fit the windshield. Also, if the aluminium trim should pop out, don't try to force it in with the windshield installed, better to remove and restart, ask me how I know...
Where are you located in Belgium? If not too far away from Ghent I'll gladly come over and help if you need it.