Windshield trim

[sdmcoupe]

Can the windshield and rear glass trim be replaced w/o removing the glass?

Rob
1970 911S

[nzrobinz]

Easy to remove - very tough to get back in

[RSTarga]

No way to get it back in without glass removal

[PeteKz]

Further, if you remove the trim without removing the windshield and gasket, you will end up bending the trim enough that it will be hell to straighten out and get back in. Only do it as part of windshield removal and installation.

[isby]

For what it’s worth, you may be opening a potential can of worms when you remove the glass. The new gaskets out there don’t always fit correctly. Also, bending the new trim to fit the contours of the car is a very unpleasant experience. Unless you’re a glutton for punishment, you’ll need to find a glass guy with a ton of classic Porsche experience. Not always easy to find. The windshield installation was the most exasperating part of my re-spray.

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by isby

For what it’s worth, you may be opening a potential can of worms when you remove the glass. The new gaskets out there don’t always fit correctly. Also, bending the new trim to fit the contours of the car is a very unpleasant experience. Unless you’re a glutton for punishment, you’ll need to find a glass guy with a ton of classic Porsche experience. Not always easy to find. The windshield installation was the most exasperating part of my re-spray.

Why are you scaring the poor guy? It’s not that difficult unless it’s a targa rear window. Read a few tutorials, mikes restoration on YouTube has a good glass install video.

[isby]

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

Why are you scaring the poor guy? It’s not that difficult unless it’s a targa rear window. Read a few tutorials, mikes restoration on YouTube has a good glass install video.

Just giving him fair warning I watched Mike's video, the YouTube stuff and everything else I could find. If I never have to bend another windshield trim piece, it will be too soon. FYI - it's not just me. Here's what Wayne once said on the topic:

"Older windshields can be brittle - don't ask me how I know, but I'm out about $3K total on a project we're working on right now, but without the severe thumb issue. You can *never* be too careful with a windshield - patience is your friend. And on top of that, I think the glass is actually the easy part - the aluminum trim is the bear to deal with..."

[sdmcoupe]

Ha...thanks for added details. I'll definitely will be leaving at is for the time being.

[Peter Bat]

For what it's worth (probably not a lot to our US friends) I had to have both front and rear screens replaced on my '84 Targa after a back to metal spray and extensive body work at the rear What do you expect after 40 years by the sea). I found a freelance outfit more used to RV window fitting. They refitted both windows without major hassle, infact they had to come back, remove the rear window so that I could fit the trim and replace it. Tokk them about 2 hours and a lot of sweat and grunt. The moral is that you need to find an expert and it isn't as scary as we are led to believe. Mind you I wouldn't want to do it myself and it was defo a two man job.

[E Sully]

To do the headliner for a friend, I removed and re installed the original front and rear glass on a 1950 Ford with a split front windshield. Definitely better with 2 or 3 people. Second piece of front was the most interesting, and one the old brittle originals did not make it. Fortunately new piece was not too expensive. Trim had to be put in first, good diameter rope and soapy water, and one of these from home improvement store.

I don't know if any of the younger guys at the Auto glass stores have had experience with our rubber seal type, since most cars now use no longer use rubber seals.

[mepstein]

My guys just did one a couple days ago. Took about 30 minutes to do the front. New glass, used trim and seal. Had to replace a cracked windshield. Once you see how it’s done, it’s pretty easy.

[eastbay]

Originally Posted by mepstein

My guys just did one a couple days ago. Took about 30 minutes to do the front. New glass, used trim and seal. Had to replace a cracked windshield. Once you see how it’s done, it’s pretty easy.

Ain't that the truth! I hired a guy (and had to help him) to do front and rear windows on a windows out respray on a 71S Targa in the early 80's and have done my own since.

If replacing gasket and trim on front, replace the windshield too, best money spent in driving enjoyment.