Front and rear window trim, is it needed?

[Maxem]

Hi Team,
‘88 coupe.
Having a hard time with the aluminium trim, is it actually needed? Been through a few now and it’s getting expensive. As I understand it, the trim’s arrow head is pushed into the slot in the rubber seal and this helps keep the wings of the seal compressed onto the glass and bodywork.
Would something simpler work, such as a round shaped extruded plastic bead or harder grade rubber extrusion pushed into the feature in the seal? Perhaps a thicker grade of electrical wire or stainless steel braided wire?
I’m professionally aligned with a PVC / Santoprene extruder and a flexible replica of the aluminium trim arrow head without the curved top crown would appear to be a simple solution.
Any ideas for alternatives to the aluminium trim?

[Maxem]

Photo borrowed from another thread to show the aluminium trim and locking detail

[Showdown]

The aluminum trim is 100% required unless you’re using a 964 (I thing) seal which again, I thing doesn’t have the trim piece.

The trim expands the runner seal and prevents your windscreen from divorcing your car.

[Dpmulvan]

What’s the problem with the stock trim? Works fine, easy to install.

[john walker's workshop]

Are you trying to install it after the glass is in place? Can't do that. Glass, rubber and trim is assembled together, then it goes in place on the bosy.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Are you trying to install it after the glass is in place? Can't do that. Glass, rubber and trim is assembled together, then it goes in place on the bosy.

This. It has to go in before the glass is installed.

[Maxem]

Thanks for the advice, was trying to push it in afterwards, will have another go. I Damaged a few.

[911obgyn]

If its not too bent you can massage it so it fits around window before installing the glass in the car.

[Old H2S]

You do not need it. Even when new and perfect it sticks up and makes noise, gets water behind it and must be straight or It grabs your eye instantly to the fault. Here is what I used, especially after not getting the "wide body" seal.

https://www.mcmaster.com/5648K19/

Too bad if you are a purest.

[phunt]

Hey that McMaster Carr link goes to tubing ? Is there a better seal to use? I don’t care if I use the aluminum trim or not. I am hoping for a good seal of the windscreen. Thanks sorry if I high jacked

[Maxem]

Originally Posted by Old H2S

You do not need it. Even when new and perfect it sticks up and makes noise, gets water behind it and must be straight or It grabs your eye instantly to the fault. Here is what I used, especially after not getting the "wide body" seal.

https://www.mcmaster.com/5648K19/

Too bad if you are a purest.

I see what you mean, this small tube does the job of the aluminium arrow head feature. I’m not a purist and like the idea.

[porsche930dude]

You can buy the lock key seperate im not sure this is the right size for the porsche though https://www.grainger.com/product/TRIM-LOK-INC-EPDM-Locking-Gasket-Key-0-10G561?opr=RAPD&analytics=REQACC_10G547&position=1

[mgro1959]

I have never installed this trim on the porsche but british cars use a similiar idea and you put in after the window is installed. The key is used dish soap. Slide in easy and washes awsy. Doing it dry will take forever, cause blisters on you thumb, and if you dont destroy it you will want to put a hammer thru the window. Goodluck

[Old H2S]

It spreads the flange out farther.

[Maxem]

Thanks for all the comments, very helpful!

[eastbay]

Back in the day we would just pull the bright trim out for the black out effect. Never heard of any problems.

[Queefchief]

Originally Posted by Old H2S

It spreads the flange out farther.

I like this and I'm going to steal your idea. I was on the hunt for a plastic or rubber insert to ditch the metal trim myself.

I initially tried to fit 964 glass and seal but it was just to big in my SC. Had to use the SC glass and seal which meant running metal trim which I just visually don't like.

Thanks for the info

[Maxem]

5mm tube. Job done, very tidy and very happy!

[Eljimberino]

Interesting with the tubing.

Did you do the rear window as well?

[porschedude996]

It looks like it was designed that way. Appearance is not much different than the 964. Many decades ago, four, I too tried putting in the trim afterwards in my ‘72. It just never looked good

I currently have my windows out, dash/headliner/carpet/seats, and may go with this if I rum into trouble.