Installing new windshield trim

skipdup · 10-12-2004, 04:10 PM

I purchased windshield trim from our host. My windshield gasket is new (installed by my mechanic). The old trim piece just pulled out with a little prying with a screw driver.

Is there a trick to installing this piece? Do I just press and force it in?

The piece is so malleable I'm afraid I'm going to damage it trying to install.

Thanks,
Skip

jmshepard · 04:52 PM

The trim must be installed with the windshield out of the car. The rubber trim is placed around the perimeter, then the aluminium trim is put into place. The entire assembly is then installed in the car. My experience has been that it is a role of the dice to try an installation with a windshield in the car.

skipdup · 10-12-2004, 04:43 PM

I originally did a quick search/scan but thought everything was on windshield installation. Just searched again, and sure enough...

I've really screwed up this time. No way am I going to try this myself. I'll have to pay someone to do this.

Is it OK to drive 20 miles to my mechanic with half the trim uninstalled?

I just had the stupid gasket installed. Should have had the trim done then!!!

jmshepard · 04:55 PM

I drove my SC for a year until I did the installation. The car was painted at a shop that wasn't familiar with the Porsche trim procedure and they ruined the old pieces during the install.

NoLift911 · 10-12-2004, 05:53 PM

Yeah the trim is very soft and can get out of shape easily - glass must be out of the car for a proper install.

Honestly if you have a helper and dig up the archives it is really not that hard at all - just tedius. I am sure you can handle it. Not sure why so many shy away from this install

I have done mine prolly 4 times with the help of another and the rear glass too. Just takes a couple times to get it right but once it is right you know it.

-Jeff
nolift911@hotmail.com

NoLift911 · 10-12-2004, 05:53 PM

Yeah the trim is very soft and can get out of shape easily - glass must be out of the car for a proper install.

Honestly if you have a helper and dig up the archives it is really not that hard at all - just tedius. I am sure you can handle it. Not sure why so many shy away from this install

I have done mine prolly 4 times with the help of another and the rear glass too. Just takes a couple times to get it right but once it is right you know it.

-Jeff
nolift911@hotmail.com

Jim Sims · 10-12-2004, 08:49 PM

"Is it OK to drive 20 miles to my mechanic with half the trim uninstalled?" Probably but why? He likely won't be able to install the rest of the trim either without cutting out the gasket and starting over with a new gasket. If one is lucky and good at it sometimes the gasket can be saved and reused but at significant risk of breaking the windshield. Jim

qcwang · 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by skipdup
No way am I going to try this myself. I'll have to pay someone to do this.

I think you can do this yourself. With some help from a friend, it is tedious, but doable.

I did this with my dad a few months back, it took a while but well worth it.

If you gently push firmly on one corner (say top corner), you may be able to get the gasket out and save it (I did this by accident as we were finished and I was trying to do some fine adjustment and had to start all over again). If it was put in with sealant, my guess is the gasket has to be cut and a new one purchased.

With the rope trick (see past threads in search), I suggest winding it around twice to make sure the gasket gets well seated. Also I purchased two suction cup devices to help me hold the glass as it was installed.

Be patient, but I think you can do it.

curiousone940 · curiousone940's Garage

I normally see the wisdom in Porsche design in every little detail, but the windshield installation thing seems to defy explanation. I must have spent hours on my '76 trying to get the front/rear glass in place before finally giving up and resorting to professional help. When I saw them do it so easily, I really felt like a moron. The metal trim (which you can bend just by looking at it) MUST be fitted into the rubber gasket first, then the gasket/trim assembly placed onto the glass. Finally, apply a little spray lubricant, have the rope ready and with one person inside the car and preferably two on the outside, start the installation process itself (seems as if the procedure begins at the middle of either the top or the bottom and goes from there)....outside people gently applying pressure to a specific spot while the inside person pulls the rope and guides the rubber gasket into place (corners can be particularly stubborn). What reason can Porsche have for NOT simply cementing glass in place??? Good luck!!