Is it possible to remove the windshield without damaging the antenna connection?

Thunder Punk · 08-17-2005, 03:42 AM

I was told by my wrench that it is impossible to remove the windshield from my 87 930 without breaking the antenna connection on the glass. I was wondering if there is any truth to this. I'm trying to decide whether or not to keep using him.

jbrinkley · 08-17-2005, 06:11 AM

the wire from the glass to the amp is only $20 can't you cut it below the connection once the glass is partialy out. For that matter I don't see why you couldn't save it if you were careful.

greglepore · 08-17-2005, 06:11 AM

Don't know about a 87 930, but on a 85 Carrera (and I have no reason to believe the windsheilds are different) the coax plugs into a connector-forget where exactly, but it'll be obvious if you follow it under the dash.

Quicksilver · 08-17-2005, 08:51 AM

The 87 has a different windshield...
The antenna is in the glass.

greglepore · 08-17-2005, 11:48 AM

'tis on an 85 as well.

Thunder Punk · 08-17-2005, 01:21 PM

The antenna terminal connection that connects the wire to the glass was broken by my wrench so he Jimmy rigged it and it looks terrible. The wire is coming out from the dash and then epoxied into place. The repair is now visible from inside the car.

At first he told me it was broken and he had to repair it. He charged me $65.00 extra to resolder and epoxy it. Then when I brought the car back he told me that there is no way to change the windshield gasket without breaking the terminal on the glass. I find that hard to believe as that would mean that everytime you replace the windshield gasket you'd have to buy new glass too!

He's done other things that make me wonder about his honesty. I brought my car in on a Monday and told him that I wanted my new wheels spaced properly and that I would like to have the car back on Friday for a car show. He calls me on Thursday and tells me that he can order the spacers overnight but it's going to cost me overnight frieght of $35.00 X 2. I had no choice but to say, "yes" if I wanted to make the show. He also charged me eight hours to replace the AC blower motor and the front condensor motor. Hmmmm! let's see, 4 hours per motor. I'm not buying it.

I just need to know if these windshields can be removed without breaking the antenna wire connection on the glass. If they can the I'd say a refund or worse a new winshield is in his future.

randywebb · 08-17-2005, 01:22 PM

Ask for a copy of the freight receipt or bill.

I foresee you headed to small claims court ...

Thunder Punk · 08-17-2005, 01:27 PM

I really don't want to get involved in a big fuss. I'll take my business elswhere or do it myself if I can. Part of the reason is that a lot of PCA members in my area use this guy and have nothing but good things to say about him. I don't want to be seen as an A-hole should I decide to join the PCA in my area. I'm in the middle. It's my reputation or my money.

My experience has been not so good with him even though he comes highly recommended. He charged me $20.00 per wheel to balance my tires. They still shake the wheel in my car. The wieghts have been changed and the balance is better but not right. Gotta bring it back to him to get it right. The AC system is still not right. Everytime he gives it back it gets worse. Worse then my charging it myself. It's crazy.

jbrinkley · 08-17-2005, 02:37 PM

who is this guy? so I can make sure he never sees me.
PM me if you would

randywebb · 08-17-2005, 05:04 PM

How many Pcar mechs are in Mandeville?

When I lived in BTR, Mandeville, was a "ville" for sho -- a few hundred people maybe....

So the ability to have a new mechanic is a factor also...

Thunder Punk · 08-18-2005, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by randywebb
How many Pcar mechs are in Mandeville?

When I lived in BTR, Mandeville, was a "ville" for sho -- a few hundred people maybe....

So the ability to have a new mechanic is a factor also...

Mandeville has exploded in population the last ten years or so. There are no P-car mechanics in this area that I'm aware of. One of my recent neighbors had a P-car and said there was a guy around the corner that he would bring it to. There are always some Beemers and MB's sitting outside but I've not talked to him yet about P-cars. I might do that soon.

randywebb · 08-18-2005, 10:03 AM

I checked out Google maps after posting & saw all the new suburban roads - wow! The whole area up to Covington (which got its first stop light before I moved from La.) is now populated. Makes sense I guess -- everybody up there will not have to cross the causeway when the C-5 turns the city into a giant bowl of muck...

Based on what you've said, it seems like you need to talk to the other shop and also start developing some Porsche mechanic skills of your own. You could feel out the club members on the first mech. w/o volunteering your history or opinion. Good luck - I know what its like to only have one bad shop in town...

RoninLB · 08-18-2005, 12:14 PM

I installed the antenna shield last year. Connected to the glass from the supplier is about 6" of double wire and a plug. The wire and plug goes into a lower frame/tub hole and into the antenna booster on the passenger side trunk.

Thunder Punk · 12:22 PM

I'm not saying he's bad. It's more like not entirely trust worthy. It may be that my inexperience with the car was evident to him. He made a mistake (a costly one) and opted to take the path of least resistance for him and not me the customer. I'm sure he knows what he's doing or else he wouldn't have been able to stick around as long as he has.

On the flip side, I'm torn between being nice to maintain a working relationship with him or jumping his butt and telling him what I really think. Or, I could just walk away and move on. the third option is the easiest for me.

I guess it's time for me to join the PCA in my area and get together with other members for guidance. It surely can't hurt.

Thunder Punk · 08-18-2005, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RoninLB
I installed the antenna shield last year. Connected to the glass from the supplier is about 6" of double wire and a plug. The wire and plug goes into a lower frame/tub hole and into the antenna booster on the passenger side trunk.

So is it possible that I can get a new plug and attach that to the windshield? I was told that once the plug (connector) on the windshield broke that the only way to fix it is to replace the windshield. That's what my wrench said.

RoninLB · 08-18-2005, 12:25 PM

there is no need to solder any wires. He figured it would be quicker to solder than spend 10min to go into the trunk antenna booster.. assuming he knows where the booster is.

some wrenches are great to keeping the beater running cheap. They can also fix tranny whine at a great price with coffee beans and guarantee the $900 rebuild for 50k miles.

Thunder Punk · 01:26 PM

I'm not sure we are on the same page. The terminal I'm speaking of is where the wire from the booster connects to the wire that's embedded in windshield. This is where he broke it and then took a wire and soldered it to the wire on the glass. He routed it from the dash and over the gasket inside the car. Then he covered it in black epoxy. Looks horrible to me.

He said I can remove the wire and install an under dash antenna if it bothered me. Is there any truth to this?

RoninLB · 08-18-2005, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thunder Punk
I'm not sure we are on the same page.

ok.. i just read the issue. The wire got broken from the booster to the glass without a new shield install.

The wire is attached to a new shield at the factory. If my car I'd buy a new dealer $60 gasket, remove the old windshield at home, fix the broken wire, install the repaired shield with 2 other friends. The project is briefly covered in Wayne's 101 Projects book then search here for other's experiences. That seems like your only way out without seeing your car or if the shield antenna gave you poor reception in your area install a fender antenna.