Windshield Leak

msk1986911 · 06-10-2007, 06:15 PM

After washing my 86 coupe, I noticed leaks at the left and right lower corners of the windshield. On further inspection, I saw that the metal seal was not seated as far into the groove uniformly around the perimeter of the window. In the photos, the pieces of paper mark where the metal seal is raised, approximately 1/16". Can the metal be reseated, or is this an indication that the rubber seal should be replaced? While driving the car, I noticed air bubbles forming on the inside of the window at the same location where the metal is raised on the outside.

Thanks for reading and for whatever help you can provide.

MK

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 06-10-2007, 06:45 PM

You really can't reseat the metal trim strip with the windshield and seal in place. Maybe it's possible with three strong thumbs and a couple of sharp pry knives, but I've never been able to... And yes, the metal trip strip isn't really "trim" but an integral part of what makes the rubber window seal actually seal. It's a total Kraut kludge, but that's how Porsche designed it, in the early days. I hate it and have been fighting it for years, to the extent that I'm now trying to install a 964 seal with a Lexan windshield--so far unsuccessfully--into an '83 SC.

Anyway, to solve your problem correctly, you need to remove the windshield and seal--real easy, the entire glass will come out with a minor push from inside the car, which should give you a hint as to how well the damn thing seals--and then replace the rubber seal if it's more than say five years old, and then carefully re-place the aluminum trip strip into the rubber gasket with the windshield off the car and the gasket seated on the windshield, then reinstall the windshield/gasket/trim into the car.

Do a search for windshield install, it's a basic but wordy procedure that has already been amply covered on this forum, as has the procedure for re-installing the trim.

But the bottom line is that you're wasting your time trying to correct the leak with the windshield still in place, and that the source of your problem is at least in part the fact that the "trim" strip is out of its groove.

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

Howdy,

I just replaced my W/S gasket on my "84". In my case air was hissing under the bottom lip of the gasket, which also let water sit under your W/S. Great place to start a rust factory.

I used an after market gasket which fit well, but the glass man said that he had a devil of a time getting the metal trim piece to stay in its slot. He blamed the after market gasket, whether that's a valid point I can't say. He was an ole' timer at W/S installation and it still took him better than an hour to get everything fitted. He tried installing the trim first, then installing the windshield, I believe finally he installed the W/S, then the trim with generous amount of lubricant.

This might be harder for you since your gasket is old and probably dried out so its lost its flexibility.

I would talk to a good glass installer who is familiar with this W/S and trim. A new gasket isn't too much money and might be a good investment to protect the surrounding sheet metal from rust.

See ya,

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 06-10-2007, 07:03 PM

I am unaware of anybody ever successfully installing the trim strip _after_ windshield-and-gasket installation. Your glass guy sounds like he's never done a 911 before.

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 06-10-2007, 07:13 PM

I am unaware of anybody ever successfully installing the trim strip _after_ windshield-and-gasket installation. Your glass guy sounds like he's never done a 911 before.

DARISC · 06-10-2007, 07:34 PM

Hmmm...

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 06-10-2007, 07:37 PM

Meaning?

DARISC · 06-10-2007, 07:39 PM

"Meaning?"

Please disregard.

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 06-10-2007, 07:42 PM

Wow! This is like Porsche texting, and I don't even own a cellphone...

DARISC · 06-10-2007, 07:52 PM

HA HA HA! (ha ha ha!)

msk1986911 · 06-11-2007, 08:25 AM

I called a local Porsche shop and was directed to a window installer. They quoted $88.00 to remove the window, install a new seal (theirs) and reinstall it in the car (mobile service and lifetime guarantee included). The hook is I am responsible for the loss of the window if it breaks while they are removing/reinstalling it. The price ($88) seems good, although I am concerned about possible breakage. I am told a new windshield goes for around $340.00. The risk of not doing it is rust under the window (absolutely no signs at the moment). This sounds like something that needs to addressed sooner than later. Of the $88 charge, about $20 is for the seal. I am inclined to buy the seal here and have the window guy install it, costing me an extra $40 but giving me some OEM piece of mind.

Any thoughts.

pmajka · 08:35 AM

New Window Seal in stall, 15 minutes,
20 minutes with beer,
30 minutes if you use Glue which is required in the USA and need to prep the surface of car.

add another 30 minutes if you just want to avoid wife...Just kidding

EDIT: dont forget to use masking tape to mark the window and car as to the location of the Aluminum trim. This makes life much easier.

Wil Ferch · 06-11-2007, 08:38 AM

pmajka.... (quote)..... "30 minutes if you use Glue which is required in the USA"

Meaning?..... legalities ? ...... professional capabilities ??

- Wil

pmajka · 06-11-2007, 08:52 AM

aparently ROW isnt require to have the front window shield glued it, it is just held in by the Rubber seal, However in USA, all front windows are to be glued in.

as far as in and out in 15 - 30 miutes. do it a few times and you will see just how easy it is.... still cant get the cap off of my Glue bottle.

There is some Uber window thread which explains all of this...i dont recall where it is....OH CRAP! UBER RAIN>>> windows are down.

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 06-11-2007, 08:54 AM

At least on all cars with airbags, the windshield has to be glued firmly into place, since it is part of the airbag system. (The passenger-side airbag usually blows upward and is deflected toward the passenger by the windshield. If it simply pops the windshield up, that's NFG.) Maybe that means even older c ars are required to use glue, which certainly makes bureaucratic sense...

Wil Ferch · 06-11-2007, 09:24 AM

OK...does this mean that every professional shop you go to for a 911 windshield will force the glue-in issue ?

?????

- Wil

carnutzzz · 06-11-2007, 10:36 AM

I'm selling an extra seal in the 4 sale section- $45 shipped ($60 from our host).

Don't buy the cheap seal.

msk1986911 · 06-11-2007, 02:45 PM

For Carnutzz: I sent a PM this morning; is the seal still available? What is the cost to ship to 21228?

Mike

Tim Casey · 06-11-2007, 03:39 PM

Your best bet is the factory seal. You can try to use a soft piece of wood and a hammer to lightly tap the trim back in. Best bet is to remove the glass and reinstall. I am not sure what type of glue is being recommended to be used? Its not a urethane set piece of glass and if they are suggesting liquid butyl, avoid it. The seal is designed to properly hold the glass in and seal tightly if installed properly.

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 06-11-2007, 08:31 PM

Well, we still haven't answered Wil's question: do licensed glass shops insist on gluing the glass into non-airbag-equipped Porsches? I sure hope not, but I wouldn't be surprised if somewhere there aren't glass shops that do...