Windshield seal dilemma

[MattAlpha]

Through my background searches I found Milt's thread to be the most helpful and wanted to thank him for it.
http://66.236.61.177/showthread.php?t=342130&highlight=windshield+replacement&page=2

It pretty much matches Waynes method he described in 101 projects. I'm really amazed that my Haynes manual doesn't even cover this procedure. I like how it refers to it though in the dah pad replacement section.

I was looking at this thread because I just bought the trim pieces off of a fellow pelican (which went very smoothly). It took me just over two years of owning my 911 to realize that these trim pieces were missing.

So the mysterious leak in my driver's side footwell and smuggler's box has a source now. I feel pretty dumb for not realizing it sooner with the amount of work that I've performed to this car, but with the other things I've fixed and still have to fix, I'm not surprised about this one either.

So can, I install the trim pieces without removing the windshield. A professional window installer told me that I could using a special tool that he had. He showed it to me and it looked like a "V" shaped head with a handle on it. In the center of the head was a triangle cutout to run the trim through while running the tool through the groove.

It seems to me that the tool should allow me to install the trim peices, but will doing it out of order adversely affect anything. I feel like I need to replace the windshield and the seal anyway, but I have a driver's training day at Laguna Seca on Friday and I don't want to jeopardize that.

Any opinions are appreciated,
Matt

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by MattAlpha

I feel like I need to replace the windshield and the seal anyway, but I have a driver's training day at Laguna Seca on Friday and I don't want to jeopardize that.

Any opinions are appreciated,
Matt

I say, replace the windshield and seal as you feel you should, and install the trim at that time--less chance of screwing up the trim, and it is the proper procedure.

[MattAlpha]

I'm on the same mindset now about it.

Thank ossiblue for helping me feel better about the decision.

I'll buy the seal from our host and try to see if I can buy a new windsheild from someone local. The original windsheild is in the car right now and its pretty worn.

-Matt

[Wayne 962]

This was the only project in the book that I just could not do myself. I spent about 12 hours trying to get that trim into the rubber seal. Destroyed a few pieces of the very expensive trim before rolling it up into a ball and throwing it across the garage in disgust.

Still, some people tell me it was a piece of cake for them. I personally will never attempt it again - if I want that type of frustration, I will just take a drive in LA traffic at rush hour.

-Wayne

[MattAlpha]

Wayne,

That was one of the most helpful articles in the book. The detail was great and I did enjoy your comments. I didn't realize you had that much trouble with the trim, that really makes me hesitant to would to do this with the seal and the windshield still installed. I really wish I would have asked you and the other guys to take a look at my car when we had that dinner at Tarpy's Roudhouse during the Historics over a year ago. I'm sure this problem would have been pointed out then and I would have gotten it fixed by now.

I'm going to get some windshield chaulking and go around the seal once and then tape it down so that it can cure. I'm also going to buy a new seal and locate a local windshield guy with Pcar experience and leave it up to the professionals. I do not want to ruin the trim I just got.

Thanks,
Matt

[Zeke]

I'd like to see anyone install the trim after the glass and seal are in the car. Tool or no tool.

It's not a bad job if you have patience and maybe one or more previous installations, either as the principle or just a helper. One thing, if you get a helper (recommended), make sure only one of you is directing the operation. This can be like moving a heavy piece of furniture. There are a few ways to go about it, but most don't work in a blend. This goes for installing the combined glass and seal with trim as well.

[snbush67]

Originally Posted by MattAlpha

I'm on the same mindset now about it.

Thank ossiblue for helping me feel better about the decision.

I'll buy the seal from our host and try to see if I can buy a new windsheild from someone local. The original windsheild is in the car right now and its pretty worn.

-Matt

Matt,

I would recomend that you use your old windshield for practice. Put the seal on then insert the trim into the windshield. Use the string meathod and line up the seal all around.

In order to get the seal to seat all the way around you will probably need to B-slap it and use the rubber mallet meathod. So that the outer lip is on the outside of the window frame all the way around, and the inner lip is on the inside all the way around.

FWIW I used an old (original) windshield on my first attempt after a repaint and I cracked the windshield putting it back in, I learned a lot and the new windsheild went in eiasily.

Once you get the old one in and are confident, you can get it out just by pushing on the glass from the inside, it will just pop right out. Your thumbs will be sore from putting the trim in the seal (Samuel Adams will help you here).

I find it hard to believe any tool will help you get the trim in after the windshield is in place. If this can be done please post his name and get his autograph, if you could vid doc it and post it on U-tube that would be an instant hit.

Good Luck.

[MattAlpha]

snbush67,
That's great advice. If I can't find a local glass guy that I feel I can trust to do it for me then I will use your method.

At the moment I need to make sure the current windshield is secured for my driver training day at Laguna Seca on Friday. I'm planning on using a urethane (how ever you spell it) chaulking around under the seal and see how that goes. If it holds well I'll leave it that way for the time being until I get a good price on a new windshield.

Thank you everyone!
-Matt

[snbush67]

Some auto parts stores sell butyl tape that comes in a flat box (12-15$)the shape of a small pizza, which will seal the windshield in for a temp fix if you can lift up the seal from the outer edge and wedge it in. Also you may be able to wedge some thick wire in the trim channel that will help take up the space of the missing trim, I think it will hold for any sudden stops short of head on impacts with immovable objects.

[MattAlpha]

I ended up applying a bead of clear 3M window and trim sealant yesterday. So far things look good. I need to clean it up a bit but I think I have a water tight seal and the windshield is not moving.

Thank you guys!
-Matt