Replacing Foam in Rear Window/Headliner Vents

[myamoto1]

I just bought an '85 factory widebody coupe that I'm in the process of fixing up and "water proofing". I'm trying to figure out how to replace the foam that is supposed to be in the roof vents above the rear window.

I've read several posts about this, but none that actually had a solution, just others saying, "hey, mine is like that too."

Also, if anyone has a source for the foam (couldn't find it from our host) or a good "off the shelf" replacement, I'd be very appreciative.

[rusnak]

just now using Google:

http://www.zibb.com/all/theme/p/Air+Filtration+Reticulated+Foam

[myamoto1]

rusnak - thanks for the links.

does anyone have a picture of what a complete foam insert looks like, so I can get an idea of sizing?

Thanks

[ramonesfreak]

bits of my foam come out of the vents too...was wondering what it was there for?

[myamoto1]

from the posts I've read, it's supposed to help w/ venting air pressure from closing the doors w/ the windows up. the foam helps prevent any unwanted "nasties" from making a new home between your headliner and roof. it's also supposed to help prevent water from entering (although I'm not sure how open celled foam does that).

[ramonesfreak]

oh. interesting. thanks

[RWebb]

the foam provides some wind noise reduction

[Paulporsche]

myamoto 1,

Search here. There is a pic somewhere. It is a foam strip mounted on a strip of card that slides in between the inner and outer parts of the roof.

[myamoto1]

Paul - I've searched a number of threads, but must not be coming up w/ the right key words. Is this a replacement part that is still available from Porsche (or aftermarket)?

[Paulporsche]

Not a photo but a description. Can't do a cut and paste, so search "vereeken cardboard foam roof". There's a thread on this that might help a little.

Did you check the parts diagrams on this site?

[sparkle84]

If all you're concerned about is "water proofing" I wouldn't bother. Short of pointing a hose directly at the vent, the chance of water getting in that way is slim & none. That foam has been missing on every 911 I've ever owned & never had a water problem. Not worth the time, money, or aggravation to try replacing it. Just my
.02.

[myamoto1]

sparkle - I haven't had any leak issues there either (at least not yet), but I've only had the car for 5 days. I'm trying to do preventative maintenance. While researching fixing front window leaks, I came across several threads on rear window leaks and at least two of them mentioned replacing the foam. This car will become my DD and I live in the Portland, OR area (we've been know to get a little rain now and then). So anything I can do to help keep water out is worth it in my opinion.

[rusnak]

I searched the PET and Pelican. No luck so far.

[myamoto1]

Paul - I found the post from Vereeken. I've copied his post for those looking for the info:

Vereeken:

"In my SC it is a three piece cardboard plate with the foam glued on to it, it is basically as wide as the total vent area and runs from the back some 25cm inward to the front of the car, mind you my SC has a sunroof , but I do not think that in a non sunroof car it will be bigger as you would hit part of the roof structure pretty soon, but you could get more insulation in place of the sunroof motor."

Hope that helps. If anyone can give a better description on what the foam density, etc are, it'd be a great help in trying to source something similar.

[78SCRSMAN]

I know this is an old thread but I found this: The Foam Factory, Open Cell Foam, Speaker Foam, Filter Foam
I believe this is what is needed.