Windshield Install Stress Test (failed)

[Jascha]

The Saga:

I was determined to take my ’89 911 on our road trip north (PA to Maine). Spent better part of two weeks prepping, fixing, and tuning everything I could. Decided to have the windshield replaced (had a stone ship 6” propagated crack) and read many of posts here about the experience of others. I also wanted to avoid the national chains and give the local Auto Glass shop the business.

One important caveat: The later built (after 10/88) 1989 Carrera used the 964 Windshield (slightly larger) and seal without the trim frame groove.

I made a concerted effort to inform the Installer of these facts and even bought the OEM seal (964 545 225 00) from our Host to avoid any missteps on the day of our departure. Yes Mr Murphy, I should have known better… As I watched (in horror) the well-meaning Techs tear at the dashboard, looking for the antenna hookup, I knew this was not going to be a ‘good experience’ (they also chose not use the new seal since it looked defected / different from the original). At least, the glass was Sigla made…

Stress Test (failed): On the trip back, we got caught in the torrential rain and spent better part of 5-hours soaking-up the persistent leaks (see cell camera image –lower corners) while in motion…

Question:

Q1. Will the Porsche Factory seal work better (without using sealants)
Q2. What is the correct part number of Sigla replacement for 964 Windshield
Q3. Would appreciate a recommendation (in Philadelphia area) of a competent Installer

Thanks!

[onboost]

Think you should also post this here http://forums.pelicanparts.com/paint-bodywork-detailing-forum/

Maybe even do a search in that forum

[CBRacerX]

Subscribed - mine leaks in the same place.

[Elombard]

It is shockingly easy to go in and out with the windshield. just need the pliable wire or cord.

I would try the new seal...if not switch back...its a 20 minute job.

Note: this is the older pre-964 style, Not sure if there is a difference with the new seal.

I doubt it; if it leaked its not glued in so probably the same procedure.

Also, maybe consider injecting some clear silicone that could be easily removed at a later time if it did not help.

[Jascha]

Thanks Erik for the encouragement ...

Apparently Porsche changed both the seal type used and windshield size (slightly larger) on all 3.2 911 cars made after 10 /1988 (mid month). This was done (so I was told x 2) to simplify the production run to match the 3.6L 964 series -which all use the new seal (964.541.225.00) and windshield (964.541.011.01 -tinted at the top).

It would help to know the Sigla glass corresponding part numbers for the late series '89 (production date is 11/88)...?

[g_vaxed]

From what I have heard, the factory seal MUST be used!

[Jascha]

It was especially challenging, finding an Installer willing to perform a 'revision procedure' on a previous poorly positioned windshield. I managed to convince a very skilled Glass Tech, who does these for Porsche shops, to remove the windshield and re-install (serving as First Assistant) a new Porsche (not the OEM) gasket .

Surprisingly, it still required some windshield wrestling and gasket stretching (and taping down) at the top two corners that tended to collapse inward...

Importantly, we used a product called Sika Tack Quatro, a polyurethane glazing adhesive (4-hour curing time) all around glass-gasket and gasket-frame (after the windshield was 'roped' in place). This is a messy part of the job -in terms of the required clean-up...

The best part is that I learned few tricks and met a great guy willing to tackle a problem created by someone else...!

[tchanson]

Originally Posted by Jascha

It was especially challenging, finding an Installer willing to perform a 'revision procedure' on a previous poorly positioned windshield. I managed to convince a very skilled Glass Tech, who does these for Porsche shops, to remove the windshield and re-install (serving as First Assistant) a new Porsche (not the OEM) gasket .

Surprisingly, it still required some windshield wrestling and gasket stretching (and taping down) at the top two corners that tended to collapse inward...

Importantly, we used a product called Sika Tack Quatro, a polyurethane glazing adhesive (4-hour curing time) all around glass-gasket and gasket-frame (after the windshield was 'roped' in place). This is a messy part of the job -in terms of the required clean-up...

The best part is that I learned few tricks and met a great guy willing to tackle a problem created by someone else...!
]

Not sure what is going on there, but your post 10-89 build date 3.2 windshield should not need any adhesive whatsoever in order to fit properly.

Although its too late now, some trial and error fitment of the glass and seal is required to fit all four corners properly. Been there, done that, and the factory certainly didn't use any adhesive for that application and that glazing.

Good luck.






Tim

[RoninLB]

911 windshields float in the in center of the frame

it's easy to install it to low

the upper corners should have the seal covering them



only my routine

[Jascha]

It's still possible that the windshield that the first installer used is undersized... the 964 glass is larger and is indicated for the late production '89 Carrera

(the truth be told, I could not convince him to reposition it )

[criv911]

I don't know were in Pa you are, but I had mine done by Ideal Glass[Bath, pa.]. He's a one man operation and KNOWS how to install a 911 windshield. When he did mine my mechanic inadvertently gave me a 964 gasket. When he tried to install it [on my urging] the windshield almost fell through the opening! Apparently there is a big difference. He told me always use a factory seal and that a good seal is usually loaded with powder as a lubricant. There definitely should not be any sealant used in a 911 windshield.

[RoninLB]

Originally Posted by Jascha

(the truth be told, I could not convince him to reposition it )

it's designed to float that way so it can be kicked out if you're trapped inside after a car crash