Most PITA headliner renewal

El_Mecanico · 02-12-2011, 03:19 PM

OK so I renewed the headliner and now its time to install the windshield seals. I spent 4 hours just installing the seal around the rear windshield and the trim. I notice the seal was not like the original in that it was not as wide and that the area that the wires run wasn't as large either. Anyway time to install the window and of course I use speaker wire as usual to install it. As we all know the windshield is smaller than the cavity area where she needs to be. As I pushed toward the rear to clear the forward part of the pillar the trimming popped off. I figure ill reinstall the trim after the window is in place. Well that was a mistake...I can not install the trim while the window is in place. After pounding several hours later trying to drive the trim in the groove I decided to remove it.

Question does anyone know how to install the trim while the window is in place?

Question 2 can I leave the trim off?

please help.

Andy

KNS · 02-12-2011, 03:26 PM

I haven't done a headliner myself but would you mind telling us where you purchased the ill-fitting rubber trim? If it does not fit right others will want to avoid that vendor. If it was Pelican then they should know (they'll want to anyway).

Carrerax · 02-12-2011, 03:33 PM

Hate to say it but the Alum trim needs to be in before the window goes in. You can do it much faster the second time...

KNS · 02-12-2011, 03:44 PM

I missed the part about the trim, might be why the rubber is not fitting well either..?

porschenut · 02-12-2011, 03:47 PM

Yep, the trim has to be in the seal before the window is placed in the opening. You can't leave the trim out either, as it is necessary to seal properly.

El_Mecanico · 02-12-2011, 04:14 PM

I notice that the trim pushes the seal to make a tight fit. Well now what pull the glass back out I hope I don't tear the headliner in the process. I could cut the trim into 4 pieces. Now where can I buy new trim?

El_Mecanico · 02-12-2011, 04:44 PM

Just order those expensive trim parts...

El_Mecanico · 02-12-2011, 04:50 PM

Whats the best way to install? the seal to the glass then the trim to the seal?

One more thing what is the puddy that Im scaping off the glass? Its between the glass and seal.

KNS · 02-12-2011, 05:16 PM

When I watched (and helped) the glass guy put in my windshield, he did the glass into the rubber first, then the trim and then all togther into the body.

ossiblue · 05:24 PM

Here's a step-by-step:

1. Be sure you have a factory Porsche seal.

2. The aluminum trim is very soft and must not be bent or cut. Lay the glass out on a suitable flat surface and lay the trim on top to see how well it conforms to the curve of the glass. Gently shape the trim to conform as closely as possible to the glass contour without any waves, ripples or bumps.

3. Install the rubber seal onto the glass. You should not need or use any putty or sealant between the glass and the slot in the seal in which it fits.

4. Now, here's the tricky part. Install the trim into the seal without bending or distorting the pieces. Leave about a 3/8" gap between the two trim pieces at both the top and bottom centers of the seal. The gap will close somewhat when the window is installed but the trim is what pushes the seal into the corners and makes a watertight seal. Install the clips that slide over the end gaps but slide them back so the gap is visible.

5. Use a cord, water and dish soap (or a lube of your choice). Install the cord in the seal, lube the edge of the seal and edge of the opening, and begin the roping in of the windshield. Have an assistant apply consistent but firm pressure on the outside of the glass as you rope from inside. Rope your way partly around one side, stop and rope from the other side, stopping a few times to gently coax the window towards a center position.

Your technique might vary, but you need the trim, it must be installed before the window goes in, it must be unbent and conform as closely as possible to the glass, and there must be a gap between the pieces before installation.

El_Mecanico · 02-13-2011, 03:50 AM

Thanks All for the tips...I will attempt to install the front this morning. Should it be warm to do this? Its about 50 degrees.

El_Mecanico · 02-13-2011, 03:57 AM

The Porsche seal was purchased from our host...its OEM but not exactly as the Genuine.

El_Mecanico · 02-13-2011, 02:51 PM

front windshield was a breeze...its that back one where the opening is tight.