windshield instalation problem

[Harpor]

Hi,trying to reinstall windshield in my 81 911 with a new seal.Seams dash protrudes to close to windshield and not able to seat.Anybody out there,have this problem?Thanks,HarryK

[targa80]

I just had this problem last Wednesday when two big guys from Safelite came to install glass with a new seal. I had to lift up the front of the leather near the passenger side corner and slightly trim back the hard board. I also had to add one screw to the same side area where there was a high spot. It seems that the warpage in the dash over time leaves less room for the seal to fit over the bottom edge. They made sure that they started with the area of the worst high spot on the passenger side and then worked there way up the passenger side to the top just past the curve. Then one guy pushed on the driver side glass (I could see the glass flexing while he did it) to move the glass and seal closer to the passenger side frame. Next, they worked on the bottom going towards the drivers side. There is another high spot in the center bottom and it took a lot of strength to pull the rope out and to get the seal over the lip. The two vent covers can be removed and installed after the glass. This gives an area so you can se how the seal is fitting over the lip. the last part was pretty easy going up the drivers side and doing the top center.

Also, I had them install the original trim into the rubber before the glass went into the car. It took a little while to straighten out the trim and get it into the groove. It also took some nudging with a rubber mallet once the glass was in the car to flatten out any high spots on the trim. One of the guys has a lot of experience with the 911 and he said "he absolutely hated doing this car." But he was very good at it.

Previously, I bought a used 1990 C2 glass and a new seal and tried to install myself. Well after three hours I had a cracked glass and was out $250 bucks. After that learning experience I just felt I should leave it to the pros.

The funny part is that I did install the Targa glass and they say that is even harder than the windscreen. Go Figure!

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by Harpor

Hi,trying to reinstall windshield in my 81 911 with a new seal.Seams dash protrudes to close to windshield and not able to seat.Anybody out there,have this problem?Thanks,HarryK

Harry... Pat mentioned the line pull. Some people use bare line but to make the pull easier and to prevent cutting into the seal with the line... the line can be soaked in very soapy water or talcum powder. Obviously there's a little clean up required with either afterwards.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by targa80

The funny part is that I did install the Targa glass and they say that is even harder than the windscreen. Go Figure!

Pat... I'd like to ask you to do a post explaining the install of a Targa's rear glass --- I too have heard that it is much more difficult than a front glass. WHen I had my car painted some years ago, the rear was installed without connecting the defrost... I'm tempted to get in there now to do this.

[targa80]

Originally Posted by Discseven

Pat... I'd like to ask you to do a post explaining the install of a Targa's rear glass --- I too have heard that it is much more difficult than a front glass. WHen I had my car painted some years ago, the rear was installed without connecting the defrost... I'm tempted to get in there now to do this.

Karl,

The Targa glass was difficult to do but I did some jerry rigging to get it in. I will do a thread on that that later on tonight, right now I am in the process of getting the rear of the car sorted out so I can put the motor back in (hopefully today will be the day).

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Discseven

Targa's rear glass --- the rear was installed without connecting the defrost... I'm tempted to get in there now to do this.

Karl,

To do the defrost wires you really need the old rubber seal so to know where to cut a handful of v shaped access "ports" for the wires.

I found that part of the job was do-able but no way could I handle the window install myself because the seal has a mind of it's own. Meaning it likes to roll off the window edge.

I have seen previous posts where folks use two straps anchored to the floor to help hold the window in place - at least close to position - while fiddling with the seal. I'll see if I can find the old posts. Maybe those coupled with Targa80's input can help you pull it off ,but bank on needing a pal or two.

I had a local shop do mine as one guy had done a couple but they still did not care for the job. I think with a good procedure, you and friends can do it based on what I have read.

Back with info ASAP.


Here is a link:

Quick Targa window install trick