windshield install advice needed

[Baby]

I cannot for the life of me get my windshield to sit where it is supposed to without cramming the upper part of the seal into position, and even then i have gaps at the corners. I have been able to get it mostly roped in, but there is always at least one place where the seal isn't close enough to the metal lip. The videos and pics I've seen show guys just laying their windshields down and making minor adjustments to close the gaps. Do I need to work with the trim more to get the assembly to sit neatly in the body?
p.s.: I have read all of the windshield install threads. All of them. Every one.

[FPB111]

That happened to me when I bought an aftermarket seal. The corners wouldn't close the gap enough to seal.

[nene]

I did this last summer with an OEM seal, and it worked well and not drips within these rainy days.

Baby, let me know if I can give you a helping hand, PM me and I will provide my phone number.


Serge

[universeman]

I don't think OEM vs Porsche is the issue. The aluminum trim has to be tapped with a wooden shim and a hammer to move it outward - this is why the connectors on the trim are so long. Search forums for this, there are threads on how to make it fit.


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[kb911]

You may need to rework the trim. Test fit before actually installing the windshield. The "test" isn't so much for fit (because the windshield is really installed yet), but for symmetry.
I used this technique recently and determined one corner out of alignment, so I set the windshield on my work table (ottoman in the living room!) and then carefully removed that section of trim and bent it slightly to better conform to the glass and also the other side that fit better.
Once I went back and re-checked (again, for symmetry) there was a big improvement. And best of all, the install worked fine, and all corners are where they should be.
Another pointer: If you aren't using it already, use a soft cord for the install. I used a cotton-polyester blend "parachute cord" and it worked great. (about 5mm diameter)
Good Luck!

[Baby]

Thanks, gents. FYI, Porsche Genuine Seal from the host (not the OEM seal), new trim. I think the pic doesn't really illustrate the fitment issue, nor did I explain it well. Side to side things are in good shape. The gaps between the two pieces of trim that are covered by the connectors are pretty big. It's really the top/bottom that are troublesome. If I set the bottom in where it's supposed to fit, I have to jam to the top part of the seal downward and in to move it as close as it will go to the lip, but even then the gap at the headliner is too wide. Maybe the seal needs to be stretched even more laterally to bring the top and bottom a little closer.

Also, I did fit the trim around the windshield before I installed the seal. It didn't lay totally flat everywhere, but it was close. I probably should have spent more time there.

Serge, check your pm.

[juanbenae]

the trim piece is not installed it's still a work in progress. the trim will stretch the entire seal unit out more than one might expect. after you get the trim in, use soap to install, & be careful, it will bend & crease easily. then let it sit in the direct sun for a couple hours and the rubber will soften up n aid in getting all the new stuff comfortable with one another...

[kb911]

I started at the bottom of the windshield with about 18" overlap of the cord. Before starting to pull the cord, push the windshield down (gently) to close the gap between the seal and the lip it has to go over. Work the cord 2" at a time, pausing to go to the outside and apply pressure to the portion of the windshield you are working the cord with. Once the cord is pulled to both sides at the bottom, go outside and apply pressure to the glass to help the bottom of the seal seat.
Repeat this working/alternating both sides of the windshield. By the time you get to the top, it should be close to where you need it to be.