Windshield Spacers ('86 944): Attn SoCalDriver

[exitwound]

I attempted to PM something similar to this to SoCalDriver but the mailbox is FULL. So it's going out to everyone now:

I had an appointment this morning with Safelite to have the front windshield on the 944 replaced (cracked). After removing the old windshield, they noticed that there were no spacers at all! In fact, the previous owner had the windshield changed already, and it was done by filling in the gaps with silicone goo, then attaching some cheap moulding. They had no spacer to make the windshield fit properly so they threw back the old windshield on the car, and we tarped it over to keep out the water (since there is now a 1/2" gap on 3 of the 4 sides of the windshield).

Anyone know where I could pick up a spacer set? Or if Safelite or someone else might have them available with the windshield purchase? The factory manuals just state "install spacers" which doesn't help me much. No part number or anything.

Please help!! Thanks

[SoCal Driver]

Dealers are the best bet. Get the 800 number for Pelican here and give them a call. They just might have a local source and can expedite their delivery.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Please post your findings / experiences in finding these; I'm probably going to do mine within the next month or so, so I want to be able to walk in with ALL the parts (already have the replacement windshield) and say "here you go, make it happen" and have it be a simple deal for them.

[exitwound]

Hey. Can anyone help me out here? I'm still looking for the right parts available online before going to the dealer. I'm trying to find everything needed to go behind/around/under/above the windshield so that Safelite can install the windshield next time I call them.

This link: http://www.tweeks.com/shop?frame=6.77.2648 has a diagram of the windshield but I'm not sure exactly what parts are required and if they're the right parts at all. Do I need parts K & I? Do I just need K?

Also, this page: http://www.foreignintrigue.com/search.asp?radiobutton=2&search=windshield has a ton of part numbers and such. If anyone could get me the part numbers I'll need to find, that might help tremendously too. The factory manuals do not supply this information.

AND: http://www.***********.com has a complete parts list too, but I don't know what I'm looking for.

1986 Porsche 944 2.5L NA

Thanks!

[SoCal Driver]

Support frame with out airbags 944 559 543 02

Outer Sealing Frame
Up to VIN 94 FN457699 USE 944 559 535 04

FROM VIN 94 FN457700 USE 944 559 535 05

[exitwound]

Awesome! thanks a bunch!

[exitwound]

I got a call from SafeLife today! The installers who had looked at my car did some looking around for me, calling and visiting some "local" Porsche dealers and mechanics. They got a surprising answer that I'm not sure if I'm keen to.

They stated that the windshield required HAS to come straight from Porsche because the windshield has a seal attached around its edges. The aftermarket windshields do not have this attached. They said they'd have to go ahead and order the Porsche windshield, but I have to pay up front because they can't get credit for it if something happens to it.

those part numbers you provided pan out well at ***********.com, except the FROM VIN number you gave me. I honestly don't know my VIN number yet to see which one I require. But how do acquiring these parts impact what I can have SafeLite do to the car and will they do it?

This is turning out to be, just as everything else on this rebuilt has been, a huge ordeal.

[carsontc]

if you look at:

http://www.***********.com/model/944catalog/944.71-2.jpg

it looks like the support frame is #9 and the outer sealing frame #8...also *********** shows Item 10(L): G 944 559 341 00 Lower end cap, windshield, left; 944 and Item 10(R): G 944 559 342 00 LOWER END CAP WINDSHEILD, right; 944

they also list 477 853 659 b; a WINDSHIELD TRIM CLAMP; 944 1983-91, 924 1980-85 (16 Required)

[exitwound]

Okay, thanks for the link to that image. *********** can be a monster to navigate sometimes. I KNEW I saw that photograph somewhere but coudln't remember where.

Anyway, here's the picture in question and the attached partslist:
[img]http://www.***********.com/model/944catalog/944.71-2.jpg[/img]


Where did you, Carsontc, come across the trim clamp? Why doesnt' ***********'s diagram of needed pieces match this one from Tweeks:


Is it just becuase Tweeks is the weatherstripping, not concerned for a replacement windshield?

[SoCal Driver]

You have to know your VIN as it's on the metal tag that is secured under the windshield on the driver side. Then if it's missing you just may have a stolden car! Or the PO left it out when he found out that he needed a spacer.

Anyway, there are full coverage spacers (four sides) and partial coverage spacers (three sides). This is the reason for knowing the VIN. Vehicle Identification Number.

As you have the later body you don't use the trim clamps as the early 944's do.

[exitwound]

You've been extremely helpful, SoCal! I'll get the VIN tomorrow since it's a 15 mile drive to the 'shop'.

If I get the spacers myself, will SafeLife be able to install them? Or should they be installed before I have them bring the windshield again?

[SoCal Driver]

If the frame has been as mucked up as you describe you have a lot of cleaning to do before the new windshield. I would get it prep'd first.

[carsontc]

I just typed 'windshield' in the Name field under ***********'s Search option...it came back with: "944 1983-91"

and, just like eBay, I also looked for 'windshield' spelled incorrectly - windsheild - and of course got more 'hits'..."LOWER END CAP WINDSHEILD"

when your done please give us the exact list of parts & part #s

Porsche, Tweeks, *********** and the rest of them all try their best to keep us from getting the correct parts the first time. Do you think they must get kick-backs from USPS, FedEx, UPS etc to ship back and forth all these wrong parts...??

[exitwound]

So SoCal, you're saying I should install it first and have it ready to go when they arrive with the new windshield? OR should I let them clean the areas and install the trim pieces?

[SoCal Driver]

If you have the car in a garage and the time I would remove all of the crud that does not belong including the magnitudes of goop the PO used to secure the old windshield. This will show you what has to be installed.