Paint crack on the inside of the rain gutter at bottom of A pillar, normal?

Abby3.2Carrera · 12:31 AM

Hi Guys,
I found a 3.2 carrera that I'd like to purchase. the driver side rain gutter where it meets the bottom of the windshield has a paint crack on the inside. I have seen it on other cars, Is it normal?

below is a photo i found online showing the paint crack, the crack on my potential purchase is about 2-3 times of that length. Is this something I should worry about and anything I should check out before go ahead with the deal?

Car has mostly original paint except driver side front fender and rear quarter panel.

Thanks guys!

Harpo · Harpo's Garage

Yea, I have one on my 74

David

Scbrindley · Scbrindley's Garage

I have one in the same spot on my ‘89 (3.2). All original paint.

Dpmulvan · 10-07-2018, 05:32 AM

It should be fixed before the rust spreads. also why was the rear quarter and fender repainted? Accident?? Not deal breakers but I would investigate further.

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

Yup, both sides of the 82. Treated with Rust Mort and then touch up paint.

ab1752 · ab1752's Garage

So that's definitely not normal. I'm here in town too, is this on offer by a local dealer? You should have that inspected as I think you will be into a rust repair for a few k bucks. Have them look in all the other areas prone to rust like behind the kidney bowls and front fender supports. There is what looks like a decent 87 Carrera in marine blue by a dealer that might be worth a look. Good luck.

RDM · RDM's Garage

If I understand the picture correctly, we're looking at the bottom corner of the windshield. Look here before you go further. These two posts in particular may be useful for your specific question, but I recommend the whole thread.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/686953-why-windshield-trim-should-regular-maintenance-item.html#post7495474

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/686953-why-windshield-trim-should-regular-maintenance-item.html#post7720015

Paint doesn't crack for no reason.

Abby3.2Carrera · 10-07-2018, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDM

If I understand the picture correctly, we're looking at the bottom corner of the windshield. Look here before you go further. These two posts in particular may be useful for your specific question, but I recommend the whole thread.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/686953-why-windshield-trim-should-regular-maintenance-item.html#post7495474

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/686953-why-windshield-trim-should-regular-maintenance-item.html#post7720015

Paint doesn't crack for no reason.

WOW. Thanks for the information! Further investigate is needed for sure!

Abby3.2Carrera · 10-07-2018, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ab1752

So that's definitely not normal. I'm here in town too, is this on offer by a local dealer? You should have that inspected as I think you will be into a rust repair for a few k bucks. Have them look in all the other areas prone to rust like behind the kidney bowls and front fender supports. There is what looks like a decent 87 Carrera in marine blue by a dealer that might be worth a look. Good luck.

Thanks! I will definitely have a ppi done now since that looks like a much better issue that i first thought. Car is from someone I know, not currently being advertised.

Abby3.2Carrera · 10-07-2018, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

It should be fixed before the rust spreads. also why was the rear quarter and fender repainted? Accident?? Not deal breakers but I would investigate further.

Thanks! Do you think the crack indicates the rust underneath for sure? There is no record on the paint of the rear quarter and front fender.

Abby3.2Carrera · 10-07-2018, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harpo

Yea, I have one on my 74

David

Thanks for the info!

Abby3.2Carrera · 10-07-2018, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scbrindley

I have one in the same spot on my ‘89 (3.2). All original paint.

Thanks for the info. do you mind take a pic if its not too much trouble.

RDM · RDM's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abby3.2Carrera

WOW. Thanks for the information! Further investigate is needed for sure!

You are absolutely welcome. You'll see later in that thread, or this one (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/988973-sc-windshield-targa-window-seal-replacement-trim-refinishing.html), that based on that information I replaced my 38-year-old windshield and Targa window seals. The seals were old, shrunken and cracking, but no symptoms like what you're seeing. Even so, I found rust in the bottom corner of the windshield and under the Targa window seal in the back (both on the passenger side).

What is the condition of the windshield seal? Pliable? Cracking?

pmax · pmax's Garage

If you are referring to the paint in the gutter, that spot has a thicker dollop of paint so minor cracks are not unexpected after 30 yr !
The GR is also single stage paint meaning no clear coat. The advantage of that is no peeling clear coat and easy to work on but the underlying paint is also more exposed to the elements.

Abby3.2Carrera · 10-07-2018, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDM

You are absolutely welcome. You'll see later in that thread, or this one (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/988973-sc-windshield-targa-window-seal-replacement-trim-refinishing.html), that based on that information I replaced my 38-year-old windshield and Targa window seals. The seals were old, shrunken and cracking, but no symptoms like what you're seeing. Even so, I found rust in the bottom corner of the windshield and under the Targa window seal in the back (both on the passenger side).

What is the condition of the windshield seal? Pliable? Cracking?

Yea, i should look very closely for rust in that area, its also only showing crack on the driver side.
The windshield seal appear to be original and in good condition.

ab1752 · ab1752's Garage

Be sure to take it to someone who knows where these rust. Cracks like that which are more like voids aren't from body flex. That's rust coming from inside out so budget accordingly. Turn 3 should know how to properly ppis this car for body and mechanical.

ab1752 · ab1752's Garage

If you really wanted to compare cars PM me but I'm on the north shore with an 89 Carrera coupe

Abby3.2Carrera · 10-07-2018, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmax

If you are referring to the paint in the gutter, that spot has a thicker dollop of paint so minor cracks are not unexpected after 30 yr !
The GR is also single stage paint meaning no clear coat. The advantage of that is no peeling clear coat and easy to work on but the underlying paint is also more exposed to the elements.

Thanks!
Yes, that's the area. The car I am looking at has a longer crack which spread higher into the gutter and showing a white line crack. paint is original on the roof and I think its original on the pillar too. I will have to take a photo on Tuesday and have you guys to take a look for me.

Abby3.2Carrera · 10-07-2018, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ab1752

If you really wanted to compare cars PM me but I'm on the north shore with an 89 Carrera coupe

Thanks! Appreciate the offer! I'd love to check out your car when i am in the area.

Abby3.2Carrera · 10-07-2018, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ab1752

Be sure to take it to someone who knows where these rust. Cracks like that which are more like voids aren't from body flex. That's rust coming from inside out so budget accordingly. Turn 3 should know how to properly ppis this car for body and mechanical.

Yea, further investigation is needed. The last 2 carreras I looked at both showing the crack. The one I am looking to buy has a longer crack which spread into a white line a couple inches further up the gutter. The 930 Turbo I looked at couple weeks ago didn't have the cracks however.