Windshield, installation Options

[DavidSweden]

The windshield on my car needs replacing before I invest in a new one I have a question regarding installation.

The current windshield has a rubber seal around instead of the chrome trim. Can anyone tell me if the install procedure is the same as for the chrome trim and can I reuse the rubber?

The car is a 76 are the windshields the same for all models?

Thanks
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1300.photobucket.com-17452-1469542714.1.jpg)

[Tom_T]

Hi David,

All MY 70-76 914 4 & 6 used the same windshield shape, but the OEM makers varied between Sigla, Sekurit & apparently now Pilkington, as well as aftermarket suppliers like the latter & PPG back in the day, & the Chinese made ones now.

However, some of the aftermarket glass varied from having a flatter top, rather than the original curved back top. Look at the ProSource topic on their getting new made Sekurit windshields for a good pic of the difference.

Sekurit is apparently making them again, so you should be able to get one from them in Sweden, or from the Porsche dealer near you.

They also all originally had the polished aluminum trim (3 large pieces & 3 connectors-2 "L" & 1 straight) with the setting blocks & sealant under it, but in recent years some have changed to the rubber seals for the black trim look (not my tastes, but you may like it).

I would think that the rubber seal may stretch too much in removal to have it fit correctly & tight upon reinstall, &/or it may have gotten brittle over time. Mark W./Mikey914 on here & at 914Rubber still makes them, so you can PM or email hm to see what he thinks.

If it were me for the cost of the replacement windshield + installation, I'd just get a new rubber seal from him anyway.

However, for my own 914 resto I'll get new aluminum trim (or stainless steel?) & new set of setting blocks/etc. parts because I prefer the brightwork on our cars - especially with the chrome bumpers on my early 73 2.0. That trim kit is also available in Europe from various sources, if you prefer the original look.

One note on the tinted windshields - if yours came that way originally, is that the factory tinted windshields did not have the dark green tint band at the top, but when the insurance replaced mine with a PPG after a rock strike in 1980-ish, it had the dark band, which I found helpful in our bright & hot SoCal sun. However, I will replace it with a proper OE no-band tinted one in my resto.

BTW - the windshield in your pic above doesn't look like it needs replacement, but I cannot see the details of what flaws or cracks & "spiders" that you can see in person. But if it is okay, then you can take your time on the replacement to find & have in hand all the parts you'll need for it.

I'd also recco having a glass pro replace it for you, just for the fact that - if they break it or mess up the install, etc. - then they have to replace it & re-do it - vs. at your cost if you mess up! It's probable a $300 - $600+ job, depending on if you go with rubber or metal trim, & Chinese or OEM glass - so not a cheap mistake "on your own ticket" (you can convert to Euro or Kroner or whatever).

I hope this helps.

Good Luck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
///////