Hey guys so I was wondering if I could get some insight on windshield installation. I've read in the lupwalli threads that if u use the black rubber seal you need to paint the edges of the windshield so it doesn't show or something. Is this true? Also do u need to fill in all the clips holes with silicone or something? Do u also still need to use the butyl? Thanks for the info.

Matt

I used the original butyl rubber rope method. You can buy the butyl rope at an autobody supply store. Also get the catalyst which is the 'black' paint you might be referring to. It isn't to hide anything, it makes the windshield stick better.

There are 19 clips that go around the outside edge of the window flange to hold the trim. Buy these new direct from Porsche as they are probably the cheapest source I have found.

Let me know if you need more info... Just did it.

I have the same questions as the OP ............ I am also planning to use the 914 windshield rubber, from our resident rubber guy, it should look badass with my black A-pillar/sail/trim scheme ..... but still looking to find out how it is supposed to be installed .....

The paint you want to use is the Frit paint. Like old Conedodger said it makes the butyl stick better but also hides the butyl from being seen. Same principle as new vehicles with the black band.
If I were you; I would take the old windshield out yourself and make sure there isn't any rust in there and then I would have a windshield company come out and install your new one. I did this and it only cost me about $75 bucks for them to come to my house to do it. They've done it more times than me and I didn't want any problems down the road from a jacked up install (me doing it).
Use the search on here for Frit paint. I can't remember who i got mine from on here.

I also installed my windshield recently.

I used the urathane adhiesive instead of the butyl tape, both work good.

I decided on the urathane because it's a glue and they are using on new vehichles.
It was kind of tricky to use but worked good.

If you are going to go with the urathane, have a pro do it.

The Butyl tape is much easier to use.

ALSO there are two spacer blocks that go under the widshield,between the frame and the windsield that keep the glass from eventually settling/creeping down onto the body/windshield frame.

If you use the black rubber trim like mentioned in the classics thread, you won't need the the blocks or the trim clips

Oh yah!!! Forgot about them.

I used the urethane glue for the rear window and it worked great, I prefer it over the black tar rope .......................... now I need to find that 'classics thread' you mentioned to see how the front windshield is installed ............ using the black rubber trim that 914rubber sells.

I installed mine as per the factory manual. It works well if (like everything) you prep well.

One of the things I would recommend if you decide to do it this way is to "dry fit" the windshield before you put the butyl down. Do this with a friend and measure the gaps on each side. You may even want to make up some spacers out of wood (shaved dowels etc.) so each of you have the same gap. When we did mine, my friend Dave and I got to that "oh shit" moment where we had to guess and call out from across the car... "I've got about 1/4" you? Yup same here." "Plop..." into the butyl it went. Luckly, our eyeball measurements were pretty much spot on.

Start with a very clean track. You can see some of the last butyl remnents in this shot. All of that was cleaned out with a heavy solvent:


Another tip. Use new clips. I used a 5mm socket to push them in. Makes it much easier and no wasted. broken clips.:


Rubber blocks are under the windshield and you can see the new clips on the side:


Make sure your butyl is the proper thickness. If it's too thick, the trim will sit too high and wont want to snap into the new clips you just installed:


Hope that helps.

What's the best way to remove the old windshield?

I figured that was coming... but what if it's in great condition and I want to try to save it. Doing a full repaint so I'd like to remove, inspect for rust, paint, then re-install. Is it possible to remove without destroying it?

There are some threads about removal. They crack easy but I took one out by sitting in the seat and pushing out the windshield with my feet - after I ran a wire around the perimeter to cut the glue.
If it was valuble to you, I would talk to a glass guy or bodyshop.

Good ideas, thanks.

Lot's of practice. I've pulled quite a few out sucessfully now. Some really glued in well, others just fell out after the trim was removed. It takes time, warm day will help. Start from the top, work your way down the sides. Do the bottom last. 9/10 times it works for me.

Some local guys got to watch me pull one out a few months back. It was really glued in there good, soft buytl. Sucked, but got it out.

I recently removed mine. I started at the lower right corner. I actually used mechanics wire and routed it through the butyl, wrapped each end around a "leather gloved" hand and started to cut it. It was a slow process and you need to be careful around the clips cause the wire will hang up on them. I would think that a guitar string would work well on this. It crossed my mind after i broke the mech wire twice. Anyway it came out without breaking it.


Rex

Ok so if I use the rubber seal do I need to silcone up all the clip holes? If I have this professionally done will they do all that for me or just slap it in there?

Don't use silicone to fill the holes. It creates an area wherever it touches that will not later stick to the windshield adhesive. Just use a dab of bondo or something. Thsn sand and prime it if needed.

...Ya I love the sound of breaking glass

The blocks are used to position your windshield correctly so it doesn't sit too low. You need those regardless of what trim you use ...


My Windshield install:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?s=&...st&p=910188