Windscreen fitting with Bright anodised aluminium trim.

[impmad2000]

So having fought unsuccessfully for several hours to fit a chrome strip to my windscreen rubber I have put it away to seek further advice.
It is the front screen of the Targa, the screen has been fitted for some while, but I took it out to do this.
The Chrome trim is not new, but looks to be the right shape.
1) Is using second hand trim really a No-No ? Is it likely to be distorted and the source of the trouble ?
2) Is there a knack that once sorted means any old trim works ?
3) There is a special tool perhaps ?
4) Its easy and you just need big hands perhaps ?
5) I should give up and pay someone to do it (I tried this approach once but the fitters insisted that the chrome is fitted after the screen is installed which I know is wrong, so I smiled and hence no chrome trim!)

I do need the Rear screen trim fitting too, but since I can't manage the front one, and I understand the rear is much harder, I will take advice on this too !

Tim

[DustyM]

Tim,

It shouldn't be particularly hard, are you using a new screen rubber, if not I suggest you get one from Porsche they are nice and supple, some of the aftermarket ones are much harder rubber which makes it harder to fit the trim.

The other tip is to lay the chrome trims on the glass before fitting he rubber and try to match their shape to the edge of the screen.

Hope that helps
Jon

[jb]

I do not remember it being too difficult to get the trim into the screen rubber which I think I did before fitting it to the screen. (edit Not sure about that now) I reused the trim that I took out which got a bit bent as I took it out. I used glycerine and nylon cord to get the screen onto the car.
I think there must be something on pellican as I doubt I would have done it without some sort of guidance. (edit I have found my 101 projects book has lots of underlining in project 80 so I think I used that for guidance)
The rubber I used was from ForestFine I think but it was some time ago and they are no longer there.
People who know always say to use the Porsche ones so if you still have trouble I would get the genuine rubber.

[jamie]

I seem to remember washing-up liquid being involved, but it was a long time since I've done this.

Anyway, try washing-up liquid!

Oh, and Jon's tip regarding laying the strips on the glass beforehand is a good one. Try this too!

[DustyM]

I would be slow to use any sort of lube as it means that the trims will also pop back out too easily during fitting leading to removal of the screen again to refit them.

With new Porsche rubbers and the trims shaped to match the screen it should be easy to fit them.

Another tip is for whom ever is helping you fit the screen to place pressure on the rubber and trim as you pull the string as pressing only on the glass tends to lead to the glass pulling the rubber into the frame and the trims popping out.

Once you have the knack mastered you'll wonder what all the fuss was about !

[MT]

Done a few now, so lots of mistakes along the way!

Lessons:

Porsche seal is a good idea for the front windscreen, it is however essential for the rear
No lube on the chrome trim. Shape it gently with your hands to the profile of the screen first then ease it into the groove with the palm of your hand with a gentle rolling motion perpendicular to the screen
Silicone lubricant in the groove that the window surround goes into and a quick spray on the metal edge as well
Thick strong cord installed with a loop at either side
Two people one inside, one outside.
Centre the screen, then use the cord to install each side first, then bottom, then top.

If the chrome strip comes out of the groove at any time, remove the screen and re-install before re-trying. DON'T think I'll get that little bit in later! It is possible (see my resto threads) but it is a royal PITA, and much easier to take the screen out and start again. With practice Garry and I can now get a screen in in less than 15 minutes, vs. the 5 hours I took to get 6 inches of chrome strip back in on my first 911.

Good luck. Send me a pm if you want to chat.

Mick

[Lightweight_911]

- & don't use washing up liquid for lubrication as many brands contain high concentrations of salt ...

[210bhp]

I have never done this operation. Simple question then as the chrome strip throws up this problem time and time again,

What is the purpose of the chrome strip, purely decoration?

Regards
Mike

[Lightweight_911]

It also acts as a 'spreader' for the rubber seal, making it more 'rigid'.

By the way Mike, you should know better - the insert is not chrome - it's anodised aluminium (sorry but it's a personal 'bugbear' of mine when people refer to stainless steel mirrors, anodised aluminium trim, etc as 'chrome') ...

[210bhp]

Consider me reprimanded Andy.............

Regards
Mike

[impmad2000]

I know too. Clearly not chrome, just shiny !
Thanks for the advice guys, I think I'll order a new genuine Porsche seal and have another go.
Cheers
Tim

[911hillclimber]

Some years ago now, but in fear of cracking the glass i called on Autoscreens to fit my front one in.

Seal came from Bert Gear (!), not real Porsche.

Fitter (once they found one who knew about 'old skool' glass fitting ) put the old alum alloy anodised filler strips in (I too get irritated like Andy) dry.
With a the right cord and a lot of experience he pulled it in single handed while i went away to make him some tea!

Cost me £60

[impmad2000]

Genuine front screen rubber made a huge difference. I fitted new trim too. The trim just slipped into the fresh front screen rubber. This was very different working with a non genuine rubber.
Big thanks to Grannysmith and TheEasyLife for their help getting the job finished.