I just had my windshield replaced and I had never noticed before, there is about a 1/2'" gap between the outside of the glass and the black trim on the A piilar. You can hook a finger under the lip it's so big.
The glass they used is a Sigla and everything else looks ok, But I just can't seem to recall if it was like that before. Am I losing it or is this the way they all are?
Darrin
1985 928s 5-speed
Garnet /blk.

 

Hey Darrin,

The gap is normal, but I think the later cars came with molding that fills the gaps. I think I remember Nicole mentioning this in a previous thread. I think the newer molding also reduces wind noise.

 

Probably like that before.......beginning some time in '90 Porsche put a rubber filler type gasket between the molding and windshield. Was really standard from '91 on......but I have seen a few "late" '90 models with it, including my '90 GT.

 

Thanks for the replies, kind of figured it was there before but once you notice, it really sticks out!
Darrin

 

Does anyone know how hard it would be to retrofit the filler molding to an older car? That gap has always bugged me

 

I have heard it is easy to retrofit the new molding. I'm just not sure, if you can buy it separately, of if it is part of the trim piece. I also believe there were two versions of this molding. On my car, it is more like a black foam that just fills the gap between trim and windshield. On some newer models it looks more like rubber, and seems to have a smoother transition from windshield to trim. (My car is one of the first 91 models that didn't have the later style door seals, yet).

I'm sure the BIG THREE know about this - let us know, if you talk to any of them about it!

 

From a reply by Dave Roberts on Pirtle's site:
"Yep, you will need the metal side windshield trims:

Left - 928.559.105.07.70K
Right - 928.559.106.07.70K

..and the rubber seals

Left - 928.559.519.00.70C
Right - 928.559.520.00.70C

Total cost for all 4 parts is $127.92

Installation is easy and makes a big diff in looks and wind noise.

Hope that helps,

David Roberts
928 SPECIALISTS

 

The gap is there for a purpose. It keeps (catches and drains) the windshield washer fluid or rain from flowing into an open side window when the washer/wiper is activated.

 

I retro-ed mine. Maybe 10 minutes a side.

 

Thanks for the information on this...as a newbie shark pilot...I was wondering the same thing about the "gap" Darrin mentioned between the windshield and the exterior trim. Ed, thanks for the information from John Pirtle's site re: the part #s and cost.

On a similar note, I've found myself also wondering about the gaps between the plastic (I presume) and sheet metal running up the A-pillar over the doors and rearward.

Cheers,
Tim

 

Hi TIm:

What you think is plastic, is actually a stubborn aluminum profile, used as a rain gutter. Never try to remove it, unless you have a new, already painted one handy. Because these things are both clamped and glued on, and removing them almost certainly bends or otherwise damages them. I wish Porsche had done a better job aligning them towards the hatch, but we have to live with some tolerance there. I have tried to mess with it, but with little success...

 

Hi Nicole,

Phew...I'm glad you told me what the real deal is on this aluminum profile / rain gutter. I had fooled with it a bit and gave up...looks like there's something amiss with it but it is actually installed correctly (as original) on both sides of the car. I chalk the lesson up to my post-purchase inspection of the car. I tend to be a little obsessive about details ;-) Hey, aren't most Porsche owners that way?

Oh, I just bought the switch overlays and temp sensor cap from Jager Engineering via Ebay...saved a few bucks on the deal going that route.

Best regards,
Tim

ps.
I appreciate everyone's willingness here to tolerate the newbie shark owner...much appreciated.

 

yeah, that was the upgrade

 

Hi Nicole;

Would you know which direction the pointed/tapered end goes for the black foam insert that fills the gap
between the winshield and the trim piece.

Thanks

dbd

 

Hi dbd: The newer seals are more of a rubbery material than foam. There is only one way to install them. They have a curved end, which goes towards the top of the windshield, and under the top trim piece.