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rust bubbles on driver's door

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Old 03-26-2002, 10:43 AM
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Riccardo
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Unhappy rust bubbles on driver's door

Hello,

This weekend I noticed I have a few very very minor bubbles (which I assume are the first instance of rust) showing up on the driver (a lhd car this one) side sill. They are on the curvy bit where the sill turns upwards.

These bubbles are very minor, you wouldn't really see them unless you look for them, but we all know how rust eventually grows.

So, I have two questions. First, do any of you also have this (I have already seen a couple of other 964 with same sindrome)? Second, what could be causing this? I don't think any water remains on that area when it rains, and I also know the car hasn't been crashed there.

Any help much apreciated.
Old 03-26-2002, 10:54 AM
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Christer
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Riccardo

I have a couple of minor rust bubbles - they are in the frame of the front and rear screens, by the rubber seal.....I haven't noticed anything on the doors. I don't think the screens have been replaced either (have an old stonechip in the windscreen on the passenger side)...strange?
Old 03-26-2002, 10:55 AM
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Adrian
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Dear Riccardo,
Yes and get them fixed right now before they become BIG rust bubbles.
What causes them. Could be a lot of things from imprefections in the galvanising process, to damage cause before final painting and the list goes on. How is not important, getting them fixed is very important,
Ciao,
Adrian
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PS: Just rolling your fenders is a good way to start rust. Replacing the side indicators or installing them in USA versions is another good way. Incorrectly installed windows.
Old 03-26-2002, 10:59 AM
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Randall G.
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Hey Riccardo,

The only place I've ever found rust on my (thankfully) California car is at the base of the windshield, driver's side. Fairly common, and possibly a result of a windshield replacement in '97.

I had the rust repaired using the factory 10 year anti-corrosion warranty. You should be able to do the same, though I've heard some strange stuff about Europeans needing to have periodic paint/finish inspections (or something to that effect) for the warranty to remain valid.

How does the rust get there? One theory I've read is the galvanized finish being scratched at the factory. Also, there's body work, etc. that may scratch the finish.

Here's hoping you can get the rust fixed by Porsche ....
Old 03-26-2002, 11:25 AM
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Riccardo
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Just to show you all the area I mean:

Old 03-26-2002, 12:56 PM
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George Stevens
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Riccardo

This area is a major rust trap on the 911

Behind the area you indicate is completely open and un-protected, mud gets thrown up and traps moisture, behind the sill is a major structural panel known as the kidney bowl. which supports the "B" post against the inner sill.

Rust bubbles are a sure sign of rust beneath coming through and it is a good idea to catch it earlier rather than later.

My 1977 Carrera 3.0 had the same problem, and in the end rust will come through all around door latch and on the seam where the door shut panel joins the sill.

I had the job done properly (complete new door shut panels and kidney bowls) at around £1,000 a side.

How to prevent this happening?

Regular pressure washing underneath the wheel arches and get your specialist to steam clean and re-wax the underside of the car each year.
Old 03-26-2002, 01:47 PM
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Riccardo
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George,

As usual, you've hit the nail right on the head!

OK, next time I wash the car I'll jack it up and scrape mud off the area and apply some wax to cover it up.

By the way, where can I take it to be steam cleaned, any recomendations?
Old 03-26-2002, 01:53 PM
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George Stevens
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Riccardo

Autofarm just outside Oxford.

It is quite pricey, about £180 but they do an excellent job and know the places to clean and the places not to steam clean.

The car has to be left overnight to fully dry before they apply the wax.

I am having mine done when I get it back (about another 8 weeks!!!)
Old 03-26-2002, 01:57 PM
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George Stevens
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Riccardo

Forgot to add.

It is a good idea as you suggest to periodically thoroughly clean this area yourself and apply some wax such as Waxoil.

Much easier if you support the rear on axle stands and remove the rear wheels, you can then right in with a torch and have a good look around.
Old 03-27-2002, 01:10 PM
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Andrew Wright
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Christer

It is almost certain that your windscreen at least has been replaced, and quite possibly by some cack-handed geek from Autoglass or similar!!

Mine had the same rust bubbles around the seals and when I put in a new windscreen, I insisted it was done at Machtech (insurance company had no problem with that at all) and they found gouges around the apperture and no sealing whatsoever. The rust had gone right through the bodywork which had to be filled, primed and painted. Very messy.

Lesson - don't allow anyone other than a specialist to do these jobs!!

Andrew

PS: You've upset me now George - I've got similar issues to Ricco ... what I really, really want is a 3.8ltr engine not a body repair job!!
Old 03-28-2002, 09:52 AM
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George Stevens
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It's intersting to note that 964's are suffering from this problem as I thought that with continual development and evolution they would have fixed this fault.

Interestingly mine is completely rust free, but thats perhaps because most RS's seem to be more pampered and used for weekend fun driving and track days and not everyday drivers
Old 03-28-2002, 04:19 PM
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Randall G.
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[quote]Originally posted by George Stevens:
<strong>It's intersting to note that 964's are suffering from this problem as I thought that with continual development and evolution they would have fixed this fault.

***snip***</strong><hr></blockquote>

Apparently, not just 964s, but 993s, as well. I've seen several "I've got rust" posts on the 993 board. Actually, it was the 993 board where I first heard that in the U.K. some sort of periodic inspection is required to keep the anti-corrosion warranty valid.

Riccardo, do you plan on trying to get Porsche to fix your rust, considering that your car is less than 10 years old? In the U.S., the warranty language is very clear and cut and dry. If the U.K. version is similar, Porsche is obligated to repair your car--the paint and body inspection (??) notwithstanding.
Old 04-02-2002, 05:05 AM
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Riccardo
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Randall,

I still haven't given it that much thought yet as I have been busy with other things recently.

I guess I ought to try and take it in at some point, but there are a few things which worry me. First, my car was sold in Germany and not the UK, so I don't know how this works cross borders. Second, it hasn't had any of the revisions which I understand one should do every two years. Third, I try and take my car as rarely as possible into any shop as it seems to always come out with a new problem every time!

Will let you know what happens.
Old 04-02-2002, 12:33 PM
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Riccardo

Try and get hold of Nick Wright via Johns 964 website. Nick writes a running report. I met him recently, he had got, I think his roof resprayed due to rust, after the warranty had run out?!

I could have got my wires crossed on this but worth a try?

3.4.02 Edit: what I meant to say is that Porsche did it FOC aven though it was outside warranty!

Piers
Old 04-04-2002, 03:18 AM
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Christer
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[quote]Originally posted by Riccardo:
[QB]
Third, I try and take my car as rarely as possible into any shop as it seems to always come out with a new problem every time!
QB]<hr></blockquote>

Aaaah, the 'head-in-the-sand' maintenance schedule - if I don't know about it, then it isn't a problem...




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