PBG

They haven't spoken up because the problem doesn't exist. Right? It's only in people's imagination or they have done something to cause it if it's failing.. It's not Porsche's fault. Kinda like the micro cracks in the headlights, "What did you do Mr Customer!? Have you used some kind of product that caused this!? This can't be any fault of ours or of our product material. That just isn't possible, we are Porsche and that simply doesn't happen."

I have the pleasure of having both micro crack headlight assemblies and warping door panels.

Paul Quilter

Any update on how your panels have held up over the heat of the last few months?

PRNDL

After the fix, mine hasn't gotten any worse. It's not as good as it left the factory but it's not terrible. Replacing the door panel is on my to-do list for.... someday.

Peterstp

Hi, anyone who has get this fix done at pedrosgarage.com?
would like to get pictures from anyone that has send their doorpanel to get them fixed by pedros garage, I live in Sweden and to send panels to America now is not a option.

regards
Peter

deilenberger

The strongest adhesive I have ever found is 3M-5200 Marine adhesive. People have attached parts to boats using it where the boat had to be destroyed to remove the part. It's very commonly used on keels - usually weighing 600-1,000lbs, with heavy side forces exerted on them whenever a boat is sailed near to the wind. I rather suspect the foam backing of the panel will fail before the adhesives will, and it might be worth looking into how to remove that foam backing and get to a solid surface.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...-Sealant-5200/

txbdan

Isn't the whole problem that the airbag needs to come up through that gap when it deploys? That's why its not glued there from the factory. The airbag needs to be able to blow the panel out at the top so the side curtain can come up over the window.

nb1234

It is glued from the factory - just poorly. The glue is between the soft foam layer and the black plastic shell substrate. That bond is the one that has failed and can be repaired.

As for the airbag, obviously everyone is going to need to make their own decision on what they're comfortable with. Some will only accept factory replacement, others, like myself are perfectly comfortable with rebonding the foam. The airbag does not deploy between the foam and plastic substrate, rather it blows inward the whole assembly - plastic, foam, the whole shebang. Nothing short of stout metal straps and bolts is going to hold the force of an airbag in, really. And even then, my worry would be more about the danger of flying shrapnel rather than actually restraining the bag from deploying. The force in those things is absolutely enormous. The foam and plastic are practically "not there" relative to the forces involved here, in my opinion.

CaymanCarver

Pedro says (in his video) the German govt. implemented rules that require Porsche to use water based glues for the door panels and the headliner ..thus the reason they de-laminate over time.
He also talks plenty about the airbag deployment ..and demos the removal of the door panel exposing the airbag unit.

The only thing missing from his presentation is an example of the final result of his repair process.
It certainly sounds like the next best thing to a replacement panel from Porsche.

LeeMarks

Pedro’s work is first class!
Had both of my doors done by his shop and they have held up fine thru a southern summer.
Turn around time is very quick, and he guarantees his work for as long as you own the car.
i don’t usually recommend services on forum, but I have no qualms about sending folks his way!

Paiceyfan

Same here...did a wonderful job on both my doors...look like new now.

CaymanCarver

Sounds like it went well so thanks for the response.
But you know how it goes.. pics or it didn't happen.

Paiceyfan

Well, the doors were unsightly when they were bad, so I didn't take a photo, so no 'proof', really...LOL

Bellazena1

I assume that PORSCHE as is usual will not accept any responsibility for this?

PBG

Of course. It’s a feature not a bug.

absoluteczech

some have had porsche replace under goodwill or during warranty (as they should) but others have been denied. Pedro's garage will fix them permanently for around $250-300