1999 3.4 - Fixing door latch corrosion

[Costelles]

Morning all
I'm close to getting a 99 3.4 C2 and there are a couple of things I would like to get sorted straight away, both rust related.

firstly, both door latches show signs of corrosion behind the door latches...where can I get hold of some updated gaskets, and how hard is it to fix properly? any one have any experience of fixing this?

secondly, there is some gravel rash and surface rust behind the front wheels/arches. Again, how hard to fix, any experience?

thanks
scott

 

[Peter_Bull]

Morning all
I'm close to getting a 99 3.4 C2 and there are a couple of things I would like to get sorted straight away, both rust related.

firstly, both door latches show signs of corrosion behind the door latches...where can I get hold of some updated gaskets, and how hard is it to fix properly? any one have any experience of fixing this?

secondly, there is some gravel rash and surface rust behind the front wheels/arches. Again, how hard to fix, any experience?

thanks
scott

Hi Scott

The points you raise are pretty standard ones for an early 996.

Firstly, the corrosion around the door latches was common on early cars and my own 2000 996 (now sold) had the benefit if clear gaskets fitted behind the latch from new. At 10 years old there was no signs of corrosion.

You will need to get your car either to a Porsche Approved body shop or a very reputable independent one that comes recommended. The benefit of repairs by a Porsche Approved body shop is that the work is guaranteed for the life of the car, provided it is inspected by the repairer annually.

I am sure you will be able to get the gaskets at any PC.

 

[Costelles]

Thanks Peter....we have a Porsche approved shop in Poole so I'll check those out and see what prices come in

 

[devans]

I assume that when you remove the two screws nothing behind the bulkhead will drop etc. Simple job? Anything to look out for etc, thanks

 

[SteveAndrews]

I will have to do this job in the future and in advance of this I decided to take the latches off to see how bad the corosion was. When the screws are loosened the plate behind seems loose as if it will drop away completely. Not wanting to risk this, a simple solution was loosen both but take one screw out at a time, swing the latch away and then put the screw back with a larger washer to hold the backplate in place.
I found that there was actually no rust behind the latch, it was all just on the surround. I also took clear photos of the latch as there are markings on it and the bodywork which show its position vertically and horizontally and allow it to be replaced exactly in its original position. You must use a 12 point star drive and not a 6 point torx which although looking as if it will do the job may round off the screw.