rust around windscreen

dw49 · Nov 16, 2008

I had the common problem of rust under the windscreen, particularly on passenger side under wiper, little bit between wiper motors and little bit above drivers side.

I spent a lot of time looking for someone to do this but eventually plumped for Roger Andrews who is mentioned under body suppliers and has an impressive portfolio.

Almost a year to the day the rust bubbles have started to appear again.

Has anyone any views/expreience of how long such repairs should be expected to last?

matthewb · Nov 16, 2008

David - have a look at the "Rust on rear screen" section - there may be something of interest to you in these posts. My humble opinion is that removing the windscreen does not show where rust is lurking on the scuttle (although this is not true on the rear screen - one small rust-bubble patch turned clearly into 24" of rust on removal of the rear-screen).

My front 'scuttle rust' appeared on the driver's side last year (which was fixed), and then on the passenger's side this year (which has been fixed recently) .

There was no indication when doing the work last year that a different area would show itself this year. I am 'happy' that there was no negligence on the part of Specialised Paintwork last year - it's just sod's law. Have you got rust in exactly the same place or just a nearby place?

Where are you based? If you're anywhere near Reading I suggest contacting Karl and Alan at Specialised Paintwork although I am confident your chaps probably did a good job.

Rust is a pernicious cancer. Get it done now - "A stitch in time .........."

clyde · Nov 16, 2008

I have had this "fixed" twice, once under warranty and once as a "good-will gesture" when the rust returned, both obviously at an apporved bodyshop. I have since spoken to a different bodyshop (still Porsche approved) who advised me that they will not offer the lifetime warranty on these repairs as it is almost impossible to completely remove the tin worm without a lot of cutting out and insertion of new metal.

So it's either a lot of money just now or a lot of money spread over a period of years. You pays yer money and takes yer pick.

dw49 · Nov 17, 2008

Thanks everyone. I presume Maurice you mean revisit where I had it done. I may be getting to that. He is based in Reading and I live in Lichfield, Midlands which is why I haven't yet. I also have to consider whether I want him touching it again.

It is coming up in exactly the same spot. There's about a 12 inch section where the wipers throw the rain off.

The screen did come out and he did that without damage and did the taping etc to make sure no squeaking after. He also put some of that plastic film on a couple of spots I had problems with before at the back of the wheel arches. There were a couple of signs when I picked it up that I wasn't happy with. There was a very fine dent near the top of the bonnet opening where my service garage thinks they used a screwdriver to ease it when aligning and there were a couple of flat spots on the wing where he had got cutting paste on and not cleaned it off properly. I did point these out at the time. He denied all knowledge of the dent and sorted the cutting paste.

He told me he would use some materials that aren't used any more because of health and safety e.g. silver oxide(apologies if I go that wrong I'm not very technical), but they would give better protection.

I wrote to him as soon as I noticed again and this was the response which was very disappointing:-

"We talked at great length about the best solution to the 'known rust problem'.
As explained before the work was undertaken the process used would give the
longest satisfaction but not necessarily a hundred percent cure; but it was
still the best option without replacing the panels which is a very costly
alternative."

I have replied in that fine but nor further response.

Pickled Piper · Nov 17, 2008

Difficult one. Definitely worth talking to the guy who did it and see what he suggests.

This may be one area where it is worthwhile going to an approved bodyshop. I had mine done at a Porsche approved shop. I asked them if it was covered under the lifetime warranty. They ummed and ahhed for a bit but did not give a definite yes or know. However, the warranty document shows the repair as being covered. If the rust did re-occur I would simply make the point that it should be as good as new.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.
pp

Just reread your post properly. Have a chat with him. You would reasonably expect the repair to last more than 12 months. If he doesn't play ball you may have to go the legal route.

pp

clyde · Nov 17, 2008

ORIGINAL: Fulla

Just had mine done at SP in Reading. They are now advising the only way to cure 100% is new roof skin!! They are doing 1-2 993's a week so they have the experiance. I am very happy with the work on mine and do hope it lasts, time will tell.

That's pretty much what the second approved bodyshop told me, which is why they would not offer a lifetime warranty on a clean-out and re-paint repair.

PP - You're a lucky sod - I would get that that warranty laminated if I where you because I suspect that it's going to get a lot of use over the coming years. [

][

] Just make sure that if you ever need a new front or rear screen you take it to an OPC to get the work done so they don't use that as an excuse to get out of the warranty.

Porker993 · Nov 18, 2008

ORIGINAL: Fulla

Just had mine done at SP in Reading. They are now advising the only way to cure 100% is new roof skin!!

Eh ? [&:] Why did they say you would you need a new Roof Skin when the rust is in the scuttle ? Or did you have rust in the roof as well ? Just curious.

I had my front scuttle done five years ago, and it seems to be lasting fine to date.

davepaul993 · Nov 19, 2008

are all these cars parked outside all the time ?
or in under cover ?
mine had a bit of bubling on nearside wing to screen which i have had done but as far as i know my car has allways been under cover,
so just wanted to know what % of cars here are an in or out car.

jmspear · Nov 19, 2008

davepaul, mine has bubbling under the trim on the front screen bottom corner, been dreading taking it in but reads like I must bite the bullet! Mine has been kept inside since '98 when I bought it.

Seems like SP are the best people to go with, my screen picked up a big crack (stone) at Goodwood and I am on a policy which will allow me to specify my screen replacement company for £100. How did anyone else handle the screen replcament issue and SP, just throw it all at them and get a seperate invoice for the screen replacement or get the screen done seperatley when it is at SP for painting with screen out?

I also want stone chips tidied up and a RS spolier kit painted and fitted at the same time.

I understand a 10% discount is available with my PCGB membership, any other £££ saving tips

Any advice greatfully received

Many thanks

John

dw49 · Nov 19, 2008

Mine is kept garaged with a cotton cover. It did have a period of about 3 months when I had it outside with a breathable waterproof cover while we had a house built. I also don't do a great mileage each year(2k) and not often in the wet.

harry · Nov 20, 2008

How often do you wash the car? If you don't remove excess water from beneath the rubber seal, lots of water collect in it and I presume is causing the problem?

harry

Porker993 · Nov 20, 2008

There has been lots of discussion about this. I have cut small triangular holes in the rubber to allow air in to dry out the channel underneath. Can't do any harm, and may do some good. Otherwise, it will be permanently wet under there.

richbrowne · Nov 20, 2008

Wow. This post made me so paranoid that I legged it outside this morning, yanked off the car cover and ran my fingers inside the front and rear seals to make sure mine was okay (well, hard to get inside the top of the rear seal with the upper brake light)! It had been checked when I bought it 10 months ago during an inspection and by my Indy but I thought I had better make sure all was still okay. Luckily all was pristine..Phew![

]

Most probably a good idea for everyone to make sure this is checked periodically to catch it early.

Is this perceived as a design flaw with the 993? Are there any ways to ensure it does not happen (apart from never driving the car and keeping the car in a special enclosure to avoid moisture/condensation)?

jmspear · Nov 20, 2008

best way to avoid it is to not let monkeys change your windscreen when it needs changing. Automonkey changed my windscreen about 3 years ago and I had water leaks after (into the cabin) and now rust [

] it seems it is well known that most windscreen chain monkey scratch the frame when taking the old screen out and then, bingo, some (often long) time later the rust appears.

If your windscreen has ever been changed by a monkey then you are risk, if you still have original screen or it has been changed by a 993 expert then you should be OK.

Given most cars are at least 10 years old and almost all policies penalise you for using anyone other than a fast fit chain Monkey, then that is why so many 993's have the problem.

(apologies to all expert 993 windscreen fitters out there. When mine was done the monkey stopped and had to go and get the organ grinder - his boss (who wasn't much better) to finish the job, at least they connected up the aerial booster, most monkey's muck this up as well as creating creaking, water ingress and future rust)

richbrowne · Nov 20, 2008

Wow, thanks for the update Jmspear.

As far as I know I am still on the original screen This is hopefully borne out by the stone chips etc that exist on my screen from the 50K mileage. I guess the question is, who is best placed to change the screens properly? A good 993 Indy? Although I suspect they do not have the experience. You would think a windscreen expert would have the necessary experience but there are so many Muppets out there that it's hard to know who to trust!

Mark Elder · Nov 20, 2008

ORIGINAL: richbrowne

This post made me so paranoid that I legged it outside this morning, yanked off the car cover and ran my fingers inside the front and rear seals to make sure mine was okay

That's very brave of you, I've been reading this thread and not daring to look closely around the windows!

Supposed I'd better do it.... Maybe I'll wait until it's light tomorrow (put it off).

richbrowne · Nov 20, 2008

ORIGINAL: Mark Elder
That's very brave of you, I've been reading this thread and not daring to look closely around the windows!

Wasn't easy; my heart was in my mouth!

peterarcher · Nov 24, 2008

As in all things ref rust and body shells - get it done properly by a recognised Porsche body shop. I had mine done and just squeeked under the 10 year body warranty by 4 months.

The window seal has been upgraded so make sure they fit the latest version as this is better at keeping the water out
Cheers
Peter

richbrowne · Nov 24, 2008

ORIGINAL: peterarcher
The window seal has been upgraded so make sure they fit the latest version as this is better at keeping the water out

Do you know what the differences are so I can check if mine has been updated please? I have noticed some silver tape going around the bottom half of the screen inside the rubber, guess this is what prevents the squeaking?