windscreen warning!

Mike M · Jun 17, 2013

Be aware if you are thinking of replacing your windscreen for any reason as the new pilkinton sourced replacement by Porsche has a seal issue. It is a visible joint which can be seen from inside the cabin, and its quality in finish is deplorable. Porsche are aware as I have been copied into their corrispondance where my supplier was advised they could return the new screen under warranty; however a number of screens may need ordering to be returned as there is a whole batch issue and they cant guarantee the quality will not be worse! I'd recommend all to wait for confirmation that the issue has been resolved and the stock issue sorted. Appaling attitude for such a prestigeous badge but there you go!

Mike.

Mark Elder · Jun 19, 2013

Mike, mine is booked in on Thursday for a new screen [&:]

Is there an easy way to identify these Pilkington screens?
You mentioned a visible joint - is that in a seal? (Is the seal the issue or the screen?).

When I booked it in the OPC said they try to reuse the seals (and I said to put fresh ones in, but I'm now thinking that was a bad idea!)

Mike M · Jun 19, 2013

ORIGINAL: Mark Elder

Mike, mine is booked in on Thursday for a new screen [&:]

Is there an easy way to identify these Pilkington screens?
You mentioned a visible joint - is that in a seal? (Is the seal the issue or the screen?).

When I booked it in the OPC said they try to reuse the seals (and I said to put fresh ones in, but I'm now thinking that was a bad idea!)

Mark, its actually the frame that the screen is bonded into at Pilkinton, which works as the bonded seal when inserted. The joint on mine is infront of the passenger position on the bottom, wouldnt be so bad if it was at the top. Id strongly recommend viewing the screen before the works start! The externa finishing seals are not an issue. Ive noticed they now have a fabric backing which should reduce the squeeks we all get! I believe all screens are now manufactured by Pilkington.

Mike

T911UK · Jun 19, 2013

Reminds me of a problem Porsche had about 10 years ago with targa rear screens. They looked like there were all taken out and rested on their edge before they were fully cured and so all had bent edges. Try telling Porsche this! I had 3 delivered from Porsche before we gave up and got a used one instead!

Mark Elder · Jun 19, 2013

Thank - very helpful info - I'll ask to be shown the screen before they start

Mark Elder · Jun 20, 2013

Two things:

1) Before I drove my car into the OPC this morning I looked at and photographed the windscreen seals inside and out. The inside lower seal is a real mess - I've never noticed before (when sitting in car it is hidden by the vent moulding). Mastic slapped on! I have no idea if screen has been changed before but I suspect not because it was already quite pitted/worn when I bought car on 27K miles. Perhaps the lower seal is never very good. (PS I can't see the antenna connection).

2) I asked to see the new screen and they prevaricated, but they have now called me (reason for prevarication was that it had not arrived yet) - but it now emerges "We are told by Reading they have no 993 screens and are awaiting a new batch from Germany" - so maybe the fault has been recognized and they have abandoned the batch with the bad seal.

More news next week when the shipment from German arrives.

Mike M · Jun 20, 2013

ORIGINAL: Mark Elder

Two things:

1) Before I drove my car into the OPC this morning I looked at and photographed the windscreen seals inside and out. The inside lower seal is a real mess - I've never noticed before (when sitting in car it is hidden by the vent moulding). Mastic slapped on! I have no idea if screen has been changed before but I suspect not because it was already quite pitted/worn when I bought car on 27K miles. Perhaps the lower seal is never very good. (PS I can't see the antenna connection).

2) I asked to see the new screen and they prevaricated, but they have now called me (reason for prevarication was that it had not arrived yet) - but it now emerges "We are told by Reading they have no 993 screens and are awaiting a new batch from Germany" - so maybe the fault has been recognized and they have abandoned the batch with the bad seal.

More news next week when the shipment from German arrives.

Fingers crossed !

jimcook · Jun 28, 2013

Any progress on the screen issue? Mine needs replacing as it's now almost opaque when driving into sun or rain.

Mike - Just for clarity (groan!) - is the issue you describe likely to compromise the visual aesthetic or is it likely to allow water in?

Regards
Jim

Mike M · Jun 28, 2013

ORIGINAL: jimcook

Any progress on the screen issue? Mine needs replacing as it's now almost opaque when driving into sun or rain.

Mike - Just for clarity (groan!) - is the issue you describe likely to compromise the visual aesthetic or is it likely to allow water in?

Regards
Jim

Purely aesthetic Jim, the outfit I used took the screen out again and made better the faulty surround, cant even tell now! Should t have to though, shocking quality from a quality brand!!! Doubt you will see a 991 looking as good as a 993 in 20 years time!!!!

Mark Elder · Jun 28, 2013

Picked mine up this morning and it's just about acceptable (given all the stories I'm hearing).

On the outside the new seal (which I insisted on having) seems to be slightly (1-2 mm) smaller all the way around so I can see where the old one was. Probably nothing a good polish won't fix. Perhaps I should have let them reuse the old one.
On the inside there is a lot less mastic along the bottom edge than there was with the previous screen - although there is still a couple of inches and annoyingly it is in a location I can see from driver's seat. But I decided it will be easier for me to cut away/tidy up than leaving the car with them any longer.

There's a 6 inch light scratch along the scuttle parallel with the seal that I swear was not there before, but no way to prove it and I think it will polish out.

Radio works as before.
No visible sign of antenna connection.
No creaking (so far).
Fitter reported no sign of any rust (bit of a surprise!)
Oh - AND - I can see out of the windscreen - it is SO much clearer than the old one!

So, overall, well done Glasgow OPC[

]

Mike M · Jun 28, 2013

ORIGINAL: Mark Elder

Picked mine up this morning and it's just about acceptable (given all the stories I'm hearing).

On the outside the new seal (which I insisted on having) seems to be slightly (1-2 mm) smaller all the way around so I can see where the old one was. Probably nothing a good polish won't fix. Perhaps I should have let them reuse the old one.
On the inside there is a lot less mastic along the bottom edge than there was with the previous screen - although there is still a couple of inches and annoyingly it is in a location I can see from driver's seat. But I decided it will be easier for me to cut away/tidy up than leaving the car with them any longer.

There's a 6 inch light scratch along the scuttle parallel with the seal that I swear was not there before, but no way to prove it and I think it will polish out.

Radio works as before.
No visible sign of antenna connection.
No creaking (so far).
Fitter reported no sign of any rust (bit of a surprise!)
Oh - AND - I can see out of the windscreen - it is SO much clearer than the old one!

So, overall, well done Glasgow OPC[]

Mine was a mess Mark, however it was in 1 isolated locAtion! When the screen was refitted, following my comments and to mend the screen seal, the radio connection was hid as it had been previously! Shame there was about 3No. 5inch scratches across my wing and a 20mm wide 5" scuffmark when I went to collect it the 1st time! Amazing part was how they managed to polish it out! Oh and the fact they tried to return it like that; however apologies were made but became empty words when the car was dropped off at my home the evening before i went on holiday to find the rev counter had been put back in with the rubber seal all twisted and the clock was left about 10mm proud at the top and flush at the bottom which didnt half take some getting back out!!!!!!! Best part is no squeeks, the new external finishing seal has a fabric backing, totally eliminating the squeeks!