2004 Boxster Windshield replacement question. - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Hi all, I just had the front windshield replaced on my 2004 Boxster and noticed that they didn't put the rubber gasket back on when they did it. There is just a large gap between the window surround and the glass. The installer said it wasn't necessary.. I may be wrong but I don't think this is how it's supposed to be. It looks terrible without it. I'd like to get your input before I call them back.

I just had my windshield replaced too. Satellite did not come with any suitable gasket the first time. The second time they brought a similar gasket but not an exact match. I don’t have gaps but it’s not as flush as the original. The original gasket is a two piece. It is true that you don’t need the gasket to prevent leaks as leaks are prevented by the sealing adhesive but a gap will make it look unfinished. Lots of new cars have moved away from gaskets. You should call them back if you are unsatisfied. Getting oem equivalent gasket is a pain. I couldn’t find any.

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Hi, thanks for the reply. I can see it if the car was designed that way, but it looks awful and unfinished without the rubber gasket. The gap just invites trash to build up and the wind noise is slightly annoying. I reached out to them to remedy it. They said they would try to fix it either a new windshield with the seal or ordering the trim, but they still have to remove the new glass to do it. Let's see what happens.

A good "lesson" for all of us with "older" cars. Probably best to see an ACTUAL SAMPLE of the gasket they intend to use BEFORE you agree to let anyone do the job. IF need be you might need to supply the exact gasket yourself (if you can locate one). Try Porsche or Pelican....Pelican lists an original one for my 98 for about $50. I'd probably carry that into the window shop myself IF they say they can't get the exact one.

If I had to do this over again I would have ordered the trim. The tech convinced me that the aftermarket would cover just as well and it does but it’s not the same. I should say I had also done some homework in advance to know that I needed to remove the passenger A pillar cover to disconnect the antenna wire and avoid shearing the wrong part of the antenna wire. The tech did not know this or how to do this even though I explicitly called about this concern.

I sure hope that the installer could find a way to remedy your situation. I have a similar '04 S, and for the longest time have been debating whether I should replace my windshield or not. No Major cracks, but lots of pitting that very visible during bright days. I had met an installer years ago that had quoted me a reasonable price for an OEM Windshield together with the OEM trim. Unfortunately, could not locate him any longer. I am not comfortable installing an aftermarket Windshield on my car, but that's just me. I know that it will be pricey to do one now, if still available. I also have an '04 MB SLK32 AMG that needed a windshield but I decided to bite the bullet and went through the dealer and luckily found one available in Ontario. Brand new trim and glass and the factory decal! Car is transformed! So to me, was well worth it. Good Luck t2