Windscreen replacement issues

Dear all. I've had the misfortune of having to have my windscreen replaced. My insurer, Liverpool Victoria insisted that I had to use their preferred supplier, AutoGlass. I was slightly nervous but figured that if I requested a genuine replacement and a fitter who knew what they were doing then I'd probably be ok. So, the fitter turned up and confirmed that they had a genuine screen and had fitted to Porsche before. Great, I can relax and crack on with work. Come inspection time, the glass is indeed genuine, however the rubber trip looked strange, it is not the same as the one that was removed and is different to all of the other trim on the car. see pics. Added to which, there is a clear gap between the screen (bottom drivers side) which does not look right. Trim is also narrower. When I questioned this, I was told that this was the upgraded original fit and the gap/hole was intentional. Having sought guidance from a respected fitter, they confirmed what I expected, that it was the incorrect trim and is likely to cause issues in the near future - and the fact that it just looks wrong. I've phoned AutoGlass who don't seem that bothered although they have guaranteed that I'll receive a call back to discuss I've discussed this with my insurer, Liverpool Victoria, who have asked AG to investigate as well. However, I have no confidence in either to resolve this matter and am seeking guidance on whether I can legally ask for a specialist fitter to resolve the matter. Bit of a rant but I feel that it is warranted to (a) ensure that people who may be in the same situation and (b) to seek some guidance from the experts here and any advice that they can give. Thanks so much. Scott

I used Autoglass about a month ago to replace the windscreen on my 996 C4S. After they had fitted the windscreen , it creaked really badly. Contacted AG and they were excellent. A guy turned up the following day and didn’t even want to hear it creaking. Changed the whole windscreen. Very pleased with result. They have a lifetime warranty on any windscreen work they do so you will be covered by AG warranty. Hope you get it sorted.

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I may have the same screen issue, my screen was also replaced by Autoglass, around 6 weeks ago. The fitter claimed to have fitted several screens to a 911. The outer rubber trim now looks like the one on your car, which is different from the original type, I also have a gap on the nearside. The offside looks correct. My screen in a Pilkington, rain sensitive type. I have had to get them back to refit the interior mirror as it was very loose. I saw a report about screen creaking, I have heard a single cracking noise from somewhere occasionally, is that the sound that is being referred to?

That is the problem with insurance, particularly when shopping around to get 'the best' deal, as you never know how good any policy actually is until you need to make a claim. I was very pleased that when I had a windscreen replaced the Club insurers were happy for me to use an OPC. Of course, an OPC will also use a subcontractor, but as least one that will be answering to their standards rather than those of a cost-conscious insurer.

Thanks to all of you who have commented. A quick update; - the insurer is sending a chap out to inspect the install tomorrow - autoglass have phoned and have said that they have ordered a new genuine screen and the correct fitting accessories to do it properly. They have also asked if the remedial work can be done at their Gloucester branch So it can be done properly. thoughts?

Just for info, i have the same windscreen manufacturer fitted to my 2002 Targa (not sure if original screen) as not replaced. The seal profile is different as you say and has a groove within the profile. My windscreen numbers are 43R-00361, DOT 503 AS 1 M 121. Hope they get it sorted.

Did Autoglass fit a Porsche screen and seal in the end? my Swindon branch have obtained a genuine seal, but at this time are unwilling to purchase a genuine glass. If they fitted a genuine screen, did it have the same rounded lower corners like the Saint Gobain one they originally fitted?

I had similar issues (996.2) when it cracked during chip repair (known risk - such is life). The first time round the trip didn't look right at top offside and the guy also snapped a bit of the scuttle which sits behind the retaining screw - he didn't tell me, I found it on the floor afterwards. The scuttle is an eay fix with it off but trickier when you find it after the event. AG sent out one of their warranty guys who seemed to know his stuff and he mentioned there had been a change from a single to two piece (or other way round) seal and the new ones were more modern. To his (and there) credit, he said straight away that the best bet was for them to start from scratch just in case. It took a few weeks as I'm told they rejected a batch of glass for quality reasons, which is reassuring, and the second attempt sits better even if the actual difference is only a mm or two. Moral of the story - don't be afraid to complain to AG even if you let it go on the day but the current seal may be different. Good luck with the second install Trev

Yes. All sorted in the end. Second genuine screen fitted, with the correct seals this time. I did take it to one of their fitting centres though, so there was no excuse not to do it due to weather. Looks like a good job as well. Managed to get the excess back and a goodwill from my insurance company

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Glad yours was sorted, with a genuine screen. Autoglass Warranty contacted me, to arrange the screen to be refitted. The same fitted turned up, he admitted he did not fit the plastic frame around the screen, the first time, as he broke the original one and did not have a new one with him. He just bonded the screen in place and used a generic, rubber seal, hence why it was creaking and the bottom corners of the screen were visible. They would not fit a genuine screen, they even refitted the previous one, a Pilkington screen. They did fit the genuine surround frame and seal, they did not replace the seal at the base of the screen, he claimed its not available as a separate part, it is! It looks okay and does not creak. Time will tell, it has a warranty as long as I keep the car. I may have to take more action and push for a genuine screen and new lower seal.

Utter tosh - if anyone tells you the seal has been changed they are talking rubbish. I've just had a new seal and plastic/metal trim supplied by the local Porsche Centre because their own fitter messed up the replacement of my windscreen. As @originally901 says the generic single piece rubber seal would be fitted because the fitter cannot be bothered to source the correct parts. The seal is two pieces for both the 996.1 and 996.2, different part numbers for each version.

Checking through previous AG chats with installer, in their defence they fitted a 2 part seal and it wasn't the first time the screen had been changed. The previous one was pristine except for a single annoying chip that I acquired one day

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Update on my screen issue, bear in mind it has a non genuine Pilkington screen fitted (by AG) I drove the car yesterday, 31/08, I noticed some creaking leaving my lowered kerb driveway and going across a slope. I was told by an independent fitter, the aftermarket screens are a little smaller than genuine screens, could be true!. I guess its back to AG warranty.