Topic: Door seals

[marku]

Been refitting the door seals after the respray. I was not aware what complicated things they are both in section and extension. Who designs them as manufacturing must present considerable problems. Quite the unsung heroes I would have thought.

[mrkozzy]

I'm hearing you loud and clear on this one.

I had a full new set for all 4 doors sitting in my garage storage for over 2 years waiting for the day.

I really didn't want to tackle the installation because I realized I'm a novice at that sort of thing.  (and my weekends can be better spent)

Unfortunately, I had reason to get some panel repairs and painting done recently myself. (Some dirt bag hit me!).   :'( :'(

Fortunately I was able to persuade the guys at the panel shop to help. 

As they were finishing off the work, I walked in with some "folding stuff" and a case of beer.   

Voila.  Jobs done.   

[Fergus]

Sounds like you got them on - well done.

Any tips for those of us in the 5C class of the 116 school?

[marku]

A tedious job and time consuming. Easiest with the doors off. Only tool necessary is the usual plastic wedge. Line up the seal and start at a shaped corner. Work round pressing the outer edge into the retainer and then down at the back which forces it under the retainer lip. The only caution is that it is very easy to stretch the seal and end up with too much to fit. Keep checking all round fit.
Reading an old Porsche manual on the subject it recommended regular treatment of seals with petroleum jelly to keep them supple. Rub of excess with soft cloth. Makes them look new.

[daantjie]

For me at least this job was a piece of cake.  The only thing is you need to take your time, and as always the secret is in the prep, as in surgically clean the channels.  Then once clean, really check for rust, especially along the bottom of the door.  Now is the time to do rust repair with some Miracle Paint or POR15 or whatever rust inhibitor you can get.

I used a light smear of silicone dialectric grease to ease the rubber into the channel.  I would not use any type of vaseline product as it will eat the rubber over time.

This job is a walk in the park compared to the front and rear glass gasket replacement, only real masochists need apply

[Fergus]

Thanks both

[marku]

I used a light smear of silicone dialectric grease to ease the rubber into the channel.  I would not use any type of vaseline product as it will eat the rubber over time.

You think that Vaseline would do that? Recommended by Porsche as well. Thought it very mild and a good lubricant. The rubber does seem to dry out over time and needs something.

[raueda1]

I used a light smear of silicone dialectric grease to ease the rubber into the channel.  I would not use any type of vaseline product as it will eat the rubber over time.

You think that Vaseline would do that? Recommended by Porsche as well. Thought it very mild and a good lubricant. The rubber does seem to dry out over time and needs something.

Completely agree with Daantjie on the vasoline regardless of Porsche's recommendation.  It's basically a refined hydrocarbon grease that will eventually be and absorbed by and then degrade the rubber.  Ok short term, bad long term.  Silicone grease or fluid is a far better choice.  I've used Armorall to good effect.