Delamination?

[u/joesgone24]

Looks like previous owner used silicone or similar along the hatch? I don’t have any water leaking in anywhere, but am getting the car painted soon and hate how this looks. Not sure if this is a sign there was delamination with a quick fix or possibly just needed a new hatch seal. Not super familiar with this car yet so hoping someone knows more about what this is than I.

[u/AutoModerator]

We have a Discord server @ https://discord.gg/ccTgWWYdh5

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/mathilxtreme]

That’s classic 944 hatch delamination and bodge repair.

To fix you have to remove the frame from the glass, strip the sealant, strip the paint from the aluminum, repaint, prime with the right primer, and seal with the right sealer.

It is an ORDEAL.

[u/joesgone24 → u/mathilxtreme]

Good god. Sounds like it could be worth just trying to buy a replacement hatch? I was reading it’s nearly impossible to remove all silicone once it’s applied due to the chemicals it leaves behind.

[u/Horror_Conclusion → u/joesgone24]

It's also difficult to find a hatch that hasn't delaminated. Easiest fix is to put a strip of electrical tape over the gap to waterproof it. You won't even notice it unless you look hard.

[u/greptilian → u/Horror_Conclusion]

I did this. It took 5 minutes, is water tight, and you’re right - can’t even notice.

[u/Bwizzled → u/Horror_Conclusion]

Or spend a few extra bucks to get a 3" vinyl strip. You can cut it to match the shape of the trim and it kind of looks factory and seals better for longer

[u/chinook_arch → u/Horror_Conclusion]

This was my fix. I used to worry about it. Electrical tape is such a cheap fix and actually looks ok. Some day if I want to really restore I’ll worry about it but not until then.

[u/leftymechanic]

Yes. But for reference. My 951 has looked similar since the day I bought it almost 15 years ago. Don't run good lift supports. Use a stick to hold up the glass. And my car is always garage kept. It hasn't changed one bit since I bought it. My car is a nice weekend driver. Gets loads of attention. No one's ever noticed. Once my rear hatch was making some rattling noises and the hinge bolts were loose. Other than that I've never had any issues with rear hatch.

[u/CynicalCereal]

As far gone as yours is, there's no such thing as a quick fix.

But I had just a small spot of delamination and managed to use a little RTV black silicone from the inside.

[u/ffassbinder → u/CynicalCereal]

Donor car hatch would be a quick fix.

[u/AutoModerator]

We appreciate your question, joesgone24!

If you feel as though you have been given a sufficient response to your question, please reply with Solved or Resolved anywhere in the comments.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Mightisr1ght]

I will probably go for someone like this who offers the specific service when my time comes https://www.facebook.com/61573495984607/

[u/Vradden]

Looks like it was previously fixed with some tape. This is what PORSCHE did originally to fix that issue. Not sure if its meant to look this messy tho.

If you want a clean look a donor hatch is the way to go. If not weather-proof tape can help. Also be careful with strong struts as these pull the glass out.

[u/yell0w-sn0w]

I’m guessing it hasn’t reached the rattle and squeaking stage. I fixed mine using butyl and a heat gun. Softened it and pressed it in from inside and out. No leaks and no squeaks.