Why did Porsche want interactive parts diagrams removed?
 

I was really disappointed to see that Porsche USA asked Wayne to remove from his website the so convenient interactive parts diagram tool he developed based on diagrams that are available on Porsche website. I am wondering what the reason behind that is. Sure it is their diagrams, and they can decide how they are used online, but that was not a very cool move from Porsche, if you ask me.
I doubt that they will get into helping DIYers and use this tool on their own website, so it looks to me like a loss for all of us. Wayne, any info you want to share with us in this issue?

Aurel

By the way, other websites are doing basically the same thing for used parts:

[link to competitor removed]

I wonder if Porsche USA is going to ask them to remove that also...

Aurel

It's the man trying to keep the DIY'r down!

Interesting turn of events. They obviously own the diagrams. And they do sell the same parts so Pelican is a competitor.

But it is pretty crappy of them.

Ian

Porsche makes more money selling cars than selling parts.
Why would they want anyone maintaining old Porsches?

It seems that everything "Porsche" is a uphill battle! Don't they know that we are on the same side!

Wayne,

Regarding your last paragraph, I've always wondered if Porsche has seen an increase in parts sales since Pelican came along. I happened to find the 101 Projects book in a book store before I had purchased (while looking for) my 911SC. Not long after I found my car I discovered the website and have since spent thousands on Porsche parts. Yes, Tweeks and Automotion had been around for years but I would imagine that once Pelican came along, DIY on vintage Porsches must have really taken off. I certainly wouldn't have tackled many of the projects on my car without the help from this board.

In short, do the accountants in the parts department at PAG appreciate what Pelican has done...?

I just do not understand the logic of Porsche NA sometimes. First they discontinue half the parts for older 911s (that are obviously still in great demand, as the success of this site indicates), then they "consolidate" a lot of stock back to Germany, making it difficult and inconvenient (and expensive) for parts customers. Now they want to cut off interactive parts diagrams so that customers can make informed decisions about which part #s to get.

Are they deliberately TRYING to alienate/destroy their customer base? I understand the copyright defense thing, but perhaps an agreement could be worked out whereby they authorize certain businesses to use them or lease them. . . I'm sure Pelican would do this. Probably a few others too.

Anyone else who has tried to source parts for early or mid-year 911s will understand my frustration. I have gone to my local P-car dealership several times for parts only to be told "sorry, we can't get that". A couple of times Pelican got it, a couple of other times I had to go elsewhere but I did eventually source the parts. Gigantic waste of time.

It's a turf thing.... control. No doubt PAG sees some benefit in well cared for old 911's and such holding up the flag of "Porsche reliability." So when it comes to the details of making money, they are likely to consider other subtleties too; like who gets to control Porsche documentation. Short sighted? --likely.

The diagrams were very handy. Based on Porsche asking them not to be used here. I pledge never to buy parts from the P dealers.

Pelican does more for the preservation of these older cars than Porsche realizes. WTF?

Wow, I just noticed that now. I've been doing a ton of parts research with my 915 rebuild currently in progress, and the direct link to the parts diagram, complete with highlighted diagram #s (much simpler than full part #s) has been beyond invaluable. I thought that system was one of the best additions to PP I've seen. What a shame to see it go. PCNA once again screws their customers (us Canadian folk have have a lot of problems with PCNA, and I'm glad we don't have to deal with them anymore, now that Porsche Canada has been created).

Does PCNA really care about vintage part sales? I ask this in all seriousness - is there really a significant amount of money in it for them, compared to more modern parts?

Wayne,

I think all of us here who use your bbs and purschase parts through you are very disappointed. However if PCNA thinks by removing the parts diagram from your website that we will start using their authorized dealer network, they have been smoking to much corporate weed. Recently I had an electric window switch die, I was up the street from the dealer and thought I would pop in pick it up and be done with it. I went to parts counter and asked for the appropriate swtich for my 86 Carrera. The look on the parts guys face said it all, when he returned with the switch, ya they did actually have it, that will be $66.50. Yes, $66.50 for an electric window switch from my local dealer. I laughed, I thought it was a joke and then said ARE U F'ING SERIOUS? Needless to say I walked out the door. What Porsche doesn't understand is regaurdless of the fact that they take away sites use of their parts diagrams no one is going to purchase parts from their local dealers when they are marked up 300%.

Too bad.

Diagrams can be posted that are similar to the P AG diagrams -- even based on them, as long as they are not so close as to violate the copyright.

I hope they will see the light and let Pelican and their dealers use the diagrams, so the wheel doesn't have to be reinvented.

The bottom line is that P AG is either dedicated to the owners of their (older) cars, or they aren't. If it is the latter, then they need to recognize that some of use own or consider owning their newer cars as well. For example, I had a Boxster S for a while.

Is it illegal if the images in question are redrawn?

I'd be willing to lend some time reconstructing some of the images in AutoCAD or whatever if it's any help.

Better to use Unigraphics or Solid Works than Autocad, in IMNSHO.

Yeah, we know exactly what happens when the mother company is in control. $45 t-shirts and $1,200 gas tanks. No thanks.

Screw 'em.

I for one won't afford a new Porsche. I probably could, but choose to use my resources other ways. The appeal of an older Porsche is the lower cost of entry along with good support and reasonable parts cost and availability. If it gets too expensive, I'm sorry to say I'll be moving on. Doesn't matter to PCNA I'm sure, but it's reality for me. Researching parts and options is a big part of owning an older Porsche. What's next? Sorry but you can't use Porsche part numbers any more.

As I've always said:

I love the cars. But I HATE the company.

They don't realize how much they'd earn in goodwill- and dollars- by freely providing information like this to independents and DIY'rs. All those sappy reunion speeches about how much they value the heritage and appreciate those of us who keep it alive mean nothing.

My run in with them involved DE events. Both PCA and PCNA promote these events. But they don't tell you that you void your warranty if you do. Even on your radio.

Oh and don't look for an article on this in Panorama- the company mouthpiece.

didn't they try this in the 70's or 80's and it blew up in their face....big dealer revolt that caught them off guard...do they really think the US car market has changed the way they do business?
what makes them think that time will heal the wounds on that one?
there were some pretty sizable lawsuits if i remember.
exce11ence had something on this a while ago.

Idiotic. They are totally missing the point. I think selling too many cayennes got to their head.


Wayne, you're a much bigger force then you're playing out to be in this thread. You have much more power in your hands than you may think, as it seems from what you're saying.

It sounds to me as one of two things is happening. Either, because of the size of their organization, they have totally misjudged the negative effect of what they are doing. Or they have a plan to push PP aside and take over this internet market. Either way, they're losing out. Idiots.