Substitute panel for center rear reflector

[widgeon13]

I think it needs to be secured with something other than two sided tape in order to be a marketable product. If that's the route others want, I will make my own out of lexan.

[MysticLlama]

I'd also like to go this route... but I agree that the double-sided tape doesn't seem like the best way to do it if it's actually produced.

[dd74]

Originally posted by dweymer
ok, maybe I will have to pull mine and mold it. I've got the glass, resin, even CF. How do I get it off? Mine is a '74, what years would it apply to? What would be a reasonable price for everyone?

All 14 years of the mid-year line. 1974 to 1988.

[widebody911]

I'd thought about doing this a while back. All I'd need is a nice straight reflector that I could sacrifice, as I'd want to sand down the raised DOT lettering, fill in the gaps, etc. I even talked to Mike Z about the possibility of doing the PORSCHE in reflective vinyl, which it turns is doable, but would be spendy up-front because someone would have to invest in an entire roll of the material.

With a nice OEM reflector in-hand, I could have the mold done inside of two weeks; I have a regular job, too, and I've been making heater ducts like crazy. If Zeke doesn't do it, maybe I will.

As to attachment, why not studs like the original? They could be epoxied-in after molding without too much drama. Double-sided tape would only work on a display car that's never driven.

Speaking of hardtops, I finally pulled a splash of an OEM cab body base, which I'll integrate into the next section of the mold. I just need to find some time to do the actual integration. I have shop to chopper-gun this stuff for me now, so I don't have to deal with the enviro issues as much.

[sand_man]

I'd buy one!

[911teo]

I would buy one too

[david.avery]

I would buy one as well. As a note, don't you have to pull the bumper to get this panel off? Is there a way we could remove it simply, and perhaps an alternate attachment method to make this easier without pulling all the crap off the back of the car?

[project 911]

On mine, I can get to the bolts by removing the lower valance but it is a tight squeeze. It may depend on what muffler you have. On my panel I used six studs instead of ten (two in the middle, two on each end). You could use wingnuts and lockwashers on the back. It might make it easier.

[NoLift911]

Originally posted by david.avery
I would buy one as well. As a note, don't you have to pull the bumper to get this panel off? Is there a way we could remove it simply, and perhaps an alternate attachment method to make this easier without pulling all the crap off the back of the car?

To get the old one off you are probably better served removing the muffler and the valance shield and coaxing it off. Mine has those sumbizatch clips and you really need to work these things like a part time job to free the lens without damage. My car is but a shell right now, so access was easy.

As for attaching yes, (I think someone) mentioned doublesided tape which is used in many automotive applications and 3M makes tape just for this. I have used this tape for my RUF mirrors and it works great. Simple is better. Holding that 10oz. lens on with 10 clips from hell is about as overkill as it comes. Maybe the good Dr. should have expended this overengineering zeal in swaybar mounts?

Much to Wil's dismay I am going to paint my old one...easier, cheaper, no hassle...enter the simple thing again.

-Jeff

[Jeff Alton]

Post pics whem painted, I may do the same....

Cheers

[Wil Ferch]

like taking a $100 bill so you can use it as a wallpaper patch..... "just because" you happen to have a $100 bill instead of cutting a 2" x 5" piece of paper....

....it's your money I guess.....

Wil

[NoLift911]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
like taking a $100 bill so you can use it as a wallpaper patch..... "just because" you happen to have a $100 bill instead of cutting a 2" x 5" piece of paper....

....it's your money I guess.....

Wil

Actually Wil, $100 bills are 2.5" x 6". If they were 2" x 5" I would have wallpapered my library with them...

Time is money...

-Jeff

[Wil Ferch]

groan.... so you're a lawyer, huh...because your time is being measured against a $600 ( market value) new reflector....

Wil

[millhaus]

How do you remove this rear POrsche reflector on a 1980?

I can't get to it form the top so I removed the bumper and metal plate above the muffler. I can BARELY see some metal clips that appear to be pushed on some plastic bosses but I do not want to pry at them and risk breaking them (it is currently very cold in Michigan!)

What is the proper way to remove this Porsche reflector?

Thanks

[david.avery]

Here's what I'm thinking:

I guarantee most of us looking at this thread have crap rear reflectors. Mine is It's got some oil stains inside, crazing, a chip, sun fade, you name it. I will not mourn it if I rip it off with a big pair of pliers.

So, I propose two things: One, the new panel has some sort of concealed fastener, maybe a snap on/quarter turn fastener. The old one, we find a way to rip it off (like freezing it with liquid nitrogen, I dunno) and disintegrating it without taking the whole back half of the car apart.

What do you think?

[millhaus]

Mine is in pretty good shape but if you send me a new one I'll rip it off and tell you how to install it.

Does anyone else know how to get it off without damaging it?

Thanks

[911teo]

Mine popped off on its own



But that is not a cheap way of doing it...

[dweymer]

so did the wheels!! sucks Matteo sorry 'bout that.

I have been way busy but will try to take pics, and explain how I get mine off this week/end.

[911teo]

No biggie... old story... Car is getting fixed... and upgraded :0

[gumba]

I took the reflector off. Made a panel out of aluminum, around 22 gauge and glued it on with 2 part apoxy.
'75 Carrera w/3.4 twin plug track car.