Are genuine OEM and Genuine Porsche Badges Different?

[KerryM]

I'm looking for the correct hood badge for my 1978 Targa, part number 901-559-210-20 and am confused between sellers saying the part is genuine OEM vs Genuine Porsche. Both have the part number on the back; some are smooth on the back and some show the impressions from the front. Did 901-559-210-20 change over the years?

Can anyone school me on this? Thanks

[ROW911SC]

I'd like to know more about this as well. I purchased (on eBay) a "Genuine" Porsche crest—with the correct part numbers—for my '81 SC; the gasket is way too small, and the metal studs on the back are angled inward to the point where they will never align properly with the holes in the hood. The crest itself has a curved profile, not nearly as flat as what was originally on the car. Seller is saying that Porsche's new crests are designed to fit a variety of current models. And that I should try boiling the gasket in water to soften it; I tried this and it doesn't work! And I'm not too keen on trying to bend the studs into alignment...

[gliding_serpent]

Problem is confounded when parts manufacturers are called "original equipment" or "real oem" or whatever.

[TheSt|G]

The correct definitions are:

OE-Porsche factory parts
OEM-Parts made by the supplier for Porsche
Aftermarket-Copies of the parts by other firms


That being said, the internet plays pretty fast and loose with those terms. Outside of Pelican and a few others(which I won't list out of respect), your options are limited to buying from dealerships that have an online presence or in person.

Often, saving a few pennies costs you a few bucks.

[chris_seven]

901.559.210.20 is the first Red Badge and was used from 1973 to 1994.

The rear detail is produced using a 'forcer' die and is then clipped.

This manufacturing method is expensive in terms of tooling.




The rear detail should be as per this photograph and as far as I am aware all Genuine badges still have this appearance.

Anything with a flat back is most likely 'Aftermarket' even if it has the part number cast in.

A flat backed badge has a cost around $500 to tool up and has a unit manufacturing cost of about $25 if you order 50 badges.

Forcer dies and clipping tools cost about 5-6 times this amount and badges could easily be $45 each.

If the retaining pins, which should be hard soldered are not correctly positioned than bending can cause two problems.

This first is that the pin may break off at the solder joint. You can usually glue them back using a strong epoxy.

The second is worse - if the in is strongly attached then bending it will deform the badge and it is likely that you will break out a cone off the enamel from the front of the badge (Conchoidal fracture) which will ruin it forever.

I believe that new badges from Porsche have the correct detail despite what some sellers are saying.

The later Red Badges 996.559.211.01 with the Black Porsche Legend do have flat backs but have the full part number.

Caveat Emptor

[ROW911SC]

Originally Posted by chris_seven

901.559.210.20 is the first Red Badge and was used from 1973 to 1994.

The rear detail is produced using a 'forcer' die and is then clipped.

This manufacturing method is expensive in terms of tooling.




The rear detail should be as per this photograph and as far as I am aware all Genuine badges still have this appearance.

Anything with a flat back is most likely 'Aftermarket' even if it has the part number cast in.

A badge of this type has cost around $500 to tool up and has a unit manufacturing cost of about $25 if you order 50 badges.

If the retaining pins, which should be hard soldered are not correctly positioned than bending can cause two problems.

This first is that the pin may break off at the solder joint. You can usually glue them back using a strong epoxy.

The second is worse - if the in is strongly attached then bending it will deform the badge and it is likely that you will break out a cone off the enamel from the front of the badge (Conchoidal fracture) which will ruin it forever.

I believe that new badges from Porsche have the correct detail despite what some sellers are saying.

The later Red Badges 996.559.211.01 with the Black Porsche Legend do have flat backs but have the full part number.

Caveat Emptor

Thanks Chris. I'll photograph the one I received tonight but it does not have a flat back. In fact, it has a pronounced curvature...

[chris_seven]

I have been looking at making badges for the last few months and the trade uses the expression 'flat back' to mean that there is no pressed impression.

'Flat back' badges may still be curved. If you look at the 996 badge you will see what I mean.

I have an Orange Badge on a Customer's car that is significantly curved. It is a flat back but has the correct 1965-72 Part Number.

He paid $150 + 20% Sales Tax and it was sold as genuine. The pins are in the wrong place and he damaged the enamel fitting it to the car.

It is completely incorrect.

I think that the new badges from Porsche have the correct rear detail but I do think they are excessively curved.

I have just ordered an Orange Badge from my local dealer and if it wrong we are going to make a correct badge in Birmingham's (UK) Jewellery Quarter using a 5th generation badge making company.

[ROW911SC]

I see what you mean. Yes, the crest I received does not have a flat back, meaning the front impression is visible on the back. The crest itself has a curve if a section where cut horizontally through it...

[ROW911SC]

Took some pics of my original crest compared to the "Genuine" one I purchased on eBay. I was mistaken, the newer crest does have a "flat" back, so despite what the seller is telling me chances are its aftermarket?