Rear reflector??

[dave blackburn]

Did the rear PORSCHE reflector between the tail lights ever come with a 914. If not, which one should I use? Thanks Dave

[Bruce Allert]

Hi Dave, I don't think the 914 ever came with one. The ones used have been from the 911 or 912 (not sure on which or may be both were used). They need to be cut down in length to fit and you'll need to install a remote trunk lock, either electric or cable due to the trunk button will cut out most of the "S". I have a custom red reflector that I made from plexiglass and had the PORSCHE 914 letters done at a sign shop. They were made backwards. I installed them on the back of the glass then painted red over the letters. It turned out quite well. It still needs fine tuning like attaching the reflector to the car and making the reflector water tight. I've been toying with the idea of keeping the glass clear and paint the body red. If you want I can send you pictures of how it looks. The Porsche 914 letters were done in a French script about 2" in size. I put it on the right side. There's no reason that the actual Porsche font couldn't be used and the actual size too. Hope this helps.
bruce

[John2kx]

Dave,

From what I've found, the reflector was never available from factory. The cut down 911 units seem to be available in higher numbers than the type which has a black border surrounding the entire edge. Not sure if the cut down units were ever available through a supplier specifically for the 914 (or if teeners just made their own from the 911 piece) but have found out that the "black border" piece used to be distributed specifically for 914s years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if Porsche stepped in here and put a stop to the production of this part.

I have not been able to locate a supplier of either style available new. Ebay along with some other porsche classifieds have listed at least a dozen of these in the past 6 months. I've seen prices from $75 to $225. Prices vary according to condition and if supplied with cable or solenoid to open trunk. You'll also see some reflectors that have a hole drilled through the "S" to allow rear latch buttom to protrude lens.

I really wanted a new piece vs. buying a used, scratch, warped, dull, broken studded, cut too short, letter separating, over sprayed.........you get the picture......ain't nothing like buying used, huh? Sometimes you win and then sometimes you don't.

Mine was purchased on ebay last week with the understanding that if not satisfied, it would be returned with full refund. I am responsible for shipping both ways. Not the best of situations but one I'm comfortable with.

One reader mentioned making these new several months back. Never saw any pics and not sure if this ever came to light. Might want to do a search on "reflectors" and see what surfaces.

Hope this helped.

John

[scotty914]

i was the one who was going to make some "new" ones but after about 40 hours of work on them, including the first parts for 5 of them my house burned down with all of the parts destoyed

i was just about to take pics of the parts and all of the info ( cad drawing for laser cutting ) was melted

i will get back to it but there are other things i need to work on right now

BTW they looked great had black edges just like the tail lights and all ... it is amazing that each reflector had 11 parts to it to look "factory" not including mounting or letters

[Bruce Allert]

Scott, very sorry to hear about the fire. It sounds like you made it thru alright. Having all your belonging go up in smoke would be hard to take and difficult to get back on track. Hang in there and keep drivin' the twisties!
bruce

[cg7068]

From my ubderstanding and research the rear reflector was never an option on the 914, neither was the front hood Porsche coat of arms. But for some reason some one put them on the 914's and they don't look that bad (my 914 has them). Look into the early 911 such as late sixties or early 70's, and my does have a cable to open up the rear trunk. good luck.

cg
1970 914 still on jack stands