 Would drilling a small hole in a PORSCHE center reflector hurt it's value?, 911 OE center reflector cut down for use on a 914 |
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| 914rrr |
 Apr 16 2026, 07:35 AM
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#1
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Advanced Member  Group: Members Posts: 2,046 Joined: 1-July 03 From: McMinnville, TN Member No.: 874 Region Association: South East States  |
My 75 1.8 has a really nice but cut-down / modified 911 rear center reflector. I was fiddling with the taillights last weekend and may have disturbed the solenoid wiring for the rear trunk release. Now the button won't pop the rear trunk open.
Many years ago I had a similar set up and drilled a tiny hole in the reflector in order to insert a thin allen wrench to open the rear trunk in emergencies. Since the reflector is already cut and only useful to 914 owners, would drilling a small hole in my reflector decrease it's value? I'm contemplating removing the reflector and going back to the stock set up. Thoughts? |
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| sb914 |
Apr 16 2026, 08:04 AM
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#2
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Surf Guru Group: Members Posts: 4,628 Joined: 25-November 12 From: Brookings,Oregon Member No.: 15,191 Region Association: Southern California 
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I’d go back to stock . Looks better and it’s a pia when it won’t open .
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| mepstein |
Apr 16 2026, 08:20 AM
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#3
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914-6 GT in waiting Group: Members Posts: 20,632 Joined: 19-September 09 From: Landenberg, PA/Wilmington, DE Member No.: 10,825 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
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Yes but does it really matter if that’s what you need to do to get the lid open.
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| jd74914 |
Apr 16 2026, 08:43 AM
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#4
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Its alive Group: Members Posts: 4,876 Joined: 16-February 04 From: CT Member No.: 1,659 Region Association: North East States |
If you're so inclined...you can remove the trunk catch with about 3ft of extensions...they will flex enough to get you to the right place putting them on one by one from the engine bay. BTDT. Then got rid of the reflector.
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| 914rrr |
Apr 16 2026, 09:32 AM
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#5
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,046 Joined: 1-July 03 From: McMinnville, TN Member No.: 874 Region Association: South East States |
QUOTE(mepstein @ Apr 16 2026, 09:20 AM)  Yes but does it really matter if that’s what you need to do to get the lid open. I really don't need to drill a hole to get the lid open, but it would be easier and way more convenient for future snafus. I don't want to drill a hole in it if it substantially decreases the reflector's value / desirability to a subsequent 914 owner. |
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| 914rrr |
Apr 16 2026, 10:26 AM
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#6
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,046 Joined: 1-July 03 From: McMinnville, TN Member No.: 874 Region Association: South East States |
QUOTE(mepstein @ Apr 16 2026, 09:20 AM) Yes but does it really matter if that’s what you need to do to get the lid open. I really don't need to drill a hole to get the lid open, but it would be easier and way more convenient for future snafus. I don't want to drill a hole in it if it substantially decreases the reflector's value / desirability to a subsequent 914 owner. |
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| rjames |
Apr 16 2026, 10:41 AM
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#7
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I'm made of metal Group: Members Posts: 4,450 Joined: 24-July 05 From: Shoreline, WA Member No.: 4,467 Region Association: Pacific Northwest
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It would likely decrease the value of it unless it's in less than good condition already.
I have a cut down reflector on mine (previous owner mod) and had the soleniod fail shortly after buying the car. I went the route of drilling a hole in the trunk floor just large enough to run a bike brake cable through to open the trunk from below. Not a perfect solution either, but works until I can remove the refelctor and patch the holes in the back panel. |
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| Superhawk996 |
Apr 16 2026, 11:03 AM
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#8
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 7,783 Joined: 25-August 18 From: Woods of N. Idaho Member No.: 22,428 Region Association: Galt's Gulch
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Doh
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| Superhawk996 |
Apr 16 2026, 11:07 AM
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#9
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 7,783 Joined: 25-August 18 From: Woods of N. Idaho Member No.: 22,428 Region Association: Galt's Gulch
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QUOTE(Superhawk996 @ Apr 16 2026, 01:03 PM) QUOTE(jd74914 @ Apr 16 2026, 10:43 AM) If you're so inclined...you can remove the trunk catch with about 3ft of extensions...they will flex enough to get you to the right place putting them on one by one from the engine bay. BTDT. Then got rid of the reflector. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) this !!! Hint: tape the extensions and the socket together so they can’t separate in the trunk |
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| Superhawk996 |
Apr 16 2026, 11:08 AM
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#10
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 7,783 Joined: 25-August 18 From: Woods of N. Idaho Member No.: 22,428 Region Association: Galt's Gulch
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Doh!
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