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> 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
914rrr
post Apr 16 2026, 07:35 AM
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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
post Apr 16 2026, 08:04 AM
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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
post Apr 16 2026, 08:20 AM
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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
post Apr 16 2026, 08:43 AM
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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
post Apr 16 2026, 09:32 AM
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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
post Apr 16 2026, 10:26 AM
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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
post Apr 16 2026, 10:41 AM
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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
post Apr 16 2026, 11:03 AM
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Doh
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Superhawk996
post Apr 16 2026, 11:07 AM
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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
post Apr 16 2026, 11:08 AM
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Doh!
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Jack Standz
post Apr 16 2026, 02:23 PM
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Our '74 has the rear modified 911 reflector. A cable with a small handle was run into the engine compartment by the PO from the trunk latch.

It works and no hole in the center of the reflector.

Yes, the hole will impact the value/$ But really, if you make this modification to your 914, the reflector looks better without the hole in it. And some even say the 914 looks better without the modified 911 reflector that doesn't belong on a (stock) 914. You do you, hole or not.
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fiacra
post Apr 16 2026, 05:06 PM
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I think the more pertinent question is: would being unable to open the trunk decrease the value of my car?

My previous car had a reflector and the diameter of the hole drilled in it was ~1.5mm. I used a small stainless steel rod to open the trunk. It was an Kirschner wire, used in surgery to pin small bones, so not sure how easy it is to get one. Any steel rod should do fine. The hole is so small it was basically unnoticeable. Whatever you do, you need to have some back-up method of opening the trunk. I'd rather drill a tiny hole in the reflector than drill a hole in my car.
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Jack Standz
post Apr 16 2026, 05:58 PM
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Open the trunk lid with solenoid. If it fails to open, use the cable that you install and stays neatly inside the engine bay.

No hole. Not needed.
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slowrodent
post Apr 16 2026, 06:14 PM
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As a side, unless it's the Mona Lisa, I'm probably drilling a hole in it...
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jim_hoyland
post Apr 16 2026, 06:17 PM
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I made a backup release wire that passed through the truck floor. Sweged a loop on the end. Only have to reach under the bumper to grab the backup release wire.
Also made a backup front hood wire.
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bkrantz
post Apr 16 2026, 08:55 PM
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Back to the original question, I say no. 100% original stock parts have inherent value. Once modified, most do not.

Go ahead and drill.
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barefoot
post Apr 17 2026, 06:32 AM
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QUOTE(jim_hoyland @ Apr 16 2026, 08:17 PM) *

I made a backup release wire that passed through the truck floor. Sweged a loop on the end. Only have to reach under the bumper to grab the backup release wire.
Also made a backup front hood wire.


Same here, just a short wire led directly down thru a grommet in the trunk floor, don't bother with the solenoid at all (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

Barefoot
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volksaddict
post Apr 17 2026, 06:54 AM
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I sold a fair condition one here a while back when I converted back to original, think I got 100 bucks for it and was happy to see it go. You worried about loosing value on a 150 maybe part?
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