Ask Porsche Classic to make headlight rubber seals here - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

PaulE · 01-15-2020, 09:22 AM

I know about the McMaster Carr rubber seal available by the foot and have some for a headlight project I'm currently working on. But it sure would be nice to be able to buy new seals for our headlights from Porsche, even though the price will likely be astronomical for what they are, and it seems there are plenty of people who have otherwise good headlights that would buy them if available.

Since Porsche keeps sending me emails about Porsche Classic parts I decided to take a look at their website and they have a page where you can request parts that currently are not available for purchase here

The part numbers for the seals are 99663117100 (US driver side) and 99663217200 (US passenger side), at least according to my headlights.

If enough of us go to this website and request the parts, maybe Porsche will consider offering them. Who wants to join me and see if we can get a reaction from Porsche?

Fiddlebog · 01-15-2020, 11:04 AM

what's the McMaster item number that people use on these headlights?

PaulE · 01-15-2020, 12:49 PM

1129A992 here - https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/126/3700

Fiddlebog · 01-15-2020, 06:15 PM

Thanks!
I agree that it should be available as a stock part though.

JBauer · 01-15-2020, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiddlebog

Thanks!
I agree that it should be available as a stock part though.

They'd probably cost $150 a piece though 🙄

rick3000 · 01-15-2020, 08:55 PM

I've submitted a few request specifically about the headlight seals over the last few years. Never heard anything back unfortunately.

itsnotanova · 01-16-2020, 10:58 AM

When I was at SEMA in November, I stopped by the BOSCH booth and asked about the seals. I was told to by the guy to get him some part numbers and give him a call. I've been meaning to do that but I've been busy. Let me see what I can find out.

PaulE · 01-16-2020, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

When I was at SEMA in November, I stopped by the BOSCH booth and asked about the seals. I was told to by the guy to get him some part numbers and give him a call. I've been meaning to do that but I've been busy. Let me see what I can find out.

Thanks Woody!

Ryan's986 · 01-16-2020, 01:03 PM

I put in a request. The website is sort of a black box though. There really is no way for
Porsche to contact you. In fact, they even say that they won't reply directly. So much for the Porsche Classic experience...

PaulE · 01-16-2020, 05:41 PM

I'm an optimist, figuring if they get enough requests then maybe they do something! But it may well be like pushing the button at a crosswalk and hoping the light will change!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan's986

I put in a request. The website is sort of a black box though. There really is no way for
Porsche to contact you. In fact, they even say that they won't reply directly. So much for the Porsche Classic experience...

itsnotanova · 01-22-2020, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulE

Thanks Woody!

Two phone calls and an email. I haven't heard anything yet. I once sold a good pair to a guy that was suppose to have a company in China make some. I never heard from him again either.

itsnotanova · 01-24-2020, 06:44 AM

"Hi John,
Sorry for the delayed response. I just heard back from the Product Manager and she confirmed we discontinued support of headlight spare parts in 2014. However, she did mention ABL Lighting, a large EU light and spare parts supplier, may offer alternative solutions.
I hope this helps, take care.
Thank you,
Justin Wolf
Bosch Automotive

What drives you, drives us!"

PaulE · 01-24-2020, 08:00 AM

Thanks for the update! The only ABL I found on a google search is ABL Lights Group, a brand of Vignal Lighting, which makes lighting for construction and railway equipment. It looks like Automotive Lighting was originally a 50/50 joint venture between Magneti-Marelli and Bosch and is now 100% owned by Magneti-Marelli, that's probably why Bosch is out of it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

"Hi John,
Sorry for the delayed response. I just heard back from the Product Manager and she confirmed we discontinued support of headlight spare parts in 2014. However, she did mention ABL Lighting, a large EU light and spare parts supplier, may offer alternative solutions.
I hope this helps, take care.
Thank you,
Justin Wolf
Bosch Automotive

What drives you, drives us!"

ADGM · 02-04-2020, 12:02 PM

There's a company called Steele Rubber that makes a lot of stuff for American cars. I wonder if enough of us contacted them they would be interested in making them?

Brian in Tucson · 02-04-2020, 04:45 PM

A group buy would be nice. Probably some Chinese vendor could make some up for a reasonable price. I don't know how one would proceed to get in touch with a manufacturer or vendor, tho. Maybe talk to Pelican?

Boxstard · 02-08-2020, 08:52 AM

They just want to sell the headlight assembly with a seal, not just a seal... if they do I bet it is too expensive and you better off buy a whole headlight.

PaulE · 02-09-2020, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxstard

They just want to sell the headlight assembly with a seal, not just a seal... if they do I bet it is too expensive and you better off buy a whole headlight.

I'm sure you're right, and with the biodegradeable insulation on the wiring and the inner lenses that burn over time in the halogen units, it's probably a better way to go. But there are a lot of good headlights with bad seals out there.