Amberectomy photos - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Perfectlap · 02-13-2005, 09:19 PM

Some before and after photos. Picked up a used set of 996 lights, got out the soldering gun and pliers and performed the aber-ectomy, added Silverstar non-oragne bulbs, clear corners$45

! and clear side markers. Also pictured are the Ebay chrome grill strips another forum member wasn't happy with. I went through the same thing on my old car so I knew to expect $10 wheel well trim cut fit and repriced for $25! But for the money I think it makes a nice improvement, even though it should be billed as plastic chrome.

The clear headlights are more noticeable improvements on darker colored cars but still a good improvement giving more of a refined look. Clear tailights are on the way, also purchased used. .

the car also has 17 layers of Klasse Sealant Glaze applied over the course of month (needs 24 hours to cure between coats) and topped off with one coat of Pinnacle Signature Series Carnauba Wax. I use 1Z products on the interior, Cockpit Premium and Lederpflege leather care.

PAH · 02-14-2005, 03:34 AM

That looks fantastic! The lights are an obvious improvement (one that I am desperate to sort as soon as possible). However, I am most impressed with the grille strips. They really give the front of the car that facelift model look. I'd love to get a set of those, so if there is anyone else who isn't happy with them, and would like to sell, I'll buy!

When you fitted them, did you notice a pointed 'cone' shaped thing in the front right grille, pointing forward? When I was cleaning my car, I noticed this item, clipped into place, with a wire coming out of the back, and into the car. I have no idea what it is, or what it's for. Any advice?

Cheers

Paul

Tool Pants · 02-14-2005, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAH

When you fitted them, did you notice a pointed 'cone' shaped thing in the front right grille, pointing forward? When I was cleaning my car, I noticed this item, clipped into place, with a wire coming out of the back, and into the car. I have no idea what it is, or what it's for. Any advice?
Paul

It transmits your speed to the police and speed cameras.

RandallNeighbour · 02-14-2005, 06:40 AM

Toolpants, your very scary reply has been up long enough. Now tell us what it's really for!

Perfectlap · 02-14-2005, 06:41 AM

so just get out the wire clippers?(I'm not kidding)

Brucelee · 02-14-2005, 06:59 AM

What a difference this makes, no?

Good job!

spgribben007 · 02-14-2005, 07:18 AM

Perfectlap,

The color diffence is amazing! Did the 17 coats of glaze really changed the color or did you get a new digital camera? I wonder what other colors would like with 17 coats?

spgribben007

Perfectlap · 02-14-2005, 09:12 AM

The dealer took the old pics before any Klasse was on the car at all. So that accounts for the drastic color difference in the before and after shots. I use a Sony Cybershot 4.1
The difference in reflection is more to do with one day being overcast and the recent photo on a sunny day. Sunny days love Klasse. Not the case with my previous Black car.
Layering Klasse Sealant Glaze will however make big difference in paint protection. I guess you want to be applying waxes (I use Caranuaba) on the Sealant Glaze and not directly onto the upreped' paint surface. Doing an application of wax incorrectly with cheap applicators over time results in all those little cobweb scratches on your clearcoat. The only downside is that you can no longer use the synthetic Sealant Glaze once you've toped it with a bio product like Carnauba. After a few months of reapplying Carnauba wax you need to:
strip it all using Klasse All In One,
Clay out all the salt and sediments (specially during winter)
and start layering the sealant glaze once again.
I plan to do this before and summer.

YellowJacket · 02-14-2005, 09:15 AM

Haven't found this on my car yet, but on my BMW the outside temperature sensor looked EXACTLY like that and was in exactly the same spot. I'm sure that's what it is.

Perfectlap · 02-14-2005, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YellowJacket

Haven't found this on my car yet, but on my BMW the outside temperature sensor looked EXACTLY like that and was in exactly the same spot. I'm sure that's what it is.

wow not a minute too soon (wire cutters in hand)

Thumper · 02-14-2005, 10:47 AM

Temperature sender was going to be my guess too.

Perfectlap · 02-14-2005, 08:46 PM

PAH,
go down to your local auto parts store and buy some door edge
protectors/wheel well trim in chrome. They come in plain black,
red,silver etc. Take a pair of wire cutters cut the length.
Then take the hook end of a coat hanger and stick the sharp
bit into the hole at the cut end. Pull down to widen the gap so
the strips will slide onto the stock grill.