Ger's 2003 Porsche Boxster S

[geraintthomas]

After aiming for a more sleek, aggressive but still OEM approach, I've finally nailed the look I'm going for. The 987 Black Edition was something I didn't even know existed until earlier today.

Check it out:







That's kind of what I'm aiming for. The rear lights have some similarities with my newer ones. Those satin black tail pipes, matt black rear badge, and even the gloss black wheels could look great on mine.

These are my wheels but in gloss black:



Gorgeous. I'd want to get lower suspension (10mm) first before doing the wheels as a big wheel arch ruins a gloss black wheel, but I think these could look lovely.

Thoughts?

[BruceH]

I have never been a huge fan of black wheels, but I will admit that looks pretty good! I say go for it

[geraintthomas]

Originally Posted by BruceH

I have never been a huge fan of black wheels, but I will admit that looks pretty good! I say go for it

Thanking you I'm going to refurb the faces black, the barrels silver, and the outer line silver.

Like these:

[TrumpyAl]

Originally Posted by geraintthomas

I'm going to refurb the faces black, the barrels silver, and the outer line silver.

.
Perfect!
.

[BruceH]

Yes, I like it with the outer line in silver. That sets the rims off nicely!

[geraintthomas]

I've also been playing around with ideas for the diffuser. I've never liked it as it seems a little fussy, so I'm making more of a feature of it.

See the newer ones?



Same shape, except they're matt black and plastic. It's a nice contrast between the paintwork and bringing out the exhaust area. Makes it look purposeful too, so I'm going down the same route.

I've photoshopped it up roughly, but I've done the following:

- Fins sprayed matt black
- Exhaust surround matt blakc
- Exhaust tips satin black
- Bypass pipes (and exhaust backing plate) black, to hide them
- Honeycomb grill behind the fins

Here's the difference:





Makes it look a lot newer in my opinion, and very easy to do. Will get round to doing it when the weather's good

[TrumpyAl]

Somehow it makes the car seem wider. Which can only be good.

[geraintthomas]

True. To me, it makes more of an 'area' and a purpose to the exhaust section. Before, it's just a gloss bumper with two exhaust sticking out, but the new one shows the exhaust section a lot more.

[RichRobby]

Started reading your updates in earnest. You have a great looking car there and the information you are providing is invaluable.

I think I will do the DRL's and the new clear LED rears as a start on my speed yellow to freshen it up but pretty confused on the way forward for changing the headlights, need to do a lot more reading.

Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk

[geraintthomas]

Originally Posted by RichRobby

Started reading your updates in earnest. You have a great looking car there and the information you are providing is invaluable.

I think I will do the DRL's and the new clear LED rears as a start on my speed yellow to freshen it up but pretty confused on the way forward for changing the headlights, need to do a lot more reading.

Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk

Thanks very much bud, really appreciate it. Do plenty of research on your headlights, it took me months and months to get around to doing it and to read up on it! But it's worth it.


So - finally redid the rear badge in black.

Took the badge off the car, put 1mm pad tape on the back and cut around it with a scalpel to have a neat edge



Sprayed in matt black and on the car



Showing the rear lights up close



And while we're on the subject of lights...







Apologies for the filthy car!

At night:







Very happy with the way the car's turning out

[geraintthomas]

Extra photos due to the silly 10 photo limit:

[grc0456]

Ger, you are an artiste!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[geraintthomas]

Haha, I appreciate it actually a VFX artist by trade so it all goes hand in hand lol!

I've always said that if someone looks at my car and says "Oh I like what you've done there!", then it's not good enough. It needs to be totally OEM looking and feeling, and to not realise it's aftermarket. If I don't think Porsche would have done something, then I won't do it. So far, everything I've added to the car, they've done either by optional extras or added/changed on newer cars. For example, I'm currently adding a better gong sound for the DIY parking sensors, as the beep is a little too aftermarket for my liking.

Things like blue LED interior lights and dashboard lights, or sticking a 'Boxster S' rear badge across the dashboard/airbag, that's all a huge no no to me. It's not something Porsche would ever do, and I'd like to stay in the interest and the spirit of the maker with this car. So no blue LED's or 6000k headlights for me

Thanks for the comments though, really nice to see it's being appreciated!

[RichRobby]

Ger,
Out of interest are you telling your insurance company about all your improvements?
You are obviously making the car a lot more desirable so increasing the insurance risk.
Interested to know what the increase in premium might be.

Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk

[geraintthomas]

Things like the automatic roof and alcantara, no. Wheels and exhaust I have, and the premium hasn't risen.

Happy new year everyone! Thought I'd take some up to date photos of the car in its current form with the black badge, new rear lights and front DRL's:

[Anker]

Drool! Can't afford and don't have room for another Boxster, otherwise I would be sorely tempted!

[geraintthomas]

Originally Posted by Anker

Drool! Can't afford and don't have room for another Boxster, otherwise I would be sorely tempted!

You've got a 2004 S, so no need!

[BruceH]

Car looks great Ger

[fridsten]

Originally Posted by geraintthomas

Alcantara wasn't working on the ash tray - got dirty too quickly with bits and the door kept rubbing.

I removed my ashtray and replaced it with one of these.
GENUINE PORSCHE 986 BOXSTER CENTRE CONSOLE SHELF & MAT TO REPLACE ASHTRAY - NEW | eBay
Much better! Aat least for me, since I don't smoke.

[geraintthomas]

Originally Posted by fridsten

I removed my ashtray and replaced it with one of these.
GENUINE PORSCHE 986 BOXSTER CENTRE CONSOLE SHELF & MAT TO REPLACE ASHTRAY - NEW | eBay
Much better! Aat least for me, since I don't smoke.

Been meaning to do that nice idea bud, will add it to my list.

Just recorded a new video showing the bypass exhaust. If anyone's in doubt whether to get it or not, just give my video a watch...