Seemingly obscure Porsche 911 parts that are still readily available

Parts for a 20-year-old BMW? Not as easy to find as you’d think. Ask me about the used ABS/DSC module I had to buy for my 2004 M3. The factory nor the aftermarket offer this major safety component.

But parts for a 40-year-old Porsche 911? Over more than 15 years of ownership, I haven’t been stumped yet. Other than a few covid supply issues, most everything’s been in stock for quick shipping.

Repair and service parts? Easy.

It’s the obscure parts that surprise me. Here are a few that I have needed over the years.

The top of each interior door panel is secured by a screw. It’s hidden from view by a little plastic cover. My car was missing one of those covers. Porsche still offers this small detail. They go for about $5 each–I paid less than half that back in 2010–but I still see them listed.

When we recently replaced the clutch, my mechanic recommended that I also pick up a new clutch cable, clutch return spring and the pedal pin, all in the name of completely renewing the system. It looks a lot like a 6x28mm dowel pin, but you can get one in a Genuine Porsche baggie for $4. (Aftermarket ones retail for less than half that, with mine costing me $1.23.)

When I decided to put my car back to 1984 specs, I needed a front license plate bracket as mine had gone walkabout. FCP Euro had a new one on the shelf for less than $37. (Ironically, that was one of the most expensive parts of that little project.)

I guess this one shouldn’t sound too surprising considering the number of 911 restorations out there, but several years ago I picked up some replacement taillamp gaskets–figured I’d replace them at some point. I still have them on the shelf. OE ones sell for about $25, with aftermarket ones going for less than $20.

It always happens at night, right? My turn signal/dimmer switch went out. Best I could do for the drive home was high beams only. (Sorry, everyone.) New ones are still sold–choose Genuine Porsche or in an aftermarket box. Today, though, budget close to $375 for one. (I paid less than half that for mine.)

The plastic bushings on my door striker were starting to come apart. While you can replace just the bushings–a royal pain, we’re told–Stoddard offers its own new door striker assemblies for about $80 per side.

Can you buy the factory rubber intake boots for every 20-year-old car? On the 3.2-liter 911 Carrera, the boot that fits between the airflow meter and the throttle body is a complicated piece featuring multiple ports. I replaced mine at one point, and today I see that multiple sources exist, including the factory. Prices start around $55.

A little too much play at the steering wheel bushing? New ones are available from Porsche and the aftermarket. I bought one but then realized I was being too sensitive. It’s in my spares box. Price today? Figure about $15 to $37.

A metal vacuum pipe runs from the airflow meter to the throttle body. Mine was kinked, while one of the fittings was cracked and held together with a hose clamp. The Pebble Beach judges are going to note that. When I replaced this nearly 15 years ago, a new one from Porsche cost about $138. They’re still available, but budget closer to $350.

I’m missing an upper seat belt cover on the passenger side. It’s just a little piece of plastic that covers the chrome-plated anchor. A new one is like $15. Next time I place a parts order, I should grab one so both sides match. (Or is that part of the car’s charm?)

More Like This

Comments

Displaying 1-2 of 2 commentsView all comments on the CMS forums

You'll need to log in to post.