dylan310

All,

Looking for a 993 and was wondering how difficult (and expensive) it is to remove the basket handle from the 1995s and move the third brake light up to the top of the rear window like the other 993s. I looked all over for a DIY but can't seem to find anything. Thanks in advance.

Cade

1995 R1100RS - it's a boxer too
1996 BMW 318ti M-Sport

texas911

Just keep it, its classic!

InTheAir

I tried to move mine, but it kept falling off of the convertible top. He he

Racer944

You will have to have the holes on your decklid welded and painted once you remove the basket handle. You will then need to purchase all the individual Porsche parts that make up the upper spoiler light (or get a used assembly). You can also get the items new as a kit for about $400.00 (I think) from Gert at www.carnewal.com. You will also have to paint the upper spoiler piece to match your car.

Installation is simple, but the the hardest / most troublesome part will likely be running the wires through and around the window rubber moulding and past the rear glass to get it wired up...

Eric

P.S. I have the basket handle on mine... doesnt look too bad if you ask me... and its somewhat different and unique. If you want a cool look, keep the light/basket handle and add one of those small subtle "basket handle" wing spoilers to the back edge of your movable spoiler... If I didn't have the RS tail, I would do this...

kkim

Why not just get a 96-98 instead?? Too much of a hassle, if you ask me.

jdoc7

For what seems like a few small holes to fill in the rear decklid, its actually a big and costly hassle. I looked into it and it just wasn't worth re-painting perfectly good paint and the cost and work involved to do it right was CRAZY! Enjoy the basket handle if you get a 95 but if you really don't like it, get a 96+

Mark in Baltimore

Or search for a late model build '95.

The problem people are running into is a desire to avoid OBDII and the SAI/CEL issue, yet still have the smooth lines of a basket handle-less car.

User 4221

Or, find a decklid off a 96-98 car at a recycler.

David in LA

Your all-in cost to do the swap will be $500-1000 to cover parts, painting and install, depending on how much you DIY and how lucky you are in finding used parts in good shape.

kkim

Then you're still stuck w/ the problem of the 3rd brake light.

Don C

I think the basket handle is distinctive and don't plan on removing mine.

JM993

I HATED my basket handle. IMHO a wart on an otherwise beautiful shape. Here's what I did:

Searched ebay until I found a complete decklid (about $350 with split grill) from a C2S

Had it painted to match.

Took my old decklid off and put it away in the event I sell the car.

I ended up buying the MY96 3rd brake light parts and subsequently decided the car looks better without a third brake light

I'm happy - car looks great in "euro form" especially with the split grill.

Best $$$ I've spent on the car.

HTH,
Joe

1995 Porsche 993 6sp
1988 BMW E30 M3 2.5 (240HP)

mborkow

how does it pass inspection without a 3rd brake light?

Leland Pate

I also subscribe to "basket handle haters anonymous." When I get my new C2S split grill painted, I'm going to have the basket handle removed and the holes filled in. It detracts from the classic shape of a 911 and leaves most people going, "what is that thing for?"

I am also replacing the "carrera" script with the 996 anniversary "911" script. The whole thing needs a repaint because of the fading around the existing script.

David in LA

Not just for inspections but if you were ever rear-ended it could complicate things. I've seen a few cabs with TT tails and have noticed that very few have bothered to integrate a TBL.