As I mentioned in another thread, here's what my garage door opener switch looks like:

<a href="http://members.rennlist.com/movies1/09-02-02_MVC-018F.JPG" target="_blank"></a>

and here it is installed:

<a href="http://members.rennlist.com/movies1/09-02-02_MVC-019F.JPG" target="_blank"></a>

I bought a new sunroof switch for about $12 (?) from a Porsche dealership who unfortunately are not Rennlist sponsors. Getting the arrows and 911 icon off the switch was not easy. I tried using acetone with a Q-tip, and I pretty much ruined the finish on the switch. It's like the graphics on the switch are raised, with clear coat all around to make it smooth. I don't know if this is really the case, but the acetone ate everything around the white graphics, but didn't even phase the white. It was so bad that I was going to throw it away. But I decided I had nothing to lose, and started sanding. I sanded the raised part smooth with 400 grit sandpaper (which took a while, by the way). I coated it with regular spray paint, but it was glossy. I tried rolling the graining from another plastic part onto it before the paint dried, but it stuck to the other part and pulled some of the paint off. Looked awful again. So I smoothed it over with my fingers, and put another coat on. I went too far with successive coats, and the paint cracked when it dried. I used the acetone to remove the paint (I never even gave it a chance to really set up and dry), and gave it another coat of paint. It came out looking really good, because I didn't remove ALL the paint with the acetone.

I can't say this was the easy way, but I don't know what a better way would be. The color doesn't match the other buttons exactly, but I'm very tickled with it. It takes a close examination to spot the imposter.

 

I did the exact same operation and LOVE it...it's like a factory option garage door opener! In addition to the GDO, I also installed my gate switch (neighborhood entry gate) to the same console switch. Both the GDO and gate switch are activated when I press the console switch...since they are not close to each other, it really doesn't matter. However, I feel your pain on the "removing the white graphic from the switch" experience, however mine went a little differently. I got something from Home Depot (I thought it was acetone, but maybe not) and rubbed on the white graphic. The graphic AND the plastic switch began to be being eaten away Once the graphic was gone I sorta blotted the switch surface with a rag and it gave it really nice semi-flat finish that matches the other console switches perfectly. Anyway...congrats on your installation, it looks great <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

How did you remove the icon screen? Did you paint
the clusters silver your self? Looks awesome!

 

Silver Bullet - wow - that does look good! Thanks for the pic. It's a little late for me, but that's how I would do it next time. It sure does look like that symbol is a garage door going up!!

Allen - if you have the same type of button, you could wire the GDO to the up position, and the gate remote to the down position. Or a 2nd garage door if you have one. That's what is nice about this switch.

 

AJ, yeah...I thought about doing that, but figured I would leave the other side of the switch available for something else if I ever need it, although I can't imagine what I would use it for...but you never know with people like us <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

 

[quote] Here's the switch you want...
(993.613.204.01C) <hr></blockquote>

Silver bullet,

I think the above part number are missing two digits for a valid Porsche part number.

The Targa roof switch I believe is:

993.613.204.00 01C

 

Now I'll have something to do over the weekend... I have my GDO hidden under the center tunnel, and actuated by a standard Radio Shack style switch... I always wanted a more official looking switch, and the Targa one fits the bill. Thanks Kim

 

Very cool, Kim. What was the cost for the switch and trim piece w/icon template?

 

One thing to note about the above referenced switch: it's the switch for the Targa's sunscreen, not the switch for the targa roof itself (whose switch looks like the sunroof switch in Silver Bullet's post).

Unfortunately, since I have a Targa, I 1) already have the switch, being used for its original intended purpose, and 2) don't have any unused switch locations in the console, thereby making such a mod (which I'd *love* to do) not possible.

Perhaps I could mount a Radio Shack switch on the "roof" of the ashtray, where at least it would be hidden and not require the opener hanging off the sun visor.... hmm...

-Chris <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />

 

[quote]Originally posted by Chris W. - '96 Targa:
<strong>
Unfortunately, since I have a Targa, I 1) already have the switch, being used for its original intended purpose, and 2) don't have any unused switch locations in the console, thereby making such a mod (which I'd *love* to do) not possible.
</strong><hr></blockquote>

That's not entirely true. Take one of those buttons that you don't use much, and hook the GDO to it. If you don't lower your spoiler manually much (I never do), it won't hurt to be activating the garage door button the few times that you do. Wait - there's 12V going through that switch, isn't there...? Might be a but much for the GDO circuits. Well, I would consider disconnecting the factory plug for the spoiler and use that switch.

 

[quote]Originally posted by Chris W. - '96 Targa:
<strong>Perhaps I could mount a Radio Shack switch on the "roof" of the ashtray, where at least it would be hidden and not require the opener hanging off the sun visor.... hmm...

-Chris <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>


I you cannot find an alternative, home stores sell inexpensive programmable GDOs that are quite small. Mine fits under the lid of the driver's armrest. May not be as fancy as a custom switch, but beats hanging it off the sunvisor. Range on mine is much better as well.

 

[quote]Well, I would consider disconnecting the factory plug for the spoiler and use that switch.<hr></blockquote>
Interesting thought, although I don't think I'd like to cannibalize a normal function of the car for the GDO switch. Also, I raise/lower the spoiler when I wash the car to wash/dry underneath it.

[quote]I you cannot find an alternative, home stores sell inexpensive programmable GDOs that are quite small. Mine fits under the lid of the driver's armrest.<hr></blockquote>

Cool idea on hiding under the armrest! Shouldn't require drilling any holes, either, if I use double-sided tape or similar. Hmm....

Thanks for the ideas!

-Chris <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

I thought that targa switch is the coolest! So cool that ordered it today from the dealer. I also ordered the icon as well. I didn't know they were that expensive

Oh well. I will rationalize somehow.

Chris

 

[quote]Originally posted by Chris W. - '96 Targa:
<strong>Perhaps I could mount a Radio Shack switch on the "roof" of the ashtray, where at least it would be hidden and not require the opener hanging off the sun visor.... hmm...
</strong><hr></blockquote>

Unless you have my ashtray, which requires surgical manipulation to keep closed if I ever mistakenly open it.

 

[quote]Originally posted by Kevin Reilly:
<strong>

Unless you have my ashtray, which requires surgical manipulation to keep closed if I ever mistakenly open it.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Mine can be a pain sometimes. I find if I just give it a quick jab with my finger it tends to stay most of the time.

-Chris