cqhall

I just bought this 996 C4S and noticed that the key hole for the driver side door has a painted metal plate covering the hole (see pic).

I've never seen this before (on any car). Can anyone tell me what's going on? Is this some sort of security mod?

I haven't disassembled it all to see what's going on. Figured I'd post the question first. Searching has turned up nothing.

996-CAB

It’s a cover for those who like the look. Snaps on and out.

cqhall

[closes toolbox; puts down power tools]

Ha! That’s easy enough. Thanks!

Formerly996fried

I've seen that before when somebody attempted to paint the door and used masking tape to cover the keyhole to prevent paint from creating issues with the locking mechanism rather than removing the door handle and shooting that separately. In some instances, I also noted that home painting people have used Vaseline as a masking agent when covering up a scratch with a rattle can.

996-CAB

You can buy those here: Door Plugs for Porsche (bumperplugs.com)

cqhall

I'm pretty sure that's exactly what this is. It's even paint-matched.

I'll try to remember to pop it out tomorrow to confirm.

Thanks, everyone!

cqhall

Update:

You all were right. I was mistaken, it's not metal. It's plastic. I picked it out using my thumbnail. It's held in by a nub "key" that the key cylinder grips to hold it in place. Here it is once removed.

It's neat. I've been into modding cars for decades and I've never seen this before. I've even been on the Bumper Plugs website before, looking for, well...bumper plugs, and never noticed these.

I learn something new every day!