Edgy01

The other day Eric (of Bumper Plugs fame and Rennlist sponsor) suggested I put a couple of PTS Blue Turquoise Bi-Xenon highlight washer nozzles onto my car. As you may recall, it was a ridiculously expensive option from Porsche when ordering the car.

So I broke down and shipped out my meager cash to Eric and he quickly sent me the nozzles in 3AS -- Blue Turquoise, for those who are Paint Code challenged.

The de-installation and re-installation is much easier than you would expect. Of course, it takes some skill (not that much) and a couple of tools.

Eric suggested that I remove the headlights in order to get better access to the nozzle with something like a tape-protected screwdriver. I began to deviate from Eric's instructions when I just felt that the screwdriver wasn't working for me.

He mentioned that once you get a hold of the nozzle (held down by suction) you might need a second set of hands to retain the assembly in the deployed position so that you can advance to the next step--to insert a small screw driver to raise a tab so that you can pull off the chrome nozzle.

Knowing Porsche's modern assembly methods, I decided that their method of installing things would be (1) quick, and (2) simple (to include the right 'clocking' or orientation.)

Anticipating the use of ViseGrips instead of another set of hands, I elected to tape up the area around the nozzle with tape to protect the finish from the ViseGrips.

I discovered that the best tool to pull up the nozzle (against water pressure) is a cotter pin removal tool--covered with tape. I, too, removed the headlight first for better access.

With the cotter pin removal tool, I was able to get enough of a grip on the nozzle to pull it straight up and then with my other hand, set the ViseGrips. Nothing to it!

I then looked over the assembly carefully with a bright light to sort out the retention device. I happened to have a small jewelry screwdriver and use it to raise the tab and then was able to pull off the old chrome one.

Putting on the new one was very simple. Just press down until it clicks.

Reinstall the headlight and move on to the other side.

I believe that using the cotter pin removal tool may allow you to skip having to pull the headlights.

A more finished look!

And typical of Eric's fine work, the paint is a dead on match and the finish is superb! Thanks, Eric.

(How's that for a plug for "Eric's Bumper Plugs?")

Bijan

Looks great, I always thought Porsche should have matched with body color

Eric - Plug Guy

Holy smokes! Best. Writeup. Ever!

Thanks....looks great.

FiatCoupe

Looks great.

Is it easy to remove the chrome cap off the washer assembly once the assembly is removed from the car?

Edgy01

So easy--it's a two minute job.

Z356

Dan: I am a great fan of Eric and Bumper Plugs too. But I think we should not exaggerate the cost Porsche charges for having those nozzles painted by the factory. Eric charges $199 plus cores (+$11 shipping) for supplying a customer with painted nozzles. You then have to add labor if you are unable (or unwilling) to do the installation yourself. Porsche, via Porsche Exclusive, charges a customer $295 for it to be done at the factory. The price is the same for matching exterior paint or in one of several other colors offered. My 'Guards Red' nipples cost me just $295 on the MY2012 Spyder I ordered last May. It would have cost the same had I chosen them painted in 'Aqua Blue Metallic'. Frankly, I think Eric offers a great service to those that do not custom order their Porsches and would now like to add painted nozzles to their vehicles. But you must agree that if you were to order a car from the factory, it would make more sense to pay the $295 and be done with it!

Saludos, Eduardo

SBPORSCHE

Looks great! I bet you check them out every time you get in the car now...

Edgy01

It's a sickness.

Tcc1999

The painted nozzles may be absurdly expensive from the factory if you could care less about the stock chrome look ones. For me, I'd have paid double the $295 for the PTS nozzles on my GTS because, irrationally, the chrome nozzles bothered me so much on SY C2S. Whether or not the price is absurd is perhaps relative to the utility you get out of something - hmm, was that ECON 101?

slicky rick

hey dan your car looks better yet again. i also did that mode on my pcar with the only difference that i did not have to remove the whole assembly as you have. if you notice the chrome piece has a small hole on the side. using the jewelry srewdriver you can remove the chrome piece itself. its another way to do it but like we all say whatever works and as long as we get things done all is ok.

Mumbles

Thanks edgy for taking the time to educate me and others on a small but effective detail, much appriciated

Cheers

alexb76

Looks GREAT!

AP997S

Hey Edgy,

Just followed your technique and painted my washers. Since my 997 is standard black I simply used a can of Duplicolor that claims to match the Porsche black. I didn't remove the chrome caps; I was afraid I'd break the tabs so I simply masked off the plastic stem and nozzle area. I used a base coat of an adhesion paint first and followed up w/ a clear coat to protect the black finish. IMHO it turned out pretty good.

Thanks for the tips.

Edgy01

Nice job! Glad it worked out so easily for you. Simple! And a lot less than what others have to pay for such a simple thing.

TommyV44

Dan.....makes me think....maybe I should have Martino's do that for me?

Tom