The sport steering wheel on my 997.1s convertible has three "galvano silver switch caps", left/right/bottom. These are the silvery plastic pieces on the three spokes of the steering wheel. Left and right are switch caps (or covers, if you like). Part number: 99734783740

Stupid pieces of plastic...

The issue: the left side's Galvano silver paint has "buckled", right where I put my thumb. Most likely the sunscreen that I use when I drive my convertible topdown, or sweat, has deteriorated the paint.

Cost to replace each part: $144 or $145, depending on the supplier (some calls them the "steering wheel trim").
Almost $150 for a piece of plastic. Wow ... speechless.

I may end up plastidipping them in Red, or repainting them in silver.

Getting into Porsches, I knew that parts were expensive. Door handle for $160, I get it. but a plastic cover for a trim for $150 ? wow...

 

Like this?

 

Exactly !! Did you:
. have to remove the covers (fastidious) to dip them, or just protected the other areas ?
. feel a texture difference under your thumbs while driving, and is it OK ?
. do they feel they can withstand the sweat?

 

- remove the airbag to access the screws that hold the trim to the wheels. Remove those screws to release the trims.
- yes, the texture is different and I actually liked it better
- It held up quite well during the few months I had it. Just don't put on many layers, because if the dip is too thick, the sides of the trim will rub against the wheel causing the trim not to bounce back after you pressed it.

(I subsequently replaced to paddle shift wheels because I always accidentally pressed those rocker-style buttons while turning the wheels. Very frustrating. But nothing to do with the dip)

 

I purchased the carbon fiber ones from DB Carbon - stunning against a sand beige steering wheel.

 

ECS Tuning has it for much less: http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Site...740/ES1499234/

I've also had good luck on OEM parts pricing with Sunset Imports in Beaverton OR. They regularly beat Suncoast, Jim Ellis and Auto Atlanta. You have to email or call for quotes though. Ask for Andraya, contact info below (I'm not affiliated, just a happy customer)

Andraya Hayward
Sunset Porsche Parts
Toll Free: 800.346.0182
Direct: 503.726.2244
andraya.hayward@sunsetimports.com

 

Try Sunset Porsche for replacements or bumper plugs for painting.

And semi beat me to it. Oh well great minds think alike.

 

yup

 

Pictures? Please.

 

Semi, thanks for link to ECS. $113 is a substantial reduction, compared to $145. Still expensive for a small piece of plastic... I may go the route of dippimg or painting it first.

 

 

Yes, its still expensive. On all of these spare parts, keep in mind you are paying for a very limited production run of parts for a limited product, including the storage and distribution costs of those parts. Most of the cost is not the 5 cents in marginal cost to actually make the switch, paint it and put it in a plastic bag with sticker - its the storage and ability to distribute the part to you, years later when you need it.

 

Been dealing with these prices for decades. The most outrageous ones were the snaps for my tonneaue ?sp? Cab top cover. These are the snaps similar to the Levi's button fly jeans where the front zipper is supposed to go.

Each cost $20.00. Found similar ones at a marine shop for less than $2.00 each.

 

MInok,
You are partially correct. The real stupid expense comes from the actual mold used to create the part in the first place. Some molds could be north of $50K for one. Even if the mold for these small trim pieces cost 10K a piece (You are now at 30K) the tiny market for the replacements makes the cost per unit until recovery of mold costs ridiculous. Porsche knows they have you by the nuts as very few aftermarket companies are going to make replacements for such small parts. Carbon fiber is actually cheaper for just a few pieces as you don't have to have the very expensive plastic mold to create the part so even though each individual CF piece is way more expensive to make, the actual net cost for the individual plastic pieces is significantly higher. Hope that makes sense

 

Yes , off course "tooling" or "molds" are used for the parts. But the parts are made in for plenty of vehicles off the production line. So the "tooling costs are amortized already substantially based on those figures.
at that point the parts then cost 5 bucks max to make., etc etc

So , 150 is ridiculous. 50 bucks retail price would be fine , taking into consideration that they are "replacement parts". just my 2 cents