Clear Side Markers - Why?

Finally installed a set of clear side markers after all the pressure from the post that it is a must do mod. Then realize that it turns orange anyways when the headlights lights are on. Whats up with that??

Put in clear bulbs. I think that Hella (or any manufactuer) is required to sell us yellow bulbs if there is a clear lens. However, you should have clear bulbs in your original yellow side markers and you just pop them in. Then it looks "cool".

hahaha, I'm feeling the same pressure now. It does look cool with clear side markers. What does it cost and how difficult is it to DIY?

Just found out that one of the clear bulbs is busted. Where to find replacement? Thanks

mine came with clear/smoke lenses right out of the factory....

Mine (Hella) came with both bulbs. I really like the look, but do whatever makes you happy. if you like the original (US) amber lights, then stay stock. The process took about 3 minutes per side, if that.

I succumbed to the pressure also, and got the Porsche OEM ones at the same time as I did the Litronic conversion. I have to say that I think the car looks fresher, newer somehow. But I left the amber bulbs as is.

I've seen some bulbs (perhaps by Sylvania) that are mirror on the outside so that you can't see the amber hue unless they are activated. Here's the link to their site. The nice thing about these bulbs is that they really freshen up that ricer look for your car. Stick with the amber bulbs: they look clean and add just the right amount of contrast with the clear/smoked lense covers.

Well I bought them because the Blue looks better with the clear. I wonder sometimes if all the old yellow ones from the states would sell here in Germany as an upgrade. Kind of the grass is always greener thing.

Personally I installed green leds that are on with DRLs and amber leds that switch on with turn signals blinking.

green car, green bulbs... pure genius! looks nice, i'll bet

At first I thought amber was ok with guards red... then I swapped with porsche oem "clears" (looked smoked to me) and it does look better.

you're right...it really does depend on the color of the car...but clear does seem to go with everything.

clear > all....grab some clear bulbs and yer good to go.

I'm a non-conformist. I'll go the road less traveled and stay stock.

In the world of older Porsches, words like "original," "preservation," and "restoration" often guide us in how we take care of our cars. For many of us, it's always a special achievement and source of satisfaction to keep the cars as they were when they rolled off the assembly line. With my current 996 (and its orange turnsignals and side markers), I would agree that the clear versions would look better, but to change them would seem sacrilegious to me. I guess I'm with ruckmjr on this one - I'm staying stock, too.

and at the end of the day it is completely up to each one's personal opinions. Amber sucks regardless though....

And if you look to the other side of the pond then "stock" and "original" is clear. Each to their own I guess......

Exactly, stock IS clear. They use amber in the states because of regulations. If you really wanted your car to look as it did when rolling out of the factory as per the designers' intended desires, you need to ditch amber now.

i prefer the amber as well...

you know it's funny my friends in china asked me to mail them the orange side markers, since they like it better than their stock clear side markers.

I am still undecided... I like the clear/smoked with most colors, but the orange kind of "blends in" or compliments the guards red so they don't look too bad. It is an inexpensive and quick mod, so maybe I'll just change them with my mood.

The stock amber lenses have clear bulbs - When I changed out the lenses I just used the old bulbs

Don, the orange suits your cab.

clear on silver......... = ......... much better

Thanks Dan, I thought so too. BTW, I used to have a bulldog that looked very similar to your avatar!

This is part of a little game that Porsche has been playing for decades. Back in the 1970s and 1980s all us 911 drivers were looking to switch out the USA rear lenses (red brake and red turn signal lenses) for the Euro ones (red brake and YELLOW turn signals). It kept whoever their vendor is happy for over 20 years! I'm seeing this same game being played all over again in the 90s and with present cars,--but now with respect to the silly little front corner lights! (Lucky for me my dealer just handed them to me when my car was delivered stateside).

I agree that clear looks better...at least on white.

I think I will stick with the amber lights. I think they look good with my Pastel Yellow paint but, if I had a black, red or other darker car I would go with the clear. To each their own.

Mine is black, so the clear lenses are a definite improvement and one of the least expensive mods available.

Some aftermaket ones are now also available in clear with 4 or 5 small LED bulbs. They look nice for $59.