rockhouse66

Would appreciate advice on how to remove the right side trim piece from my instrument cluster surround. Do I squeeze the black u-shaped clips together to release the trim piece (assuming they are part of the trim piece and come out with it) or do I push in the center of those u-shaped clips on the chrome piece that looks like a pin attached to the trim or ??? I don't want to break this silly part if I can help it. Pictures of front & back:

Cyclman

Just push the black clips from behind, should pop right out.

IndigoInkTaco

Yea my guess would be those two "U" shaped clips are what holds it in place. Squeeze together and it looks like it should pop out.

rockhouse66

My hesitation is that these clips are VERY strong. I can't squeeze them by hand and my needle nose pliers didn't budge them either, though I admit the geometry of "squeeze" with those wasn't ideal.

IndigoInkTaco

Can you post a better pic of those U shaped clips, zoomed in? Thinking maybe it needs a little counter pressure from the trim side.

Cyclman

Porsche trim takes a scary amount of force to remove…

rockhouse66

I am now away from my car and "thinking about this". I now think the clips might need to be squeezed together to release the plastic post on the trim piece. I am ordering a new cluster surround and maybe the clips that come with it will be a clue as to how to do this safely. This "aluminum" looking trim piece is VERY tight to the surround and has a gasket under it too. I really don't want to damage it and end up buying a trim kit for $150-$200.

1xfatboy

Jeff Richardson’s YouTube series is excellent for the majority of 981 questions, beautifully produced with thorough explanations.A real treasure trove of info and a great service to the Porsche community.

the981blues

That piece is very hard when you have no leverage, but it does just pull out.

rockhouse66

I'm sure you are right. I should be able to find a way to help it from behind so it isn't quite so risky. I am pretty sure the YouTube video I watched on cluster removal showed this RH upper part of the trim piece coming off separately from the surround, but it is part of the surround on my car so it has to be separated when replacing the surround.