Wellardmac

I've always wanted to do this mod, but haven't had the guts to rip apart the dashboard.

Looks great!

SC996

I'm right there with you! I've orders these countless times from Eric and backed out of the shopping cart. I want to do the install without tearing the old one up, but my concern is not having access through a glove box.

deckman

Believe me I understand your worries. I really wanted to unscrew the existing pieces and tried my best, but either I didn't have the right tools, dexterity, or I don't know what, but I couldn't get those last two screws to save my life. Eventually I just said F it, if I damage the dash I'll just go out and get the leather one I've always wanted. But the trim pieces will and did break before any damage is done to the dash. After I did that I wondered why I spent all those hours going after four little screws

pongobaz

As the OP of this thread a few hints to get the small strips off neatly: you must remove the plastic trim piece at the base of the steering column. A small ratcheting wrench with the right Torx bits is the only way to get in there. I also used a small telescoping inspection mirror to help me line up to the screw heads.

deckman

Phil, thanks for the original write up. It was really useful. I think the key is a quality ratcheting wrench. Mine had a little too much play between ratchets and that made it difficult since there's little room to move around inside the dash even with the plastic trim piece you mention removed.

redridge

you mean real people assembled these cars... according to the aircooled guys they were built by robots...

Botsy67

Hi Phil,
Do you have more detailed pictures at the removal of the passenger side panel below the airbag? Mine is making rattles that makes me crazy. I have been delaying dismantling it to re-tighten everything under there because one I am not totally sure how to do it without damaging the leather panel, and 2 I am kinda lazy to work in the garage under 110 degree heat If I know exactly how to do 1) I will definitely tackle this task. Thanks in advance for your help.
Cheers,

pongobaz

Here's all the pics from that side that I took. Hope it helps!

deckman

I don't think anyone ever figured out how to do it on cars with no glove box though. I don't know what's under the airbag in pre 02's but it must be solid and inaccessable from underneath. That's why the other method that Phil chose not to follow seems to be the way most others have done it. I'm sure the fastest method is the rip it all apart way. I'm still scratching my head about how Phil was able to do it the hard way in just two hours.

pongobaz

Come up to Toronto and I'll show you how it can be done in 2 hrs.

1 PGH 1

Well done Phil Real delicate work ... the end result is subtle, but makes a very nice difference IMO.
You're correct on the labour costs ... I took the easy way out, Pfaff charged me 3 hours, you're a braver man than me

TOMDEG

It's not that difficult to do on cars without glove box. You just have to remove the a/c duct to get to it from behind.

george996

pongobaz,

very nice mod and photos. i am thinking of doing the same. where did you get the aluminum center console? did you have it painted?

thanks,

george

pongobaz

Thanks George.
Center console was a factory ordered option on mine. But Eric at bumperplugs.com (site sponsor) can paint yours to factory spec.

Porsche_Smile

i like the looks of it... what's about the 99 models.... NO GLOVE BOX.....have you guys seen the ones on ebay with the stickers? are they any good?