Interior decorating
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 412
Likes: 2
From: Out of Philly
Interior decorating
After driving today to and from work, I'm realizing that despite the car belonging to me, it doesn't feel like mine. Rather than quickly get over my head in real mods, I'm thinking the classy grey interior could use a freshen-up, without going overboard. Pic below; if you've got ideas, or better, pics of your interiors (grey on grey modifications specifically appreciated) can you post 'em? I'm thinking of starting with repainting the center console black, ashtray delete, and picking up a newer (nicer) e-brake and shifter.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 412
Likes: 2
From: Out of Philly
A simple first step is to dump the CD holder and replace with an upper shelf, then Aluminum cluster rings.
Few notables on those pics (thanks Charles): all have upgraded from the stock shifter, which I'd like to do, as well as the e-brake. They've also all upgraded the steering wheel, which adds nice contrast as well. And is that a cell phone? A real cell phone?
Exterior is midnight blue. To get some of that dark blue in to the interior would be quite cool.
I also like the shiny silver center console in the last pic. Definitely adds a ton.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 6
From: San Jose, CA
I have the exact same gray interior. Very boring and I was driving it today mulling over all the changes you mention. Looking forward to hearing about what you do. If you find good sources/ prices for the e brake handle and shifter post it up.
One guy here had the seal gray exterior which is slightly darker than this interior and he painted the center console and surround around the stereo this color. Was subtle and looked good. Maybe you can find his pics by searching.
I have also thought of getting black mats with a silver Carrera 4 logo. The gray mats just intensify th blandness of this interior.
One guy here had the seal gray exterior which is slightly darker than this interior and he painted the center console and surround around the stereo this color. Was subtle and looked good. Maybe you can find his pics by searching.
I have also thought of getting black mats with a silver Carrera 4 logo. The gray mats just intensify th blandness of this interior.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 29
From: Out West
Your plain grey instruments were an option costing I believe about $700, cherish them;-)
The aluminum gauge rings will really be a nice focal point. The instrument surround panel and center console could be painted Midnight Blue. Get a carbon fiber shifter and brake handle. You could use some dark Metropol Blue floor carpets that look almost black. Aluminum pedals would look good too. Door panel handles and pocket lids would look good in Metropol Blue as well and while your at it the dash strips in blue too.
If you really want to get serious look for some grey sports seats and paint the hard backs your body color. Doing the above is an idea that will make the car different and providing you like it, more personal and really not that expensive.
The aluminum gauge rings will really be a nice focal point. The instrument surround panel and center console could be painted Midnight Blue. Get a carbon fiber shifter and brake handle. You could use some dark Metropol Blue floor carpets that look almost black. Aluminum pedals would look good too. Door panel handles and pocket lids would look good in Metropol Blue as well and while your at it the dash strips in blue too.
If you really want to get serious look for some grey sports seats and paint the hard backs your body color. Doing the above is an idea that will make the car different and providing you like it, more personal and really not that expensive.
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA USA
Somebody mentioned floor mats... I've got a set of Coco Mats that have a "... polka dot" pattern on them and look really nice. My car has the black interior so I got the black mats with the white dots. I looks really cool, and classy. Plus, they are durable as hell and save your carpet mats. (I've had a 4 sets over the years and they never wore out). I'd give them a look.
With a grey interior, black mats and grey dots would look great...
I've had my 2003 since 2005 and am planning on a refurb when I hit 200k miles. I will probably paint the console and bezels and may look into the shift **** and hand brake lever as well. Probably gloss black to match the body color. To my eye, that pulls the body color into the car.
My 2 cents.
Take it easy and happy holidays.
JKC
With a grey interior, black mats and grey dots would look great...
I've had my 2003 since 2005 and am planning on a refurb when I hit 200k miles. I will probably paint the console and bezels and may look into the shift **** and hand brake lever as well. Probably gloss black to match the body color. To my eye, that pulls the body color into the car.
My 2 cents.
Take it easy and happy holidays.
JKC
Rat Balls
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 17
From: Scottsdale AZ, USA
I added a Pioneer avic x930bt System with Nav, Sirius/XM, Bluetooth, etc and modified the console for a more updated look on my MY03 Cab. I always thought the cd holders really dated the car. The configuration is more user friendly especially with a 5-spd. The open "pocket" is great for sunglasses, phone, etc.
I also ordered new floor mats, black with PORSCHE in Red to match my interior red accents.
I also ordered new floor mats, black with PORSCHE in Red to match my interior red accents.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 412
Likes: 2
From: Out of Philly
Really looks nice. Great suggestions. Thinking now between using the black that's already in there and going with black accents for center console, shifter and e-brake, or two other options would be (a) aluminum look for gauges, center console and door handles or (b) painted center console from BumperPlugs in midnight blue. I'm thinking black might be best because it's what I have to work with, already have a bit of contrast there, and could outfit a new steering wheel with black/grey leather.
What I'd love to do would be, similar to Charles' last pic that looks strikingly like my interior in grey, instead of aluminum go either midnight blue or black, accenting the gauge surround, stereo surround, steering wheel, and center console, then get new shifter/e-brake in black/silver. That's gotta get costly though.
Let's see those painted center consoles and stereo surrounds!
What I'd love to do would be, similar to Charles' last pic that looks strikingly like my interior in grey, instead of aluminum go either midnight blue or black, accenting the gauge surround, stereo surround, steering wheel, and center console, then get new shifter/e-brake in black/silver. That's gotta get costly though.
Let's see those painted center consoles and stereo surrounds!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Rhode Island
I wanted to do something like this, but thought it might be difficult.
Rat Balls
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 17
From: Scottsdale AZ, USA
I had the install done by a car audio shop. I upgraded all the speakers by choice, but it turned out the existing subs were trouble because of the fiber optic connection to the existing amp. Any new system you add to 996's MY03 or later will have the same problem. There is no way to make the existing subs work with a new sound system. The work around is that I had to purchase a separate amp to power the subs independently.
I selected speakers that would work with the existing speaker covers because I did not want to change the look of the interior too much. I went with Kicker amps and speakers. There was nothing wrong with the factory speakers but I figured now was the time to upgrade.
The new amps are mounted in the boot and the navigation unit is under the passenger seat. So now, I have Nav, bluetooth, Sirius/XM, CD, DVD, Tuner, iPod, and can even play Pandora from my smartphone through the bluetooth audio. The handsfree phone is great with the 6-spd.
Good luck and let me know if you need anything else.