I am in the process of having my '00 996 C2 rebuilt (I purchased it after it had been in an accident). The interior for the car is perfect, other than the driver's side door panel which has a blown airbag cover. The airbag itself has been replaced, I just need to replace the panel that covers it. I have been told by the shop that it is necessary to replace the entire door panel, as the cover itself can't be replaced on it's own. After shopping for a new door panel (black) and not finding a replacement for less than $500, I am thinking of taking the existing door panel to an interior trim shop to see whether there is anything they can do to restore it.
Does anyone know whether this is possible to do? Do I really need to replace the whole door panel?

 

I would think that the airbag cover is available,
go to a dealer and check the parts schematic

 

na you don't need to buy the panel, but most dealers if I am correct sell it like they do for the drivers airbag unless they do it like the passanger airbag, namely with the cover.

 

I looked at the parts list for a 996. I see the door panel. But no separate listing for just the air bag cover. I would not believe it but it is a P.....

Jeff

 

oh btw the reason I know about the not needing the whole door panel thing is from Loren's diy of the panel removal and the bag and cover stay put, I think tool pants helped with that if I am not mistaken

 

Thanks All,
Sean, where can I find that DIY?
I decided not to buy an new one and just have an interior shop make me a new cover.

 

Loren or tool pants has one for the door panel removal. From there you can remove the airbag and cover after that. http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?pg=diy

thanks loren and check out the board itself and or ask him about anything he is very knowledgable and has helped me enormously!

 

After taking a quick look at the diagram, I was able to easily remove the door panels. It was just a matter of removing three screws and carefully pulling the door panel apart at the clips. That was the good news...

The bad news is that I was removing the door panel so that I could bring it to an upholstery shop to have them repair the airbag cover that had blown. No one will touch it because it is a safety item! That being known, repairing it is not an option I want to take.

The door panel removal exposed two things; first that the airbag cover rests in a frame that looks as though it could be removed from the rest of the door, which leads me to believe that it is possible to replace just that part; and second (unrelated) that the door speakers look pretty weak.

As long as the door panel is off, it might be a good opportunity to replace the speakers. Anyone knows what fits?

Also, if anyone has any further ideas about the airbag cover issue, your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

OK - so I decided to go the replacement route on the door panels and have found a pair that I hope will turn out to be in good condition.

I still would like to replace the speakers in the doors (they are in this plastic enclosure looking thing). Does anyone know what size/brand would fit in there?