996TT Changing the dash inserts/surrounds

I'm close (closer than my last post!) to finding the right 996TT for me, only slight problem is it has the wood dash, rather than black plastic, or better, leather. See the pics, it's not just the stereo surround, there's a strip of wood all the way across the dash, inserts in the doors etc etc Is getting replacement bits from a breakers and swapping them myself a realistic option? Has anyone tried this? I'm looking forward "yep it's a piece of p1ss" or "don't even consider it, total nightmare" type answers if poss! Thanks in advance for your help.

Not realy a reply to your question but along the same lines. If you have already bought replacments ignore this....but.. Most of my surrounds are Carbon, which looks really nice, BTW.. but my centre bit between the seats is colour coded to the cars exterior colour. A factory option...It may be cheaper to get your current surrounds painted The price of these bits, even from breakers is criminal :cop: Just a thought :thumb: P.S. I'd also like to know the answer to the question, as I have a rattle to find :!:

That wood is pretty horrendous. The centre instrument horseshoe is very easy to remove. The piece beneath which you can see as the wood piece below the satnav is also pretty easy once the horseshoe is off. Ill try to put up a link. The strips across are meant to be very difficult but if you dont mind breaking them in the process are meant to be quite easy. Im going to be doing the strip myself and found a very useful link which Ill put below as to how to replace it. Havent tried the door handles or storage bin lids except that the upper piece of the pull handle is an easy remove. The pieces around the temp control and the bat wing below are easy. You might find a partially sighted ebayer who might even buy the wood things. Dash strip:- http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996/168258-installed-aluma-look-dash-strip-installation-tips.html Some centre console pics here inc showing the piece beneath the satnav. Four screws only to take off - done it myself when installing a double din player. Youll prob have to replace the whole piece though as the wood bit is integrated into it. http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...stall-ac-control-mod-pics-some-diy-stuff.html

Essentially, all the trim pieces you need are there - they're just the wrong colour. Before spending a fortune on replacement parts, I'd investigate the possibility of having the existing parts sprayed. It shouldn't be a problem for a half-decent painter, particularly if you removed the trim for them. That way, you get to choose whatever colour & finish you want - black, silver, matt, gloss, body colour, etc.

Good point. If you are doing this with a range of pieces that makes a lot of sense. Some of these bits are pretty expensive and if its a job lot a decent sprayer would indeed save you good money.

Ok so I'm now collecting this car on Saturday :thumbs: and whilst I know I'm going to be in love with it, I need to get the dash changed. I'm loving the sound of a carbon dash...can you post some pics? Re the colour coded option, I may yet have them all painted silver to match the bodywork. Anyone got any pics of these bits in silver, against a black leather dash? Then, what about getting them painted, I clearly need the paintjob to be mint if this is gonna work. When we've resolved this issue, we'll get round to replace the satnav with something a bit more tasty, oh and iPod connectivity 8) Thanks in advance for any help you can give...I'm in Cheadle Hulme Cheshire SK8 7HY if anyone's nearby and fancies a 911 chat over a pint sometime?

Further to my post above, I just wanted to say a) your sense of humour is excellent and JUST like mine, and b) ANY help on how to DIY remove all these bits to give to a decent painter would be appreciated, and c) anyone know a decent painter near SK8 7HY??? Especially loving the "partially sighted bit, tooooo funny!"

Glad to be of assistance 8) You may have a problem trying to remove the centre strips without destroying them. It can be done but is notoriously difficult. The others should be easily reuseable. There is a good discussion here on Renntech about the various techniques that can be employed. You will have to register but its quick and a very instructive site. http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=392 Personally Im going down the simple 'slash and burn' system which will destroy the existing strip but if you have the patience, time and the limbs of a contortionist the strip can be removed, sprayed and replaced. Will post some pics of the finished look tomorrow.