996 interior re-trim project

Hello fellow Porsche enthusiasts, haven't come across any good interior project threads so I thought I'd share mine with you. Recently purchased my first Porsche, its a 99' C2 coupe, manual, silver with black leather interior. As I don't like the plain silver or the black old and worn leather I decided to redo the interior and the exterior. The car is going to be painted red, probably Guards red and the interior is a mix between smooth grain leather and variety of alcantaras, also alcantara being the dominant material. I'll be doing the mechanical and upholstery work and my father will be doing the paint work, I'll try to cover all three in this thread So far I've managed to remove the engine for a bit of gearbox work, easier to paint the engine bay too. Interior has also been gutted and work started on that aswell. Now for the pictures, few pieces I've covered so far: Cheers, Sander

Well done. Keep us updated with your progress.

holly molly, are you an upholstery professional ? that stitching looks pretty good Can you tell us more about the materials and 'glue' you used ? the dashboard is particularly tricky as it is exposed to the sun and I am curious what kind of glue can survive it. I know that Porsche uses a special 'dry leather' for their full leather dashboard so that it doesn't dry.

I have an upholstery shop and I do work on projects myself as well. The suede I used on the dash is genuine Alcantara and glued on with a type of upholstery glue meant for that type of applications. Sander

Looks amazing so far. Looking forward to seeing more. Thanks for sharing!

Looks great, what an upgrade to the interior!

Wow. Fantastic job. Looks great. (interior is going to be worth more than the car. )

damn!

Outstanding! Have you considered offering interior kits for sale?

looks awesome, how hard is it to get the dash off? i have been contemplating doing this

Thanks for sharing this. I've been shopping for 996's and almost all of them have very plain interiors. I've been wondering what kind of two-tone or accent projects are possible but haven't found much. Have you considered vinyl wrap for the exterior? There's some really nice colors available and you can go back to stock if you ever decide to sell the car.

Great work! Engine is out for an interior project? Are you going to cover it with Alcantara too? hehehe (snicker) Seriously, what would you estimate the cost to be for a job like this?

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Looks amazing! I've done my center console in leather, but nothing on that scale. 2F9DC342-EB43-4562-A1AA-FE37892D4E40.jpg Is it genuine suede or genuine Alcantara? Alcantara is man-made faux suede and suede is natural animal hide (I'm sure you knew that, I'm just being a smart-*ss ).

Great start! I look forward to seeing the end result.

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I hope you will be accepting Rennlist clients, because based on these photos alone, I think you are going to receive some private messages very soon I am also very curious how much wrapping in alcanthara cost, if you were to be delivered the parts ? My car is full leather so I am not personally interested but I have always been sucker for alcanthara

Its really nice to see so much positive feedback for my work, thank you. Alcantara I'm using is genuine Alcantara from Italy. I know there are a lot of cheap alternatives as well. Removal of the dash is not very difficult at all, 2 hour job with proper tools and a DIY guide. I've decided to properly paint the exterior since I'm not a big fan of wrapping. Engine is out for painting the engine bay, also the gearbox had a problem with the pinion bearing so it was a smart idea to drop the both of them together. Clients from Rennlist? No problem, just the small logistical problem of me being on the other side of the Atlantic ocean, Europe, Estonia to be more precise. But shipping can be arranged and there are reasonably priced shipping methods. Sander

I think that looks fabulous and can't wait to see the finished project

Estonia is a little far but with the difference in labor rate, it may actually be worth sending the parts of there...I know it sounds crazy but that's how globalization works these days ! Also there are a handful of DIY guys here on Rennlist, including myself and while we don't know how to do it all, we may be interested buying some 'kits' to do it ourselves. For example if you can stich and cut the alcanthara and put a bottle of blue and accessories needed to do the job, I would not be surprised to see people interested. I just saw last week a post about someone wanting to re-uphoster his seats but did not find a place to do it. so seat upholstery kit may also be something people would look for. Not sure how hard it is to do but.. just an idea Looking forward to the end result.

That work looks really nice

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agree with you, I am planning to tackle this soon as well, if someone had this pre done I would have taken that in a heartbeat, it wouldnt cost that much to ship the pre cut stuff for sure what glue should we use on the dash / door panels that will last / not lift off? I dont want to use spray, I have seen guys on youtube use a bottle with a brush and i would much prefer that for larger pieces to avoid getting glue all over my fingers and the alcantara lol

Okay, shipping is not really that expensive after all, starting from 20USD for small packages that could fit pre cut covers for many of the interior parts. I�ll trace down some patterns just in case... What would you guys be interested in, shift boots, pre-cut pieces for center consoles, kits for front seats? Sander

I just ordered the shifter, brake & armrest from another vendor. I think you could sell all of those + the dash / steering wheel / console etc. I already ordered the alcantara for my steering wheel but I am really thinking of doing the dash as well.

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Steering wheel and airbag (I think this is one of the biggest requests), gauge pod and possibly entire dashboard.

WOW!! Amazing! I would love to see what you could do to my E36 door panels!

Small world I am also Estonian (living in the US). V�ga huvitav ja h�sti tehtud.

Such beautiful work. Very nice. I could see me wanting some pre-cut pieces in the near future.

I think the smaller pieces will certainly have the greatest success here, for example a shift boot in alcanthara, is certainly almost everyone here would give a try at. should be cheap, and a fun little project. After that I think everybody need to wrap their steering wheel and airbags but here I have no idea how hard it is to do.. but definitely number two on everybody list. Then the gauge pod would also be an easy one as it comes off pretty easily and stitching is really important there. Seats would be a nice one but again no idea how hard it is, I assume with proper youtube instruction and the leather already stiched to size it should be doable for most of us. I can see a healthy busine$$ there, again all the thanks to your location and offering lower prices than US locals.

Pre cut pieces can be challenging to glue on right, especially large pieces like the dashboard, but the gauge pod could prove a nice DIY project. Steering wheels and airbags require professional attention when it comes to covering them and they are not that big to ship too. Prelude Guy- Here is my previos project, E36 might prove interesting to check out. http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=499987 2002C2- T�esti v�ike maailm. Few pictures of the center console I've finished: Sander

(OP, love the work on your interior. This post is not about your project but rather the wisdom of any after market work on airbags given folks are asking for kits to cover there's here.) So this topic has bothered me for a while. I see lots of folks having cool steering wheels done in the aftermarket, and its been bothering me, knowing a little about how the airbags deploy from behind the factory interior finish. Do people not care about having a functional airbag, or indeed turning it into something deadly? The factory finish is engineered to yield and part in a predictable and as safe (as possible) way with the force of the air bag deployment. Covering that finish with (strong Alcantara or leather seems like a disaster waiting to happen. Here's a pic post deployment just to give folks and idea how this works: http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic...ag-deployment/ Thoughts?

True, airbags should not be covered with a single piece of leather or any kind of material. Seam along the area where the airbag has to tear is needed, that way the leather is purely decorative and does not obstruct the deployment of the airbag. Thread breaks easily. Porsche rivets the crest onto the airbag, there is a way to push the ends of the leather under the crest so you don�t have to remove the crest at all. Or remove the crest and rivet a new crest in place.

Stunning work!

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Any decent auto interior upholsterer will put the seams over the breakaway seams in the airbag cover. Leather can also be skived and perforated from the rear so that it will rip very easily at the covers seams. If done right, you'll never see the skiving or perforations.

Coincidentally, I just put a new crest on my airbag today, so here are some reference pics. You can clearly see the OEM breakaway seams from both sides. 694A87DB-F235-436D-B60A-9AEC084811D6.jpg 225F442B-FC24-4F03-AF87-ED66A35C35FB.jpg

Impressive. Came across this thread looking for vendors to redo the interior on my 968 Turbo.

How about an Alcantara headliner? Sander

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Where did you source the new airbag crest? I want to do this too, but I don't want to use a hood crest (and get hit in the face with it during a wreck)...

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I guess I should have said "new used crest", but looks like new. I'm not even sure if they can be found new...didn't even look. I got it from Woody. It came from a car that had been in an accident with airbags deployed, so he just cut off the flap with the crest on it and sent it to me. After removing the rest of the old flap, I was able to slide the retaining washer down the post to get better acces to the flattened tip in order to squeeze it back into round. I did this by carefully heating up just the tip with a small butane torch and squeezing it little by little with a pair of pliers. Once round, I could then slide the washer off. To remove the old crest, I just used a Dremel to cut off the flattened end. Put the replacement crest in, washer on, then re-flattened the exposed end of the post. To protect the new crest, I laid 2 thick pieces of leather down, placed the airbag cover on them face down and slowly flattened the post (rivet) down with many moderate taps with a small hammer. Getting the cover off the airbag requires removal of the airbag. Disconnect the battery and wait a few minutes with the ignition in acc position to ensure all power is out of the system. Remove airbag (T30 Torx). Remove charge (4 x 10mm hex) and place in a safe location away from metal and other possible sources of static, then it's safe to remove the cover. Woody parts out 986/996's (Woody's Parts, LLC [phone removed])

As has been said, the pieces you have done are absolutely beautiful. I have an Alcantara steering wheel (and airbag) and shift boot, but the interior needs some additional pieces to help visually tie it all together. I'm trying to figure out what pieces would be economically feasible to do over the distance. The dash and or instrument pod would be ideal, I'm just not sure how difficult it would be find someone to install the kit. I think the center panel of the hardback sport seats and door panels would also be a nice touch. Those might be easier to find an installer.

Another addition to the project, red seat belts Sander

Started working on CF parts for the interior, few parts already done and a bunch of them in the process. A few pictures as always: ' Sander

Most of the CF parts are now finished, though its perfectly fine to just sand the epoxy down and polish I decided its best to clear coat the bits. Leaves a much more clear and a glossier surface. Car itself got a Gt3 style bumper and side skirts. Inner parts of the headlights and door sills are still in progress, also started working on the seats, ended up with red perforated alcantara inserts, though black with black was the original idea... Guards red in comparison with CF

That is really really nice work. One thing that lets my car down (other than the blown engine which is off topic) is the steering wheel, I would like something in Alcantara as I think it would be a huge improvement. Can you source Alcantara in lots of colours? My interior is Savannah beige and I would like to keep it close to original??

Great job on the parts, excited to see it complete!

That is beautiful work - your craftsmanship really shows.

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Who's front bumper (manufacturer) is that? FRP? (I would assume so from the filler...). Looks like the car is going to be a stunner!

Nice work, snader!

Very sharp, nice job. Do you think it would be possible to wrap alcantara right on the leather on the steering wheel, so it doesn't need to be removed (both the leather and the steering wheel)?

Thanks guys, front bumper is made of high quality fiberglass and is indeed a quality product, but not perfect. Theoretically you can wrap the steering wheel in car, though it would take a lot longer and it would be very difficult to do so. Leather can be left under the new cover, though it may have some visual problems where the leather ends near the spokes. I would remove the old leather.

I say we all Hire you to hook us up - I know I am interested, I have two 996, love the outer shell, not a big fan of the interior

Impressive work!

Snader, that makes sense. If I'm doing it I want to do it right, remove the leather and such, but my leather is still nearly perfect.

Very pleased with the dash outcome.

Snap!!!.....Generally I'm not a huge fan of the carbon fiber look, but I must say that the CF coupled with the alcantara is absolutely stunning! The dash looks amazing....one of the best I've ever seen....well done snader!!!

that looks great ! i plan to do the same thing with the alcantara to mine

Where did you source the carbon fiber parts ? I have never seen the full front cowl in carbon fiber like yours very nice !

Well, I made them myself, all it takes is a bit of epoxy, CF cloth and a bit of sanding

Awesome work! I'm not a fan of Alcantara in general, and CF is so often overdone. But your work is very tasteful, and with excellent craftsmanship, so the overall effect is stunning!

so... this is very exciting What would a complete dash sent to you or a Dashboard Core exchange ? cost for this exact configuration. You could sell this easily

how long did it take you to get that whole dash out?

It probably took a few hours to get the dash out of the car, I`d be happy to do another dash. Considering how many hours I put in this, I cant see it costing less than 2500usd+ shipping. Carbon fiber comes in a variety of colors, so there are a few options to choose from. Here is where I source my materials: http://www.easycomposites.co.uk/#!/f...-reinforcement

You are really doing a great job. I like things to look like they could have come from the factory. If you didn't know any better, one could say this looks like every trim box was checked when ordering from the factory... Actually, this is way better than any factory work I've seen. Great job.

Brother, that is the Best Work I have Ever SEEN in the 996 - Truly you have a gift, I have two 996, love the Ext Shell, Hate the interior, once I am done with my 4 kids College Payments, I would love to have that done to both of my 996 - Truly Impressive

That is impressive. Flat out impressive. I look forward to seeing the final product.

Bravo Snader, the finish is very impressive.

This is gorgeous, I cannot wait to see it installed!

Well I hope to get the car running and all of the interior installed in the following months, just a few more CF bits to sand and a bit of sewing. Finished with the rear seats a while ago, now the fronts are half-way there. Sander

If anyone is interested I have a few extra carbon fiber steering wheels, 996 3 spoke and 997 sports wheel. If anyone wants an upgrade now would be a good chance. I only have the steering wheels, that is without airbag. Send me a message what type of material, alcantara, perforated leather or smooth leather( all black) and what color stitching. Price for 996 wheel 900 and 1000 usd for 997 wheel. Prices include shipping.

Beautiful work!

This is amazing. While you have the dash out, maybe you want to do something like this? https://rennlist.com/forums/rennlist...i-install.html

Fried eggs anyone? What adhesive should I use for re- sealing the headlights?

Dude, that is sick. I can't wait to see what it looks like on the car. Any thoughts one what it'll do to night time visibility?

Brother, you should do this Professionally, you truly have a gift, Really Great Work Amigo!

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I've seen silicone work quite well in other headlight mods. Can't wait to see these mounted!

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I've seen silicone work quite well in other headlight mods. Can't wait to see these mounted!

what about a steering wheel just to be wrapped in alcanatara? i dont fancy the cf honestly

Uh yeah these look so good! Can I send you my carbon fiber center console to have redone????

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Make sure to go with something low odor like Permatex 81173, otherwise you can get chemical etching on the inside of the lens. Another option is 3M Window Weld, which loosens up around 95C and can be reused without scraping it out of the cavity.

While the chassis is waiting for paint, gave the wheels a quick makeover, lips polished and clear coated with POR 15 Glisten, centers painted. And the front seats are finally done.

Chassis painted, bumpers and misc. to follow, finished up with the steering wheel aswell. And if anyone is interested in a carbon wheel I have a wheel for 996 and 997, just a reminder Sander

Beeee - eu - teee - Fulllllllllll!!!! She's gonna be awful purtee !

Car is all done, how�s that for a 99 C2?

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I'd normally take a pass on alcantara, but very nicely done! Bravo!

I like most of what you've done, nice job!

Sweet I bet it smells great in there! Very well done, can you please re-finish my carbon center console now haha

very well done sir

Amazing work! Wow.

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^^

Beautifully done, the interior is top notch!

this really look awesome ! amazon job restoring a 99' Only thing I am not a fan are the two tone seats, everything else, looks stunning especially the carbon fiber parts !

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This. But that's a personal thing. The workmanship otoh is stunning. You need to move here and open a shop. You'd be inundated.

Are you in the "Carbon Fiber" business or just a personal project? I'd love to get a steering wheel done down the road.

Wow, amazing!

Looking good. Are you doing anything with headlights. eBay has a CF trim cover available. Not sure about quality?michael

Did you do this?

Thank you all again, I am actually not in the CF business, yet. This was my first ever project working with composites, I gained experience and I�m gonna apply that for the next project, witch is probably redoing my M3-s interior, or maybe another Porsche? For now I�m trying to sell the car, but time will tell how that goes. I actually like the shape of the headlights and I don�t plan to put a cover on them, and with Ebay parts, you never know what you get. Sander

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nice work. Did you actually form molds from the OEM trim and then create new parts, or simply overlay the OEM trim with CF cloth?

I overlayed everything.

Took the car to the track, did two runs against my M3, best was 13.66, cars held up nice, no problems. Also made a walk around video of the 996. You Tube You Tube Sander

Do you take on jobs like this? I have rather ugly 996 steering airbag and want the black leather cover with white stitching. Thanks Doug Sander[/QUOTE]

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[/QUOTE] His last post was over 5 years ago, so good luck.

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@snader I�ve been wanting to mess with my lights� different treatment idea� did you rebuild this piece in Carbon? Or use a plastic wrap to get the effect?

Very nice. With the clear plastic on top of the barbon, they blend in better than I thought. Well done... :-)

Hey, headlight shrouds are "skinned", using real carbon and epoxy, I would suggest using high temp epoxy. There are good tutorials from easycomposites on youtube, they explain the process in detail.