Gauge Faces

Has anyone replaced their gauge faces themselves. I just purchased an aluminum set. The instructions seem to be so easy and I am wondering if there are any gotchas I should watch out for. The faces came with a tool for removing the needles. It seems disproportionately large to me. I would hate to screw up my cluster. I also have the Bird automotive console, aluminum pedals and a new silver center console to install. I have instructions for all the mods, but any additional advice would be much appreciated. I recently had aero kit ( scraped the bottom of front bumper the first week [I] ) and new wheels added, all in an attempt to resist the urge to buy a new car. MY 2000 has been amazingly reliable and I just can't justify taking the depreciation hit to buy a newer model, although I do covet the C4S every time I see one. Thanks

I've been considering this mod. for a while, but have held off due to reports that the gauge faces make the illumination dimmer. I'd be interesting in hearing your thoughts after you've installed them... plus I'd be interested to know really how how difficult it is to do the install.

I did the gauge faces on my Boxster...yes its easy, but you need to be careful about the position of the needles when you remove them so you can put them back on in the exact same position...

I'm thinking about doing this mod as well. SMSHIRK, Would you mind taking some pics during install and posting a thread with your learnings. Seems like there are a number of people who have an interested in doing this mod (based on various posts over the last weeks/months).

It would be awesome if we could get someone to post pictures. To be honest, the perceived complexity and the reports of dimmer illumination have put me off doing this, even though I'd like to do it.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1562

Just did mine today. Took me about 1 1/2 hours from start to finish. Very easy and as far as the backlighting I don't think there is going to be a problem. I tried it during the day and can see the entire cluster lit up. I recommend this link http://boxsters.addr.com/hacks/cluster.htm If you don't have the special tool use a pair of needle nose pliers. Only part I broke was the emerg light. Remove the cover first

So, which set did you get and where did you buy them? I've been looking at the white polycarbonate faces sold by performance products.

Anyone want to part with there old Black ones? I have a MY 2000. thanks

Aluminum set www.imagineauto.com

Evansaero, Tool Pants - nice links. Thanks for the guidance. I think I'll line this mod. up for the fall, after the weather cools down. I like the look of the white guages with the aluminum surrounds, that's exactly what I had in mind. Please post if you do see any backlighting issues. Thanks again!

I will let you know about the backlighting when I get my P-car back The dealer came and pick up my car today to do the RMS, clutch, and paint the bumper before I could get pictures of it They said they would have it about a week

so where could i find the qauge faces for sale. i was also looking for a white gauge face and aluminum rings.

nvm found it

Thanks! I hadn't looked at their faces before. It always helps to get a recommendation. If I remember correctly they're laser cut to OEM specs, is that true?

I have the aluminum gauge faces on my car. There is not any problem with backlighting at night. The first pic is a daytime shot without the flash. The second pic is a night time shot with flash. I don't have any night shots without the flash.

I can't say that they are laser cut. It did not look like it. It looks more like someone cut it out by hand. Maybe the 02' and up are cut by laser but I have an 00' and it was not easy finding someone that could get a hold of the alum gauges Honestly I was a little worried at first but soon found out that all the edges are covered up and all you see is the sweeeeeeet looking new faces. If you want faces that are cut out like the stock one's, this is not it for you but unless you or someone takes apart the gauges again you would never know. As far as ordering the gauge faces through www.imagineauto.com I "PM" ProscheDoc and he called me back and took my info over the phone. A couple days later I had them in hand.

Tim, Are the aluminum trim rings stock or did you get them from Eric at bumperplugs? Your gauge faces with alu trim rings looks like a great combo... I've got a black interior, but would think it looks quite nice on that as well... will give some nice contrast.

The aluminum rings are not stock. If I remember correctly, I bought them from Brandywhine Porsche. I really like the look of the rings. It really added some definition to the gauge cluster. If you get some rings, make sure you set each of them on a flat surface like a table to see if any of them are warped. One of my rings (the far left one) was warped and it didn't seat well. I took it off again and noticed that it was warped a little. I VERY CAREFULLY flexed it (rather than bent it) back into the correct shape by starting in the middle of the ring and flexed it slightly. Then I moved about 1/2 inch toward the end and flexed it again. I repeated the "flexing process" every 1/2 inch down the ring until it was no longer warped and both ends would touch evenly when laid back on the table. When I reinstalled the ring, it fit perfectly.