Refinishing My Center Console

I would like to refinish the center console on my 996 as it has random scuff marks from normal use and the seat belt latch rubbing against it. I bought Sureflex finish which is for refinishing leather and vinyl in P-Cars. It is supposedly the same or close to the same colorant that Porsche uses. I have two quick questions: 1.) How hard is it to remove the center console? I have seen directions on Renntech.org but I wanted the opinion of someone who has done it. 2.) Is the center console with the full leather option actually leather? My car has full leather but the console seems to be vinyl. The lid to the storage compartment at the back of the center console is definitely leather. I would greatly appreciate any advice anyone could give me. Thanks, Eric

Are you talking about the rear center console?

I am new to this type of thing, but aside from being tentative with the snap-on/off panels, it was quite easy to remove the rear center console...4 or 5 screws, and connections to the window switches (and light to ash-try, if you have an ash-tray). You will likely need to remove the center console, as well, to avoid scratching the rcc. Same deal...panels and 4 screws. My MY02 has "full leather" and the rcc was clearly not leather...but like you, the oddments cover (and the small snap-on panel behind that) is indeed leather. Hope this helps. -- LEP 2002 996 C4S

I am reffering to the center console which is between the front seats. It runs from the stick shift to the storage compartment which is located between the front seats. In the center of this console are the buttons to operate the electric windows. I believe it is technically the rear center console. Sorry for any confusion.

The rear center console is not difficult to remove. Just need to be patient. I have the factory leather console and it is real leather. I prefer the leather type over the original or painted versions. I feel that the painted version can be easily scratched and therefore distracting from the appearance. If you go to the evoms.com website, look under installation instruction for their SSK and they have a good diagram on how to remove the console. Good luck!!

best instructions for removal come with the B&M short shift kit. Mine is not leather, so can't answer that, but removal was not difficult. instructions are on their website, try this link... http://www.bmracing.com/media/products/pdf/67.pdf

Or if you prefer, get a painted rear center console and we'll take the old one from you.

Thanks for the help guys. Eric - I'll look into the painted consoles.

Did that work, DreamCarrera? Did you use that Sureflex product? BTW, what's the actual name of that product?

Not sure what Eric did but Surflex works very well to recolor or refresh leather and vinyl. http://www.colorplus.com/frameset_products.html No affiliation just a satisfied customer. They match colors from the sample you send too.