Anyone removed entire dashboard and documented it?

I'm replacing my dashboard and have searched to no avail for someone who has done this and documented the steps. I've done the the intstrument pod before so I only need help past that point. Maybe someone can point me to a post I'm missing? Thanks! John

I replcaed a 951 dash once, what a pain in the ****!! Why the new dash? Pick up a nice leather one?

I only remind to have seen it before made by Tool Pants in his Boxster (similar dashboard to 996) It's a very complicated job.

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Well I don't want to hear that! The reason I'm doing it is yes, I have a leather one. Also have door panels and instrument pod. I'm just missing the pillars at this point.

Cool! I would suspect that MFletch would have the answers!

That's a big job. All I can tell you is make sure you put felt on areas where it "might" creak, while you're there.

I am concerned about creating squeaks and will read the entire TSB on the subject before I do anything. I just hope someone has done it and wrote about it. I'll probably post the request on the other boards as well.

Been there done that, easier with the windshield out especially if you have a reason to take it out. I didn't have to be too concerned with squeaks since not all went back into it as it was a race only car. I will check to see if I have the write ups for it still and post.

Not to be counter, but removing while removing and replacing the dash cover on a 996 is a significant effort, it is not that hard to do. The prep is what is involved. Things go easiest when the seats, center console, and windshield are removed first. After that, remove the steering wheel, and the steering wheel switch gear cover, you can leave in the switch gear, but it is easier if you remove that assembly as well. Next take out the corner vents, glove box, and all of stuff (radio, climate control, switch gear) in the upper center console. Remove the speedometer cluster. Along the top of the dash, remove the defroster vents, and the speakers. After you have stripped off all of that stuff, there are some 10mm bolts that are up where the defroster vents are, these need to be removed, and then in the leading edge of the door jam, there are 2 bolts on each side that need to come out as well. After that, the dash cover can be pulled out. It is best to get a helper, to pull out the various cable runs. When you have the cover out, now is the time to apply felt and teflon tape to the cover mounting points and tighten the aluminum support structure to keep it from creaking. Replacement is the reverse of above. For further information refer to TSB 996 1/02 7018

****. What have I gotten myself into?

Loren had a long post with pictures, if I recall correctly.

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Sorry I didn't want to persuade you but I only was saying It was too difficult for me, but I'm not a good skill man.

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from what i have read, the most difficult thing would be is to remove the windshield. you should get a professional to do that, but hey maybe its a good time to replace it if is nicked all over. removing the other stuff like the seats, center counsole, radio ect is not difficult. appears to be a good weekend project.

IMHO removing the dashboard is a fairly involved job. I say go for it but be prepared for many hours of work. I could easily see this taking 10 hours.

ejdoherty911's estimate sounds right. I have a rattle in the passenger side dash that sounds like a metal bar banging around. My independent thinks the support structure has come loose and estimated 10 hours to remove the dash and reattach it. Good luck.

I'll do this once it get's cold. I don't know about removing the windshield, I'll look into this more and see if that can be skipped. If people here say 10 hours it will take me 20 no doubt I also am doing doors and hopefully pillars. I'll probably have the interior taken apart for weeks.

I was just convinced not to do it. I have been planning to because I scratched my leather up, but now it doesn't look so bad.

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Wuss!!! Just kidding! That does sound like a big job.

I did it on a 280z back in the 70s when I was young and limber. It took me a week, but it sure looked better than the cracked dash I replaced. It wasn't as hard as this though.

If you search under my name for the rebuilt 996 post, I documented it extensively here. I bought mine from a fellow member after it was totalled for a dash fire. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to PM me.

as long as you are removing the center console, you might as well get it painted too.

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Or, better, yet, get the leather one.

I appreciated the comments and tips. Mfletch, I'll look up your post. I am going to do this, and may regret it while underway abut am sure I will happy after the fact. I am only missing one piece for the dash at this point, the airbag cover. Regarding the center console I can obly bite off so much at one time. I'd love to have that covered in leather but think it costs about $800. I'm only willing to throw so much money into this car since I won't really get any of it back. I've done pretty well on th costs of the leather components at least. The real cost will be the "sweat equity".

Where can you get a leather covered lower center console? I've never seen one. MY 2000 has full leather interior but the console has that soft touch stuff on it. I don't know what it is but it's too thin for leather

Just to be sure we're talking about the same thing, I'm talkng about the lower center console, the one with the ash tray that so many people have painted. When someone says console here I'm never sure what piece they are referring to. I saw a post here or somewhere else by somone who gave the console to their dealer and Porsche covered it in leather. He said it cost $800 and took a long time to get back. When I have some time I'll search for the post.

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you can get it from your p-car dealership or through carnewal, a site sponsor.