Refitting original stereo

I'd like to remove the double din Apple CarPlay stereo from my 996 and refit the original Blaupunkt stereo given to me by the previous owner as I'm feeling a bit over technology at the moment. Obviously I'll need to replace the center console section ( pictured here ) but can anyone tell me if there was also an additional something that was fitted behind it to support the weight of the stereo?

I don't think Porsche ever fitted Blaupunkt units to the 996. The radios were made by Becker. Yes, there is a steel bracket which supports the single-DIN radios. I have two of them in a box under my bench in the garage, and you are welcome to have one for the price of the postage. Drop me a PM with your name and address if you would like one.

You're right,I meant a Becker It's a CR-22, unlikley to sound as good as the one I'm removing but I've come to the conclusion that I don't enjoy tech in cars. I enjoy driving my old '68 vw camper because it's simple; I enjoy driving the 996 for the same reason and I think being faced with an ipad in your dashboard just spoils the experience. That would be great, I'll drop you a pm now.

If you want the brackets and surround to move the climate control panel back to its original position at the top, I have those too:

Yes please that would be great, I was planning on refitting everything in it's original position.

Also, if you don't have the key code for the radio, let me have the last 4 digits of the serial number and I'll get it for you. Careful with the centre console frames too, as the 986 and 996 ones are different, despite what that listing says.

Somebody has written a number into the owners manual so I'm hoping that will be the one, but if not it's good to know there's a Plan-B

Out of interest, are there any negative points you would make in the existing apple car play stereo? Just interested in your views as I was considering performing the opposite and switching out my original Becker for an apple car play one. If you do not mind me asking, is the model you have installed working fine and have good features/sound? many thanks J

I've had a couple of carplay stereos across two different vehichles. The first was a Pioneer DA120, which I really disliked, the one I'm taking out the 996 is a Sony AX100 which I would highly recommend. With any of the CarPlay compatible headunits the software is the same once you're in the Apple CarPlay system so there's little comparison you could make between the different units, although some touch screens are better than others. The difference in user experience lies in the native OS/navigation system that the different brands have written to operate the other functions outside of CarPlay such as alternative input sources (ie radio, bluetooth etc) and the options on the stereo. To compare the two units I've owned, the navigation on the Pioneer is REALLY bad, fiddly, completley non intuitive and very reliant on you selecting small menu items scattered in an inconsistant layout that proved an unwelcome (dangerous) distraction when driving. By comparison the Sony is much better, simple layout, large icons and importantly a knob to adjust the volume which makes a massive diffence in use, I would recommend that unit to anyone, it's really simple to use. Obviously you can't feel buttons on a touchscreen and having to take your eyes off the road to adjust volume between tracks or when a call comes was always a massive (dangerous) distraction with the Pioneer, with the sony you just reach to the button and adjust a manual knob; sometimes simple is better. The Sony also comes in a matt finish so dosn't look out of place in the dashboard, if it weren't for the small sony logo you could belive it was OE. Many of the other systems are just way too bling in my opinion and look out of place in a 20 year old dash. Carplay is great, if you want to upgrade the stereo I would recommend it, I would welcome it a new vehicle, I just don't want it in my 20 year old Porsche. I would add I'm not a technophobe either so that isn't a factor. I just enjoy older cars (the 996 is new by comparison to my other daily drive) and I've realised I would enjoy my car more by the absence of a touch screens and all they bring with them, so quite simply I'm opting out. I hope that helps, it's all just personal opinion obviously

That is all very good to know - thanks for taking the time to write that. Personally I agree with you on the volume/rotary dial being useful addition, along with the next/previous track buttons. Here’s to enjoying the cars, with or without the in car entertainment!

Hi Richard Have just seen this thread: am considering refitting my old CDR23 and removing my aftermarket Double DIN pioneer AVIC F88DAB unit (very good unit but want to go back to factory and simpler spec). Do you have any spare fittings left for this, ie the cage and heater control surround/fittings - you’d be prepared to sell to me? Thanks

I only have one of the metal brackets (as shown at the bottom of my photo), which you are welcome to have for the cost of the postage. If you want it, drop me a PM with your name and address.

Thanks Richard that’s very kind of you. Will send you a PM.