Replacing dash piece

[privatepang]

Anyone have any hints on how to remove the dash piece on the left of the steering wheel?

In the attached file circled in blue. Looks like glue on the back side ? Don't want to break any switches in an attempt to do this...

[dipso]

I replaced the red one, no glue. I doubt there is glue holding it on.
You will have to unfasten all the things that poke through it first. Ignition switch, vent, hazard flasher, etc.
It should come off then.

Some of those things might be holding it on as they come through the dash and then sandwich the trim piece with their fasteners.

[Rotmilky]

I just removed the red one this weekend from a 77 Targa. There was glue holding mine on there. Maybe my glue was an aftermarket add-on?

Most of it peeled off just fine since the glue was 30+ years old. Unfortunately, the upper right part was still stuck on there and ended up ripping the foam in half. If I had it to do over again, I'd try to get a heat gun on the back side of the metal to try to maybe loosen the glue up a little bit.

Best of luck getting it off.

[sayporsha]

Originally Posted by Rotmilky

If I had it to do over again, I'd try to get a heat gun on the back side of the metal to try to maybe loosen the glue up a little bit.

Good idea but it's really hard to get up behind there. I'll be watching this thread as I need to do this too.

[magnumpi]

Guys, where are you sourcing these pieces, left and right (red) in diagram above? From donor cars I assume? Ridiculously expensive from Porsche.

[javadog]

I haven't had much luck with used pieces, as they tend to get damaged when they are removed. They are just pieces of foam with a vinyl skin and they are glued on, so it doesn't take much to damage them. I've been able to find quite a few that were in the parts inventory of one shop or another, maybe ordered for a customer that didn't end up using them. There are quite a few different versions, with different things cut out of them.

What prices are you seeing?

JR

[magnumpi]

Our host sells the left side trim, $421.75:

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 911-552-477-09-7AE-OEM

Right-side trim was a bit more, can't remember exactly how much, it is NLA from PP.

[javadog]

What are you looking for, exactly?

JR

[privatepang]

I got mine used through here and its in great shape.

Just not sure if you have to take the steering column off as it looks like it tucks in behind it?

Also with things like the headlight switch, do you just keep pulling to get the knob off? Sorry just the silly question, just dont want to damage it

[javadog]

You don't have to remove the steering column but I usually remove the top and bottom column covers. You have to pull the steering wheel to get those off.

The headlight switch knob uncrews, if I remember correctly. Then you unscrew the bezel on the front of the switch.

JR

[wrxnofx]

Reviving an old thread here. Javadog, I need to replace the same piece on my car (left of the steering wheel, circled in blue above). The PO had some stupid alarm installed and it left a big hole and 4 smaller olds when it was removed. I'm on the lookout for a used black replacement piece that'll fit an '87 coupe, as well as any additional steps required besides removing the clamshell and the ignition switch. What holds it in there? Is it just glue or are there screws, too?

[Porboynz]

Mine was held on with what looked like modern double sided foam tape, but it looked original 1972 so that's what I use to refasten. Gentle prying worked it loose once all the switch bezels etc were removed.

[wes_r]

Replaced the same piece (and center one) earlier this year. Headlight switch & gas cover knob unscrew from the front. The left vent is a little tricky as there are angled metal tabs -- two on the top and two on the bottom. You have to use a thin tool to press down the tabs so you can pop out the vent assembly.