Trying again : help removing lower B pillar trim

[88911cs]

Hi Guys ,
I posted a while back in the hopes that someone might know how the lower B pillar trim ( aka '' lock pillar ) is removed on a '88 Carrera ? I can see the threshold plate holds the lower edge in place , but the panel itself seems so tightly affixed that I'm skeptical that it's just 2 clips ( per the Porsche parts fiche ) that hold it on . If in fact it is just 2 clips ( working on the drivers side panel ) which direction do you pull - towards the passenger side of the car or to the front of the car ? Going through this to replace the vinyl trim covering that has a nick in it . I had many people view my last post , but the only response I got was from a guy who asked if I figured it out as he needed to get his off too . Anyone have a clue ?
Thanks in advance .

[cpa]

If my memory serves me, try pulling it forward toward the door. It is not secured by clips like the door trim, more like the back panel. It has a slide in hook.

[88911cs]

Hi CPA ,
Thanks for the reply . I bought 2 of the clips shown on the fiche ( 999-50702-001 ) and they look like standard push on edge clips except there is a hole in the center as if a screw went through them . The description is ''speed nut '' on the parts tag . There would be no way to access a screw so they must be press on only . Having said that there was a second part number listed that ended in 2 instead of 1 that perhaps is different in a significant way ?

[Cooper911SC]

I admit, I read your last attempt... Didn't have time to reply...

That piece of upholstery is glued directly to the B pillar/lock post. Only the fabric is removable.
These most often have an edge come un-glued due to shrinkage or get marked up from the seat belt buckle.

That being said, if your cut isn't too bad, your best bet might be getting in touch with an upholstery reconditioning outlet. They can use a flexible filler and then surface dye (paint) the area.

The vinyl or leather is backed by foam.

To replace you need to remove the single screw visible on B pillar, this is for rear quarter panel top trim.
Follow up with removal of second screw below quarter window and take off upper trim piece. (It can be really stuck on from years of sitting and muck build up)
Next remove rear quarter panel trim. Depending on how out of the way you want it, you can either reel out enough seat belt to push the panel a bit out of the way, OR, un-bolt the lower driver's seat belt anchor so you can feed the belt through the cut out in the panel. Pay attention to the order of spacer, plastic "bushings" and flat washer.
Next lift up on the quarter trim and push slightly backwards and up. The leading edge of the panel is keyed in behind the B pillar trim you want to work on.

Remove the threshold.

Partially remove the door seal from it's channel.

The two clips you see in PET are likely spring retainers that push over the edge of the vinyl and edge of the sheet metal. They help support the glued edge.
I have had half a dozen cars apart in this area and never seen one.

To fix, you'll need matching vinyl or leather, 1/8" foam, spray adhesive, and contact cement.

I clean the metal well, glue the foam to it with spray adhesive, shape the foam, then glue the vinyl/leather with spray adhesive to the face of the foam.
Trim it out leaving plenty to wrap. Use contact cement such as DAP Weld Wood and wrap the edge. I use paint stir sticks and spring clamps to hold over night. (This isn't really necessary but I feel it helps create a stronger bond)

Next reassemble all the trim panels etc.

Cooper

[Cooper911SC]

After all my typing... Did I Mis understand?

Are you trying to remove the rear quarter panel interior trim piece? The seat belt runs through it?

C

[Arne2]

So you are saying that #17 in the parts diagram is simply the vinyl covering?

If so, that is disappointing, mine is dented, and I was hoping to replace some day. But it sounds like it might be the actual B pillar that's dented?

[88911cs]

Hi Cooper ,
Many Thanks for the in depth reply . Perhaps I should have included that the car in question is a Clubsport and thus doesn't have the same trim below the rear quarter windows - only carpet . Having said that the piece in question is the same as any other 911 - it's up against the door seal and wraps around to the back . I'd say it's about 2 '' wide at the top and gets a little wider to the bottom - and is around 17'' tall . I have the Genuine Porsche black vinyl trim ( 911-555-757-00-05T ) and know it does get glued on with spray adhesive . The panel itself is shown as a separate piece in the parts list - assumed you could remove it to work on replacing the glued on trim off the car ? With the way my trim is configured I can squeeze my fingers in along the rear edge top to bottom . If I understand you correctly , are you saying that the piece the trim is glued to is part of the body shell - and not removable ?
Thanks

[88911cs]

Hi Arne ,
Yes , #17 is the vinyl trim piece - I have the box/part on my desk . My vinyl doesn't appear to have any padding behind it , but maybe #18 is some sort of foam - don't know ? I thought it was the panel itself .

[Cooper911SC]

Yes Gentlemen, that piece is glued to the body.

Arne, you can remove upholstery and pull the sheet metal with a stud puller or just fill with body filler.
Then re upholster the new flat surface.
Or build up with thicker foam.

Yes #18 is a thin foam backing

C

[88911cs]

Hi Cooper ,
Thanks for clearing this up once and for all ! I had a small nick ( about a third the size of a pencil eraser ) when the car was delivered new and never did anything about it . Recently I stumbled upon the vinyl trim new in the box at a fraction of the $250 ( YIKES !!! ) dealer price and bought it . Figured you pop the trim off , peel off the old trim and glue on the new one and reinstall . Probably not worth the trouble .
Many Thanks,
Bryan

[Ayles]

This appears to be similar to the Targa interior. I recently re wrapped both sides. Three were no clips holding it in, at least on an SC.

Hopefully I'm on the right track with your question. It was not a difficult job at all. Just took time and preparation with the glue. On the Targa there are two layers of material. One is a thin open cell foam and the other is carpet padding type material. I tried to replicate with two layers of closed cell foam. I think i have a few more photos at home if you are interested.

[Cooper911SC]

Yep, that's the animal😃

I have photos somewhere of an '87 Targa I did a carpet kit and other upholstery in.

No time to sit at a real computer to dig them up though.

Glad it's cleared up for you.

Cooper