HVAC relocation gap.. - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Cebu · 10-09-2014, 09:14 PM

I worked on my beater Boxster today and installed the CDR220 to USB device interface and that went well. My problem is when I relocated the HVAC to the upper DIN I need a new bezel around it. I temporarily used the bottom bezel until I get my storage bin in which I will return it to the bottom DIN.

Question: Do you know where I can get a bezel that will fit for the upper DIN location? I read a post somewhere but can't find it here or any other forum. Also, is there a blank panel option? I'd like to get rid of the CD tray too.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Deserion · 10-10-2014, 03:27 AM

Check with DC Auto, they might (should) have the correct trim bezel you need.

rick3000 · 10-10-2014, 05:47 AM

The part number for the upper HVAC bezel is: 996.552.677.00.01C. You should be able to order it from the dealer, Pelican Parts, Sunset Imports, etc. I believe it is about $6-ish.

Giller · 10-10-2014, 06:14 AM

Curious - why move the hvac up? In mine, I have the cup holders on top, then the radio, empty storage bin and hvac. I installed a similar cord ( I put the lighting adapter in) and then just routed the cord down.
To me, the hvac is something I rarely touch once I'm rolling, so keeping it at the very bottom makes sense.

rick3000 · 10-10-2014, 06:35 AM

You can replace the lower HVAC with a shelf, you can't do that with the upper location. My 986 from top to bottom has: HVAC, Radio, Shelf, Shelf. I use the shelves for my wallet, phone, bluetooth, etc.

clickman · 10-10-2014, 06:39 AM

What rick said.

I also made a mounting plate for my iPod and attached it to the lower cubby.

Before:

After:

rick3000 · 10-10-2014, 06:43 AM

Norm, could you post a closer picture of the iPod mount or provide a little more detail of what you did? I would like to do something similar.
Great job!

clickman · 10-10-2014, 06:43 AM

The two cubbies for 2001 are:

996 552 253 01 01C Satin Black Upper Shelf
996 552 243 01 01C Satin Black Lower Shelf

clickman · 10-10-2014, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick3000

Norm, could you post a closer picture of the iPod mount or provide a little more detail of what you did? I would like to do something similar.
Great job!

No problem. It's been awhile so let me get some pics and info.

Giller · 10-10-2014, 07:32 AM

I guess I like my cupholders too much to do that much renovation.

As I have the base - I have my cord coming out of the blank spot there the washer adjuster would be. It's just a cap that pops off. I just have to create a little stand and it will sit right next to the wheel - much easier access and safer as I don't have to look way down to see it.

clickman · 10-10-2014, 07:34 AM

Rick, here are some pics. Haven't cleaned up yet after summer driving, and the macro flash makes it look a lot worse up close than it is. Nothing worse than undies down in public!

The iPod itself sits in a ProClip unit. Fast and easy removal for when parked in public...

Connecting the ProClip to the cubby is just a plain jane black metal bracket from the local hardware store. I bent it in a vise, cut it down at the ProClip end and added mounting holes as necessary. Be careful when mounting the bracket to the cubby. The plastic isn't all that thick and the screws should be cut off near flush to avoid interfering with insertion of the cubby. A dab of black paint or permanent marker colours the screws black to match.

I used this cable to connect to the back of the radio:

I also had to add a ground loop isolator. I still get a whine when the iPod isn't connected (in Aux mode), but as soon as it is the whine is negligible.

clickman · 10-10-2014, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giller

I guess I like my cupholders too much to do that much renovation.

You're a better man than I. I couldn't stand the stock cupholders. I had a hard time getting anything other than a small container to stay upright, and based on the condition of the HVAC unit when I moved it, the previous owner had the same trouble. Lots of goop from spilled drinks. Much happier with the Ultimate cupholder on the passenger side of the console.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giller

I just have to create a little stand and it will sit right next to the wheel - much easier access and safer as I don't have to look way down to see it.

I never look down at the iPod while driving. It's only adjusted while pulled over or while waiting at a light. The only thing I do while driving is hit the skip button, which doesn't require looking at it. Personally I'm not convinced that mounting the iPod beside the steering wheel makes it safe. They require more interaction than the basic radio/stereo system (which is arguably an unsafe distraction in itself). We can likely debate that til the cows come home.

rick3000 · 10-10-2014, 07:58 AM

Thanks for the pictures, I have been trying to find a good way to mount mine. I like the bracket you fabricated.

itsnotanova · 10-10-2014, 10:06 AM

I apologize if I come across as a troll but I have a lower double bin storage and 75% sure I have that trim you'll need for relocating your HVAC unit. $60 shipped
I'm not a fan of the cup holders above the HVAC unit or radio either. I've seen a few get messed up because of spilled drinks.

boxster6354 · 10-10-2014, 11:52 AM

The trim you can find on eBay for under $20.00 shipped.

Porsche 996 986 Boxster Upper Climate Control Unit Surround Trim New Genuine | eBay

rick3000 · 10-10-2014, 11:54 AM

$7 using the part number. Always use the part number.

boxster6354 · 10-10-2014, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick3000

$7 using the part number. Always use the part number.

Show off!!!

rick3000 · 10-10-2014, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxster6354

Show off!!!

Sorry, I like to save money.

I have saved quite a bit over the years using part numbers at places like ECS and Sunset Imports.

Download the official Porsche 986 part list with diagrams, to figure out what you need.

Cebu · 10-10-2014, 07:34 PM

Wow. This forum is great! I ordered two from Pelican in case I cracked one by accident. Thank you for taking the time and providing the part number, much appreciated!

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick3000

The part number for the upper HVAC bezel is: 996.552.677.00.01C. You should be able to order it from the dealer, Pelican Parts, Sunset Imports, etc. I believe it is about $6-ish.

Cebu · 10-10-2014, 07:38 PM

Clickman, thanks for the posting. My original intent was to use my iPad mini or my Nexus 7. After seeing your clean install I may just go with my iPhone on a holder and call it good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clickman

Rick, here are some pics. Haven't cleaned up yet after summer driving, and the macro flash makes it look a lot worse up close than it is. Nothing worse than undies down in public!

The iPod itself sits in a ProClip unit. Fast and easy removal for when parked in public...

Connecting the ProClip to the cubby is just a plain jane black metal bracket from the local hardware store. I bent it in a vise, cut it down at the ProClip end and added mounting holes as necessary. Be careful when mounting the bracket to the cubby. The plastic isn't all that thick and the screws should be cut off near flush to avoid interfering with insertion of the cubby. A dab of black paint or permanent marker colours the screws black to match.

I used this cable to connect to the back of the radio:

I also had to add a ground loop isolator. I still get a whine when the iPod isn't connected (in Aux mode), but as soon as it is the whine is negligible.