Added Trim Rings to 996 Instrument Cluster

[Chuck W.]

Cool... thanks for the comments.

Originally Posted by BrokenLinkage

Very nicely done!
Did you mount your microphone in the cluster? If so, why not use the factory location to the left of the cluster, i the surround?

Nice observation! I have done away with the microphone. I had it when I had a double din audio unit in the Boxster with bluetooth. I have since gone back to the OEM radio.

Originally Posted by lowpue

How easy is it to swap from 3 dial to 5 dial? To the right and left Dials work. I would love to do the same.

Everything works and it is pretty easy;

Porsche Boxster 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

[lowpue]

Thanks...this is great information

[Nine8Six]

Chuck, at the risk of being seen as picky and/or being flamed; this-does-not-work.

1) They are polished. Style stuff of the 60's and 70's man
2) Distracting. They will reflect anything. Avoid colorful xmas tree in car
3) Dunno about 3) but sure can make up more reasons to prove my point.

Google "etching metal". There are many ways you can do this at home with excellent documented results. Techniques for brushing metals are also archived on the Internet everywhere.

Fun project for the weekend. To be fixed

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Chuck, at the risk of being seen as picky and/or being flamed; this-does-not-work.

1) They are polished. Style stuff of the 60's and 70's man

Haaaa.... there lies the problem. I was born in the 50's so it reminds me of my youth. At least what I can remember of it!

[Javi Cooper]

Wow, nice! Thank you. I've been looking for these for a while. I was surprised when I did another Google search with little hope and saw that your post is from today

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

Everything works and it is pretty easy;

Porsche Boxster 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

What year is your Boxster and what year 996 cluster did you use? Did you have to reprogram the cluster as mentioned in the article (that's the part keeping me from pulling the trigger)? I also see that you reprogrammed the mileage - who did you use and how much was it? And finally, did you use a cluster off a cabrio? If not, did you also reprogram the cluster for the convertible lamp to work? Thanks.

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by Javi Cooper

What year is your Boxster and what year 996 cluster did you use? Did you have to reprogram the cluster as mentioned in the article (that's the part keeping me from pulling the trigger)? I also see that you reprogrammed the mileage - who did you use and how much was it? And finally, did you use a cluster off a cabrio? If not, did you also reprogram the cluster for the convertible lamp to work? Thanks.

My Boxster is a 2001 and I used a 2003 cluster. I did not have to reprogram the 996 cluster. It was from a cab so that light works. The 996 did not have PSM so the two PSM related lights in the cluster do not light up. I'll have my mechanic active them next time it is in for a service. If the 996 cluster wasn't from a cab it would have been the same thing. As far as having the mileage reset I used ODO-Pro.com. They charged $89 with free return shipping. I extensively documented and photoed the swap so there would never be a question on the Boxster's true mileage.

Pelican has a great article on the swap;

Porsche Boxster 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

[Javi Cooper]

Yeah, I've read that article a few times but I still had a few doubts that you just cleared up. Thank you!