Added Trim Rings to 996 Instrument Cluster
 

When I swapped the instrument cluster out for a 996 cluster I lost the polished trim rings. As with all cosmetic things, it is a personal taste. I found a listing on eBay for polished rings from a vendor in Poland. Shipped it was $47.15. They are not a perfect match to the larger brushed look of the 986 ones, but they fill a void for me.

No affiliation ...

PORSCHE 911 996 POLISHED ALUMINIUM CHROME DIAL GAUGE RINGS TRIM SURROUNDS | eBay

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...pscsqg7icb.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psaop8hfuo.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psizpfagyq.jpg

Looks great Chuck! Need to get some myself, thanks for the info and link.

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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?

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.

Looks perfect to me!
I never really liked the large, clumsy aftermarket rings...but these look delicate and seem to fit perfect at least in the pic. I only have the silver colored OEM plastic rings.
How do you attach them?

Thanks for the tip, Chuck.

Just ordered a set; I've been looking for a decent looking set at a reasonable price for years.

Just sayin'..........

TO

Ditto!:cheers:

Cool... thanks for the comments.

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.

Everything works and it is pretty easy;

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

Thanks...this is great information

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 :D

the same vendor sells brushed ones also...they look like the ones in the 1st pic

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!

I like the new ones better that your (or my) original. I too snuck into the end of the 50's.
#3 reminds me of when metal was still used to build cars.

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 :)
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.

FYI: you can get these in a matte finish or polished like Chuck's.

Here is the link for the 3 gauge set:
PORSCHE BOXTER Chrome Cluster gauge Dashboard rings speedo Trim instrument Dial | eBay

$38 shipped for the 3 gauge set. Beats the heck out of $100+ from other sites.

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...AD543A1D91.jpg

Noooooo.... you ordered the ones for a "Boxter". Ugh.... who knows what you'll get! :)

I was worried at first, then remembered that in Polish, there isn't an "s" in Boxster. ;)



:D

That's a great deal. I got my trim rings ten yrs ago for $89, and another $80 for the alloy trip/clock reset knobs!

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psteiblx16.jpg

Can anyone confirm - does the 987.2 have the same cluster size as the 986? Wondering if these rings will fit a 987.2
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

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

Received the rings a few days ago. As Chuck noted, they are not perfect, but pretty close. I had to use my Dremel on one of the rings to ensure a proper fit.

Sure makes a big difference aesthetically. Me like. :)

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1490743835.jpg

Just sayin'............

TO

Hello all :)
Thank you very much for every feedback and suggestions.
We try to produce with the greatest accuracy.
Here even 1 millimeter, it makes a huge difference :(
There is a minimum size difference (indicators)
We had to make "optimum dimensions" for both versions
That is why it can happen, in one case they will fit perfectly.
In another it's minimal cramped.
Counter indicator - visually identical.
But they have minimal dimensional differences.
I think that although it is somewhat understandable, my text.
I use translator :)
I greet all users
Dido Tuning

Hi Robert! :)

I did have to trim about 1mm off of each side ring for them to fit, but it took less than 5 minutes. I used a Dremel and cutoff wheel, though I did not cut, just lightly pressed the end of the ring against the spinning face of the cutoff wheel. It would be easy enough to do with sandpaper, also.

I really like the way they snap in. Very easy install :cool:

Matte finish (AKA brushed aluminum):

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...16813C7706.jpg

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...D7C0308273.jpg

They look great! Very pleased! :cheers:

Hello Friend.
thank you very much.
Robert Dido Tuning

Can't wait till there are ones available for the 987.2!

We are very happy to produce (987)
Problem with front counter part (model)

Let me know if you get some 987.2 rings, I'll take a set!

https://zapodaj.net/68123203d4d7f.jpg.html

Hello Friend.
Is this exactly the counter?

Hi Chuck, thanks for posting. I have a set on order! polished of course! I don't think Fred appreciates the Chrysler letter cars! LOL!

Cool. Ha, you're right. But then it might be a generational think.

Hi Chuck! I have to tell you many thanks for the tip regarding the trim rings! I have 996 gauges in my 99 but I have C4 gauges that were modified by Steve Eiche "Qumulus". You had told me about him a couple years ago but I wanted the trim rings and could not find them. I was about to give up when I saw your post. And thanks for the 4 stalk!

I've also added these and they look great. Also want to add that Robert the seller is great too, I managed to mangle one of mine while fitting them and he video chatted with me on facebook to explain the fitting then sent me a replacement half way round the world for free! Would recommend!