Instrument Cluster Cover - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Vza · 01-09-2021, 12:22 PM

Hi all,99 Boxster I'm swapping a black cluster cover for my grey one. I have to swap the black plastic insert as well cause I customized it to fit the 911 cluster gauge with the batt/oil gauges. I removed all the screws and it seems the cover is glued in at the front leading edge....can't get it out. Any thoughts....heat gun perhaps? Vince

A8ked · 01-09-2021, 04:20 PM

I switched my instrument cover and also found it was glued on the front edge.
The glue was very slightly pliable, it took a heat gun and some work with a sharp edge tool to cut thru the glue. I recall it took me almost an hour to get the old cover seperated from the glue on the insert. I ended up damaging the old cover slightly, but as I was replacing it I was not as careful as I could have been.
Once I had the old cover removed I spent additional time removing all the old glue that was still on the insert lip. I installed the new cover without any glue as the covers have a lip that overlaps the instrument panel lip. So far no issues with rattles or squeeks from the new panel.

After writing this and thinking about the amount of hassle in getting the glue off and the parts seperated, It may be easier to just modify the new part to accept the 911 cluster!!!!

Vza · 01-09-2021, 04:48 PM

Think it might 6 of 1 half dozen of another. Cutting the plastic to accept the 911 cluster was hours...PIA. Thanks for the reply figured I was gona use some heat. V

BRAN · 01-10-2021, 03:03 AM

YEP, it took me HOURS as well. The problem is: The cluster and the cover are tilted, which eliminates an easily drawn circle with a compass.
Dremel, sanding and hundreds of times checking the cover fitting.

PITA but worth every second.

KevinH1990 · 01-10-2021, 06:57 AM

I ran into the same problem when I attempted to disassemble the replacement instrument cluster I wanted to dye black. Carrera Gauge Hood Refresh

I eventually decided that using too much force on the wood trim was likely to damage it and I used masking tape to prevent dye from staining the trim. If I have time one day, I may try to remove the trim from the 996 gauge cover I replaced just to see if I can do it.

Bran - I originally tried to re-use my 986 gauge cover, but I couldn't fit the trim rings on the outer gauges. I am glad to see that it can be done.

Vza · 01-10-2021, 11:12 AM

I was able to separate the cover from the plastic insert. Used a heat gun...15 mins or so....not that bad. Bran....looks like you clear coated the insert. Looks great. V