steering wheel column trim
 

Has anyone been able to remove the top trim cover piece without removal of the steering wheel and.. then replace it

I ask as I dont want to be stuck removing the wheel anyway after having broken 20+ plastic tabs

You can remove the steering wheel without involvement of any clips.
I did it, so can you.

As for the trim removal.
Nope, cannot be done as there are screws in the front, if I recall.

Steering is easy.
Just disconnect the battery.

Okay,

I was thinking I could get one screw at a time by turning the steering wheel but I am not sure I have the distance to withdraw the front cover clear any clips and be able to pry off the top trim cover didn’t even want to get in there if it’s not possible… Trying to avoid breaking things

As PLP said, removing the steering wheel is fairly easy. Things get broken when you try to find short cuts rather than doing it the right way.
This article has a decent guide: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/91-ELEC-turn_signal_switch_-_OBC_upgrade/91-ELEC-turn_signal_switch_-_OBC_upgrade.htm

Thanks for the advice. I am time limited on most tasks so I need to be coralled!