Glove compartment and ashtray lid +
 

Will the glove compartment /dash fit a 97 Boxster?

What keeps the lid down on the ash tray. Mine keeps opening. I don't understand the mechanism.

+ what is easiest/best way to touch up small scratches and small defects?

For a while, I thought about replacing my dashboard with one that had a glove box. Then I took the dashboard out for a different reason and realized it's not just replacing the dashboard. There's an aluminum brace that runs the length of the car behind the dash that would interfere with the glove box. I've not seen what the brace looks like in an 02-04, but it's definitely a different part.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37...r/HPIM1458.jpg

I've come to the realization that the little storage space that the glove box provides really isn't necessary for me. I have storage in the doors, under the center armrest, behind the seats, and above the engine (I pulled off the owner's manual pocket under the steering wheel, it kept getting in the way of my knees). It all adds up to enough room for whatever I have in the car.

Might want to snag the non smokers kit:

http://e-partssales.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code =99655259600AND&Category_Code=986trimupgrades

Regarding the ashtray, there is a spring mechanism that allows it to pop open, but also a gear kind of thingy that slows down the action of it opening, so it opens slowly, as if in slow motion. Maybe you are missing that gear mechanism?

https://986forum.com/forums/AutoSharpPen.com is good for small scratches, Chef.

IF you have a very steady hand and a lot of patience you can use the Porsche touch up paint. Use very little per coat and mask the scratch as best you can. Build up to even level and then polish the heck out of it followed by waxing.

DrColorChip.com is recommended by some, but it apparently takes practice.

I have the gear thingy
 

I have the gear, but what keeps the lid from opening? Mine always opens.

same here - always open
 

the gear never catches - just pops open. Seems like the euros would know how to design an ash tray.

Maybe it's just not seated correctly. I've never had that problem.

Ashtray lid fix
 

Had the same problem with my ashtray lid.
The fix was to wrap some dental floss around the pivot point, which took some end play out of the lid, allowing the door to stay shut. Good luck.