Looks like mine is ruined from maybe too many armor all applications...became all sticky and shiny...ordered a new one. Has anyone removed and replaced? I heard using a plastic dash trim removal tool is the way to go? Any tips? other methods? advice? greatly Appreciated....

2003 996 C4S, sport exhaust, bose, heated seats, blk/blk, painted console

 

I use my fingers to get most the trim off (they're nice and soft and don't scratch stuff) - get the tip of your fingers in there and wedge away. If you have to use any mechanical aids, wrap a soft cloth around it to make sure there is no scratching allowed.

 

I have used fingers, trim removal tools, and an old plastic credit card. All work.

 

It's easy to take out and even the buttons; but I remember the cigarette lighter socket was a pain. literally. Eventually I figure it out but I don't remember how...

joel

 

Man i'm trying to buy a silver aluma look one right now but hating having to pay $300 to suncoast or eagle day hoping to find a used one

 

I removed most of my interior trim (one piece at a time) and recovered them in CF. The original leather covering is very thin and comes off quite easily if you use a heat gun to warm it up. If this kind of thing doesn't scare you, you could just repaint or recover your existing trim for a small fraction of the cost. If you totally pooch the piece, you are left with buying a new one as you had planned anyway.

 

I appreciate the tips. Got a replacement coming from ebay. Noticed someone else bought the same piece so asked for help. He sent me the following video. Good thing I am seeing it, cause I did not realize the buttons were all a part of trim. Guy who sent said he ruined his cig lighter by not watching this first...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJAcA...eature=related

 

I did 'pooch' the original piece by using too much armor all. Did not think I had done it too often but it became sort of gooey and sticky. Tried cleaning off top layer but left it real shiny. Won't make the same mistake again...

 

I think 2002+ have a one piece horseshoe not like the video where the switches are placed on 1 of 3 pieces for the horseshoe.

 

I just took mine off to get it painted, snapped off and i only had to disconnect the windshield wiper plug, the rest slipped out of the horseshoe and are hanging on the car still connected- The cig lighter housing came out with it but they are not removing it from the piece, will tape it off and paint around it

 

not to sound like a snobby european car driver, but ONE application of armor-all is too much IMHO.

I use AutoGlym Interior Shampoo and a microfibre towel... stuff works on every damn surface in the interior of your car (except glass), leather, carpet, dash, alcantara. etc... And works amazingly well.
Previous owner of my car used armor all, and this stuff seems to pull the old armor-all out of the surfaces. great stuff.