Porsche 991 Exterior Trim: Rear Diffuser Removal

Recently was asked (within another DIY posting) if there were any guides to removing the diffuser trim pieces from the lower rear of the 991 rear bumper cover....  So I am providing the following DIY guide for those that want to remove the trim parts -- which by default come in matte black plastic from the factory -- for painting, replacement/repair, or to have them custom-painted.

Note that there is an official PCNA Work Manual (WM) for this (WM 636819) procedure, and my guide (along with all illustrations) is based on the instructions provided by that document.

The Porsche official term for the part we are referring to as the diffuser is "rear skirt."  Here is an illustration of the part location:

Rear Diffuser location highlighted in dark blue

There are officially (ie WM 636819) three steps involved:

1) Remove both R and L "Tailpipe Shield Covers";
2) Remove bottom "retaining strip";
3) and, Remove "Rear Skirt".

In the WM the precondition is to remove the entire rear apron (or "bumper cover") but it isn't 100% necessary to do so.... I've seen 991 forum member posts where removal of the "diffuser" happened with the apron still on the car. YMMV.

STEP 1:  Use a flat-head screwdriver or trim tool to release the shield cover by working around the perimeter of the part - I believe there are 5 tabs. You should be able to just pry and pull to release.

STEP 2:  In the second case, and I think personally this is something others have been able to avoid -- there are at least (2) maybe more rivets that the official WM indicates should be "drilled-out" -- meaning they must be replaced if you are reusing the rear skirt parts.

STEP 3:  Remove the rear skirt  by pulling hard while using a screwdriver / pry tool to release the 14 or so tabs that run along the length of the trim piece.

Installation is opposite of the steps outlined here.