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.

Porsche 991.1 Plastidip Removal from Mirrors

I've had the mirrors on my GT Silver 2014 991 C4S sprayed in Plastidip Matte Black for the past year or so.  Decided to remove the 'dip as I am preparing for other projects.  To remove the dip I wanted to remove the mirrors entirely from the doors.  Thought I'd show you the process of removing the mirrors from the doors.  Might be useful for anyone wanting to send their mirrors out for painting, or wrapping, as well as for those who might want to swap their mirrors for another set....

Couple of things to note....  I have the standard 991 mirrors.  I do NOT have the power folding, Sport Design, or "GT3" mirrors.  However, I believe in any case the procedure to remove the mirror from the door is the same -- remove trim, a single bolt, and pull the wiring harness through the door.

Also, when I bought the car, the dealer had already installed xPEL PPF, and there are small pieces on the mirrors.  When I sprayed with Plastidip, I just sprayed right over the film.  So, I really wasn't sure if the 'dip was going to bond or "merge" and stain the clear film.  But actually what I found is that the 'dip spray peeled-off more easily from where the film was than where it was not!  As you can see in the video I shot, the 'dip peels off real easily from the mirrors.  Each mirror took me about 30 minutes to peel and clean-up.  Where I had difficulty peeling, I simply brushed on some Xylene and wiped the 'dip off!  Very easy!

I continue to be impressed by the durability and versatility of Plastidip!  It is amazing stuff.  My car is no garage queen, so seeing first-hand how it protects the car I am a true believer!

Here's the video posted up on my YouTube Channel - GTSilver....  Please subscribe for more!

DIY: Porsche 991 911 C4S Inner Door Panel Removal and Installation

Hi All-

I've put together a YouTube video showing how to remove the full inner-door panel of my 2014 991 C4S.  The procedure for ALL 991 model years and configurations is the same, and I believe this also applies to the 981 platform as well.

I had to add narration after the video was shot -- too much background noise at the time made it hard to record.  If you need additional guidance, let me know.  I also have step-by-step written instructions.

The procedure is really quite simple, and even for the novice is very low-risk and you should be able to get the full panel off within 10-15 minutes using this video...

Enjoy!

Porsche 911 991 C4S Inner Door Panel Removal & Installation