So, since taking delivery on my Guards Red 997 TT, I've been doings some interior pieces painted in Guards Red. So far I've done:

* Cupholder trim (including to left of steering wheel)
* Rear center console
* Instrument surround

I think it looks phenominal (being that I love red, and love the gloss finish of the exterior paint on the inside of my car).

However, I need a few more splashes of red to round it out. So I've decided upon doing:

* Dome surround (interior light w/ the garage door switches)
* Seatbelt trims
* Upper door trims (where the door handle is, and the window switches)

I'm using Bumperplugs (forum sponsor) by the way for the parts.

I'm told that the Upper Door Trims has platic-welded to the door. So removing the OEM part, and intalling the new painted part takes quite a bit of labor. I'm quoted about 5 hours for removal and installation (for both doors). Does this seem correct?

When all is through, I'll post the interior pics.

Oh, and I'm throwing on a short-shifter while I'm in the shop as well.

Oh, and by the way, the ordering process through BumperPlugs (which included a custom order off the standard online ordering sheet, and core exchange) process was very simple. So I recommend them so far for being very easy to order from. I'll let you all know about the quality once I get the parts, but I'm sure the quality will be top-notch.

Sounds cool...can't wait to see the pics

i was told the same thing about the plastic seal (possible leak issue later). the whole door panel needs to be reordered OEM with the painted "door finisher". opted against it too pricey; i painted the door opener instead, came out great! let me know if the ordered parts from Bumperplugs color match? had issues with color matching with dealer. please PM. thanx

same thing here I ended up painting the opener it self and it looks great

Hmmm. 2 posts about potential seal problems w/ water entry. BumperPlugs sells that door trim piece on their standard parts list. I wonder if most people buy the whole interior OEM door piece and add it, which of course, is not worth the $$ (to me at least).

I guess I'm just not understanding how this piece--if removed and installed again--can cause a potential leak. Given the window openers and door handle are housed there, I'd think that piece would need to be easily removed if something went wrong with either the window wiring or the door mechanics.

Maybe I should reconsider, and stop the order from BumperPlugs and just do the door handle...

Thanks for the info.

they have to "break" OEM seal to install piece that's why possible "seal"
problem. could work only if Bumperplug part is an overlay, which IMO would not look OEM? dealer suggested taping borders then paint; too risky getting it on leather did door handle instead; worked out great
if something went wrong with window switches they remove the whole panel; go figure? good luck

The part we provide is oem, from Germany, then we add our finish work. We've been selling these for years to dealers and customers with zero problems. The posts inside the door accept the plastic sleeves on the back side of the part, and are melted into position. It's a pretty straightforward install, but five hours seems high. I'd bet it's less than an hour each side. No issues on seals, water or any other problems. When the job is done, the car is buttoned up just like new and the color is stunning.

Eric--yes, it's beautiful work indeed! I love it. Unfortunately, my dealer is charging me nearly $600 for the removal and installation (which I was not aware of when I ordered the part) and some other members here have been concerned about the seal being broken and water causing potential damage (I also assume wind noise potential).

I'd love to keep the door trim order with you, however, the concerns & cost of install are too significant, I believe.

If you're able to speak to my dealer (you know the contact person), and can help them understand the install process, and get the install fee down to 2-3 hours max, I'll keep the order for this product. Will that work?

Else, I'll order the painted door handles through you instead.

Thanks again Eric. Been great working with you. By the time we're done doing business together, I fear the entire interior of my car will be guards red

Lots going on there.... red, volcano gray, black, sand beige, aluminum, aluminum look. I think the steering wheel and PCM need to be red to minimize the volcano gray.

The leak concern is a non-issue in my opinion. Eric has been at this a long time and has a reputation.

hi eric
looks great. do you have "guards red" on the surround of the light dial? very interested. my problem is your red looks different from the red the dealer painted in my tt! i think the shop that painted my interior trim were "clueless"! my red looks alot deeper. also interested in the dome surround & panel (jump start/battery) by the aluminum rest pedal. please reply or PM thanx plus you are assuming the dealer knows how to place the part correctly; IMO i don't think they do! wish you were in my area!

hi, make sure the "red" parts match! the parts that sewickley painted "red" on my tt look deeper than Eric's dealer body shop is clueless!

hi again
i see you painted part below hand brake; looks great, got rid of that ugly "black" plastic piece! also that plastic part between gear lever assembly and center stack is "red". i would be interested in doing both of those. can you match the color dealer did if i send you a part? please PM thanks

do you have anybody in my area (within 2-3hrs) that can install your parts like OEM. willing to travel to have job done right.

Sounds if there there are two very different camps on the door trim. In one camp, the verdict is not being able to seal the door properly. In the other, that should not be a problem with a proper install.

Anyone else have experience on this matter? If there is 1 thing I can't stand, is rattles and wind noise (make that 2 things).