Porsche Airbag Cover with Trim Ring

[Bob Z]

Hello all. I am able to source these again, but this time I was able to get the entire airbag cover, which includes the trim ring, cover, and Porsche crest, which can be used as a hat pin or painted to replace the one on your steering wheel. The main purpose is to replace the Silver trim ring on the airbag, but some have bought these as a decorative item to put on their desk, etc.. Anyway, I will paint them in Satin Black, as I have done on my last 2 P-cars, or you can paint it yourself. It is easy to replace and I will post instructions for those that are not aware of how to do it; however, the airbag does not need to be taken apart! And one can do it while it is still in the car. I attached pics of what you will get and what mine looks like painted. In my last car, which many have seen, I painted it Miami Blue. I am doing this to help out those that wanted these in the past so I am not making any money: $100 shipped in the US for unpainted and add $10 and I will paint it, Satin Black. I will ship them anywhere for what the actual cost of shipping is. And here is my email if you want one: [email protected]

Pics of what one will get and what mine looks like are attached:

[t1gerb0y]

Guessing you can pull the trim ring out of the cover without removing the airbag.

But can you replace the cover without removing the airbag?

[Bob Z]

Guessing you can pull the trim ring out of the cover without removing the airbag.

But can you replace the cover without removing the airbag?

Correct. It would clearer if you saw the trim ring in person but basically, you put a piece of tape next to the trim ring, in between tabs (you can see where they are based on the replacement) and slide a tiny jeweler's screwdriver or something else under the trim ring and pry it up slowly. Push whatever you used in and while the ring is raised use a pair of small needlenose pliers, hemostats, etc. to grab the ring and pull straight out slowly. It will pop out where the tabs are since those are melted from behind to form a larger tab so that is why they pop out. Then just work around until it is all out. If it snaps off just pick up where you left off. And if there are any pieces of the tabs left in the steering wheel you can pic them out or push them in since they will do no harm inside, nor will you hear them. I have done it 3 times and never had a problem.

[Tom]

You are a fearless pioneer!

If the airbag deploys in an accident, is the new cap piece safe and as functional as the factory version? Is it a factory part? Know of anyone who had to test it first hand? Based on your description, I'm unclear on why the new cap is needed? Why wouldn't you just pick the ring out of the center cap while it's still on the car? If you have to replace the center cap -- how hard is it to R&R?

p.s., you know I could print that ring for peanuts if you are just painting them flat black (chrome is harder to replicate) -- unless its more complicated than meets the eye in that photo.... I wouldn't want to get into painting them -- too much of that on my plate already.

[Larry C]

Guessing you can pull the trim ring out of the cover without removing the airbag.

But can you replace the cover without removing the airbag?

Correct. It would clearer if you saw the trim ring in person but basically, you put a piece of tape next to the trim ring, in between tabs (you can see where they are based on the replacement) and slide a tiny jeweler's screwdriver or something else under the trim ring and pry it up slowly. Push whatever you used in and while the ring is raised use a pair of small needlenose pliers, hemostats, etc. to grab the ring and pull straight out slowly. It will pop out where the tabs are since those are melted from behind to form a larger tab so that is why they pop out. Then just work around until it is all out. If it snaps off just pick up where you left off. And if there are any pieces of the tabs left in the steering wheel you can pic them out or push them in since they will do no harm inside, nor will you hear them. I have done it 3 times and never had a problem.

Are these photographic artifacts or slight damage from the modification?

94F8C5E8-92CE-4A7F-8281-E30529E73A4D.jpeg (1.94 MiB) Viewed 2735 times

[Larry C]

Guessing you can pull the trim ring out of the cover without removing the airbag.

But can you replace the cover without removing the airbag?

Correct. It would clearer if you saw the trim ring in person but basically, you put a piece of tape next to the trim ring, in between tabs (you can see where they are based on the replacement) and slide a tiny jeweler's screwdriver or something else under the trim ring and pry it up slowly. Push whatever you used in and while the ring is raised use a pair of small needlenose pliers, hemostats, etc. to grab the ring and pull straight out slowly. It will pop out where the tabs are since those are melted from behind to form a larger tab so that is why they pop out. Then just work around until it is all out. If it snaps off just pick up where you left off. And if there are any pieces of the tabs left in the steering wheel you can pic them out or push them in since they will do no harm inside, nor will you hear them. I have done it 3 times and never had a problem.

‘Looks great! I wish it came like that from the factory. I’m not a fan of fake chrome. Is there any warranty or legal issue modifying the area around the airbag? Sorry…I’m just super risk averse.

[Bob Z]

I took the picture with an old camera that I do not even know how to adjust - there are zero imperfections from the installation, and I even just went to my car to see what could have made those and I have no clue.

Here are a few pictures I found of what happens if the airbag detonates. The trim ring is made to split in the center at the top and bottom so I would not worry about it, but that is my opinion! it is so light I cannot see it doing any damage.

And I am painting these Satin Black for those that want them that color, or they are welcome to do it themselves. Since buyers get the trim ring, cover and crest, which can be used as a lapel or hat pin, etc. I do think it is worth going through all the work to get them 3D printed.

[Bob Z]

Sorry, I missed answering all of the questions:

The trim ring on the steering wheel from the factory is a one-time use piece and one cannot remove it without destroying it (see pic). It is made out of a rubbery material and they melt the ends of each tab (inside the airbag) so it does not come out easily - there are about 13 tabs on the back from what I recall. The replacement one is made out of plastic so when the stock one is pulled out one simply pushes the new one into place, and as I said if someone is not satisfied with it not being snug enough they can put some clear silicon on the ends of each, or some, of the tabs.

And forget the airbag cover itself since it is not used. The only way to get the trim ring is to buy the cover, crest, and trim ring as one unit so the cover can be thrown away, or possibly recycled.

[Bob Z]

All gone!

[Larry C]

All gone!

@Bob Z ?