Airbag deactivation and carbon centre console

[Sasha320]

I've just had an OPC fit the airbag deactivation kit to my 997 with a carbon centre console and the light unit that is placed on the centre console has been fitted over a square piece of, what looks like black electrical tape surround.

Apparently this is normal when the light switch is being fitted to a carbon centre console.

My old 4S with a leather centre console didn't have this and I think the tape looks naff.

Does anyone know if this tape surround is standard fitment for the carbon (and I assume plastic) centre consoles?

I guess my question still stands for any plastic / solid centre console even if it is not carbon.

Any responses gratefully received.

S

[jmgarage]

It is normal and I have seen it done like this before..., but it is also very naff. Did they not warn you about this?

The problem is that when the kit is installed you end up with a rough edge with the fibres fraying on the edge, so the "sticker" tidies it up, or so the reasoning goes. Only other alternative is to have a composites guy clean up the edges for you, ad some additional resin and polish the edge, a bit beyond a Porsche centre.

[TomKing]

From my experience working with carbon (admittedly these were bike parts), you will get a pretty good finish if you can do as jon potentially suggests and file/sand the edges of the cut and then spray (very lightly a few times) with clear coat. This assumes that you can remove the button they've put there. I'm as surprised as you are at their solution for the installation.

[Sasha320]

Thanks for your replies guys.

I agree there might be some logic to having some tape in-between the carbon console and the switch - but I don't see that it needs to protrude beyond the shape of the switch.

I have been forwarded the installation instructions for this fitment and there is no mention of any tape surround and the below photo shows an alternative install with no visible tape.

Ho hum, I'll be taking it back to the OPC next week to see what they can do to improve things.

Thanks again for your replies!

S