Time to remove/install 987 side vents?

[Bob Z.]

My dealer told me 1.5 hours to remove and re-install the side vents on a 2008 Boxster S - I am getting Red ones and thought it would be easier to have them sent to the dealer and have them do it since some have said it is easy to break the clips, etc. But that seems like way too long - wonder if they are going by some sort of service manual approximate time for the job - anyone know?

Regardless, I think I can do them myself in less time and will take my time and be careful. And if 1.5 hours is the time some Porsche service book says it will take I can see why people tend to avoid dealers unless for warranty work!

[RFM]

Approx. 30 minutes for both sides + a beer and a cigarette. You can easily break the clips, that's true.

[JackTs2K]

... You can easily break the clips, that's true.

Yes, but the clips are $.20 each at a place like Sunset Porsche. That's $1.60 for 8 clips. And if you're just changing the vents themselves, and not changing the vents to Cayman vents, there is no need to remove the frames (where the clips are).

Edited February 11, 2008 by JackTs2K

[White987S]

If you know the trick to get the vents out (I don't) it is about a 10 minute job. If you don't know, it's a very tough job. Lots of pulling and tugging.

Bob, tell the dealership if they won't put the vents in for you, the deal if off the table and you're coming in to pick-up your deposit! :o

[Bob Z.]

Thanks all. I have printed all the DIY instructions and notes from the various sites and will look them over well before attempting the swap. I would have thought the dealer would do it as a courtesy but if they are saying 1.5 hours (times their labor rate) I can see why they won't.

[White987S]

Thanks all. I have printed all the DIY instructions and notes from the various sites and will look them over well before attempting the swap. I would have thought the dealer would do it as a courtesy but if they are saying 1.5 hours (times their labor rate) I can see why they won't.

Bob, it takes 10 minutes. My dealership did it for free prior to delivery. The salesman gave the mechanic a $20 tip. I gave my salesman the $20 at delivery to make him whole & even. You should call your salesperson, and put the heat on him/her.

[Bob Z.]

Thanks all. I have printed all the DIY instructions and notes from the various sites and will look them over well before attempting the swap. I would have thought the dealer would do it as a courtesy but if they are saying 1.5 hours (times their labor rate) I can see why they won't.

Bob, it takes 10 minutes. My dealership did it for free prior to delivery. The salesman gave the mechanic a $20 tip. I gave my salesman the $20 at delivery to make him whole & even. You should call your salesperson, and put the heat on him/her.

That is exactly what I planned to do - give the tech $20 for his or her time. It sounds like the salesman went to service and had them look up the time in the estimated repair time book. Maybe they are trying to get as much coin out of me as possible due to the big discount they gave me on the order :)