Fitting a Wind Deflector

[stephen.robins]

Hi All,
Although my 981 Boxster S came loaded with most of the options, it does not have a wind deflector. I know from other websites that it is easy to buy aftermarket deflectors and the original parts for the track from Porsche but does anybody know if OPC's or specialists will fit them?
Thanks,
Steve

 

[SJPS]

If the 981 is any similar to the 987 you can just snap it in yourself! (I think this applies to both the one between the headrests and the ones inside each headrest, although I have not tried removing the latter).

 

[stephen.robins]

If the 981 is any similar to the 987 you can just snap it in yourself! (I think this applies to both the one between the headrests and the ones inside each headrest, although I have not tried removing the latter).

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, it is not that simple as the car was not specified with a wind deflector when built. The car needs the trim removing on the roll over bar and a different trim installing so that the wind deflector can then be snapped in. Apparently it is a easy diy project but I'm reluctant to tamper with my pride and joy!

 

[SJPS]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, it is not that simple as the car was not specified with a wind deflector when built. The car needs the trim removing on the roll over bar and a different trim installing so that the wind deflector can then be snapped in. Apparently it is a easy diy project but I'm reluctant to tamper with my pride and joy!

Ah right, sorry about that! I am sure a local specialist would fit it for you (OPC probably would as well, but at a price...wouldn't be worth going to an OPC for this imo).

 

[BrianJ]

There’s a thread here https://www.boxa.net/topic/96991-wind-deflector-fitting/ which lists the required parts available from OPCs and a video showing how the roll bar comes apart etc. Hope that helps.

 

[stephen.robins]

There’s a thread here https://www.boxa.net/topic/96991-wind-deflector-fitting/ which lists the required parts available from OPCs and a video showing how the roll bar comes apart etc. Hope that helps.

Brian,
Many thanks. Obtaining the parts appears to be the biggest issue but I can try at my local OPC in Newcastle.
Steve

 

[Greenman986S]

Hi All,
Although my 981 Boxster S came loaded with most of the options, it does not have a wind deflector. I know from other websites that it is easy to buy aftermarket deflectors and the original parts for the track from Porsche but does anybody know if OPC's or specialists will fit them?
Thanks,
Steve

Might be worth a peek at the Boxster section in this months PP (page 106)

 

[Motorhead]

Yes, I’d seen that too … very timely!

Unfortunately Steve Winter’s company Jaz Porsche is located in St Albans - rather a long way from the OP! - but maybe he could supply the parts and fitting instructions for a tame local Porsche Independent near Newcastle?

Jeff

 

[stephen.robins]

Yes, I’d seen that too … very timely!

Unfortunately Steve Winter’s company Jaz Porsche is located in St Albans - rather a long way from the OP! - but maybe he could supply the parts and fitting instructions for a tame local Porsche Independent near Newcastle?

Jeff

Jeff,
Thanks for the post. I actually come from St. Albans and still visit on a regular basis so I could take the Boxster rather than the usual X5.
Will email him to check. I have asked Porsche Newcastle if they could get me the parts and fit them and await their response!
Steve

 

[Eldavo]

Hi Steve, I’m sure D&G Porsche Specialists would do this for you:

 

[stephen.robins]

Hi Steve, I’m sure D&G Porsche Specialists would do this for you:

Many thanks. Much closer than St. Albans!

 

[Paul_Sue_Leggett]

You will need P981561650031E0 AS Guide £66.98 plus VAT and P98156173003 Insert £53.52 plus VAT as at April 2023.
The headrest pulls apart, with some gentle and careful persuasion.
Take out the plastic infill to reveal the four bolts (Torq if I recall).
Bolt the Guide in using the same four bolts and then put in the Insert, which has the mounting points for the deflector. Note the Guide has a vaguely defined front and back orientation. I recall there was a little tab on one side and that went to the rear.
Push the headrests back together, making sure the guide and insert are properly alinged...may take a bit of fettling.
I am normally a non-starter to fitting anything to a car but managed ok.
The issue you may face is that OPCs don't like supplying parts if the car did not come with them as standard. Tewkesbury supplied mine since I bought the car from them and it was, rather like yours by the sound of it, very well spec'd but missing the one crucial item.

 

[Paul_Sue_Leggett]

You will need P981561650031E0 AS Guide £66.98 plus VAT and P98156173003 Insert £53.52 plus VAT as at April 2023.
The headrest pulls apart, with some gentle and careful persuasion.
Take out the plastic infill to reveal the four bolts (Torq if I recall).
Bolt the Guide in using the same four bolts and then put in the Insert, which has the mounting points for the deflector. Note the Guide has a vaguely defined front and back orientation. I recall there was a little tab on one side and that went to the rear.
Push the headrests back together, making sure the guide and insert are properly alinged...may take a bit of fettling.
I am normally a non-starter to fitting anything to a car but managed ok.
The issue you may face is that OPCs don't like supplying parts if the car did not come with them as standard. Tewkesbury supplied mine since I bought the car from them and it was, rather like yours by the sound of it, very well spec'd but missing the one crucial item.

Should have said I bought the deflector itself off eBay, although in the end the price differential to OPC wasn't that much for a brand new one, about £85-90 including VAT.

 

[stephen.robins]

Should have said I bought the deflector itself off eBay, although in the end the price differential to OPC wasn't that much for a brand new one, about £85-90 including VAT.

Paul,
Many thanks for your two posts. At the moment, my nearest OPC in Newcastle has told me that they can get the parts and will fit them but cannot confirm the hours required as the job is not standard. On the basis that it sounds like an easy and quick job, I'm tempted to go with them for piece of mind. Failing that I have been recommended a good independent specialist in the area.
I'm not brave enough to do the job myself!
Steve

 

[Paul_Sue_Leggett]

It took me 25 minutes, no doubt that's an hour in OPC world and more expensive than the parts.
The nervy bit is prying open the headrest, which is a mix of hand force and very careful insertion of a flat headed blunt tool to act as a lever. Once you can get your fingers in the whole thing pulls apart easily. If in doubt get a specialist to do it as they will have the right tools for the job as you wouldn't want to scratch or dent the headrest trim. You will feel the difference once it is in place.

 

[stephen.robins]

Just by way of an update, Newcastle OPC have agreed to order and fit the parts fitted, despite others stating that OPC's will not do the work. The car is booked in soon so fingers crossed. I have ordered the perspex deflector from Made in Garforth. I'm actually excited!

 

[stephen.robins]

Well Newcastle OPC fitted the wind deflector today and did a great job. I was charged 45 minutes of labour plus the parts and was given a 10% discount as a PCGB member off the whole bill which came to £282. They also included another free health check and valet. Once again I'm very impressed with the service from this dealer. Here is a photo of the finished installation including the perspex deflector from Made in Garforth. I now love the car even more!!