How to remove lower column switch housing

[red rocket]

I am planning to retrofit cruise control. As a first step i need to remove the plastic cowl beneath the steering wheel to either modify it (by extending the side opening to take the extra stalk) or replace it. I have removed the 3 torx screws but it's still held in place by an additional plastic stud which evidently holds wiring within the housing and I cannot figure out how to remove it. I have tried compressing it with pliers to force it up through the hole. Anyone know whether there is there something i'm missing or do i need to resort to cutting it off with a stanley knife ?

 

[Chappelle]

Don’t cut it off! Don’t recall any problems doing the same on mine but it’s a while back

i very carefully cut the lower housing to go round the new switch and it is as good as buying a new one

 

[red rocket]

Thanks. Gonna be hard to cut a channel for the cruise stalk if I can't get the housing out completely.

 

[BartyB]

Peter, You don't indicate to which model you plan to retrofit CC (perhaps folks would consider including the Boxster code number in their post in the subject line []) but if it's a 986 or 987, there's a very useful and well-researched article about retrofitting cruise control to Boxsters (and 911s) on the Pelican Parts website. Hope that helps.

 

[red rocket]

It's a 987 but all sorted meantime with help from people on a couple of other forums.