I've done a search but did not find anything. I am trying to remove the large center trim ring so that I can install my new Invisilens but it won't budge. There isn't any room to slip a knife edge in there so what are my other options? What has worked for others?

 

Hi, sorry you're having this issue. There is variation between cars and removing the trim ring is more difficult on some cars than others. I'm working on finding a good method that can work for everybody. Here are a few suggestions for now.

• You can give yourself a little more room to maneuver your pry tool if you first remove the vent trim ring. To release the vent trim ring, turn it by hand CLOCKWISE (opposite of what you'd expect). Then pry the speedo ring in this area:
  

• I've heard from someone who had success using plastic trim pry tools such as THIS from Harbor Freight. He used the right angle tool second from right in the pic. I have ordered these tools and some others that I will be testing.
  

• If you simply cannot get the ring to come off by prying, leave it on and remove the middle dash trim piece. For your cabrio, look at step 2B in these instructions by ImagoX: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...with-pics.html

When prying, it can take a fair amount of force before the trim ring pops off its retaining tabs. It may feel like it might break, but the tab will release before it does.

I apologize again, and please let me know your progress and what works for you.

Richard (developer of InvisiLens)

 

When I changed mine out I removed the vent ring, and slipped a credit carg under the edge. Pry and move around the edges, it is only help on with 3 or 4 clips that slip into the dash.

 

Thanks guys. I was hoping to find some pry tools like those from Harbor Freight locally but have not found any. I guess that I will order them. Dangit.

 

Oh well, I ruined the trim ring trying to remove it so I will be looking to get another before I can install the new Invisilens. Anyone know the part number?

 

Sorry to hear that. What type of finish is it (silver, anthracite, or chrome)?

 

I'm pretty sure it is silver but what color is anthracite? If it matters the interior trim is alloy patina.

 

Anthracite is dark gray, like this:

 

drdave, I sent you a PM.

 

Thanks, I tried this method tonight. I removed the vent ring, then squeezed and pulled on the trim ring while trying to push a corner of the credit card under the edge of the ring. The card went in after one or two minutes of effort. I couldn't do much prying with the credit card itself (too flexible), but this created enough of a gap that I could insert a thin screwdriver, which enabled popping off the ring. You can wrap the screwdriver with electrical tape to prevent scratching.

My instructions were rather vague about prying up the ring, and this is much more specific and would be a big improvement. Thanks blue lightning! It still takes some perseverance working with the credit card and I will keep looking for the most foolproof method I can find.

 

Richard, PM reply sent. Thanks.

I scratched mine real bad trying to use a metal tool pick inserted behind the edge of the trim ring. All it took was one slip and the trim ring was toast. It still didn't budge after many more attempts (and more deep scratches).

I went to the alternate method of removing the panel trim. I just popped them off enough so that I could reach behind the center trim panel and pop off the trim ring from behind.

I'll work on ordering a new one today so that I can get this part finished.

 

You have to remove the center dash section to remove the ring.....damage is almost garanteed by just prying it off.

 

These photos may give you an idea of where the clip points are.








-Where one would pry you are actually giving the retention area of the clip a stronger hold thus working against yourself.

 

The great majority of InvisiLens customers have done their installation by prying the ring off (like blue lightning in post #3). The small nubs on the ring that hold it on are pretty shallow. When the dash trim is off the car like in your photos, you'll find it is not difficult to pull the ring outward straight off the tabs. It's when the dash trim is still on the car that makes it awkward to get under the edge and apply sufficient outward force.





BTW, the little tab at the bottom is primary for alignment and orientation during insertion, and doesn't come into play during removal.

 

That works great, and I think have found the ideal solution I was looking for.

No prying, and no tools required for a 3 piece dash (2005+)! Total time, less than 2 minutes.

1. Open the glovebox door.
2. Pull the bottom of the passenger side dash panel trim away from the dash. The bottom of the panel will release from 3 clips. Leave the top of the panel attached.
3. Pull the bottom of the middle dash panel trim away from the dash. The bottom of the panel will release from clips. Leave the top of the panel attached.
4. Pull the bottom of the middle dash panel outwards 2-3 inches. This will lift the trim ring away from the gauge (speedo or chrono), creating a gap.
5. Curl your fingers underneath the inside edge of the ring, and pull it off. Alternatively, you could reach under the dash panel and push the ring out from back.
6. After the ring is removed, snap the bottoms of the dash panels back in place, then proceed with InvisiLens installation.

For the older 5 piece dash, the procedure is the same except that there 3 screws at the bottom of the passenger side panel and 1 screw at the bottom (right side) of the center panel. These screws need to be removed before pulling on the trim panels. I believe the screws are Torx T-20.