Gutting my Porsche 996 Turbo Interior

[@Onlooker71]

Check to see if carpet smells of coolant. Could be leaking heater core. Otherwise, could be AC condenser/evaporator dripping condensation. Also, check drain holes for the wiper cowl area. If they’re blocked/clogged, it can cause water to back-up into the cabin. This is a common problem.

[@miked7728]

Came here to say this. No idea where the heater core is located in this car, but def good to check.

[@Onlooker71]

One other things I’ve seen. The drain for the AC evaporator is plugged, so the condensation can’t drain out and leaks into cabin.

[@PompeyMatt17]

I had exactly that in my Peugeot..wet carpet in the passenger footwell turned out to be a cracked heat exchanger pipe

[@matt13ross]

No coolant smell thankfully.

[@pbush5440]

Should always replace the seat foam…. At a minimum then steam the old foam and it will add some volume which would have helped with your wrinkles. Enjoy your channel and the progress on your build. Since you know how to get the seats apart, order some new foam and get those wrinkles out of the lowers.

[@Rippers-TV]

The satisfaction of having the carpet/beneath the carpet, the seat rails, and basically everything/every layer factory fresh is nice.

[@matt13ross]

Totally!

[@halosenpekka1090]

What I like about these builds, is that I felt like ”instructing” Matt to save a caveat and wash the floors after vacuuming BUT Ya were ahead of me and did that on the next second 🎉🎉

[@stephenrohrbacher5919]

How funny would it be to have an episode where Matt and the previous owner meet? I wonder if that poor guy has ever seen any of this series and how much his prior workmanship is appreciated. 😂

[@matt13ross]

That would be great! Lol

[@plus790]

Great job, but before recovering, you should have picked up an ozone machine. Let it run inside the carpetless car for a day or two, with the bare foam as well as the new but uninstalled carpeting.

[@Jessersadler]

I've had issues with surface rust on the 03 machines

[@matt13ross]

I may do that

[@norevlimitr1602]

Check the AC evaporator drain under the dash

[@biznatcho7]

One of my favorite rebuild series on YT, Matt! My only piece of feedback is that I would go back to silver wheels now that you de-tinted the tail lights for a more OEM look.

[@matt13ross]

Thank you! Considering a wheel change

[@sutherlacd27]

​@Matt Ross if you roll the fenders you can get 325/30/19s on the rear and 255/35/19 on the front to fit.

[@joesmalley8421]

For the wetness issue, as luck would have it great time to test this is when the carpet it out! Move the car outside, close the doors and get someone to pour water over the closed sunroof. You should be able see where the water is coming in. This will save a lot of guesswork. On the outside of the left footwell (on a UK car anyway) is a drain pipe which can go brittle with age and leak. Just happened with mine at 130k miles.

[@matt13ross]

Working on that!

[@Papa-Bogey]

Put a plastic bag over the headrest foam before you start pulling on the new seat cover. This should help the cover slide on and protect the headrest from tearing. The leak in the passenger compartment could be the heater core. Nice work. Looking better each time.

[@epiccheatmealday1180]

I really like how you try to work clean. My ocd appreciates it.

[@jpm5205]

Yellow 911s are awesome. That 996 is gorgeous. Glad to see she's going to a real enthusiast.

[@jasonhodrinsky2612]

Matt, if you want to make the drive from pa to nyc, there’s a good, cheap & fast upholstery shop on E 125th. Turnaround is usually just a few days for stuff like that.

[@ozzyg3961]

Long time fan and I love how you just tackle any job and just go for it…That’s badass Matt❤️🤘😎🤙🔥🔥🔥

[@matt13ross]

Thank you!!

[@charha01]

My sunroof drains were plugged. It's an easy thing to check and I just used some fishing line to clear them. Be careful that you don't get to aggressive when doing this. If you puncture the line or get it disconnected, it's a major job to get it fixed.

[@matt13ross]

Thanks!

[@Kleinheribert]

Hi Matt, greetings from Germany 😅 Regarding you Seat: I've done this a few week before on my Porsche. Try to dismantle it and push it onto the ground while setting the rubber in place. This works out very well. And, just a hint : Measuring an fixing the seat heating before applying new leather is always a good option 😂

[@macgroober1396]

Place the seat's upper foam in a translucent trash bag and seal the opening to a shop vac tube. Place the foam on the seat frame and install your seat cover. I think the compressing of the foam will give you the clearance you need to get the leather "gasket" placed properly, then you can rip a hole in the bag and let the foam start to decompress, locking in the gasket.

[@Flyfastly]

Time for a new sport/super car! Great work, I’m addicted to the series

[@matt13ross]

Hahah not for a bit yet

[@Engineerboy100]

Played that game. My passenger seat put me through the same hell. good job Matt!

[@matt13ross]

Thanks, it was awful! lol

[@bmc5108]

Wet passenger foot well, worst case is a leaking heater core. It happened to my 968. Hopefully it is a weatherstripping leak or a plugged drain. Usually not from a front windshield leak. If it is the heater core, I was told the dash needs to come out, but I was able to get the replacement core done by removing the glove box and an air duct. 🤞

[@guyroberts9963]

I had damp in my passenger footwelll of my 997.1, there was a plastic pipe as i recall that runs up behind the glove compartment, kind of above your toes. I pulled back the carpet, idetified this pipe and it had a connector, that was connected but not firmly and it was leaking. I dont recall if it was AC related or maybe a drain pipe of some kind, but as i remember it would drip drip when running. i just made sure it was more securely connected and all was good. I know the other cause can be clogged drain pipes either side if battery area, they get clogged by dirt and leaves. If clogged and when it rains the rain water builds under the front hood and eventually spills over inside the car. You had to remove the battery cover and plastic covers left and right of the Battery cover to get access. I had my carpet out a few yrs ago just to get it a good clean. You know, the normal thing you do on a weekend. Good luck.

[@TheBullockFamily]

Try wrapping the backs in plastic then hooking a vacuum up to it to suck the air out of the foam then slide the covers on. You can then rip out the plastic or at least most of it.

[@aaronf4201]

I love this series. It’s great to see you sorting every little thing!

[@The_Silversurfer]

Water could be either sunroof drains block or the drain holes under the bonnet either side of the battery could be blocked. This causes overflow.

[@ImYoutubing247]

Damn Matt you’re really going all out on this build! I love it!

[@craigsmith1354]

Welcome to the pain of the technicians, some silicone Spray on the foam helps in those tight spots .wet carpet check your A/C drains or cowl drains for blockage .Great guess on sunroof drains also .method: weed eater string and compressed air can help . Great job loving the project 👏 👌.

[@chrishaug]

I Just watched the last samcrac video and he also had electric Seat issues but solved it in a different but also time consuming way hehe. Well done! It Will soon be done!

[@TravisFabel]

Anyone else noticed he uses foaming glass cleaner for everything... Not unlike a fictional family member in My Big Fat Greek Wedding...

[@matt13ross]

Yes. It works great!!

[@illiniarmory3142]

Amazing series. Sad when it will be over. Hopefully the bmw is next

[@matt13ross]

Lots more to go first.

[@scottweber3077]

the new seat covers are only going to mask the smell of the smoke. the smoke cleary penetrated the foam. after the new leather smell wears off or once it gets hot out, the car is going to reek of smoke again. you should look at putting an ozone machine in the car for a couple of days to help get rid of the smell permanently if your not going to replace the seat foam.

[@matt13ross]

Not a bad idea. I’m thinking once I get it all back together I’ll rent one.

[@nickg2027]

good work, the common water ingress points are: drains in the bulkhead battery compartment, sunroof drains, and door foils can leak real easy.

[@Jagman2919]

Check ac condensation drain . It maybe clogged Maybe draining into floorboard instead of clogged drain.

[@g6et_wrx177]

For the leak I would check the ac drain, heater core or the sunroof.

[@romaaeropetov5434]

Great work Matt , it is joy to watch every video !

[@yossarian3]

This level of fixing a 996 interior is chef's kiss level. Well done.

[@iaintrotter455]

It could be the pipe for the rear window washer, I had a split in my Car and it was filling the foot well.

[@crabsyoureit]

What a massive massive improvement over the last several months. Looks great. Nice job.

[@aricarr247]

U should think about sound deadening while the carpets out. Road noise can be reduced by a lot. I had great success with my hilux Toyota.

[@matt13ross]

Man this carpet is super thick. I don’t think it will help much.

[@beatmasterbiggs]

The passenger seat area wetness is clogged sunroof drains. Common 996 issue. Need to be cleaned/cleared regularly. I had a similar issue on mine. Plenty of info about this on the forums too if you need more details

[@nickwessel4344]

One of the more likely causes for a wet passenger side floor is typically a leaking heater core.

[@matt13ross]

No coolant leaks

[@mattsmith6514]

I have the same passenger footwell wetness issue in my RHD C4S - it seems to be coming from a leaking bulkhead where the ac lines go in. I *think* it's part number 3 on 801-05 on the Porsche PET Katalog diagrams.

[@jeffreyjohnston6843]

you sure are fast at taking stuff apart

[@loue4548]

Looking better and better with every video, nice work!!

[@peterrule8107]

When i pulled my Centre console out to do a numeric shifter, i found over $16 in change in the same spot you did. Crazy (we have $1 and $2 coins in Australia)

[@rickhawkins8671]

"Enough chitter chater" imitation is the kindest form of flattery... I think u meant jibber jabber... hahaha... coming along great mate, loving the build...

[@matt13ross]

Hahah didn’t want to complete copy TR!

[@muhdjasrie3079]

I hope once u finish everything,i mean all 100% done u sent her to a proper detailing pro to give her a really good care and make a video of it.

[@gokartsRfun]

My guess is wherever that speaker wire is coming through is where water is leaking into the passenger floor board

[@Chevy3o3]

Take it to an upholstery shop you wont regret doing that. some things are worth what you pay. your already saving money by tearing the seats and etc so just be patient we will be

[@ppentertainment2351]

Check your sunroom drains and your AC condensate drains.

[@K1dPhresh1]

Good on you for bringing this 911 back from the brink. Can you imagine if somebody else would’ve got it and just ragged on it some more? This is awesome!

[@matt13ross]

Probably would have just made it faster and left the rest alone lol

[@Jagman2919]

Awesome Matt. Keep grinding!

[@alexxmotors729]

How about you buy the 996 GT3 bucket seats. There are replicas for 1.5k a set, which are very nice. They are lighter and would fit the car better 😊

[@matt13ross]

I don’t want buckets, they look nice, but loose comfort. I have buckets in my E36. This is more of a daily.

[@mike16_rodz]

Nice 👍🏼. Honestly, I hated seeing those faded seats on that Porsche. They really stood out in a bad way. That carpet and those seats are gonna give it a way cleaner look. Nice job bro keeping the stock seats and upgrading them yourself.

[@ferturanzo2322]

u really deserve way more subs

[@matt13ross]

Thanks! Kind words!

[@cjjohnson6085]

Well done Matt 👍🏼

[@luisfilipe5043]

4:00 Yeah, Matt it's usually the case :D

[@ericoliphant7100]

You could have a heater core leak possibly. Not sure if it is located behind the dash but could be an issue

[@Iridtube]

Dude you're putting in a ton of work. It's amazing.

[@cleanasdirt6832]

Another great video for us to enjoy.👍 the amount of sweat and labour required for a video is mind boggling. The More You Know was hilarious. I hope the viewers can appreciate the attention to detail you add to the project and the great narration of all that you are doing, every step of the way. Looking forward to more of the Porsche project. Does Milica = GF ❤? I have never heard the name mentioned.

[@matt13ross]

Thanks for the kind words! Yes Milica = GF

[@SpartanSoulja]

Can't wait for this build to be done

[@matt13ross]

A lot more fixes and upgrades before that!

[@jonboy194]

"done".....keep up the hard work you are killing it Matt

[@cleanasdirt6832]

Noooooooo 😱

[@007clownfish]

From launch it off a cliff to garage queen that will do over 100k on BAT ... We came this far i wanna see a kw or Bilstein coilovers install 😊

[@matt13ross]

I don’t think it will get 100k with 150k miles haha

[@davidpancerz5820]

Really impressive work being done to this car, kudos Matt. Are you certain those burn holes were made by cigarettes and not another substance people smoke? Might explain why the vehicle was so disheveled when it came into your possession.

[@matt13ross]

Who knows, could have been anything lol.

[@danielduchon1035]

Love your videos matt! Keep it up! 💪

[@petermabbort456]

Hey Matt. Where sis you get the new leather covers from? Regarding the water ... check the sunroof drain points and also the Aircon drain points.

[@matt13ross]

L seat

[@corkus8504]

Love your content! Have you used compressed air to blow the cigarette ashes out of the hvac vents? With different fan settings?

[@matt13ross]

Not yet, good idea though.

[@illiniarmory3142]

Loved watching this video

[@mfujiii]

wow i would never willingly take on a hogring involved project at home as it's tedious af but props!

[@matt13ross]

It’s a learning curve for sure.

[@chriswharrier3571]

That should smell better now. The water will probably be blocked drains check the ones by the battery and cabin air filter. I'm thinking of covering the centre console with alcantara. I think the hard plastic just feels and looks cheap. I have the original bill of sale in my collection of paperwork 23 years ago it sold new for over 100 thousand pounds UK. Love the steering wheel.

[@matt13ross]

That would look great!

[@roscopeco2000]

I would suspect its not something leaking rather water getting in below from driving and just soaking into carpet.

[@ryanvillain7857]

I was JUST looking at L Seat! Worth it?

[@matt13ross]

I’ll let you know in an upcoming video.

[@Jessersadler]

all that work. . . I might have thrown some dead matt in there while you were there. Enjoy your vids dude.

[@matt13ross]

Carpet is super thick. I don’t see it helping much.

[@996Revival]

Nice going!

[@matt13ross]

Thanks!

[@TripleThreatMustang]

Another awesome video, like someone else said, the amount of work you put into the car and the videos is amazing. I don’t know what I watch more of, your channel or Yellowstone, haha. Great job man!

[@matt13ross]

Hahah wow I love Yellowstone! Can’t compare myself to that lol.

[@MIUBHI007]

It’s not you, I’ve done upholstery for close to 20 years and I’ve read quite a few comments saying how they fit like a saggy diaper. When you install covers like that it’s almost impossible to screw it up. Either the covers are going to fit or they aren’t. Unfortunately that company doesn’t do the greatest job on their patterns.

[@zekounet]

Nice ! greeting from France

[@Royalflushness]

I keep saying this but keep the interior gutted - find some race panels - half cage - two recaros - coilovers and it will be a woepon and probably show better than trying to fix all the interior parts. It looks dope with no carpet.

[@matt13ross]

Noooo. This is a daily style build. The E36 is more race car ish.

[@2zibster]

Use the steam on the foam prior to installing the covers

[@jamiepollard9735]

I know who's really at fault for the cigarette burns, your Mrs - because she is SMOKING!

[@matt13ross]

Haha

[@stevedemarest276]

I bet that old interior has some tales to tell. 🤫

[@matt13ross]

I bet!

[@mustafaalsadi1214]

Great work 👏🏽 keep it going friend!!

[@matt13ross]

Thank you!!

[@cvpuga]

ur brave working with fabric.... i hate doin this kind of things lol

[@matt13ross]

First time!

[@mappie92]

Leave the carpet out. Do a water test. Might be able to see where water is coming from

[@matt13ross]

Working on it

[@baboorb]

Hi Matt what's up wit the e30 in the corner ?

[@matt13ross]

Ongoing project! Just haven’t had time lately. I’ve got a few videos on it on the channel.

[@VenturaIT]

Did you do the ozone treatment? I think you did. In the middle of watching and I'm thinking you should buy a new-used seat and then sell this one, but you get content by rebuilding it... The car doesn't have too many miles to collect. Remember, Porsches and Jeeps are forever. Now is the time to get an all leather or alcantara interior! I think the Porsche's have little drains in the floor and here and there, you could check those for the water. Porsches don't need radios.

[@matt13ross]

Didn’t do ozone, yet.

[@StraightLineCycles]

Those cars really don't like aftermarket wiring going into factory grommets, leaks a lot.

[@matt13ross]

Good thought

[@Rendierenzijnlief]

When it comes to smoker’s cars: i did hear someone claiming one time that most of the smell actually goes into the ceiling carpet. Just fyi

[@matt13ross]

Yea I’m guessing that too

[@widebodycoyotemustang]

Great job 👏🏽

[@matt13ross]

Thanks man

[@ttmezger]

Very common for sunroof drains to clog on these cars, especially if parked outside, which I have to assume this car was. New video content idea!

[@EMI-it4fv]

Factory seats are extremely heavy. I have a 996 targa and I installed recaro manual seats. The original ones are in my office...

[@laiebi_3639]

I'd love to get some too but they're not allowed here since the seatbelt is mounted to the original seats and not the chassis, so the seats need to have certification to hold the seatbelts too which they haven't -.-

[@matt13ross]

You want to sell them? Lol

[@jeffreyjohnston6843]

its obviously a car that was used for a daily for a very long time.

[@S2NAZ]

You certainly have a lot of patience Matt 🫵🏻👍🏻

[@matt13ross]

I think the opposite lol

[@S2NAZ]

@@matt13ross this from the guy that polishes headlight lenses by himself in his garage 😂😂 👍🏻🫵🏻

[@emiljohansson8435]

Awesome project and great job!.... but I hate to be that guy :) why not silver wheels? for ex RUF yellow bird style or similar... Personal thing, I have never liked black wheels... Keep it up!! :)

[@matt13ross]

Wheels might be changing

[@davem8972]

Hand brake is clapped out! Next up!

[@matt13ross]

Good eye!

[@swift__]

Old owner prolly spilled coffee on the passenger side and just left it, based on the rest of the carelessness 😅🤷🏼‍♂️… they use plastic gears in the seat motors and those little teeth break over time. Interior is going to look so good with the new interior👌🏻🤘🏻

[@BrandonDull]

cleaning out for weight reduction

[@matt13ross]

Haha

[@Adriatic]

NEW FOAM

[@matt13ross]

Meh. It’s in good enough condition I think.

[@Georgia_Cruisers]

Yeah but when are you going to change those tail- …….sorry. Force of habit. Looking good my brother!

[@matt13ross]

Hahaha

[@wihogan]

where did you get your tail lights refurbished?

[@matt13ross]

Myself

[@wihogan]

@@matt13ross In any case - enjoying the 996 series. Good luck on the 997.

[@joncamilleri2172]

Whilst not a yellow kind of guy, this car is a keeper in the making. This is a great upload Mat, very informative. Noting you are on the home straight with the build i do wonder what next? Performance mods? Another project car?

[@matt13ross]

Performance mods. And then a 997 hopefully!

[@YogisGarage]

Ah yes, replacing the interior. You like me, had a previous owner that was either “low iq” or was so rich he can swap cars with little concern. You’re going to find that lots of things Porsche did with the 996 were well thought out and easy to service. Mostly. I had to yank mine out due to water in the interior. You should check it out. Definitely sunroof drains.

[@matt13ross]

I think he just didn’t care about the car. Treated it like a civic.

[@YogisGarage]

@@matt13ross mine was a literal Uber eats delivery car.