GeorgeB’s 2013 Suburban LTZ “Fin”

[George B]

My trim tool kit came.

 

[George B]

Swapped out my dash today. I was surprised to see the same support ribbing on both parts. I took a minute to confirm part nimbers and found that I did in fact have the old part number 20989625 coming off the truck and a new part number 23224742 going on. I about crapped because I almost thought I have a new design that had cracked. I decided to proceed with the install and it went pretty smooth. I tied the new dash into the vent with some zip ties as well.
The only issue I had was with the Dorman filler panel. It wanted to sit up on the left side just next to the defroster vent. It seemed the duct portion of the panel was sitting high on the duct from the heater. The clip would just pop up and not stay attached. I ended up grinding away some of the duct on the filler panel so it would sit down and clip in. Seems to be ok now. The factory one still fit fine and was whole but one tab was broken off in the center I wish I could have still used it.

 

[Rocket Man]

That’s a helluva trim tool kit. Are you sure that new dash doesn’t have extra ribs in the areas by the airbag and the instrument cluster? I’m not sure about the ones with the center speaker but the ones without that option are definitely reinforced in those 2 areas underneath.

 

[swathdiver]

That's awesome George! Now I know where to take mine! LOL

 

[George B]

The dash I removed for reference.

 

[George B]

That’s a helluva trim tool kit. Are you sure that new dash doesn’t have extra ribs in the areas by the airbag and the instrument cluster? I’m not sure about the ones with the center speaker but the ones without that option are definitely reinforced in those 2 areas underneath.

I swear not. I stood them side by side and they looked the same but with different part numbers.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Did those zip ties interfere with the clip on the defroster panel that clips in there?

 

[George B]

Did those zip ties interfere with the clip on the defroster panel that clips in there?

No, it fit right between them.

 

[George B]

I have been sweating this since Rocket Manasked if mine appeared to have more structure. I went back out and took out the center speaker. I reached in and felt the ribs on the back and counted the same two ribs confirming no design change. According to the quote below James found some info.

I conversed with GMPartsKing on ebay and this is there reply regarding PN# 23224747 for the ebony color:

"So I called GM and they said the only design change was a material change in 2014. They changed manufacturers and that is when the material change took place. I was told that there was no noted design change that took place. This is however the newest and latest part number for this vehicle.

Thanks again!"

This makes sense to me, a more pliable, less brittle material using the same mold should be fine if they got it right.

To protect mine, as I've done with all my cars since the 1980s, I use Dash Mats. Florida's sun is brutal on cars and it's cheap insurance. I remember now that Dash Mat had a backlog so I ordered one from RZ's Custom Covers and the fit and finish and quality are top notch. $38 delivered.

So, it sounds like they just changed the recipe for the plastic.
Lets hope it lasts now.

 

[pwtr02ss]

I have been sweating this since Rocket Manasked if mine appeared to have more structure. I went back out and took out the center speaker. I reached in and felt the ribs on the back and counted the same two ribs confirming no design change. According to the quote below James found some info.

So, it sounds like they just changed the recipe for the plastic.
Lets hope it lasts now.

His is the older model without the speaker so don't look too far into it. I'm sure they added those ribs when they added the speaker and thought they should probably add those to the older style for the revised part

 

[George B]

His is the older model without the speaker so don't look too far into it. I'm sure they added those ribs when they added the speaker and thought they should probably add those to the older style for the revised part

Makes sense. I was happy to find the info James shared about the material change.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Let us know with an update in 7-10 years

 

[George B]

Let us know with an update in 7-10 years

You all will be the first to know if it cracks again.

 

[George B]

Let us know with an update in 7-10 years

What should I expect in 7-10 years?

 

[Fless]

What should I expect in 7-10 years?

No expectations, just "hope" for no cracks by then.

 

[George B]

No expectations, just "hope" for no cracks by then.

Me too.

 

[pwtr02ss]

Makes sense. I was happy to find the info James shared about the material change.

Same. Only wish I had found that prior to buying and installing the old style...

 

[George B]

Same. Only wish I had found that prior to buying and installing the old style...

That would make me feel sick…

In fact I still don’t have much confidence in it.

 

[pwtr02ss]

That would make me feel sick…

In fact I still don’t have much confidence in it.

Ah, we live and learn. We’ll see how long they hold up. Positive note, you now know you can replace it so not all is lost if you have to do it twice

 

[swathdiver]

His is the older model without the speaker so don't look too far into it. I'm sure they added those ribs when they added the speaker and thought they should probably add those to the older style for the revised part

It's not older, it's just optioned differently. Someone said to not tighten a bracket bolt under the airbag all the way to keep that corner crack at the airbag from starting. Was it Wes or Chris? Then of course, keep the heat off it, use a dash cover of some kind. This has worked for me down here in Florida where she sits outside in the sun all day for 5 years so far and has not cracked yet and the truck is 13 years old now. Julia delayed getting the cover for the Sierra and her dash cracked at the airbag.