Cracked Dash

[Rocket Man]

An act of God. J/K, I have been watching some YouTube fixes and there are some pretty good alternatives

Oh. Yeah I tried most of them including the hot stapler that melts staples in from the backside. Waste of time, I spent probably 8 hours total and $125 on that one buying the hot stapler, removing the dash, melting the staples in ( I could still see the cracks) and reinstalling the dash. It cracked in a different place a few days later. That video of the guy doing that looked so incredible, so doable. IMO if it’s already started cracking it’s only going to get worse because the plastic is brittle. The new dashes are reinforced in those areas, and I also added 1/8” steel rods epoxied in those areas too on the new one I installed.

 

[91RS]

I started out with the crack you described on the passenger side by the air bag, that was 3 years ago. I decided to live with it and here we are today , it has grown a bit. I am still not inclined to do anything about it. I know one thing, I am not going to take it in for the air bag recall. Hell no. I am hoping a good alternative comes along pretty soon, because I love my **.

What do you think the airbag recall is going to do that isn't already there? The airbag pops out and then the work is done on the bench.

 

[rdhogg]

Oh. Yeah I tried most of them including the hot stapler that melts staples in from the backside. Waste of time, I spent probably 8 hours total and $125 on that one buying the hot stapler, removing the dash, melting the staples in ( I could still see the cracks) and reinstalling the dash. It cracked in a different place a few days later. That video of the guy doing that looked so incredible, so doable. IMO if it’s already started cracking it’s only going to get worse because the plastic is brittle. The new dashes are reinforced in those areas, and I also added 1/8” steel rods epoxied in those areas too on the new one I installed.

Yeah, I would not try the hot stapler myself either. I like your plan and I guess after taking the dash out once already , it was a pretty 1-2-3 job. At this point I am not sure that replacing the dash myself is within my pay grade, but I will continue to look into it. Do you have any helpful hints or pic's? Did you consult any YouTube help? Thanks again for your help and suggestions on my other projects.

 

[rdhogg]

What do you think the airbag recall is going to do that isn't already there? The airbag pops out and then the work is done on the bench.

From all that I have seen and read is the airbag replacement can create a crack ( when they 'pop' out the airbag) where one was not and can exasperate a current problem (crack) to make it much worse. Plus I am still pissed at GM for not stepping up to this HUGE cracked dash problem that is clearly a 'workmanship' issue. Then asking customers to sign a waver when they replace a defective airbag under a recall saying that they are not responsible for any Collateral damage to your dash. The whole thing stinks.

 

[petethepug]

I am really concerned about the dealer replacing the airbag on our 09 Esky Platinum. It has the standard black Esky dash but covered in leather. I can only imagine the tech strong arming the procedure and cracking the dash that's never seen daylight. From there everything would go to kaka and they'd be laughing.

Not in a real big hurry to have them fubar a 12 year old dash that's pristine.


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[91RS]

If you have a good relationship with your dealer, they will very likely be willing to run the policy calculator and GM will probably participate.

The Escalade dash doesn't even break around the air bag... Just the defroster panel sometimes break on the Escalade which is the same part as a Tahoe or Yukon.

 

[petethepug]

What’s a GM policy calculator for vehicles visiting for service? A parachute to cover damages while being serviced?

My local dealer has spotty service writers and techs. I’m miffed that one SW went above and beyond but later tried to set up a completed service delivery where I’d have to take the vehicle without any Ppwk or dealer personnel around.

That was fishy until the lot damage at the rear bumper was discovered. They tried to send me off w/o Ppwk, avoid documenting the damage and stating nothing needed to have it repaired except their word. The dealer made good but the SW became an irritating prima-donna. My last encounter with that clown involved him walking up a staircase the wrong direction.

When he made eye contact and proceeded toward me the wrong way, guess which customer put their head down and allowed him to walk up and into them at full stride that spun him round and down a step or two.

Sad thing is the other SW’s saw the shove. The one SW by the door who never looked up or said squat to me smiled and thanked me by first and last name that day. I just checked to see if he’s still employed there. Yup. Dealer Rater verifies he’s protected by Mgmt which explains the spotty service.

 

[rdhogg]

WOW, don't you just love days like that. You lay out some major flash for your ride and do everything you can to keep it nice and some jack ass thinks they can get away with something like that.

 

[Fless]

If you have a good relationship with your dealer, they will very likely be willing to run the policy calculator and GM will probably participate.

The Escalade dash doesn't even break around the air bag... Just the defroster panel sometimes break on the Escalade which is the same part as a Tahoe or Yukon.

What's a policy calculator? I'm not familiar with that term.

 

[91RS]

What’s a GM policy calculator for vehicles visiting for service? A parachute to cover damages while being serviced?

If dealers really made as many mistakes as forums act like they do, they'd have no customers at all. Do you really think GM would spend their profits for dealer mistakes? Any damaged caused by or at a dealer is the responsibility of the dealer and/or their insurance, not GM. Mistakes happen at independents and chains, too.

The policy calculator is what the dealer can use to submit for GM assistance on a repair. It takes into account all kinds of metrics and then gives a percentage of the repair that GM will pay for and then the customer pays the rest.

 

[petethepug]

Ok gotcha, sounds like what was quoted to me in the past as what GM customer care provided for out of warranty compensation. $50 toward peeling chrome on interior door handles and replacement of a serp belt that a tech sprayed silicone on instead of advising to replace it.

BTW, replace those accessory belts. If you lose one the motor overheats and if you have to shut down when moving…. Oh $hit! A YXL w/ 6 occupants, no power brakes or steering when rolling down an off ramp at 45 up to traffic stopped at a light, that’ll wet your seat in a hurry.

 

[thefirebirdman]

I recently purchased 2010 Tahoe LST with badly cracked dash. I replaced both the dash and front panel myself, and I have moderate skills in these things. There is a great video on YouTube that can get you through it. Just take your time and it will look so much better than the overlay.

If you don't mind me asking: How much did the new dash cost you? Do you still have the link for the Youtube video in question?

 

[thefirebirdman]

Oh. Yeah I tried most of them including the hot stapler that melts staples in from the backside. Waste of time, I spent probably 8 hours total and $125 on that one buying the hot stapler, removing the dash, melting the staples in ( I could still see the cracks) and reinstalling the dash. It cracked in a different place a few days later. That video of the guy doing that looked so incredible, so doable. IMO if it’s already started cracking it’s only going to get worse because the plastic is brittle. The new dashes are reinforced in those areas, and I also added 1/8” steel rods epoxied in those areas too on the new one I installed.

I might be in a situation where I have no choice but to buy a new dash even though I already have a dash skin cap. My dash is so badly damaged due to both the cracking and multiple instrument cluster swaps (long story) that the mounting points for the Cluster Bezel (two mounting posts + clips for the two screws that go through the bezel) are basically destroyed. If I cap it as-is the cluster bezel will just be mounted loose though I may be able to glue it to the cap as well (not sure).

Who sells the "new reinforced dashes" and how much do they cost on average? I found an OEM New Ebony Black dash panel on ebay from a seller up around Dallas that wants $880 (shipping included).

GM OEM Instrument Panel-Dash 23224747 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for GM OEM Instrument Panel-Dash 23224747 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Then I found that gmpartsdirect has them for $400 (shipping not included). Are these what you'd consider the updated, reinforced version?

2007-2014 GM Ebony Instrument Panel 23224747 GM | GMPartsDirect.com

2007-2014 GM part # 23224747 - Ebony Instrument Panel

www.gmpartsdirect.com

 

[91RS]

Why not check with your local dealer and see what their parts department will sell it for? The main part cannot be shipped UPS or FedEx ground due to the size.

 

[Rocket Man]

I might be in a situation where I have no choice but to buy a new dash even though I already have a dash skin cap. My dash is so badly damaged due to both the cracking and multiple instrument cluster swaps (long story) that the mounting points for the Cluster Bezel (two mounting posts + clips for the two screws that go through the bezel) are basically destroyed. If I cap it as-is the cluster bezel will just be mounted loose though I may be able to glue it to the cap as well (not sure).

Who sells the "new reinforced dashes" and how much do they cost on average? I found an OEM New Ebony Black dash panel on ebay from a seller up around Dallas that wants $880 (shipping included).

GM OEM Instrument Panel-Dash 23224747 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for GM OEM Instrument Panel-Dash 23224747 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Then I found that gmpartsdirect has them for $400 (shipping not included). Are these what you'd consider the updated, reinforced version?

2007-2014 GM Ebony Instrument Panel 23224747 GM | GMPartsDirect.com

2007-2014 GM part # 23224747 - Ebony Instrument Panel

www.gmpartsdirect.com

Yes, the new parts from GM are the updated design. I just took the part number and did a Google search to find the cheapest price shipping figured in. It ended up being a GM dealer on EBay. The dealer sites are a PIA because you need to add it to your cart and enter your address before you get a shipping cost. Most of those same dealers advertise on Ebay where they're forced to show shipping charges. The box the dash comes in is huge- like 6' long, 2' wide and 4' tall. It's not the weight that costs a lot to ship, it's the size.

 

[Rocket Man]

Why not check with your local dealer and see what their parts department will sell it for? The main part cannot be shipped UPS or FedEx ground due to the size.

My local dealer was $200 more expensive than the one I had shipped. And yes UPS can handle it, that's how mine came. I'm sure FedEx can take it too.

 

[thefirebirdman]

Yes, the new parts from GM are the updated design. I just took the part number and did a Google search to find the cheapest price shipping figured in. It ended up being a GM dealer on EBay. The dealer sites are a PIA because you need to add it to your cart and enter your address before you get a shipping cost. Most of those same dealers advertise on Ebay where they're forced to show shipping charges. The box the dash comes in is huge- like 6' long, 2' wide and 4' tall. It's not the weight that costs a lot to ship, it's the size.

Thanks!! I'm prob just going to order the new dash then. This ebay seller has a used one out of an 07-8 Avalanche for $475 (flat rate shipping included) but GMPARTSDIRECT wants $248 shipping so I'm looking at $650 for a brand new dash.

VERY glad to hear they updated the design. I remember when I looked at this years ago (before my dash was in such bad shape - back then it just had a couple of sizeable cracks - should have capped it then) I got a lot of feedback from other owners not to bother because the new dash would just crack again eventually. I think one poster said he did install a brand new dash and it cracked again only 3 days later.

Fun facts: JD Powers gave Chevy a Quality Award in 2007 and the Chevy Silverado was Truck of the Year for 2007.

 

[thefirebirdman]

Why not check with your local dealer and see what their parts department will sell it for? The main part cannot be shipped UPS or FedEx ground due to the size.

Yep, I'll ask tomorrow. Taking it in for the air bag recall anyway. Might as well get it done now while my dash is a shambles.

 

[Rocket Man]

Thanks!! I'm prob just going to order the new dash then. This ebay seller has a used one out of an 07-8 Avalanche for $475 (flat rate shipping included) but GMPARTSDIRECT wants $248 shipping so I'm looking at $650 for a brand new dash.

VERY glad to hear they updated the design. I remember when I looked at this years ago (before my dash was in such bad shape - back then it just had a couple of sizeable cracks - should have capped it then) I got a lot of feedback from other owners not to bother because the new dash would just crack again eventually. I think one poster said he did install a brand new dash and it cracked again only 3 days later.

Fun facts: JD Powers gave Chevy a Quality Award in 2007 and the Chevy Silverado was Truck of the Year for 2007.

No way would I buy a used one unless it was dirt cheap. It might crack right after you install it. If you’re going that route, check your local yards.

 

[thefirebirdman]

No way would I buy a used one unless it was dirt cheap. It might crack right after you install it. If you’re going that route, check your local yards.

Good point. Old design, might crack. Yeah definitely just going to get a new one. I shopped it around as you recommended. Cheapest so far with shipping is $539. Weird, its a dealer in Florida. A Dallas GM dealer has one and their a lot closer to me but they wanted $575 with shipping. Might be worth the $35 for a shorter overall shipping route. Less opportunity for it to get damaged in transit.