While I would want them to replace it, realistically I can't see myself bothering. Even if you have a great Corvette tech, that job is a PITA and a lot can go wrong. I'd probably just learn to live with it. This is the lesser of 2 evils as squeaks from the dash would drive me insane.

The roof was driving me crazy until I put a dab of dielectric grease on the pins and rubbed the seals with a silicon. Now squeak free

 

^^^^^^
You paid for this


^^^^^
Not this

That dash panel should have never passed inspection at Bowling Green. Make them change it.

 

Mine is 1 ½ years old and the 3LT Kalahari has no dips, raised areas or any indentation when the embossed “Airbag’ is located. I’d ask the dealer to fix it. Perhaps whoever does their interior repair knows a way to tighten the area; steam, alcohol/water spay etc. That’s up to them, if they screw it up the dealer replaces it. Would also seem possible to remove the lower panel, pull the top leather down and re-glue, but what do I know, that’s why you go to someone who does!

 

I also have the AR 3LT and it has a very minor, almost invisible, indentation along the edge as Cobraboy describes. It can be barely seen only when a flashlight is placed at an extreme angle, so minor that nobody would notice it in normal lighting conditions. Had it not been for this thread I would never have seen it, but now that I have I'm not in the least bit concerned about it.

That's one thing, but the OP's situation is quite another. It's a sad testimonial that GM can't do better assembly and QC than what we see with his car, which is clearly unacceptable. I'm not sure what I would do in that case considering the downside potential of repairing it, but I think I would have it fixed with a clear understanding of what I would expect as a result. If they don't get it right I would persist and invoke the Lemon Law if necessary. That understanding would simply be a proper repair without any adverse side effects resulting from the surgery.

 

This kind of thing getting past quality control drives me crazy...this is bad enough to have never slipped past even the line worker installing the dash! I would have the dealer replace but I would certainly do some homework as to making sure a tech that has taken one out already does the repair....Yes the factory has access to these kind of records...Or maybe a corvette restoration shop that the dealer could sublet to that may have done one from a front end collision that had passenger side airbag deployment...good luck with this problem and keep us posted.

 

It obviously bothers you. I bet that you look at the imperfections as soon as you get in the car, glance at it while driving... at every stop light, etc. Do yourself a favor and have it replaced. If it turns out the same, or worse, then have them replace it again... and again until it's perfect.

 

My guess would be that GM would say it is leather, a natural material that shrinks and stretches a little different with every piece. The dashes that are perfect may not be after a few years of use, sun, and cold. The ones that have this may change as well. If it bothers you enough, maybe take it to a really good custom interior place for an opinion.

 

My guess is they will say something like this. Taking the dash apart looks like major surgury. I wonder if its something that would be obvious to see on replacement dash panels before they install? Could a replacement distort upon install and look similar? Could end up being one of those things where the dash comes apart several times before a satisfactory result. What are the odds of it going back together exactly like it originally was? As already mentioned, I'd rather have a visual defect instead of a rattle.

 

Looks like I'm the only one who thought the problem could possibly be fixed without taking things apart. Googled and lots of information about removing wrinkles from leather car seats! They say it shrinks the leatjher! Not that I would do it on my own but the dealer probably has someone that does their interior repair. Worth a try! He’s a video from one Google search.
Would be nice if the OP lets us know what the dealer says.

 

I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate all the thoughts and suggestions as to how best to deal with this problem! I have shared this Forum thread with my dealer sales rep and the service advisor. Once I have digested all the replies, I will meet with them again next week and we will decide next steps.

I found another recent Forum thread that indicates it's possible/practical to order and install individual 3LT dashboard trim pieces and I have sent messages to some of the contributors to this thread asking for more information.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-the-3lt.html

I will definitely let everyone know what the dealer says and what we ultimately decide to do about this problem.

Thanks again to everyone who has responded for taking the time to share your thoughts! This thread is another example that illustrates what a great resource this forum is for Corvette owners.

 

I know I'm not adding anything new to the discussion, but that has got to be fixed. If the fix causes other problems, have them fix them. You paid too much money to have the dash look like that.

 

This dashboard schematic from the CULTRAG website seems to confirm, as others have said, that the piece in question is indeed an integral part of the larger dashboard and, as such, cannot be replaced separately without replacing the entire "instrument panel" (marked #1 in the schematic and, in my case, Chevy part #23427458). As other contributors to this thread have pointed out, this is clearly a major undertaking with plenty of downside risk and I can understand why the dealer's service technician and service advisor were both hesitant to recommend this solution.

Looking at this drawing, I would guess that the damage to this panel was done during the assembly process when the tight fitting Passenger Trim Pad (Chevy part #23427468, not pictured in this schematic) was forced up against the passenger facing edge of the airbag panel.

If this hypothesis is correct, I think -- as JerryU has suggested -- it might be worth having an interior repair specialist remove the Trim Pad and see if anything can be done to mitigate the problem with the edge of the airbag panel.

I think this relatively conservative approach is what I will discuss with the dealer next week. Then, if that doesn't work, we can still consider the more radical solution of replacing the entire instrument panel.

Thanks again to everyone for your input. I'll let you know what the dealer says...

 

I am the 2nd owner of this 2014 Premier Edition Stingray number 497/500 Coupe. I want to say that it is the Sun that caused the damage but there is no Sun damage on the left side of the heads up display. It is only on the right side. I was able to get a quote from a dealership to have it replaced with labor for $700. That is quite the deal considering the prices I've seen people being quoted of nearly $2000. My 3 years is up on my warranty but not the mileage of course and so I am working with General Motors to see if they will either cover the cost of the parts and I pay for labor or If General Motors and the dealership will do a goodwill repair. I will keep you all updated if it makes any difference.

 

As much as GM charges for the 3LT interior upgrade, it's definitely not something you should have to live with. I would have them replace it and not be satisfied until they got it right.

 

Agreed. I just don't want to sound like someone who is looking to get something for nothing considering the car is 3 years old and I do not know where the previous owner kept the vehicle but you would like to assume that they had it garage kept but it may not have been the case. I'm just hoping that they will work with me.

 

lucky Mike 12 I also am 2nd owner of 2014 premier 180/500 7,038 mi. right side of dash area very noticeable. Looks bad talked to my dealer and they said have a nice day. Contact someone that specialize in that type of work. Of course the warrenty has gone except for drive train. Just bought exstended one but that will do no good. Guess I will live with it for awhile. thank everyone for all the info

 

Not asking for a lot but at some point I hope dealers and service departments realize
a 60K+ Corvette is not a Chevy Spark.
My Caddy dealer sure knows how to get it done...lesson to be learned..!

 

Good luck getting that replaced. "Leather is a natural material and will have slight variations" is probably what they'll tell you.

Pretty risky to replace it...what if the new dash has the exact same problem or a different one?

 

my dash is doing the same thing - has bubble - when sits in the sun it lays back down but when I put it up for a few weeks, it comes back - never lays back down totally

so my question is this part of the warranty? I am still under the 36 months / 36,000 miles 2015 3LT

so I have the same question - should I get it replaced - upset to see this - but don't want to cause more issues. - OP has a good question what would you do or what have you done and was it successful?

 

I have a 3LT in Kalahari, model year 2014, meaning the Kalahari covers the entire dash section. In sunlight I can see minor imperfections, and have wondered if it warrants fixing. To this point I have not done anything about it as it's not a huge deal and replacing it or trying to fix it might create other issues.