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3LT Dash Issue

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Old Nov 15, 2022 | 02:31 PM
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Default 3LT Dash Issue

So as most of us know, many people have had issues with the dash on the 3LT trim level. I am one of them. I read on a few threads that people paid north of $3000 to replace or fix the dash at the dealerships. I wondered if anyone got creative fixing their Dashes like I have the idea of having an interior shop replace it with Suede/ Alcantara. Has anyone done this before? Pictures would be awesome!
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Nov 16, 2022, 12:41 PM
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What level of repair do you require?

Many guys like me need minor dash repair. A few months ago I found video that outlines a way, perhaps take the pain from removing dash components for a minor repair.







Old Nov 15, 2022 | 05:54 PM
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In to see what comments you receive on this proposed mod to your car. There have been some threads on an independent upholstery shop doing what you propose, and a search should help you out.
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Old Nov 16, 2022 | 11:17 AM
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Take it to a trim shop for ideas. Try several shops.
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Old Nov 16, 2022 | 12:41 PM
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What level of repair do you require?

Many guys like me need minor dash repair. A few months ago I found video that outlines a way, perhaps take the pain from removing dash components for a minor repair.







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Old Nov 17, 2022 | 09:41 AM
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Mine started to lift gradually from the front edge of the defroster vent. I used a flexible adhesive (along with various extended applicators) to try to fix it. Since it had shrunk, all I could do was try to slow the problem down. I even took some tongue depressors glued together and was able to lift the leather to apply adhesive wherever it wasn’t bonded. That worked great for almost a year until it started to bubble in other places. I am on a list to have mine replaced at the dealer. The part is on national backorder at GM.
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Old Nov 17, 2022 | 01:16 PM
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It has gotten pretty bad around the defroster. It is lifted off the dash and it is also really bad around my HUD and right above the gauge cluster. It is beyond repair. I think replacement is my only option.
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Old Nov 17, 2022 | 02:58 PM
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Thecorvettemechanic on facebook has a video at the top of his page, labeled 'Most Popular'

search corvettemechanic on FB (FB will not let me load the link)

The video has two dash panels mounted on a workbench. One panel has been removed because the leather was coming loose. And the other dash panel is being prepared for replacement of the failed panel.

The video is short, just three minutes. But it's a good visual of the old panel failures and the upgrades initiated by GM.

We all with 3LTs' leather face potential problems to arise sooner or later. For those looking to have an independent shop or interior shop make the repair, the new GM repair method might be noteworthy.



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Old Nov 17, 2022 | 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 76-Vetteman
Thecorvettemechanic on facebook has a video at the top of his page, labeled 'Most Popular'

search corvettemechanic on FB (FB will not let me load the link)

The video has two dash panels mounted on a workbench. One panel has been removed because the leather was coming loose. And the other dash panel is being prepared for replacement of the failed panel.

The video is short, just three minutes. But it's a good visual of the old panel failures and the upgrades initiated by GM.

We all with 3LTs' leather face potential problems to arise sooner or later. For those looking to have an independent shop or interior shop make the repair, the new GM repair method might be noteworthy.
I have seen the video you are referring to. Seeing the improvements GM made to the dash is the only reason I am moving forward with a replacement.
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Old Nov 17, 2022 | 05:13 PM
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The right upholsterer can do wonders. Just wish mine had not retired.
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Old Nov 17, 2022 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Rafo_Z51
It has gotten pretty bad around the defroster. It is lifted off the dash and it is also really bad around my HUD and right above the gauge cluster. It is beyond repair. I think replacement is my only option.
Have Chevrolet replace it, or, a trim shop.
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Old Nov 18, 2022 | 12:04 PM
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Yea, I think if I'm going to spend that kind of money at the dealership I might as well customize it a bit. I really think the Suede dash might be something I want to look into.
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Old Nov 19, 2022 | 03:14 PM
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I had the problem on my 3LT 2015. Had estimnates from $3k to 6k. I found an upholstery shop here in Hampton VA. I spoke with the owner he said he would replace the leather with a marine vinyl. Its very high quality. Now to be honest the vimyl looks very nice but it doesnt fit as well as the oem but I only paid $450.00 for the work. The dash looks 100% better than it did before with the GM junk leather all shriveled up and pulling away. Looking at it from the outside you wouldnt know its not leather. The picture I have doesnt do it justice it has smoothed out as its been on the dash. For the cost saving for now it works for me
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Old Nov 22, 2022 | 08:47 AM
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Default But you still had to remove dash

Originally Posted by Jmhornz71
I had the problem on my 3LT 2015. Had estimnates from $3k to 6k. I found an upholstery shop here in Hampton VA. I spoke with the owner he said he would replace the leather with a marine vinyl. Its very high quality. Now to be honest the vimyl looks very nice but it doesnt fit as well as the oem but I only paid $450.00 for the work. The dash looks 100% better than it did before with the GM junk leather all shriveled up and pulling away. Looking at it from the outside you wouldnt know its not leather. The picture I have doesnt do it justice it has smoothed out as its been on the dash. For the cost saving for now it works for me
Glad it worked for you, how big was deal to remove the damn dash?

Ken
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Old Nov 22, 2022 | 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Ken_4fun
Glad it worked for you, how big was deal to remove the damn dash?

Ken
Ken, actually he did the work without removing the dash. He is almost 80 y/o . I was lucky to find him as he is about to retire
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