Bubbling Dashboard
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 4
From: MA
Bubbling Dashboard
I have a 2018 C7 Grandsport Carbon 65 and the leather wrapped dash is bubbling in spots. This is a known issue and I understand GM hasn't released a fix for it. I've contacted my local upholsterer and he doesn't want to touch it. I contacted MacMulkin and they won't touch it. They reached out to GM to see if a replacement part can be located and came up empty handed. I'm looking for solutions so if any member knows of a shop that will help out or where replacement part(s) can be obtained, please share.
Thanks in advance to all who read this post and a special thanks for replies.
Best,
DSM
Thanks in advance to all who read this post and a special thanks for replies.
Best,
DSM
Popular Reply
Mar 12, 2025, 05:01 PM
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 240
Likes: 191
From: Archbald Pa.
I have a 2018 C7 Grandsport Carbon 65 and the leather wrapped dash is bubbling in spots. This is a known issue and I understand GM hasn't released a fix for it. I've contacted my local upholsterer and he doesn't want to touch it. I contacted MacMulkin and they won't touch it. They reached out to GM to see if a replacement part can be located and came up empty handed. I'm looking for solutions so if any member knows of a shop that will help out or where replacement part(s) can be obtained, please share.
Thanks in advance to all who read this post and a special thanks for replies.
Best,
DSM
Thanks in advance to all who read this post and a special thanks for replies.
Best,
DSM
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 240
Likes: 191
From: Archbald Pa.
I have a 2018 C7 Grandsport Carbon 65 and the leather wrapped dash is bubbling in spots. This is a known issue and I understand GM hasn't released a fix for it. I've contacted my local upholsterer and he doesn't want to touch it. I contacted MacMulkin and they won't touch it. They reached out to GM to see if a replacement part can be located and came up empty handed. I'm looking for solutions so if any member knows of a shop that will help out or where replacement part(s) can be obtained, please share.
Thanks in advance to all who read this post and a special thanks for replies.
Best,
DSM
Thanks in advance to all who read this post and a special thanks for replies.
Best,
DSM
Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 336
Likes: 198
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
I made several posts in June of ‘23 (3LT leather coming unglued) and again (3LT Dash Fix) You can access them under thread search. It captures the adhesive used (Tear Mender) and needle and syringe sizes. You basically inject the adhesive under the leather between the leather and foam layer and smooth out with a roller or microfiber cloth to spread the adhesive underneath. I did this back in June ‘23 and the fix has held up.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 240
Likes: 191
From: Archbald Pa.
It worked well for me. I used a microfiber cloth applying medium pressure to spread and smooth out the adhesive underneath the leather. Tear mender dries pretty quickly.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 190
Likes: 84
From: Tucson AZ
This worked for me as well. After injecting the glue and spreading underneath the leather, I used a 5 lb. bag of rice to hold pressure on the area. the glue seems to dry fairly fast about 10-15 min. and so far has held well. The very small needle marks disappeared after a day or so. I would suggest to do this when temps are over 75 degrees or so. The area I repaired was about the size of 3 in. round spot right side of passenger area of the dash.
Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 336
Likes: 198
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
This worked for me as well. After injecting the glue and spreading underneath the leather, I used a 5 lb. bag of rice to hold pressure on the area. the glue seems to dry fairly fast about 10-15 min. and so far has held well. The very small needle marks disappeared after a day or so. I would suggest to do this when temps are over 75 degrees or so. The area I repaired was about the size of 3 in. round spot right side of passenger area of the dash.
There are YouTube videos on this for those interested.
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I made several posts in June of ‘23 (3LT leather coming unglued) and again (3LT Dash Fix) You can access them under thread search. It captures the adhesive used (Tear Mender) and needle and syringe sizes. You basically inject the adhesive under the leather between the leather and foam layer and smooth out with a roller or microfiber cloth to spread the adhesive underneath. I did this back in June ‘23 and the fix has held up.
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This issue started with the C6 generation, through the C7's, & into the C8's. There are a few ways to go about a "fix." Some people try the injection needle with glue while others pull the dash so more room is gained for the repair, I've even read that someone removed the windshield again to gain more room to do the repairs. I guess that it depends on where the bubbling is occurring as to what method would work best
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 939
From: Georgetown, Tx
This worked for me as well. After injecting the glue and spreading underneath the leather, I used a 5 lb. bag of rice to hold pressure on the area. the glue seems to dry fairly fast about 10-15 min. and so far has held well. The very small needle marks disappeared after a day or so. I would suggest to do this when temps are over 75 degrees or so. The area I repaired was about the size of 3 in. round spot right side of passenger area of the dash.
Thanks for sharing your outcome.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
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We regret to hear about this bubbling concern on your dashboard. It is always best to speak directly with your Chevrolet dealership on what can be done to help. If you need assistance locating one or have any questions, you can email us at socialmedia@gm.com and using your Username/Forum Title in the subject line.
Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 336
Likes: 198
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
We regret to hear about this bubbling concern on your dashboard. It is always best to speak directly with your Chevrolet dealership on what can be done to help. If you need assistance locating one or have any questions, you can email us at socialmedia@gm.com and using your Username/Forum Title in the subject line.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 38
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From: MA
Thank you for posting. I appreciate it. For what its worth, I spoke directly with MacMulkin, the "Worlds Largest Corvette Dealer" and they will not repair it. They are not alone in taking that position either. Not a single GM dealer I've contacted has been willing to try and fix it though they are all very well aware of the issue.
Drifting
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From: Richardson Texas
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Loveland
I watched that video also. I wish he would have actually shown how he injected it, rolling it out, and secured it. Mine is still attached in the middle, I am worried if I screw with it, it will look worse.
