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Not sure if maybe I didn’t get this across correctly, but I suspect 3LT and 2LT dashes are identical regardless of what it’s made of. GM marketing doesn’t even attempt to convince anyone otherwise. The only claim between the two is suede headliner, GT2 seats (available on 2LT) and more leather surfaces on lower panels.
Why 3LT dashes seem to get bubbling and 2LT doesn’t while the two seem identical doesn’t make much sense but there’s no evidence of shrinkage or otherwise material failure unless it’s the backing as you’ve mentioned. My guess is 3LT comes from a different supplier who either uses a bad adhesive or applies it incorrectly.
The material used is different. The 3LT dash is some kind of bonded leather or something (mulan like elsewhere maybe?) and can "shrink" a little. Not a problem with enough adhesive properly applied, but the peeling victims I have seen pics of have a PAULTRY amount of adhesive, which explains why some 3LT peel and others dont despite same materials.
Theoretically it could also be impacted by using cleaning solutions that go through micro pores in the leather and break down the adhesive underneath. Maybe not, but I use only a lightly damp miicrofiber rag with nothing but water to clean my dash and am happy with the results thus far.
To my knowledge not a single 2LT has peeled, because it is some kind of faux leather vinyl or something, which doesnt shrink the way the "leather" on a 3LT does, meaning that even without ample adhesive it isnt prone to peeling.
I took the chance on the 3LT. I'll deal with peeling if it happens via a reputable auto apolstery shop, not GM.
I do tend to exaggerate but your steering wheel cover looks crap. No offense. If you need to save a paltry $5k then go with the ghetto steering wheel cover option.
Seriously though, the 3LT and mag ride would be the first to go if I was in a budget pinch. I say that tongue in cheek because a 2 seater 500 hp sports car just “cause I want it” isn’t a logical investment either.
I honestly don't see a huge difference in the steering wheel. Another thing I have never had someone get in my car and say "hey that steering wheel looks cheap or like crap".
I honestly don't see a huge difference in the steering wheel. Another thing I have never had someone get in my car and say "hey that steering wheel looks cheap or like crap".
That's because there isn't much of a difference...Having to nit-pick this deeply says it all...
I honestly don't see a huge difference in the steering wheel. Another thing I have never had someone get in my car and say "hey that steering wheel looks cheap or like crap".
The steering wheel is identical between 2LT and 3LT EXCEPT for the "leather"-wrapped airbag cover.
You can even get the "suede" steering wheel by selecting the suede seat inserts with GT2 seats on a 2LT. It doesnt require 3LT.
The airbag cover (and potentially a yellow or blue stripe dependent on 3LT color choice) is literally the only difference. The steering wheel airbag cover is a nice perk of 3LT but not the reason one should select it, all else being equal, IMO.
The steering wheel is identical between 2LT and 3LT EXCEPT for the "leather"-wrapped airbag cover.
You can even get the "suede" steering wheel by selecting the suede seat inserts with GT2 seats on a 2LT. It doesnt require 3LT.
The airbag cover (and potentially a yellow or blue stripe dependent on 3LT color choice) is literally the only difference. The steering wheel airbag cover is a nice perk of 3LT but not the reason one should select it, all else being equal, IMO.
Originally Posted by Kevin A Jones
The 2LT rental car looking plastic steering wheel, as you say, looks and feels pretty good to me. At least good enough not to pay an additional $5000 for the 3LT. Seems you have the tenancy to exaggerate a little.
Please post a photo of your 3LT steering wheel for comparison. Thanks
Yes, and here is the comparison to for the air bag cover. Adds a very nice touch. The $ upgrade though....
Yes, and here is the comparison to for the air bag cover. Adds a very nice touch. The $ upgrade though....
The cost isnt just for the airbag. I wanted GT2 seats so thr 2LT > 3LT delta was onluy about 3k (3300 maybe??). That upgraded the upper dash and door leather, lower dash leather, and switched the headliner and rear passenger surfaces to the faux suede (alcantara). All of that as well as the airbag cover felt enough to justify the 3 grand. But for others that may not be the case. The 2LT steering wheel certainly doesnt feel cheap to me.
If one JUST wants the airbag cover upgrade, it can be done aftermarket or by using a VIN from a 3LT to order the part from Chevy. Its $750 IIRC from parts dept, plus install labor cost.
The steering wheel is identical between 2LT and 3LT EXCEPT for the "leather"-wrapped airbag cover.
You can even get the "suede" steering wheel by selecting the suede seat inserts with GT2 seats on a 2LT. It doesnt require 3LT.
The airbag cover (and potentially a yellow or blue stripe dependent on 3LT color choice) is literally the only difference. The steering wheel airbag cover is a nice perk of 3LT but not the reason one should select it, all else being equal, IMO.
I agree, anyone who pays $5K for the 3LT package primarily to get the leather (well sorta leather) wrapped airbag cover is an idiot since you can get them aftermarket for about $450.
I think all of these little differences are small, they are just check marks in the pros and cons column. The 2LT and 1LT still look really good inside, no one is going to get in either of those trim models and think they look "cheap". And the upgrades to the 3LT are subtle as well. Some people might see them and not care at all, others are more detail oriented. My wife is VERY detail oriented, and she immediately noticed a lot of differences that matter to her - like the suede headliner. I don't think of them as major improvements, but she does, so it works out.
Strictly from an interior materials perspective, the 1LT and 2LT are identical, the only difference is gadgets. Conversely, the only difference between 2LT and 3LT is materials and color choices, gadgets are identical. Not to say it is better quality, just that it gives a slightly nicer appearance of quality. Thats why my opinion was to look at either the 1LT or the 3LT. Once you option up a 2LT with the most common extras, its already very close in price to the 3LT. If you are budget conscious, the big step up in price between the 1LT and 2LT is more of a hit than the next step up to the 3LT.
I agree, anyone who pays $5K for the 3LT package primarily to get the leather (well sorta leather) wrapped airbag cover is an idiot since you can get them aftermarket for about $450.
I think all of these little differences are small, they are just check marks in the pros and cons column. The 2LT and 1LT still look really good inside, no one is going to get in either of those trim models and think they look "cheap". And the upgrades to the 3LT are subtle as well. Some people might see them and not care at all, others are more detail oriented. My wife is VERY detail oriented, and she immediately noticed a lot of differences that matter to her - like the suede headliner. I don't think of them as major improvements, but she does, so it works out.
Strictly from an interior materials perspective, the 1LT and 2LT are identical, the only difference is gadgets. Conversely, the only difference between 2LT and 3LT is materials and color choices, gadgets are identical. Not to say it is better quality, just that it gives a slightly nicer appearance of quality. Thats why my opinion was to look at either the 1LT or the 3LT. Once you option up a 2LT with the most common extras, its already very close in price to the 3LT. If you are budget conscious, the big step up in price between the 1LT and 2LT is more of a hit than the next step up to the 3LT.
A big difference in the 1LT and 2LT ( at least IMO) are the additional theme color components (console, door panel and dash trim) as the red below as opposed to just the seats being the theme color.
A big difference in the 1LT and 2LT ( at least IMO) are the additional theme color components (console, door panel and dash trim) as the red below as opposed to just the seats being the theme color.
Good point, thanks for letting me know. I was under the impression you only got those additional color components in red when you choose the two-tone interior as well. I would consider that another bonus then for the 2LT vs 1LT.
To get the colored stitching on the all black interior do you have to order a 3lt or can it be done on a 2lt?
Has to be 3LT. On 2LT/1LT colored stitching only comes with color interior.
Its also an upcharge of around $450-500 to do 'just' color stitching (red or yellow) on a jet black 3LT. Blue stitching is included in the tension/twilight 3LT color interior but isnt an option with black interior sadly, even on a 3LT.
To get the colored stitching on the all black interior do you have to order a 3lt or can it be done on a 2lt?
I know this answer because I was looking at getting it. To get all black interior with red stitching, you have to order the 3LT, choose the black interior. Then you have to choose the red stitching add-on, so its $500 more expensive than other 3LT interiors.
If you get a 1LT or 2LT and choose the red seats, you also get red stitching everywhere else in the interior. It does not cost extra, but you have to choose the full red seats. And see Kevin's post above where he showed the different red accent on the console and door panels that you get with the 2LT. One 1LT all that is black, but still with red stitching.
I know this answer because I was looking at getting it. To get all black interior with red stitching, you have to order the 3LT, choose the black interior. Then you have to choose the red stitching add-on, so its $500 more expensive than other 3LT interiors.
If you get a 1LT or 2LT and choose the red seats, you also get red stitching everywhere else in the interior. It does not cost extra, but you have to choose the full red seats. And see Kevin's post above where he showed the different red accent on the console and door panels that you get with the 2LT. One 1LT all that is black, but still with red stitching.
You can get two-tone red/black GT2 seats in a 2LT. I dont like the shade of red personally, so ANY red leather on the interior is not my liking, but its doable. Morello was a nice shade but only available as a "dipped" option.
I agree, anyone who pays $5K for the 3LT package primarily to get the leather (well sorta leather) wrapped airbag cover is an idiot since you can get them aftermarket for about $450.
And get GT2 seats on eBay, aftermarket suede headliner, get an upholstery shop to wrap everything else in leather, color the stitching yourself with a marker…so easy and cost like nothing probably. Freaking morons.
Even more retarded is those guys who pay $600 for painted calipers and $1200 for painted roof and nacelles. Everybody should just get a 1LT and use the extra cash to Frankenstein it to what you want.
I honestly don't see a huge difference in the steering wheel. Another thing I have never had someone get in my car and say "hey that steering wheel looks cheap or like crap".
That would be pretty messed up if you let someone sit on your car and they said it looks like crap.
