3LT vs 2LT
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2021
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BTW; common misconception and pet peeve of mine but Super Fly is not a pimp, he’s a dope dealer. Just a little pop culture tidbit for future reference.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2021
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If your dash is going to bubble it will happen soon and it’s under warranty. It cost you a trip to the dealer at your connivence. If your DCT trashes itself it’s also under warranty but you’re stuck on a bridge during rush hour and need a tow truck and it will not happen at your convenience and you’ll be out of a car for weeks waiting in a DCT.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2021
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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.
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.
Simply having a real leather dash doesn’t make it bubble. This is not unique to a C8 and other makes and models have leather dashes with no issues. Some Grand Cherokees used to have peeling dash issues on Napa interiors but mine was at least 120k miles with no bubbles before traded it.
Without ample adhesive any C8 dash would peel as the C8 has a lot of concave contours that require adhesive to keep it attached to the contoured surface. The dash is otherwise well wrapped and tucked with no evidence of material pulling away at the edges.
I agree with the statement about cleaning solutions. Every owners manual on every car I’ve seen with leather dashes state to clean with damp cloth unless it’s really dirty. In theory the cleaners shouldn’t do anything as the leather is covered in plastic so worst case you’re just wasting money. But if it’s porus in anyway than the adhesive will lose it’s backing. It also off gasses back onto the windshield.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,865
From: Virginia
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.
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.
Safety Car
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,191
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From: Morrill Nebraska
If I set in your car I might not be saying it but I would be thinking that steering wheel looks like crap!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Garden Valley CA
I did some research before I checked that box and I can find no reference that says the dash is a different material. Since it feels the same as everything else, I can’t find where it would even be a benefit to be a different material. If you have a reference that would be great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 2,654
From: Texas
I did some research before I checked that box and I can find no reference that says the dash is a different material. Since it feels the same as everything else, I can’t find where it would even be a benefit to be a different material. If you have a reference that would be great.
Simply having a real leather dash doesn’t make it bubble. This is not unique to a C8 and other makes and models have leather dashes with no issues. Some Grand Cherokees used to have peeling dash issues on Napa interiors but mine was at least 120k miles with no bubbles before traded it.
Without ample adhesive any C8 dash would peel as the C8 has a lot of concave contours that require adhesive to keep it attached to the contoured surface. The dash is otherwise well wrapped and tucked with no evidence of material pulling away at the edges.
I agree with the statement about cleaning solutions. Every owners manual on every car I’ve seen with leather dashes state to clean with damp cloth unless it’s really dirty. In theory the cleaners shouldn’t do anything as the leather is covered in plastic so worst case you’re just wasting money. But if it’s porus in anyway than the adhesive will lose it’s backing. It also off gasses back onto the windshield.
Simply having a real leather dash doesn’t make it bubble. This is not unique to a C8 and other makes and models have leather dashes with no issues. Some Grand Cherokees used to have peeling dash issues on Napa interiors but mine was at least 120k miles with no bubbles before traded it.
Without ample adhesive any C8 dash would peel as the C8 has a lot of concave contours that require adhesive to keep it attached to the contoured surface. The dash is otherwise well wrapped and tucked with no evidence of material pulling away at the edges.
I agree with the statement about cleaning solutions. Every owners manual on every car I’ve seen with leather dashes state to clean with damp cloth unless it’s really dirty. In theory the cleaners shouldn’t do anything as the leather is covered in plastic so worst case you’re just wasting money. But if it’s porus in anyway than the adhesive will lose it’s backing. It also off gasses back onto the windshield.
If you can get a 2LT and 3LT side by side at a dealer you will see the difference. I cant say with 100% certainty what said difference is as GM isnt exactly transparent about it, but it is quite clear when compared side by side. As are the door panels, lower/under dash portion (leather), and roof/pillars/rear portion of passenger compartment obviously (with the "alcantera").
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2021
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From: Tampa Bay, FL
I do not like the Adrenaline Red as much as the Morello Red either, but on some exterior colors it does look good. First C8 I saw was a silver 1LT HTC with red seats and if it had been available for MSRP I probably would have bought it on the spot. It was very striking. I also saw a white one with AR dipped at the museum and it looked surprisingly good too. It’s as if the AR is less bright when there is no contrasting black with it. Actually tones it down some.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2022
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From: Northern VA
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I have a 3LT. If you need it for a color combo (like nat dipped) then get it. If you're going 2LT w/GT2 seats I also don't think it's that much more from there. However, it's probably not necessary or even advised unless it gives you a color combo you really like. 3k isn't much in the overall price of this car (it's actually less since the June price hikes).
Do I dislike the upgraded materials? Not at all. I think (as do many others) that my car and interior are gorgeous and high class. That's not a dig on the 2LT, but the 3LT is quite nice. When I am cruising, I appreciate the extra luxury. When I am hammering the car, it doesn't matter. I own pure race cars. This is a multi-purpose car I drive often and the 3LT is a luxury addition.
Do I dislike the upgraded materials? Not at all. I think (as do many others) that my car and interior are gorgeous and high class. That's not a dig on the 2LT, but the 3LT is quite nice. When I am cruising, I appreciate the extra luxury. When I am hammering the car, it doesn't matter. I own pure race cars. This is a multi-purpose car I drive often and the 3LT is a luxury addition.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 2,654
From: Texas
This is true, but this is not what the question was. They asked if they can do an all black interior with just red stitching, which requires the 3LT. If they wanted the two tone red and black seats and dash then yes, they could do it as you described. But it will cost $1500 extra for the GT2 seats and $500 extra for the 2-tone, which is why I said I think the 3LT is worth the $3k bump in price.
I do not like the Adrenaline Red as much as the Morello Red either, but on some exterior colors it does look good. First C8 I saw was a silver 1LT HTC with red seats and if it had been available for MSRP I probably would have bought it on the spot. It was very striking. I also saw a white one with AR dipped at the museum and it looked surprisingly good too. It’s as if the AR is less bright when there is no contrasting black with it. Actually tones it down some.
I do not like the Adrenaline Red as much as the Morello Red either, but on some exterior colors it does look good. First C8 I saw was a silver 1LT HTC with red seats and if it had been available for MSRP I probably would have bought it on the spot. It was very striking. I also saw a white one with AR dipped at the museum and it looked surprisingly good too. It’s as if the AR is less bright when there is no contrasting black with it. Actually tones it down some.
He may mean that on a 1LT since you cannot get GT2 seats your only option for red stitching is the full red seats, which is true IIRC. But on 2LT u can do red base seats, red GT2, or 2 tone GT2.
Last edited by Korbek; Nov 4, 2022 at 06:54 AM.
Safety Car
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Like my color I kinda had to make a decision sight unseen. Though looking at the seat I don’t think I could spot the mulan vs Napa if I didn’t already know from their sales literature. Biggest difference I could see online was the airbag cover and the lower panels being covered.
That being said I’m convinced it’s not the material itself but the fact it comes from a different supplier who is apparently trying to save money on glue.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 3,658
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I have a 3LT. If you need it for a color combo (like nat dipped) then get it. If you're going 2LT w/GT2 seats I also don't think it's that much more from there. However, it's probably not necessary or even advised unless it gives you a color combo you really like. 3k isn't much in the overall price of this car (it's actually less since the June price hikes).
Do I dislike the upgraded materials? Not at all. I think (as do many others) that my car and interior are gorgeous and high class. That's not a dig on the 2LT, but the 3LT is quite nice. When I am cruising, I appreciate the extra luxury. When I am hammering the car, it doesn't matter. I own pure race cars. This is a multi-purpose car I drive often and the 3LT is a luxury addition.
Do I dislike the upgraded materials? Not at all. I think (as do many others) that my car and interior are gorgeous and high class. That's not a dig on the 2LT, but the 3LT is quite nice. When I am cruising, I appreciate the extra luxury. When I am hammering the car, it doesn't matter. I own pure race cars. This is a multi-purpose car I drive often and the 3LT is a luxury addition.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 2,654
From: Texas
I’ll have to trust you on that as I’ve never had the opportunity to see both side by side. “Upper instrument panel” didn’t occur to me that it was GM’s awkward way of saying “dash”.
Like my color I kinda had to make a decision sight unseen. Though looking at the seat I don’t think I could spot the mulan vs Napa if I didn’t already know from their sales literature. Biggest difference I could see online was the airbag cover and the lower panels being covered.
That being said I’m convinced it’s not the material itself but the fact it comes from a different supplier who is apparently trying to save money on glue.
Like my color I kinda had to make a decision sight unseen. Though looking at the seat I don’t think I could spot the mulan vs Napa if I didn’t already know from their sales literature. Biggest difference I could see online was the airbag cover and the lower panels being covered.
That being said I’m convinced it’s not the material itself but the fact it comes from a different supplier who is apparently trying to save money on glue.
Edit: the 2LT dash may be Mulan while the 3LT dash is nappa? Cant confirm but did find this pic comparing mulan (left) to napa (right). The texture on the left is identical to the 2LT dash texture, while the one on the right is identical to the 3LT dash (and doors, etc) texture.
Then again there is this:
So the 2LT may be "TPO" aka synthetic leather and the 3LT may be mulan, although the pic above sure shows a "napa" leather that looks like the 3LT dash. It also validates my supppsition that 2LT is some sort of vinyl (TPO/fake leather sure seems like vinyl of a sort to me).
Either way, I stand by my statement that they are a different material.
Last edited by Korbek; Nov 4, 2022 at 07:34 AM.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,010
Likes: 12,396
From: NE South Carolina
^^^
Mulan is NOT real animal hide leather!! It's GMs coined name and can be anything. In the C7 it was leaked to be vinyl (polyvinyl chloride) with finely ground real leather scraps added as a filler. The percent apparently has to be over ~10% to call it "leather" so probably 10 to 20%. That makes it smell like real leather. Like all faux leather it's made on a backing.
Can delude yourself in thinking it's tanned animal hide if you want BUT GM only says the seating surface of the GT2 seat is real animal hide Napa leather. There was one statement quoted by an author in and interview of a GM interior manager that said the Drive Mode **** Wrist Rest was Napa leather so concede they may have killed, skinned and tanned that cow!!
But I agree from the C7 experience where the dash was different by deduction from observed results, it may be for the C8. Could be Vinyl, (polyvinyl choline) more expensive Polyuritnane, either with some finely ground real leather scrapes. GM will not say.
BUT they are all made with a resin covering a material backing and bucking, rather than the C7 shrinkage issue, is a glue to backing problem!
Mulan is NOT real animal hide leather!! It's GMs coined name and can be anything. In the C7 it was leaked to be vinyl (polyvinyl chloride) with finely ground real leather scraps added as a filler. The percent apparently has to be over ~10% to call it "leather" so probably 10 to 20%. That makes it smell like real leather. Like all faux leather it's made on a backing.
Can delude yourself in thinking it's tanned animal hide if you want BUT GM only says the seating surface of the GT2 seat is real animal hide Napa leather. There was one statement quoted by an author in and interview of a GM interior manager that said the Drive Mode **** Wrist Rest was Napa leather so concede they may have killed, skinned and tanned that cow!!
But I agree from the C7 experience where the dash was different by deduction from observed results, it may be for the C8. Could be Vinyl, (polyvinyl choline) more expensive Polyuritnane, either with some finely ground real leather scrapes. GM will not say.
BUT they are all made with a resin covering a material backing and bucking, rather than the C7 shrinkage issue, is a glue to backing problem!
Last edited by JerryU; Nov 4, 2022 at 08:06 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 761
From: Tampa Bay, FL
I was responding to a post saying you have to get the all red seats to get the red stitching, which isnt true due to the two tone GT2 seat option. Maybe I misread the intent of that post. At any rate, lots of info given here to anyone not fully versed in the options.
He may mean that on a 1LT since you cannot get GT2 seats your only option for red stitching is the full red seats, which is true IIRC. But on 2LT u can do red base seats, red GT2, or 2 tone GT2.
He may mean that on a 1LT since you cannot get GT2 seats your only option for red stitching is the full red seats, which is true IIRC. But on 2LT u can do red base seats, red GT2, or 2 tone GT2.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 260
Likes: 114
From: Plainfield Illinois
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.
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.
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.
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.
going with a black exterior.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 260
Likes: 114
From: Plainfield Illinois
leaning towards natural but not sold on that either.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 761
From: Tampa Bay, FL
I'm nearly 100% certain the actual material is different on the 3LT dash. I'll see if I can find something definitive, but given how much more durable (resistant to scratches) the 2LT dash is, I'd bet money it is vinyl and not any type of leather, bonded or otherwise.
Edit: the 2LT dash may be Mulan while the 3LT dash is nappa? Cant confirm but did find this pic comparing mulan (left) to napa (right). The texture on the left is identical to the 2LT dash texture, while the one on the right is identical to the 3LT dash (and doors, etc) texture.
Then again there is this:
So the 2LT may be "TPO" aka synthetic leather and the 3LT may be mulan, although the pic above sure shows a "napa" leather that looks like the 3LT dash. It also validates my supppsition that 2LT is some sort of vinyl (TPO/fake leather sure seems like vinyl of a sort to me).
Either way, I stand by my statement that they are a different material.
Edit: the 2LT dash may be Mulan while the 3LT dash is nappa? Cant confirm but did find this pic comparing mulan (left) to napa (right). The texture on the left is identical to the 2LT dash texture, while the one on the right is identical to the 3LT dash (and doors, etc) texture.
Then again there is this:
So the 2LT may be "TPO" aka synthetic leather and the 3LT may be mulan, although the pic above sure shows a "napa" leather that looks like the 3LT dash. It also validates my supppsition that 2LT is some sort of vinyl (TPO/fake leather sure seems like vinyl of a sort to me).
Either way, I stand by my statement that they are a different material.
This isn't to say the 1LT/2LT dash doesn't look good, it still looks very nice and nicer than previous generation cars. Before I saw a 3LT I was still impressed with the interior of the C8. But the 3LT is just a little bit more upscale. To me, this makes it worth the $3k extra, but I am not knocking anyone who decided differently. Someone else said you can get the 3LT steering wheel cover for $450, and that's probably the most noticeable difference in day-to-day use. So if I wanted a bargain, I would get the 1LT with the red seats and stitching, and then buy a 3LT horn cover to fancy up the wheel.