Im in the same boat with most others, GM has told me that I must pay 1/2 of the cost of the new dash to replace their defective cracked version. So I am going to have to tackle this ordeal on my own.

I am looking for some guidance here on how to replace the instrument panel cover. I wanted to start this topic as a place holder so we could all compare notes on how to accomplish this.

Background :
We all have read the sticky thread on this forum so we know all about this. Here are some good facts to know about this.

There is a difference in designs of the dashes, it seems as if GM has tried to fix this issue (without admitting the problem, or telling us of course). See post #544 in this thread (or see the attached picture below).

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/tah...-26133/page55/




A new dash can be bought from several online vendors for $273.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/catalog/frameset.cfm
go to Body Hardware, Instrument Panel, then click on the # on the diagram (4 in my case). Dont forget to choose the right color.

There are also full vacuum formed ABS plastic overlays that also be bought.
www.txdashcovers.com


You can also go with carpet overlay, which is like putting plastic over your sofa but I guess its better than a split dash
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/2007-tahoe-dash



My questions right now are as follows :

1. Does anyone know what the part numbers are for these dashes, and if there is a change from old style to new style with the reinforcements? I would like to do this job only once, so I obviously dont want to buy an old style, unreinforced dash that will merely crack again.

I called my local dealer, gave them last 8 of my VIN, and they told me I need p.n 20896287. I did some research and see thats been superseded by 20959609. Im not sure what the difference is, maybe the reinforcements? My parts counter lady didnt know and didnt care. I want to make sure Carl Black GMC isnt just trying to unload a defective dash on me.

I also found these p.n references :

20959607 - Ebony
20959608 - Cashmere
20959609 - Titanium

I might just have the dealer order both and go down there and see what the difference is (if they will do it free, not like they wont need them).

2. Does anyone know of a step by step instruction guide for this ? I found several Youtube videos on removing the radio but nothing on the whole dash.

 

I read somewhere in one of the numerous complaint threads that CERTAIN new dashboards have some type of reinforcing, but not all. So if you get an old one you will suffer the same fate. For that matter, I wonder if the newer ones will last either.

To be honest, if GM will not fix any of the 3 cracked dashes we have in our family, I will probably just get a dash cover, something close to this one:

Carpet Dash Cover - AutoSport Catalog

However I'd be very leery of buying some aftermarket dash with no idea of it's fit/finish, and more importantly, how long it will last (i.e. fading, cracking, etc).

 

Early on in the cracked dash thread, someone posted a picture of the old dash vs the new dash on the underneath side. The new design did have different reinforcements in the areas prone to cracking.

 

Whoa I found it (good thing for you guys I work from home and Im really pissed about this issue)

That's incriminating, and I now know my Service Manager at Carl Black GMC flat out lied to me when he said there is 100% absolutely no change in the design and no defect. Some (most) just magically crack and the new ones dont.

I updated my 1st post, I will research more and see if they changed the part numbers so we can uncover the reinforced replacement dash p/n.

 

How long did it take to remove the dash? I think I read somewhere the replacement time was like 6 hrs?

 

I dont know, I havent done it yet. Im trying to find step by step instructions.

 

Has anyone have actually installed this dash cap?

 

up for that question. Dash cap seems the only way to fix this short of reinstalling a whole new dash. But even the new dash cracks too, so no solution yet

have to decide which looks worse : cracked dash or a dash cover ...

 

GM won't admit they killed 13 people... you think they give a rats a$$ about the dash in your $50,000 SUV?

Sorry, just had to.

I've had more things go wrong with my 09 Tahoe in 2 years than than anything I've ever owned has in 20 years.

 

No. I dont think they give a rats *** about my dashboard (or me ever buying another 1 of their products ever again).

Im beyond that in the decision flowchart. Just trying to find instructions for how to replace the dash on my own (since I wont pay GM a single penny more).

I spoke with a awesome dealer today in Atlanta - Capital Cadillac. A guy in service named Scott was really helpful. He said they arent having issues at all with the Escalade dashes, because they are leather covered.

Which leads me to wonder if it would be somehow better to contact a trim shop, like Love's Trim shop, or similar. Have them stitch in a sewn cover that looks like it belongs. Maybe that is the right way to fix this.