Silverado Crew Cab b-pillar separation and redesign

[Mossyoakglock]

This weekend I replaced the little fan for the A/C that is
in the headliner. When I got done I had to go over to the passenger side and
get something out of the truck and noticed that the lower part of the B-pillar
trim was loose. I tried pushing it back on but it wouldn't click.

 

I search for similar problems today and noticed that GM put
out a bulletin a few years ago for this issue stating that a redesigned
B-pillar was issued. Is this something they are replacing In-warranty only or
is this a recall? I think they added more clips so I'm wondering if I can just
buy extra clips and add them and do it that way or if I will need to get new b-pillar panels?

 

Below is a link to an old thread with the TSB:

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/81387-b-pillar-posts-get-fixed-end-of-this-coming-week/

 

[RyanbabZ71]

My guess it would be warranty only.You may get GM or the dealer to cover part of the cost? Wont be a recall as it is not a safety issue

P

M the GM customer service agent on here and see what they say, worth a shot

[Mossyoakglock]

I just called the dealer to see and they said no. It would just be a warranty item but I can buy it and just replace it myself since it's just a trim piece since there is no reason for them to just change a trim panel that clips in. They have both a left and right in stock and they are only $65 a piece which isn't terrible.

 

My next question is on the clips. Does anybody know if I can buy the clips and add it to the existing panel or if the new one has the clips molded in requiring me to get the whole panel? I'd rather buy clips than the whole panel.

[MikeNH]

The clips will be on the new panel and they generally don't readily come off once installed. If you know the type of clip the trim needs hit up a parts store, you can probably find them there.

[Mossyoakglock]

That's what I'm hoping. I'm going to pull the panel this weekend and see if they are molded to the trim itself or if they are just held in place by slots/clips like the door panels.

[MikeInCtown]

Good luck on adding more clips. if you need them and have Amazon Prime, look there. I was able to get a pile of trim clips for my GFs Jeep and was able to use them when I pulled the door panel for a window motor fix. amazon amazes me more and more every day at the number and price of parts I can buy for car repair.