Plastic dash is starting to crack

[TexasGopher]

I have a 2013 Sierra and the dash is starting to crack near the corner on the drivers side and near both defroster vents. Is this a common problem and what is the easiest solution. 

I'm having flashbacks to a 2001 Ram that the dash was more dried Gorilla glue than plastic. 

Edited August 19, 2021 by TexasGopher

[Jworks]

This is a common thing among GM trucks in that age group.  It is frustrating for sure.  Cheap plastic.  Its since been resolved on newer models.  You can buy kits for repairing that but its always going to look repaired.  They're some kind of glue or adhesive thats supposed to work, and some come with a flat mat that suppose to make the grain look untouched.  But it will still look repaired.  I was in the market for a used truck in my price range and every single one I found for sale had that issue -- including the one I bought.  Unlike my usual practice of buying from an individual I bought from a dealer.  I was so frustrated trying to buy one after looking at so many I just bought this one at the dealer and after his super salesmanship I just told him the price I'd pay if he put in a new dash.  He agreed.  So....replacement dashes are available and it can be fixed by having a dealer install it.  Its just the part of the dash close to the windshield....not the whole dash.  I have forgotten but it was several hundred $.  I'm not sure, I'm thinking around $6-800.  But, if you look around online you should be able to find outlets that sell those and have them installed cheaper at a body shop; or maybe even a trusted garage.  I'd tend to think a body shop though.  In my case, it was part of the sales deal I made.  I think they are held in place by clips because mine started lifting a little bit on the side toward the steering wheel.  I just put some velcro under it and pressed down.  Done.  Here's a tip if you have another one installed.  Do not park it out in the summer sun; especially with the windows rolled up.  If you have a garage, keep it there.  If you park out  in the sun crack a couple of windows to let heat out. 

[dsr611]

It's about as common as the letters GM on this site.  My '10 Sierra cracked at about 38000 miles...went to the dealer and they gave me a price of $600, with me being on the hook for $300.  And the replacement would not be warrantied.  When I was looking to get a replacement, I found the "updated" dash panels on ebay for around $500 with free shipping or you can order one from one of the GM parts sites for around $250 with shipping being $250.  Either way you'll be out $500+ then labor costs if you have someone do the install

[Grumpy Bear]

Just the window glass can filter out UVB but not the distructive UVA nor Infrared wavelengths. 

 

https://www.orlandoflyingwindowtinting.com/does-car-window-tinting-block-uv-rays/

 

One example of a film that is effective. Not all are. Do your research. A light colored dash matt helps as well. 

[dna9656]

I'd buy a cover for what ever (120.00?) and let it go at that.

[TexasGopher]

11 minutes ago, dna9656 said:

I'd buy a cover for what ever (120.00?) and let it go at that.

This may be my way out here. The wife's SC430 gets the prime spot in the garage. 

[Dinos]

A company called Coverlay makes  great cover that covers the entire dash and it looks pretty much like a stock dash. I put one on my 1998 C1500 about 6 Years ago and still looks great, you order it based on the current color of you dash.

 

https://coverlaymfg.com/series-2-coverlay-dash-cover.html