dash pad replacement

volfan · November 25, 2004

how much time would it take to replace the dashpad on my 99 silverado flaking dash and hoe hard is it?

gnutruk · November 25, 2004

how much time would it take to replace the dashpad on my 99 silverado flaking dash and hoe hard is it?

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It's not too hard a job, but there are LOTS of parts to remove. Probably a good idea to get a Helms manual, because they tell you the correct way to pop the different trim pieces off. If you don't do some of them the right way, you can break plastic tabs, or twist connectors, such that pieces won't snap back in place afterward.

Time? Close to an hour, including "contemplation time" with beer. Almost that long to put it all back together. I think the manual wants you to disable the air bag system beforehand, just in case, because you will be working in the vicinity of the passenger-side air bag.

A new dash costs A LOT - more than $200.00, as I recall. Unless you can find a replacement dash for really cheap, like in a junk yard, you might consider re-painting the dash instead of replacing it. Take your removed dash into a high-quality paint store - one of your local, old-time sorts of stores where they really know what they're talking about, not some chain store - and ask them about preparation and what kind of paint product will be appropriate (ultra-violet stability, resistance to sun fading, resistance to heat bubbling, etc.). Will be much cheaper than replacement, though you might have to drive around for a few days without a dash while the painted dash is drying in your garage. You might find some nice color options, too.

Of course, cheapest, easiest, and fastest of all is just to buy a cloth dash mat and stick it in there to hide the flaking. Installation time: > 5 min.

Hope this helps.

gnutruk

mcreyaufmiller · November 26, 2004

The factory paints their dashes anyway. The paint stores (PPG, DuPont, Sikens, ect.) carry the proper products for the job. It is not hard, fairly standard.

Mike

volfan · November 26, 2004

thanks guys ! i did check with my dealer and they priced me a dash pad for $116.00 they said list was 149 then i checked the shop on labor and of course the "book" said 3.5 hrs at $49.00 per hour so i like th idea of doing a fix myself.The part price i was okay with it was the labor that surprised me they said it was a pita and also mentioned the plastic clips you have to be careful not to break.

budhayes3 · November 26, 2004

thanks guys ! i did check with my dealer and they priced me a dash pad for $116.00 they said list was 149 then i checked the shop on labor and of course the "book" said 3.5 hrs at $49.00 per hour so i like th idea of doing a fix myself.The part price i was okay with it was the labor that surprised me they said it was a pita and also mentioned the plastic clips you have to be careful not to break.

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Does the new pad come painted, or is it black? If it comes painted I know which route I'm going when mine finally flakes all the way! I can definitely live with $116!

volfan · November 27, 2004

parts guy at my dealer said it came painted so 116 is not bad at all if i am able to do thejob myself.check your dealer and let me know what kind of price they give you