99-02/03-06 Dashes What's Different?

vodapas · November 9, 2005

Ok, kind of crazy question here...

I really need some help from people who have seen what lies underneath both the dash/console of the 99-02 and 03-06 full sizes. So, those who own (or have owned) both or those who have done a lot of stereo installs in these trucks.

Basically I love my 2001 on the outside. (No offense to the newer body style I'm just a bigger fan of the broad shouldered look of the 99-02 more than aggressive look of the 03-06.) But, I'm not a big fan of my 2001's interior. Don't get me wrong, it's nice. However, it's got the split bench and I prefer the looks and functionality of the console model. So, I was planning to add a console in anyhow along with a few other items and I've decided why not go all the way update the interior.

Now, I've found a lot of pieces from a Denali on ebay. (Don't out bid me. lol.) But, without having an 03+ to tear into I don't know how many pieces I'm going to have to swap out.

I'm guessing the whole passenger's side of the dash will have to change to fit the newer console to it. As will the bezel around the gauges/stereo/HVAC. (I know this means the stereo has to be changed, but that's one of the plans anyhow. And the HVAC will have to be swapped too.)

What I'm really curious about is can I get away with just swapping the driver's side bezel? Or will that not fit my gauge cluster, steering column, etc? How many changes have really been made that were more than skin deep?

It seems to me that from an economic standpoint GM wouldn't have made many real changes underneath than just a few wiring harnesses and such. But, I'm often wrong.

So, can anyone help a newb out? It's hard to estimate from pictures alone.

Thanks in advance,

Lang

vodapas · November 9, 2005

Ok, nix what I said about needing a new passenger dash. Upon an intensive Google Images search I realized I already have the dash set up I need as back in 2001 the dash was a universal piece whether the truck had a console or not. So, from what I can tell a 03+ console would just snug right up once the ash tray was pulled and the door over the power points was removed.

That'll save me a few pennies. So, the big question I have left is about the driver's side bezel. If I were to buy the bezel from the 03+ Denali would it pop right in place (obviously not around the stereo and HVAC controls as the openings are a different size)? Pictures just can't tell the story. Sorry for the newb questions.

Shawn T · November 9, 2005

Ok, nix what I said about needing a new passenger dash. Upon an intensive Google Images search I realized I already have the dash set up I need as back in 2001 the dash was a universal piece whether the truck had a console or not. So, from what I can tell a 03+ console would just snug right up once the ash tray was pulled and the door over the power points was removed.

That'll save me a few pennies. So, the big question I have left is about the driver's side bezel. If I were to buy the bezel from the 03+ Denali would it pop right in place (obviously not around the stereo and HVAC controls as the openings are a different size)? Pictures just can't tell the story. Sorry for the newb questions.

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They may look alike, but they are not. The newer 03 and up model droops down another inch on the driver side to compensate for the larger stereo din. Also, the newer console is wider and meets the dash in a whole different configuration. I know this because I went from a 99 LT Silv with center console to this truck (03) with center console and noticed these subtle differences right away. That is not even your biggest concern. All 03 and up models come equipped with dual zone climate control (whether it be auto or manual). The guts (HVAC ducts, wiring, fans, etc) are completely different than the old style. You can get away with the cluster change without too many mods, but you are talking big bucks and tons of work for the others.

averagehonky · November 9, 2005

For the '01 Denali dash bezel there are 2 models. In the right bottom corner one has what they call a 2 switch opening. Just for OnStar buttons. A small opening about 1"x3". The part number for this is 15075113. The other bezel has a larger opening in the right bottom corner called a 4 switch bezel part # 15075114. On mine (2001 Yukon XL ) this was the opening for OnStar buttons + 2 blank switch ( hence, 4 switch ) covers below OnStar. The radio and all other openings will be the same. Oh yeah, the 4 switch #15075114 is about $25 cheaper. I paid $60 for mine through the dealer. #15075113 is about $85. The console mod I have no idea what will be involved. I'm ordering a Denali black cherrywood kit ( part # 1174 ) from wooddash.com to trim out overhead console, door switch plates, lower console, etc. Best prices and service I've found.

As I will have the old dash bezel left over I'm going to trim it out in blackcherry wood ( from the kit ) and will have it for sale for $75. if you like the surround black background plastic on the Yukon bezel to the Denali bezel that surrounds everything in a gray color it will look great and give you the black cherrywood Denali look.

The '03-'06 bezels are different. Won't work unless you're into modifing a lot of crap.

'03-'06 instrument clusters will not work either.

vodapas · November 10, 2005

Hey guys, thank's for the info. After reading over what you said and what feed back I recieved in another post it is quite obvious that to do this swap would simply be more trouble than it's worth. Especially in regards to the HVAC controls. I can definitely find some better projects to sink my money into.

However, I definitely think I will still be adding an 03+ center console with the Denali trim. I definitely prefer the design and look of the newer console as it looks much less like an add on. that is unless anyone can think of some reason I'm missing that this won't work.

The basic design of the dash looks the same for all models 99-06 with the exception of the 03+ trucks without the console where they replaced the pop-out panel with one solid molded piece. But as far as I can tell on my truck all I'll have to do is remove the panel under the lighter/ashtray area then remove the door that covers the lighter and power points and the ash tray and then extend the wiring to the lighter and power point in the center console.

I realize that I may not be able to have all of the features available in the center console (Bose sub, heating vents, rear radio etc.) but for the most part it seems adding the console should be fairly simple. Or am I missing something again?

Thanks again for your help.

Lang