Replacing Heater Core, Get New Dash?

[snaphappy]

I'm right about 30,000 miles and the heater core went out. We had leaks on the passenger side and it smelled like maple syrup, ha! Dealer is replacing it under warranty.

Here's my question! They'll be up under the dash right? Wouldn't this be a good time to have them install a 2012 dash on my 2011?

My wife has been begging me for the new style dash, as far as I know it fits fine on the 11. But if they're not going to be up under the dash, then I'll just wait.

Update: dealer refused to install new dash, even if I bought it from them. Guess they have enough money already

[nyrfan]

The whole dash and windshield must come out, so now would be the time.

[snaphappy]

Whoa, ok. GM parts direct wants the vin number from a 2012 convertible SS2 leith HUD and tan leather interior. Can anyone help?

[snaphappy]

Hate to make a separate thread asking for a vin, but I think I will.

[snaphappy]

Or should I just order it throughout the dealer, will cost a lot more throughout them right?

[jvoisel]

It'll definitely be more from the dealer. Look on eBay and find a car with the specs you need, use that VIN#.

[snaphappy]

Wow, the dealer told me they won't install the dash. They cannot make modifications. They're required to restore it to factory conditions only. This cannot be true! Oh well, nothing I can do. You'd be surprised how many times I say to someone - hyt let me give you a bunch of money, and they're response is no. Ha! That's why I drove two states over to buy my Camaro in the first place

[TPAJETSKI]

Dash and windshield removed to replace a heater core. Damn. I miss the good old days.

[not]

Originally Posted by snaphappy

Wow, the dealer told me they won't install the dash. They cannot make modifications. They're required to restore it to factory conditions only. This cannot be true! Oh well, nothing I can do. You'd be surprised how many times I say to someone - hyt let me give you a bunch of money, and they're response is no. Ha! That's why I drove two states over to buy my Camaro in the first place

It could be that for reimbursement from GM for warranty work, the service dept has to put it back as is. Now if you want to do the work on your own, they may quote you after the warranty work which probably means your warranty is voided on anything dashboard related and rightfully so in regards to original equipment. However, they may warrant their work for the new dashboard Clear as mud?

I do know that many body shops hate pulling dashboards as it is a pain and then no matter how much you do to be careful, something isn't connected or it rattles which really pisses off the customer.

[christianchevell]

you could just get a leather replacement for the dash insert that is the difference in the dash.........and install yourself

[3rdgen3]

Originally Posted by christianchevell

you could just get a leather replacement for the dash insert that is the difference in the dash.........and install yourself

No he cant. The 2010-2011 dash is different. There is no "provision" for the leather insert, therefore the insert has nothing to INSERT too, get it?

Notice your leather insert sits flush with the plastics of the dash?

Hopefully you understand now.

[snaphappy]

Originally Posted by not

It could be that for reimbursement from GM for warranty work, the service dept has to put it back as is. Now if you want to do the work on your own, they may quote you after the warranty work which probably means your warranty is voided on anything dashboard related and rightfully so in regards to original equipment. However, they may warrant their work for the new dashboard Clear as mud?

I do know that many body shops hate pulling dashboards as it is a pain and then no matter how much you do to be careful, something isn't connected or it rattles which really pisses off the customer.

Yeah you're probably right about the reimbursement.

I looked at the steps involved in removing the dash, the steering wheel, radio, passenger airbag, all need to be removed. It's a huge job. Someday when I get around to having it done though my wife will give me a big present

[LimaCharlie]

Sorry....a bit off topic. Did you regularly check the coolant level prior to the heater core failing? Do you have any aftermarket electronics installed on the car (sound system, lights, etc.)?
The reason I ask these questions is because it seems like most heater core failures are due to people running on low coolant levels and/or having bad grounds on their aftermarket electronic stuff. I'm just checking to see if there is actually a pattern to heater core issues.

[snaphappy]

Originally Posted by LimaCharlie

Sorry....a bit off topic. Did you regularly check the coolant level prior to the heater core failing? Do you have any aftermarket electronics installed on the car (sound system, lights, etc.)?
The reason I ask these questions is because it seems like most heater core failures are due to people running on low coolant levels and/or having bad grounds on their aftermarket electronic stuff. I'm just checking to see if there is actually a pattern to heater core issues.

I ran a wire so the Halos would light with the DRL's. I can find the diagram for you if you like. It's a pretty popular thread on this forum. All lights are factory, just have the Halos on with DRL, and DRL stay on with headlights.

How would that effect the heater core?

Regarding coolant level, the manual says there's no need to check it if I remember right. However, I checked it at my oil changes, which has been about every 10,000 miles. But yeah I definitely check it less than my Suburban.