I covered the dash on my 2004 Z71 Avalanche with the Dark Pewter product from DashSkin. This seemed like the only practical and economical fix for the cracking dash issue. My dash was in really bad shape from years of exposure to the FL sun.
The skin which arrived via FedEx in a large box seems to be durable, fits like a glove over the existing dash and comes with good instructions and a tube of silicone.
My Installation Notes:
Note: Dry fit your new skin before installing and repair any large cracks or uneven areas as needed. See photos that show use of QuickGrip clamps, rag between door and skin and light sensor.
1. Remove two vents on passenger side (pry out win small screwdriver or equivalent).
2. Remove the grab handle by accessing release tabs from inside vents (instructions provided with kit).
3. Remove the instrument cluster bezel before installing skin (it will be reattached immediately after the skin is installed). This allows adjustment of the skin to ensure that the bezel covers any seams when reinstalled.
4. My ambient light sensor was broken away from original dash and floating. I ended up siliconing it to the DashSkin after trying other solutions. If needed, disconnect sensor from harness by pushing on tab to release mating connector. Attach sensor to skin from underside using silicone. Allow to dry. You will reattach the connector and wiring as you are installing skin. When attaching the sensor to the skin, note that the two diagonal tabs visible inside the sensor lens should be oriented towards the windshield.
The hole in the DashSkin was undersized to accommodate attaching the sensor. I contacted DashSkin Customer Service and they quickly sent a replacement skin with a slightly larger hole, however it was still undersized to allow the sensor lens to completely project through the skin. I carefully enlarged the hole with a Dremel tool which worked well.
NOTE: This may not be an issue if your sensor is still attached to the original dash, as it seems that the DashSkin design is for the hole to fit over the sensor lens with minimal clearance and aesthetics with the expectation that the sensor is still attached to the original dash.
If you have the floating sensor issue, when ordering, you may want to discuss that with DashSkin for a possible solution (my sensor lens was ~5/8? in diameter). Or just modify the dash or enlarge the hole for your situation like I did.
5. Remove any broken pieces of dash that may cause squeaking (I used JB Weld and 100% silicone to repair some cracks, allowing it to dry). DashSkin recommends using Gorilla tape.
6. Clean dash and skin in all areas where skin will be attached with a general purpose degreaser, rubbing alcohol or equivalent non-harsh cleaner.
7. Apply a silicone bead to the skin edges per instructions. Don?t get the silicone too close to the edges to minimize squeeze-out and cleanup after skin is attached.
8. Carefully position skin into place, reconnecting light sensor as needed.
9. Secure skin with weights, clamps and rags or foam (between doors and sides of dash) to put pressure on sides of skin. I used soft scuba weights.
10. Install instrument cluster bezel, making sure it covers any seams from the new skin in the bezel area (adjust skin as needed in all areas - I had to apply pressure and weigh down the top corner on driver?s side so the seam was hidden by bezel).
11. Install grab handle and vents.
12. Allow to dry overnight.
13. Clean up any excess silicone.
14. Good luck!
Other Notes:
I recommend DashSkin. The product is high quality and Customer Service was very helpful. I don?t think that you will be disappointed with their product.
Color match was good and the skin has slight texturing to match other interior pieces.
Kit comes with instructions and a tube of silicone.
Use some small QuickGrip clamps to secure face of skin around vents.
Use rags to put pressure between doors and sides of skin to secure the sides the while drying.
I used this as opportunity to ?unsnag? the right side cable harness to the radio so that it can now be pulled out for service. Was able to do this since I had had hole in dash on top of the radio head.
You could also consider replacing the light sensor as a preventative measure because it would probably be difficult to replace after skin is attached if needed. I did not replace my sensor.