No More Cladding?

[madmax]

So, today I was at the dealership (Rydel, Grand Forks ND) talking with a guy from the body shop about some minor touch-up work (they have been great!) and he told me that next year Chevy is doing away with the plastic cladding, too many complaints and people don't like the way it looks. IMHO, it is too early for them to give up on this design, if he is in fact right. Sometimes it takes a bit for folks to start to really like it, and then it catches on fast. Remember when Dodge came out with their new truck look?
Madmax ><>

 

[powersurg]

I was at the supermarket and someone carelessly walked away from their moving cart. It wasn't going that fast when it hit my truck. Not only did the cladding keep my truck from getting scratched but the cart just bounced right off. I guuess you either Love it or hate it. I happen to love it for the protection it gives my truck. Not to mention that it is also a lot easier to clean.

 

[FredRose]

Powersug,

How do you clean your cladding? I'm trying to decide what is the right way to clean/protect/treat it.

I've got Dri Wash n'Guard coming for the paint, tires and leather.

Any hints appreciated.
Fred

 

[wrchism]

No more cladding - we'll see . . . lots of rumors.

Check the other thread on this board suggesting that new VC Lutz of GM wants to get rid of plastic across the board. Is it due to perceived ugliness or cost - who knows?

Will it be an option? On this point - at least for the Av - I hope that at the very least it will still be an option.

 

[idocpilk]

I for one love the cladding and hope GM does away with it for 2003...leaving us early birds with the classic AV. I have read that the cladding will be a $700 option for 03.
I think owning the only year with the cladding is a plus. I like the Caddys but lets face it...that is NOT a truck by any means.

 

[powersurg]

I wash the cladding last. THis way I don't get any of the grit on the paint. Sometimes I use Armour All. It makes it a little shiny. Other than that I just give it a washing with Mother's.

 

[Chief]

I actually put a call into Chevrolet Product Management with a grocery lists of items to discuss - including a members only sneak peak at the 2003 model Avalanche - so I'm hoping we can get Moses from the Mountain confirmation that cladding will become an option in 2003...

 

[endeavorc]

Just to add to the rumor mill, the GM at the dealership where I bought mine says no cladding for next year. It will be an option.

 

[MI_99XPL]

I can't remember where, I think it was from a friend in the packaging dept at GM, But I heard the Aztek is the 1st to kill off the plastic and the Avalanche is next.

I really don't like the plastic. ?I almost bought the Cadillac just so I wouldn't get it. ?But the 4x4 system isn't made for off-roading. ?I guess I should have waited a little longer.

MI 99XPL

 

[Chief]

I can't remember where, I think it was from a friend in the packaging dept at GM, But I heard the Aztek is the 1st to kill off the plastic and the Avalanche is next.

I really don't like the plastic. ?I almost bought the Cadillac just so I wouldn't get it. ?But the 4x4 system isn't made for off-roading. ?I guess I should have waited a little longer.

MI 99XPL

2002 Azteks are cladding-less. The dealer I bought my Avalanche at is a Pontiac/GMC/Chevrolet dealer and they have a black 2002 out on the lot. It caught my eye because of the lack of cladding. it looks better - but the front end man - ugh - the Aztek needs work. However I'll say what I've always said about it - by FAR has one of the best interiors on the planet...

 

[84john]

personally I HATE the cladding IMO it looks stupid. guess I'll be the first to trade when they come out with the naked version!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

things i will do different
1. 2500 instead of 1500
2. 4.10 gears 3.73 on 6000lbs truck not enough to sluggish in low rpm range

 

[Guest User]

I was looking in "Truckin" magazine and saw a reworked AV where they had taken all of the cladding off and and sanded it smooth and painted it a black satin. It looked great. I don't like the coarse grain or the grey of the cladding but I like the big bulky look. But hey that's just me!