good news and bad news on 2 tone cladding warranty repair! attn: salsa !

red · Post by **red** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 12:56 pm

got to talk to the local service rep today very briefly and the deal from pontiac assistance is this: they will fix my current pock marked cladding and buy the 2 side extensions that are found on the 2004 models BUT i will have to pay to put them on and paint them since the gray thats on them doesnt match the moulding gray.....

red · Post by **red** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 1:02 pm

well that saves $$$$ on paint....the sevice manager sez that if a service bulletin comes out authorizing this repair nationwide, that they will reimburse me for expenses.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 1:11 pm

quote:the sevice manager sez that if a service bulletin comes out authorizing this repair nationwide, that they will reimburse me for expenses.Don't take their word on that...just be patient, wait for the TSB...no harm in waiting...

red · Post by **red** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 1:19 pm

winter is just 2.5 months away and i kinda wanted this taken care of before then....my question, which i have to ask the service manager, is HOW are they going to repair that chewed up lower mouldings, i dont want some half a** job...putting on the 2004 mouldings are easy since you just add or use current screw holes (besides my hubby is a bodyman)....i have to talk to local pontiac tomorrow and discuss and confirm all the details of the fix/repair...btw the 2004 side extension mouldings are $76.00 per side (retail price) $58.00 dealer cost.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 1:25 pm

I know it's pushing it, but it would be awesome if they'd do the front end too...

millster · Post by **millster** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 1:28 pm

quote:I know it's pushing it, but it would be awesome if they'd do the front end too...Well that's what I'm wondering. I understand this is to replace the cladding, but the issue I'm having with mine isn't exactly due to rock damage along the bottom. I haven't really noticed any to be honest. I just have the "gasket rott" thing going (which is apparently a unique trait of my car). I wonder where that leaves me on this replacement deal?

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 1:28 pm

If I remember correctly, the service bulletin should be out the 17th of this month.

red · Post by **red** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 1:34 pm

my dealership said that they would REPAIR the damaged lower mouldings, not replace....i'd rather have them replaced 'cause i'm not sure how in the hell they are going to repair them! maybe i'll tell the service manager about the tsb coming out on the 17th and we will wait until then to see if it changes my settlement in anyway thank you everyone for your responses and info...the more info that gets out amongst fellow owners, the stronger we are in dealing with gm/pontiac! the only thing that i'm getting new would be the 2004 rocker extensions.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 1:42 pm

Definitly hold off until the TSB is released...then bring it in and show them it says REPLACE...

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 9:17 pm

quote:Where did you hear this?At the Michigan meet?Yes!This subject was brought up several times during the meet with the Vibe Brand Quality Manager. Jeff said wait till July 17th or after for a service bulletin to come out.Nick, can you jump in here about this subject and correct me if I'm wrong.

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 9:45 pm

where will this service bulletin be located at? (pontiac isn't going to contact all the vibe owners thats for sure.) I would like a copy to show the dealer when they say "never heard of that". I'm going thru that with a chevy dealer right now with a blazer and the Dexcool antifreeze.

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 9:49 pm

Where can I find a list of service bulletins?

Pump233ca · Post by **Pump233ca** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 10:14 pm

Please keep us/ me informed...my Cladding looks horrid

Post by **NSimkins** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 10:15 pm

I'm hoping for an update today. Stay tuned.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 10:16 pm

quote:btw the 2004 side extension mouldings are $76.00 per side (retail price) $58.00 dealer cost.Any part number for them yet? I'd like to install them but I'd rather purchase through gmpartsdirect.com

MA-VIBE-FAN · Post by **MA-VIBE-FAN** » Wed Jul 09, 2003 10:19 pm

quote:the sevice manager sez that if a service bulletin comes out authorizing this repair nationwide, that they will reimburse me for expenses.Don't take their word on that...just be patient, wait for the TSB...no harm in waiting...I wasn't at the Mich meeting, so I do not know what was said there by the Vibe Quality Manager. But, there was a TSB released in September of 2002 about this condition. It advised replaceing the Rear Wheel Openning Molding and the Rear Door Lower Molding and gave part numbers. Each molding was about 15 minutes to replace. It has been talked about here at GenVibe before. The other issue to keep in mind is that a TSB isn't an authorization for Pontiac to pay for any repairs, especially cars that are out of warranty. It is infomation that helps dealers repair cars or update procedures/parts.

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 1:06 am

quote:hh Blazer and dexcool.. Eating the motor or radiator eh? clogging heater core. been in the shop 8 times in the past 9 months

Bowlsie · Post by **Bowlsie** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 7:05 am

I just checked the system for any bulletins and so far the Vibe only has a total of 4 tsb's. I will let you all know when the new bulletin becomes available.

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 7:08 am

Where are the Service bulletins???

Bowlsie · Post by **Bowlsie** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 7:17 am

I work as a Service Advisor for GM.

msmyer · Post by **msmyer** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 7:38 am

quote:I work as a Service Advisor for GM. Great...another "insider"

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 7:49 am

Hmmmm....so... uhmmm can someone post a link to where the service bukketins are...

Bowlsie · Post by **Bowlsie** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 7:58 am

Yeah but you can't get in. It requires a username and password assigned by General Motors. If you need to know anything specific about your ride feel free to ask and I will see what I can dig up for ya. I can pull all warranty repairs you've had done. I can even go as far as seeing what time of the day your engine was built...

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 8:00 am

Ahhh OK... I guess thats what being a Service Advisor is CoolWOW... PLEASE STAY HERE.. make yourself comfortable... !!!I assume you would need a VIN number.. I am at work not but I will IM you tomorrow with it.. thanks

Bowlsie · Post by **Bowlsie** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 8:29 am

Yup, just get me the last 8 of the vin.

Bowlsie · Post by **Bowlsie** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 8:31 am

Hey my wish for the slp hood might not be a wish much longer. We are having a killer hail storm here right now. I'll let ya know how the Vibe holds up. Hopefully it will damage the hood and nothing else

Bowlsie · Post by **Bowlsie** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 8:47 am

Ahhhh it's over now. No hood damage I thought for sure there would be some little dents somewhere but not a one. This stuff was about the size of nickels. Tough little fella.

macrosonic · Post by **macrosonic** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 9:12 am

Does anyone know what they've done to the new cladding that will prevent this problem from happening again? I know the new rocker panels are supposed to block debris from hitting them, but supposedly monotones can't get the new rocker panels.

viberations · Post by **viberations** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 11:22 am

ok, to everyone on this forum, the caldding used to prevent discoloration on non painted moldings is basicly lower rockers that you would see on 04' vibes, me and j. straussner got together or were brought together on the issue because i was having same problem, i had mine replaced with orig. service bulitin and same thing came back about 1-2 months later. so jeff got in contact with me at my dealership and our service rep. and jeff sent me test molding to test out for all vibe owners, to be sure that when they put this on 04' models that is wasent going to do the same thing. i have had them on for about 6 months now and no problems they work great and look great, the updated bullitin due out is just basiclly going to be updated 04' part numbers for 03' vibe owners, so be patient, and those of you that you dealer said they would either repair or have you pay for labor only to install, if your in warranty, meaning factory warranty,3-36 you should not be charged anything unless there was neglect or abuse to the molding by you the owner, I hope this cears all of the questions being asked, thanks vibrations a.s.m. pontiac dealer rochester nyquestions just hit me back on thread ill check as frequently as poss.

viberations · Post by **viberations** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 11:30 am

cool, jeff is a great guy, and wants feedback to improve everything that is a problem, thats his job, he works hard, but again the molding have been great since replacment,i wish i could have been there a mich. meet but long way from n.y. lol but again do worry they will all get fixed, and fixed right

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 12:25 pm

I noticed when I washed the vibe today that my front end is all pitted like the lower rocker cladding so I'll just wait and see.

Geo · Post by **Geo** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 4:43 pm

vibrations, and if you are reading this, Jeff: You know ... I love you guys. I really do.Can I have your baby?(HOORAY FOR NEW CLADDING WHEEE!) ^_^

Post by **NSimkins** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 10:28 pm

quote:So Viberations, we should sit tight and we'll get new cladding installed on our Vibes soon? Hoepfully this service bulletin or this notice to Vibe owners/dealers will also apply to Canada!I just spoke with Jeff.. here's another update on the two-tone cladding issue:Yes, if your vehicle is still under factory warranty, you will have your cladding replaced (rear dogleg area and new '04 design rocker panel). They are currently waiting for the parts to be manufactured before they release a bulletin. There is unfortunately no firm date as to when supply will be made available but he was looking hopefully at the end of July to get the ball rolling.As 'Viberations' said, he did a great service for us to help test out the new '04 design on his '03 which appears to have resolved the worn cladding issue.. plus give it a better look (in my opinion) with the upgraded rocker. We should have an update when the bulletin is released and people start to get their cladding replaced if needed.

Post by **NSimkins** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 10:35 pm

quote:But, there was a TSB released in September of 2002 about this condition. It advised replaceing the Rear Wheel Openning Molding and the Rear Door Lower Molding and gave part numbers. Each molding was about 15 minutes to replace. It has been talked about here at GenVibe before.Further research finds that this bulletin from '02 did address this problem but only replaced the cladding with identical parts.. whereas now (soon) we will have the redesigned '04 cladding setup.

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Thu Jul 10, 2003 11:14 pm

quote:Jeff is a great customer service guy. An asset for Pontiac in my opinion!I agree.

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 2:56 am

We are VERY fortunate to have a guy like Jeff---Met him at the Vibe meet in Fenton and he is a very customer focused . It is having reps like him that make the Vibe the car it has become. And it will just keep getting better!Hats off to Jeff!!!!! James (Vibe)

Geo · Post by **Geo** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 3:06 am

I think my brain is just dead right now, but the color matching between '03 and '04 cladding is indeed an exact match, right?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 4:25 am

quote:I think my brain is just dead right now, I think it's more fun to call it a brain fart. quote:but the color matching between '03 and '04 cladding is indeed an exact match, right?As you would say...aye.

red · Post by **red** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 4:29 am

i wish to extend my sincerest thank yous to all the fellow vibers who responded to and gave info on my post about the 2tone issues. with out your encouragement and info i think i would be many steps behind. i also wish to thank mr. strausser for his attention to our issues. whoever thought passion about cars was a dead subject doesnt read or belong to this site....god, i this site! thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 4:34 am

quote:whoever thought passion about cars was a dead subject doesnt read or belong to this site....god, i this site! thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!Here here! A toast to GenVibe, and Jeff Strausser! *clink* *shatter* *crash*Crap...never can make a toast without breaking a glass.

MA-VIBE-FAN · Post by **MA-VIBE-FAN** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 5:34 am

Save the toasts until you see the what the bulletin says. Those in contact, ask Mr. Strausser how the bulletin will authorize dealers to repair the condition under warranty. I have been told that in at least two places GM Warranty policy specifically says damage caused by objects striking the vehicles/damage caused by stones is not covered under warranty. If the bulletin is issued as a regular TSB, then it will still be up to the dealer and their local service reps to authorize repair under warranty. If it is the intention of Pontiac to pay, have them make sure they tell the dealers.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 6:09 am

quote:Save the toasts until you see the what the bulletin says. It was more of a toast to the efforts of Jeff not only on this issue, but many others, including helping Rasermon, Silverawd26, and the crew, as well as myself, get s/c vibes to our meets. It was also to the GenVibe community, as this site has become an AMAZING resource to us all!

viberations · Post by **viberations** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 6:50 am

i am glad this basicly answerd all you questions, good luck to all of you when bullitin times comes, and as for jeff. s good working with you if you read this, ill be in touch

red · Post by **red** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 6:58 am

whatever and however the bulletin affects my situation, i still say THANK YOU!! something is better than nothing at all!!

viberations · Post by **viberations** » Fri Jul 11, 2003 6:58 am

oh yea! geo "i love you to man"

msmyer · Post by **msmyer** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 10:45 pm

quote:Further research finds that this bulletin from '02 did address this problem but only replaced the cladding with identical parts.. whereas now (soon) we will have the redesigned '04 cladding setup...... http://www.alldata.com/TSB/48/034832J7.html All the tsb for the Vibe!

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 2:57 pm

I'll say thanx in advance and sit tight and wait for the TSB so I can get mine replaced. Any advice if the lower front on my cladding is a little chewed up? Jeff is a great asset to Genvibe.com and Pontiac. It was nice getting to meet him at the MI meet and it's great to know that there is someone out there looking out for us and that can actually get something done about it (since the dealers don't seem to care that much after the sale). Thanx again Jeff and keep up the excellent work!

MiamiVibe · Post by **MiamiVibe** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 11:36 pm

Does anyone have a picture of how your cladding is being damaged?

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Tue Jul 15, 2003 2:22 am

You can go to this thread: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=3558 You'll see some pictures of the damaged cladding...

viberations · Post by **viberations** » Tue Jul 15, 2003 8:40 am

the dealer doesnt do anything??!! i'm the one who tested them out, and i guess since the dealer does nothing, i guess you'll be happy with the worn caldding then, because if i didnt say anything and get in contact with right people....... awwwwwww forget it i'm just venting lol