Page "Chevrolet Avalanche" Paragraph 10

Soon after the release of the Chevrolet Avalanche, customers began to notice cosmetic problems with the cladding on their vehicles.

Over time exposure to heat and sunlight would cause a chalky faded appearance.

It was especially noticeable on the cargo bed panels, and sail-panel windows where " Zebra Striping " would appear.

Customer reaction to this problem resulted in General Motors agreeing to a one time treatment of a product called ArmorDillo.

This product would temporarily restore the cladding for a period of about 6 months.

After that it would wear off then need to be re-applied.

Realizing this was not a permanent solution, GM, together with Gatorback Coatings, developed a coating that could be applied to the cladding to restore it to a like-new shine.

This product was designed to etch into the plastic and bond a new layer of tinted acrylic over the faded plastic.

Customers within the 3yr / 36, 000 original factory warranty could go to their dealership to have it restored under their original warranty under GM TSB: 04-08-111-001C.

GM did not use side body cladding on the second generation model.

General Motors has also identified the original source of the faded cladding.