GAP AT INSTRUMENT PANEL BETWEEN UPPER/LOWER PANEL

MODELS AFFECTED: 1985-1989 DE VILLES/FLEETWOODS

This bulletin supersedes bulletin T-87-99 which should be discarded. 1988 and 1989 model vehicles have been added to the models affected.

Some 1985-1989 DeVilles and Fleetwoods not equipped with Supplemental Inflatable Restraint may exhibit a condition of an excessive gap between the instrument panel top pad and the lower instrument panel assembly (i.e., directly below the outboard air conditioning outlets of both left and right sides). Refer to Figure 1, Item A. Improved fit of the pad can be achieved by installing additional retaining bolts using the following procedure:

1. Remove the instrument panel (I/P) top pad, glove box liner, left lower instrument panel close out panel, and outer A/C outlets.

2. Drill 1/4" holes at position B in Figure 1. Both holes should be positioned 7/8" (22mm) outboard of the existing attaching screw ribs and 1/2" inward from the A/C duct openings.

3. Place the I/P pad in its proper position and use the new 1/4" holes to mark these locations on the lower I/P. Remove the I/P pad and drill 1/4" holes into the lower I/P at these locations.

4. Reinstall the I/P pad and insert a 1/4" x 1-1/2" bolt with 1/4" flat washer into each new hole. Install nuts with flat washers on these bolts and tighten. Access the right bolt through the glove box opening. Access the left bolt from under the I/P in the left lower close out panel area.

5. Reinstall the glove box liner, left lower I/P close out panel, and both A/C outlets.

For warranty purposes use Labor Operation T6204 at .5 hour.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.