Rattlestop Installation Photos and Report

[TurboTahoe]

Hi guys,

I received my Supporting Vendor Prize of a set of Rattlestops! I thought that I would do a write-up to let you know what they are and how they install and observations.

1) Package arrived via UPS Express mail. The rattlestops themselves are very small metal tabs which are clearly designed specifically for their purpose. I think they are made of aluminum, and the also come with little rubber wedges, which appear to be made of some kind of black rubber. The wedges are interesting, in that they appear to be cut or formed from some kind of U-shaped rubber, and have a hole punched through them so that your original dash hold-down screws can be used with them. The package is simple but complete:

• 3 metal rattlestops, possibly anodized aluminum, black in color
• Color installation instructions
• "U-shaped" rubber wedges with holes in the middle
• An "Idaho Spud" candy bar!

 

[TurboTahoe]

2) Here are the "before photos". The poor Tahoe's dash, after 15 years, is looking pretty bad around those dash screws! See all the cracking? Pretty gnarly! You can also see some of the 'marine goop' (one of my all-time-favorite repair tools), being used in a small attempt to keep things from cracking further.

 

[TurboTahoe]

3) Removing the screws was easy. Boy, it looks even worse without the screws!

 

[TurboTahoe]

4) The optional little rubber wedges are supposed to be used "If your dash is severely cracked". Well, mine is... so I put them in. Here's what it looks like before install.

 

[TurboTahoe]

5) Installation only take a few minutes - when I took out the middle screw, the plastic around the screw was completely broken and separated from the rest of the dash, and it actually fell down inside the dash! Oop! Oh no! Well, there was no way to retrieve it without tearing the dash apart, and I wasn't going to do that, so I just left it down there. I just put all three screws in, and snugged them up, but not too tight - I didn't want MORE stress on the cracked parts.

WOW. It looks SO much better, AND the simple but clever design uses the screw to press gently down on the dash.

The dash looks better, it is being held down properly (again) and no longer is rattling around.

This is a very smart product, at an affordable price-point, made of quality materials, that is simple to install, and eliminates a nettlesome problem and helps prevent further damage!

A brilliant product!

(Yes, I admit I won these in the contest, but I was seriously looking at them, wondering if they would solve my dash rattle and cracking problem. I can confidently say - it did, and YES, I highly recommend them!)

 

[TurboTahoe]

6) AND, our vendors have a great sense of humor!

I get to have an Idaho SPUD!

Thank you much. I am just thrilled with the results.

-Rob

 

[Veg_Out]

Right on Turbo Tahoe, thanks for your write up and support. You heard it here folks!

 

[Brooklyn Tow]

Drivers side dash screw won't catch......What does it actually screw in to?........A clip or a bracket with a hole to catch the threads?....Any idea on what I can do, besides taking the dash apart?

 

[Veg_Out]

Drivers side dash screw won't catch......What does it actually screw in to?........A clip or a bracket with a hole to catch the threads?....Any idea on what I can do, besides taking the dash apart?

There is a little clip in there, and it can be hard to find from time to time. I almost never recommend anyone taking the dash apart because they are so fragile and "cracky."

If you can see with a flashlight, perhaps a little larger screw would catch.

 

[bk95td]

I've used a ice pick to get clips like that lined up. It seems like there is always one that moves. More things to do to my 2 95s and 97.

 

[Matt Bachand]

I've used a ice pick to get clips like that lined up. It seems like there is always one that moves. More things to do to my 2 95s and 97.

Going by the 'blown-up' status. I think they need more than rattlestops!

 

[SmithvilleD]

Going by the 'blown-up' status. I think they need more than rattlestops!

Crank up the stereo, that engine noise will go away!

 

[TurboTahoe]

In case you guys need this item, please note that it is on "Christmas Special" when you enter the 6.5 forum! Support our vendors!

-Rob

 

[Matt Bachand]

You'd be surprised how 'untight' your dashboard is, even if you 'think' its not cracked yet....

For the money how can you not order this? Its peanuts. Solidifies the dash, which is oddly satisfying. The Dashboard is the center of the cab.

Now when you're favorite tune comes on you can jam on the dash as hard as you want, if you're in one of those good moods, and feel the need... It happens from time to time.