Today I hardwired a radar detector and installed a XM receiver in the GTO and one thing that stood out to me was there are VERY few pop clips in the interior. Everything is screwed togethor. To take out what I needed to remove the center console and centerstack must have been 40+ screws. In my Grand Prix, all you do is pull everything apart by hand. What is even better is that all the screws were exactly the same. In a GM NA car, whatever screws they do use are never the same. Three of one kind, 4 of another, etc. I am no engineer, but I have always perceived things that are screwed togethor to hold up better than plastic clips or whatnot. I am willing to bet the plastic clips are cheaper on labor and materials though.

It is really amazing to look this car over with a fine tooth comb. The engine bay is a work of art in it's simpicity. The computer sits right out in full few, and everything you would ever need to get to would be reached. My stepdad is an ASE Certified Master Mechanic, and his first words were "Wow, this thing is really layed out nice and simple" The tilt steering wheel is not power or anything, but it is so simple to use that you wonder why GM can't put it on all their vehicles. Anyway, how much of this different thinking will make it into our Zetas?

 

I doubt future models will use as many screws due to the labor cost, but clips can be okay if done right (and perhaps augmented with a few screws).

 

I can't stand clips, they break way too easily. My door panels and A-pillar trims are suffering because of this weak design element.

 

95% of my 2000 Silverado's interior could be taken apart simply by pulling the piece of - they were clipped on. I took quite a bit of it apart when I did all of my stereo installation and several clips broke. The dealer wouldn't replace them under warranty even though they broke under normal disassembly due to being cheap, and the price at the dealer counter was ridiculous.. it was like 17 bucks for 5 clips in a pack.

 

Cover that goes over mirror motor popped off yesterday. Only thing holding the cover over shifter on is gravity.

 

Well it is clipped in. There are several screws under it though.

 

In any case I would appreciate more screws, and God Forbid... a washer between them to stop squeaks.

 

There are times when I'm reading the "get rid of this squeak" thread on clubgp.com that I really hate GM. When it comes down to it, these little things are what aggravate people. Nothing says "We didn't build this car well" like a painful squeak coming from the dash of your $28,000 automobile.

 

You traded your GXP?

 

That's what I was going to ask.

 

Yea, Branden.... when did you get the GTO?!!!

BTW: Since I like to do alot of things myself, your post pretty much solidified that my next car will be the GTO.

 

I have to agree with you on the screws and simplicity. I hate keeping track of which screws/bolts went where pulling the dash apart. Also simplicity of lay out and how easy to work on it is. Congrats on the Goat!

 

I believe Zeta will be the same in regards to screws. Even the body parts are bolted on Zeta not Glued like the old V-Body to make repairs and or changes quicker and easier.