Thread: Why are 2003 gauge pillars different than 97-02

The 2003 a-pillar is mounted differently I believe, and the 2003 gauge mounts go OVER the 2003 a-pillar rather than replacing it, where as the 97-02 versions simply require you take the hold pillar off and screw the new one in.

More efficient design probably. It was the last year for that body style so they did a lot of things different. Tranny has a hardened 4th gear I believe, they released a 1-year only Limited Edition package on the GT and GTP models with a one-off spoiler. Also, although not a GM decision, not directly anyway, the SLP package was modified a bit specifically for that year and thus the "Gen 2" GTX spoiler was created. Lots of other little things.

On almost any car ever, the first and last years for that body style are the most vastly different. The 1997s are different in many respects, particularly the GTs.

But yeah, that's why.

The 97-02 A pillar covers sat flat against the A-pillar. The 03's are thicker and have sound deadening material in them. And they wrap around the weather stripping instead of being tucked into the weather stripping. My gauge pod doesn't cover the existing cover, it replaced it. Here's a pic of the back of 03. The only reason for the change, that I can think of, is an attempt to make it quieter inside the cabin.

I heard they mounted over top the existing pillar. Regardless that looks completely different than 97-02.