Remember you are paying the dealer to install not Chevy or GM. The dealers are not the same company as the manufacturer.

 

There is a note on most of those at gmpartsdirect.com indicating that they are discontinued and to call first. Hutton may hit you with "we'll only match that price if they are in stock". If they call your "bluff" and they don't have them in stock at gmpartsdirect.com, you've lost your negotiation edge.
Also take shipping into account, the boards are large and bulky. gmpartscheap.com wanted $200 to ship boards to me.

Install them yourself...the install is relatively straightforward, just time consuming (time consuming = pricey at dealership).

 

Seeing as I have an 07 Sport Red, I'm hoping the part number is still good and not discontinued already. Chuck Hutton Chevrolet is very close to where I work and is the major GM parts hub for the midsouth. They may be in stock, who knows. I'm going to call them tomorrow and check. If they have to order them, I can go by and pick them up after I get off work. I dont see freight as a factor since they are always doing stock orders for GM parts.

 

I thought the MFG. had to keep a supply of replacement parts for (X) number of years, so that repairs can be made on existing veh. already on the road.
If the boards have been discontinued, how would replacement pieces be available in an accident repair situation?
I believe my warranty calls for NEW replacement parts...

 

Painted running boards are being discontinued.

Primered running boards will be the new replacement.

 

Ok, that`s different, I thought the unavailablity was for boards in general.
But if that`s the case, what`s the problem, get the primered boards, have a paint shop/dealer paint them, install, and go on with life...
Unless you`re looking for a hand out...

 

The only issue I personally have with them is that they charge the same amount for the primered boards that they charged for the painted ones.

It would be a good opportunity for the paint shop at the local vocational school/community college.

 

Maybe the painted boards were overstock.
I know it`s hard to believe, but a lot of people bought a HHR, and didn`t want the boards option.
I know, hard to believe.
The boards and fenders make the Ride what it is.
Go figure...

 

Ok, for general information, the prepainted boards are history and all discontinued. All you can get are the primered IF you can find a set in stock anywhere. I lucked up and found a set in east TN and have them on the way to me. Total price was a little over $400 including tax and shipping. They are on national backorder from the manufacturer but GM can point you to certain dealers that might have a set in stock if you are in a hurry. All I'll have to do now is have them painted upon arrival and I can get them installed.

 

Looks like I'll be going the 3M clear plastic protector route, then.