Okay, so today I go to replace the incabin air filter, which I do succesfully with little fuss, and I happen to notice a huge crack in the windshield right where the wipers rest on the glass. Now I know insurance will take care of the glass, but my question is will they replace the cowl too? If not, does anyone know how much that would generally cost as mine is looking quite weather beaten and worn out. Thanks for reading.

Glass company would probably replace the windshield and (perhaps) the "gasket". Beyond that, not sure, but you can always ask them.

Do you have a HUD? That would call for special consideration in replacing the windshield.

Otherwise, I would check into getting a quote and see if perhaps getting the windshield replaced outright is cheaper than your deductible. No need to give your insurance company a reason to raise rates if you can get the 'shield for about the same price as the deductible..

Yeah, I do have a HUD. As I understand it GEICO will replace the windshield at no cost to me. But I figured if Im gonna do any work in that area of the car might as well have everything I can done at once, even if I do have to pay for some of it.

the cowl wont be affected by WS replacement....but someone will chime in with the Part numbers for the Cowl...

and on the Side Note...BE sure that you get a HUD replacement windshield

The black cowl itself (with the vent intake slits) is 25735761. It is actually called "Grille Assy, Air Inlet".

For some odd reason, it will not pull up a reference for that number at GMPD. It is the same part number for 2000-2005, all trim levels including GXP. It SHOULD run about $140 or so, not including shipping.

Before you replace the cowl, try some Mothers Back to Black if it'* just discolored. When I bought mine it was rather gray looking, and now it'* nice and black again.

But don't you have to keep applying that stuff like once a week?

I don't think so. It'* like a polish from what I was told. I put it on when I first washed it about a month ago and it still looks good.

Well, I just called GEICO, and Safe Lite Auto Glass is gonna come to my job Friday to give me a new windsheild. I guess I will just try to polish the Cowl. Thanks for the advice guys!