http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/blog.php GM Truck Club, the premier forum for CHEVY TRUCKS, SUVs, VANS and more. Chevy Truck forums, photo gallers, how-to and more. en Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:40:42 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/images/styles/FunkyFresh/misc/rss.jpg http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/blog.php http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1819-New-Years-Resolutions Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:30:51 GMT It's the last few days of the year and time to make those New Years Resolutions.
I'm usually not a big fan of New Years resolutions because I hate to start anything I'm not gonna finish, but this year I have a few I plan on keeping:

I'm gonna keep in better contact with family and close friends, at least once a month I'll personally contact family members and close friends via facebook, telephone, or face to face.

I'm gonna limit the amount of project vehicles I have at any one time to 2, yea I'm a packrat, horder, call it whatever ya like I cant ressist any deal on motorized transportation thats interesting, old, neglected, rare, ahhhh the reasons go on and on but the outcomes the same if it has an internal combustion engine I always think it can be saved and restored.

I'm gonna spend more time with family doing things they want to do instead of having them help in my projects to spend time with me.

I'm sure everybodies got at least one or two resolutions they'd like to work on this year post them up.
We can look back later this year and see how well were doing on them. ]]> tbplus10 http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1819-New-Years-Resolutions http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1812-New-truck-time-to-Mod Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:59:41 GMT Bought a new 2011 Chevy C/C Silverado LT 1500 a few weeks ago, with the holidays here I knew I wouldnt get time to do any mods for a while but the... Bought a new 2011 Chevy C/C Silverado LT 1500 a few weeks ago, with the holidays here I knew I wouldnt get time to do any mods for a while but the other day my son in law came over and offered to help put on a few of the parts that were stacking up on my work bench.

Now dont think I dont appreciate his help but his mechanical skills are near zero, I helped him work on his own car last summer and when he repeatedly asked what certain tools I was asking for looked like I figured out real quick he was not a skilled and trained mechanic, but my hope is to teach him enough to take care of his own vehicles someday so I took him up on his offer and we went to work.

First up was a Billet Grill insert, not a hard mod as far as required skill but that first cut of plastic or sheetmetal on a brand new truck is always mentally hard, this time wasnt any different. But after the first couple inch's of cutting my Dremel Roto tool was cutting the factory mesh out of the grill like nothing.
I chose an insert because in my area there arent many of this style being used yet, also I like the look of the horizontal center bar and Chevy bowtie, and I have a replacement Texas Flag sticker on its way to go over the center of the Bowtie.
The whole job took about 45 minutes.
Next was Rear wheel well liners, I used original GM parts wheel well liners so the truck and the liners were pre drilled, installation was as easy as placing the liners in place and snapping the provided Dzus fasteners in the holes, finished in less than 20 minutes.
Next we tackled under seat storage for the rear seat. Here I think I made a mistake, I bought an aftermarket brand kit and not only dont half the fastener holes match up but the color is off from the rest of my interior.
Not a hard install, sit in place then run the fasteners through the pre drilled holes. I left it in place with about half the fsteners holding it in but I think I'm gonna remove it and order a Genuine GM storage kit, the holes line up and the colors match.
The final item was installing a CB.
When I was at 4WPW last week I saw a real nice Cobra 40 channel remote mount CB for $89 (remote mount has all the controls and channel indicator on the mike so this is the only part you see, everything else can be mounted under the dash or seat), this reminded me I had a Midland remote mount CB in the garage.
My truck has the 60/40 split seat that the center portion folds down and turns into a center console, I mounted the mike in the center console by drilling a hole in the inside bottom corner of the console and used a fish tape to pull the power, ground, and antenna wires through the seat and below the cushions, then I used the fish tape again to pull the power and ground wires under the carpet to the firewall dash area.
The antenna wire I pulled under the carpet to the back wall, found a hole with a cap, cut an "x" in the cap, ran the wire out between the back cab wall and front bed wall, then up over the bed rail to the bed front left corner where I mounted a 4' adjustable fiberglass antenna on a 2 position mount. The mount is set-up so I can fold the antenna down and horizontal along the bed rail when I dont need it.
Back in the cab I found a hole in the firewall with a cap and cut an "x" in it and ran the wires into the engine compartment, then up to the top of the fenderwell.
I then installed a Marine West 8 terminal Marine fuse block/terminal connected to the battery via a 40 amp relay signaled from an ignition keyed switch.
Notes on this installation:
Whenever doing electrical work always soldier wires if at all possible, soldier connections are much more reliable than crimp connections.
Whenever running wires through sheet metal or across sharp objects always use a grommet or cushion so as not to cut the wires and cause shorts.
Always use an SWR meter to tune CB radios whenever you install a new radio or antenna.

I still have a few more mods to do later, installation of brighter back-up lights, 2.5" rear lowering kit to level the truck, underhood work light and power outlet, louder exhaust, and a switch panel on the dash for the new lights I'm adding.

I need to find a source of switch's that retain the factory look.
Anyone with recommendations or suggestions jump in I'm always open to new ideas or parts sources. ]]> tbplus10 http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1812-New-truck-time-to-Mod http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1811-Interlochen-Christmas-Lights-Arlington-Texas Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:28:38 GMT Just thought I would share with everyone a great tip regarding Christmas Lights in Interlochen in Arlington, Texas. We go every single year (as we live in Arlington Texas!) and more than once years ago we got caught up in the horrible traffic back-up that can last up to 2 hours before you get into the lights.
Here's a hint. THERE IS A BACK ENTRANCE TO INTERLOCHEN that will cut your two-hour wait down to 15 seconds.

INTERLOCHEN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BACK ENTRANCE DIRECTIONS
Instead of coming straight across Randol Mill road, turn south on Fielder or Bowden road and drive to Division. Then turn right (go West) and drive until you see a very small side-street called CROWLEY road. You will miss it if you're not watching for it.

Turn right (North) on Crowley and drive about 1 mile up through the slightly winding road. You will hit one stop sign. Then before you know it, you'll be part of the lights route.

Be careful when driving this way. First, you will have to get into the line of cars with everyone else, but you're essentially 1/2 way through the lights. So at some point near the linear park you will need to turn around and go the other way. Plus, you will miss the first group of lights on the other side of Randol Mill that you will probably want to see.

That's it. Have fun and IF YOU LIKE THESE DIRECTIONS PLEASE POST A COMMENT HERE AND REMEMBER TO SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

LINK TO MAP: http://g.co/maps/78589 ]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1811-Interlochen-Christmas-Lights-Arlington-Texas http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1791-Holiday-Season-2011!-I-love-this-time-of-year! Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:27:38 GMT I always get a bit nostalgic around this time of year. The weather is turning cold, the long hot summer days are turning into cold summer nights. ... I always get a bit nostalgic around this time of year. The weather is turning cold, the long hot summer days are turning into cold summer nights. The leaves are changing colors here in Texas (yes, it happens late down here) and it's a great time to spend with family and friends. ]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1791-Holiday-Season-2011!-I-love-this-time-of-year! http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1724-Team-Escalade-Texas Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:59:17 GMT So GM has asked me to ride-along in the "Team Escalade Texas" event tomorrow. I'm really riding blind in this event as I have no clue what's going on, except that there will be 19 total "local celebrities" (again, I am not one of them!)

http://www.teamescaladetexas.com

I'm reading through the media info pack right now trying to figure out what's going on and who's going to be there, but alas I don't really have a clue. I'll keep everyone up to date soon.

So far, I know that Dallas Cowboys legend Drew Pearson will be there, and Ed Peper from GM/Cadillac will be there as well.

UPDATE: Learn more http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/f17...brities-75317/

FOLLOW ME
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Google+ ]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1724-Team-Escalade-Texas http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1714-The-Power-Steering-Pulley-Ceases-to-Exist Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:11:28 GMT Yesterday, I got a call to rescue my cousin's Suburban that broke down. No big deal, I was already hooked up to the flatbed trailer and the truck was loaded with recovery gear from a previous rescue job I had to run earlier in the day. We get to his truck and load it up on the trailer, and proceed to head home. Everything's going well, and we're about 5 miles from home, when we hear a loud clunk, and suddenly lose voltage and power steering. No big deal, we probably just threw the serpenteine belt. I open the hood and start to inspect everything. Sure enough, the belt's missing, but then I notice the power steering pulley's missing.

Since we were only 5 mlies away from home, we thought we could limp it home with no accesories. This turned out to be not true as within 1000 feet, the temperature gauge pegged out and we had to shut the truck down. Defeated, I called someone to come drag us home. We hooked up to his dually, and started off. Only problem was, he was pulling us at 30-35mph. Keep in mind I have no power brakes and have to stop not only myself, but the trailer with another Suburban on it. I was scared that he'd stop short and I wouldn't be able to stop the truck. Luckily we didn't have any issues. I started the truck up right before I knew we'd have to stop so I could have power brakes without overheating the engine. Unfortunately, I rode the brakes on the way home, so now I need to replace the pads and shoes again because they're cooked.

So, I now have a good bit of work to get done to get the truck road-worthy again. I have no idea how a cast steel pulley fell apart like that, but it did. ]]> Crawdaddy http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1714-The-Power-Steering-Pulley-Ceases-to-Exist http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1698-Picked-up-more-military-equipment-M105A2 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:00:44 GMT You may have seen my thread asking about my odd configuration for cooling my transmission and towing a trailer. If not, here's a link: http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/sho...-configuration . Well, the trailer I was intending to tow was a M105A2 1.5 ton military trailer. It weighs in right at 3000 pounds, and the bed is a solid 4 foot off the ground. Here's a picture of it:


In addition to the floor of the bed being about 4 foot off the ground, it has 9R20 tires, which measure 40" tall and are the same tire and rim used by the deuce and a half. Coincidentally, this trailer is designed to be pulled by the deuce. The lunette ring is at 36" off the ground and the electrical system is 24 volt, so this trailer is not something you'd normally tow with a regular truck. However, I did use my Suburban to pick it up when I bought it. It was a 14 hour long trip to pick the trailer up, and between time, top speed of the deuce, and fuel mileage, I decided to pick it up with the Suburban.

To get the 'burb ready to tow this monstrosity, I picked up a 13" rise hitch plate and a 10 ton pintle hook to match. I then bought a set of magnetic tow lights to take care of brake lights and turn signals. I loaded up the Suburban with all my tools, a spare tire from the deuce, floor jack, ramps, and anything I could possibly concieve I'd need on the trip, and set out. I had the help of a forklift to pick the trailer up and pull the landing gear up, then carefully lower the trailer onto the pintle hook. This is how the truck looked hooked up to the trailer:




It was nosed down by a lot, but not by as much as I honestly expected. Loaded up, we set out for home. We had lowered the tailgate on the trailer to reduce wind drag, and wanted to pull the front rack, but couldn't get it out, so we left it in. The trailer towed pretty well between 55-65, though we did get it up to 73 for a few minutes. The trailer's rated for 55mph top speed, but at 65 most of the way, the bearings did well. The tires got pretty hot, but they were fine.

Around 2 hours from home, we started feeling some vibrations. Fearing it was the transmission going out, we pulled off into a gas station to inspect. The transmission appeared fine, but I noticed the muffler was hanging down pretty low! I didn't have good materials to fix the muffler, but we wired it up with some 18 gauge speaker wire I had in my toolbox and we trucked on. By the time we got home that night, the wire had long burned through, but at that point it didn't matter.

So, the trailer's safe and sound at home. It needs some work and I want to get the cargo cover for it, but it's no big deal. I'm happy. ]]> Crawdaddy http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1698-Picked-up-more-military-equipment-M105A2 http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1677-Chevrolet-100th-anniversary-Chevy-turns-100-years-old Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:32:03 GMT Chevrolet is turning 100 years old this year!
Attachment 29087Chevrolet was founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911! That's a long time ago and while none (or almost none) of us was around back then, we can appreciate the heritage that was developed which led the US and the free world through WWI, the great depression, WWII the fall of the Soviet Union and really played a huge part in helping to develop the modern world.

GM and Chevrolet are going to be offering a lot of different celebrations over the next few months and we want all of our members to be able to take full advantage of these as they come up, so we'll be updating this site with some of the different events that you can take part in.

Congratulations to Chevrolet for hitting the 100 mark! Here's to 100 more! ]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1677-Chevrolet-100th-anniversary-Chevy-turns-100-years-old http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1634-...a-while-since-the-last-time-I-was-here.... Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:43:13 GMT Quite a while, it could be that the car has been working excellent and that I have been very busy at work. Well, the car has a problem......as... Quite a while, it could be that the car has been working excellent and that I have been very busy at work.
Well, the car has a problem......as described in this thread http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/sho...f-the-ignition

Strange some of those electrical problems, and really annoying when you can`t figure out whyyyyyy.
Well, during last weekend the solution was to take off the negative on the battery each time I stopped the car, avoiding it to drain the power. Monday, I picked up my Jeep and turned in my lovely burb to the mechanics. As I have put the Jeep up for sale, I now hope it is not getting sold before I have my precious back, fixed and healthy :glasses:
They are at the same time going to replace the electrical window hoist on the drivers side. It is probably gonna cost a fortune:gasp: , it usually does here in Norway.....
Well, nice to be back, I hope I can stay here a while now as it seems to be slightly calmer at work.

Rock on ]]> Ronny http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1634-...a-while-since-the-last-time-I-was-here.... http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1633-2012-GMC-Lineup Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:58:33 GMT *2012 GMC Lineup* *2012 GMC Acadia.* See Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave. *2012 GMC Canyon.* See Chevrolet Colorado. *2012 GMC Sierra.* ... 2012 GMC Lineup

2012 GMC Acadia. See Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave.
2012 GMC Canyon. See Chevrolet Colorado.
2012 GMC Sierra. See Chevrolet Silverado.
2012 GMC Terrain. See Chevrolet Captiva Sport.
2012 GMC Yukon. See Chevrolet Tahoe.
2012 GMC Yukon XL. See Chevrolet Suburban.

http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/sho...-Chevrolet-GMC ]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1633-2012-GMC-Lineup http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1632-2012-Chevrolet-Lineup Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:57:37 GMT *2012 Chevrolet Lineup* *2012 Chevrolet Avalanche.* Built on the same chasis as the Suburban and Escalade EXT. Gives you the best of both the... 2012 Chevrolet Lineup

2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. Built on the same chasis as the Suburban and Escalade EXT. Gives you the best of both the pickup and the large SUV.
2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport. New for 2012 is this compact SUV, the Chevy version of the GMC Terrain and shares a platform with the Opel Antara.
2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Unchanged since 2004, the Colorado is a solid mid-sized pickup.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox. We're in the second generation of this mid-size crossover.
2012 Chevrolet Express. Solidly built and reliable cargo/passanger van from Chevrolet that was last redesigned in 2003.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado. Same overall platform and design since the 2007 launch of the second generation of the Silverado. Major engine improvments have been incremental since 2007 however.
2012 Chevrolet Suburban. Major improvements in engine design and technology might see you average over 20 MPH freeway and 18 MPG city. Yes, really.
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. Same overall design since 2007, the Tahoe is a great overall SUV.
2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The Traverse and it's cousins the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, are category killers. Platform rolled out with Acadia in 2007, so will this be the last year for current generation?

http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/sho...-Chevrolet-GMC ]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1632-2012-Chevrolet-Lineup http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1631-2012-Cadillac-Lineup Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:55:20 GMT *2012 Cadillac Lineup* *2012 Cadillac CTS.* *2012 Cadillac CTS-V.* *2012 Cadillac STS.* *2012 Cadillac DTS.* *2012 Cadillac SRX.* *2012... 2012 Cadillac Lineup

2012 Cadillac CTS.
2012 Cadillac CTS-V.
2012 Cadillac STS.
2012 Cadillac DTS.
2012 Cadillac SRX.
2012 Cadillac Escalade.
2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT.

http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/sho...-Chevrolet-GMC ]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1631-2012-Cadillac-Lineup http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1630-2012-Buick-Lineup Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:54:40 GMT *2012 Buick Lineup* *2012 Buick Enclave.* See Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia. *2012 Buick LaCrosse.* Will be built on the current generation... 2012 Buick Lineup

2012 Buick Enclave. See Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia.
2012 Buick LaCrosse. Will be built on the current generation platform.
2012 Buick Lucerne. There will not be a 2012 Buick Lucerne, production ends at 2011.
2012 Buick Regal. The CXL package is the same as 2011, there is a new GS package for 2012.
2012 Buick Verano. This is an all new subcompact for US Market.

http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/sho...-Chevrolet-GMC ]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1630-2012-Buick-Lineup http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1626-OnStar-Overview-Video-Worth-Getting Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:51:09 GMT I've been posting these videos over for the last couple of weeks. Have a look if you're interested about OnStar.

]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1626-OnStar-Overview-Video-Worth-Getting http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1606-How-to-control-your-car-when-Hydroplaning Fri, 13 May 2011 21:48:14 GMT Just saw this set of videos on YouTube put out by my friends at Friendly Chevrolet in Dallas, figured I would offer them up for review. This first... Just saw this set of videos on YouTube put out by my friends at Friendly Chevrolet in Dallas, figured I would offer them up for review. This first one is on how to control your vehicle if and when you start to hydroplane.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rroIl...el_video_title ]]> Steve http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/entry.php/1606-How-to-control-your-car-when-Hydroplaning