Installing ? in Chevy truck

[gcgrotz]

I'm trying to get my FT100 into a 2007 Chevy Silverado company truck and power it from the battery. Can't seem to get a way to run the power leads. Tried the grommet next to the brake master cyl, cut through from the engine side but it didn't come out under the dash. Didn't want to push the knife any further for fear of cutting into the harness. Never seen such a tough grommet. Any ideas? BTW, I was a tech in a 2-way shop for 4 years and installed hundreds of radios.

#2 is the left side fuse panel inside where there is a blank connector spot for the foglamp system which I don't have, any thoughts on using that.

I want my Ford back!

 

[FFPM571]

I personally dont use pre existing holes. I drill a hole in the firewall and grommet then silicone the hole

 

[gambill1]

my 2003 chevy silverado i ran my wires through the whole were the e brake cable goes thru. One of the guys at EC ( ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) said follow the cable to the fire wall and push the gromet thru and you will get your wire to come thru. that is were i put my power wires for my scanner and the antenna cable into the cab.

maybe that wil work for you.

 

[FFPM571]

Ive noticed that radio shop techs are the laziest when it comes to routing wires though a firewall. They will hack apart a factory grommet and risk the chances of the hole leaking or nicking a factroy cable. I do public safety vehicle installs Id rather than take the time to run a wire with a grommet than risk doing far more damage.

 

[gcgrotz]

Thanks all, I looked at drilling a hole, may have to go that way. There's not a lot of spare space on the firewall, and not much room to get a drill in there, but I do have a right angle available. I also eyed the hole where the hood release cable goes through. Now I've gotta wait until this spell of mid-90s heat breaks!

Additional suggestions appreciated too!

 

[code3cowboy]

You can do installs outside in 90* heat...

Many of the grommets are double so piercing one side of it puts you into a chamber. You have to punch through both sides if you want to use the OEM gaskets. The easiest and safest way almost always is to drill a small hole and grommet it yourself. I recommend this method.

I normally probe around with a test light and led stylus so as to not cut anything.

 

[gcgrotz]

You can do installs outside in 90* heat...

Maybe you can 'cause you're in Texas. But I seem to recall that you also cook brisket at a temp not much higher than that... I'm just too soft for that kind of activity.

Forecast today is 101. If I can drag my butt out of bed early enough, I know a shady spot I can go to. An air conditioned garage would be better.

Thanks for the suggestions everybody!!