2003 TrailBlazer Build

[KD0LDK]

Time again for another build. Sold my black 2002 and now have this 2003, won't be quite as decked out since the Impala has the majority of my equipment but it'll have it's fair share. Here are a couple pictures of the TB overall before I touch it.

Here's the plan for equipment.
** Windshield (power switched via ignition solenoid and for that one person that would complain, all my stuff gets mounted high so it doesn't obstruct my view)
- GPS enabled dual camera DVR
- Garmin GPS
- Phone mount w/ charger
** Console - Re-used Havis
- Pro-433 Conventional Scanner
- FT-2500 2M Mobile
- Cobra 21GTL
- Alinco DR-599 (soon to be replaced with Wouxun dual band mobile hopefully)
- High Power VHF Spectra Head
** Misc.
- Jotto Desk laptop mount (GPS puck mounted for laptop on dash)
- 400ish watt inverter for Laptop and various chargers
- Dual band Wilson Cell Amplifier
** Antennas - Front to back
- Small mag mount Wilson for cell amp
- NMO 1/4 wave dual band for HT radio
- NMO ABSCANC Scanner Antenna
- NMO 1/4 wave VHF for FT-2500
- NMO High Gain Dual Band Laird for dual band mobile
- Magnetic Mount CB antenna for 21GTL (doesn't stay on the truck, only when I use the CB due to antenna length)
- Magnetic Mount NGP High Gain VHF for Spectra Mobile (again, doesn't stay on the truck due to antenna length)

Console should look familiar, re-using the Havis console I had installed in my previous TB.

Today I was able to install the antennas which is a good chunk of the tough work, the rest is fairly simple wiring.

One thing I always like to do in a vehicle is have an exterior antenna for one of my HT's. It's purpose can be flexible and serve as a spare scanner antenna or as an actual transmit. 5 watts out of my HT with a good exterior antenna will serve my purpose pretty well for most stuff I need to do on repeaters. Pictured below is the antenna wire ran down through my overhead console with a quick disconnect BNC. The idea is use an external mic and hang the HT from this overhead console, I also use a battery eliminator so it essentially becomes a low power mobile radio.

As for temporary use my Pro-94 is connected to the external scanner antenna, it'll get me by for a few days.

And here are the three external antennas popping out of my b pillar, remember the fourth runs into the overhead console. When all is said and done you won't see any wires, these will be under carpet.

I didn't get far with windshield wiring but here's one of the hardwired power connectors, I find using cigarette plugs if avoidable is tacky, I hardwire everything I can.

Good chunk done in a couple hours, should be able to get a radio or two operational tomorrow.

 

[Rt169Radio]

Looking good so far.

 

[Dann]

Looks Good So Far.

 

[RadioDitch]

Looks excellent so far.

I just had a question about the console. I have a 2008 Chevy Impala LS, which, like the Trailblazer, is center shift. To accomplish what you have, did you cut away the stock center console just aft of the gear shift, then insert your reused Havis?

 

[hawkspringsfire]

Looks excellent so far.

I just had a question about the console. I have a 2008 Chevy Impala LS, which, like the Trailblazer, is center shift. To accomplish what you have, did you cut away the stock center console just aft of the gear shift, then insert your reused Havis?

From the looks of the install manual you have to cut the console.

http://www.havis.com/data/1-Mounting/Consoles/C-VS Series/C-VS-1300-TBZ/C-VS-1300-TBZ_INST_6-09.pdf

 

[KD0LDK]

Looking good so far.

Thanks!

Looks Good So Far.

Thanks!

Looks excellent so far.

I just had a question about the console. I have a 2008 Chevy Impala LS, which, like the Trailblazer, is center shift. To accomplish what you have, did you cut away the stock center console just aft of the gear shift, then insert your reused Havis?

From the looks of the install manual you have to cut the console.

http://www.havis.com/data/1-Mounting/Consoles/C-VS Series/C-VS-1300-TBZ/C-VS-1300-TBZ_INST_6-09.pdf

Yep, the installation instructions actually call for having to cut the factory console in half. It's a pain and a bit nerve-racking but in the end it turns out nice. The Havis console has a specific front piece that still allows use of your emergency brake. Out here, I have no use for my emergency brake so I made my own plate on the front.

My Impala is police package so it has column shift and the Troy console in it was pre-installed when I purchased the car.

 

[W9WSS]

Keep us posted with your photo's. A well-planned installation is always a good one, which is evident on your part. Since I don't have the physical capabilities to do any of that stuff myself, I let a talented professional (who also reads these threads) do his magic!

 

[Porkins]

Looking nice. Wondering what do you do to drop the headliner?

 

[WatnNY]

Looking GREAT so far, sir. Please keep up with the pictures.

Mike

 

[WX4EMT]

You have learned very well, young man. That mohawk antenna looks vaguely familiar..

 

[guiltyimnot]

I am glad to see you doing another TB build. Gives me a chance to watch it all come together. Not putting anywhere near that much gear in mine but will enjoy the show nonetheless. Don't happen to know anyone with a used TB console they are looking to get rid of do you? I broke the lid on my stock console and the fiance won't let me spend 250+ on a new one with a wedding in 3 months.

 

[KD0LDK]

Keep us posted with your photo's. A well-planned installation is always a good one, which is evident on your part. Since I don't have the physical capabilities to do any of that stuff myself, I let a talented professional (who also reads these threads) do his magic!

Sorry to hear that :/ I'll definitely keep you posted!

Looking nice. Wondering what do you do to drop the headliner?

Actually I didn't drop it hardly at all. I popped the driver side A-pillar, B-pillar and both oh crap handles. That gives you enough room to fanangle the coax over to the driver side from the roof.

Looking GREAT so far, sir. Please keep up with the pictures.

Mike

Thank you!

You have learned very well, young man. That mohawk antenna looks vaguely familiar..

From the best

I am glad to see you doing another TB build. Gives me a chance to watch it all come together. Not putting anywhere near that much gear in mine but will enjoy the show nonetheless. Don't happen to know anyone with a used TB console they are looking to get rid of do you? I broke the lid on my stock console and the fiance won't let me spend 250+ on a new one with a wedding in 3 months.

Thanks! I love building them, lot of fun. A salvage yard would be the best bet, I certainly don't know anybody myself though.

Now that comments are answered, thanks for all of them by the way, let's get down to the meat!

Last night I was able to complete a good chunk again actually getting radios working and wired.

Starting off the fun, here is my radar detector mounted and hardwired.

On my visor is a Motorola T505 Bluetooth receiver. This is handy tool for those who want to keep their factory stereo without tons of additions. Not only can I make hands free calls, this receives media audio from any bluetooth devices and re-broadcasts over FM, works surprisingly well and isn't very expensive. Not hardwired yet, but will be shortly.

Here's the console with driver seat removed, nothing has been done at this point. The FT-2500 pictured is simply sitting in the console.

Looking from passenger side at driver side B-pillar, this is one of the grounds I will utilize. For low frequency (cb) and solenoid I prefer a dedicated ground. Also note the antenna coax running along the left side.

Another shot from the passenger side, just an overall look at coax running down.

Here is the temporary mag mount used for the CB. I didn't want a huge whip constantly on my truck and I rarely use the CB but it does come in handy. The coax runs out of the console and this mag mount will just sit under the seat and can be used if needed.

Coax ran into console.

Random shot of the 1/4 wave dual bander I use for my HT.

I don't have tons of equipment installed or planned to be installed that draws high amperage. Pictured is a 100 amp thermal circuit breaker with 4 ga power lead. All additional equipment can be instantly cut by tripping this breaker, makes working on things much easier, I can go to one spot and cut all power.

Pictured is the rear fuse block in TrailBlazer's. The primary power running back here is fused with a 125amp fuse under the hood, which is never fully utilized and makes a great power point. Ignition trigger can also be had here.

Here's the fuseblock area with circuit breaker and solenoid ignition wires.

The solenoid is pictured here which is a 100 amp continuous duty and connected fuse section.

Pro-433 installed.

External speaker installed for scanner, more on order for remaining equipment.

Just a look inside the console at this point, nothing spectacular.

FT-2500 installed.

Rear power complete.

Everything (for now) installed.

More details to come!

 

[vagrant]

Thanks for this. Confirms what I had read on Trailvoy for the power. I'm swapping the OnStar unit with a VHF/UHF radio under the passenger back seat. No one on that forum has mentioned noise when connecting power this way. I'll give it a go first and throw on the chokes if needed.

*Please advise if you end up having to use some chokes to reduce the noise.

 

[KD0LDK]

Thanks for this. Confirms what I had read on Trailvoy for the power. I'm swapping the OnStar unit with a VHF/UHF radio under the passenger back seat. No one on that forum has mentioned noise when connecting power this way. I'll give it a go first and throw on the chokes if needed.

*Please advise if you end up having to use some chokes to reduce the noise.

I've utilized this power point in numerous TrailBlazers with no adverse effects. It literally runs directly from the battery so I've had good luck, no chokes in use.

 

[Rt169Radio]

Looks good so far,how old is that Cobra CB radio?

 

[KD0LDK]

Looks good so far,how old is that Cobra CB radio?

OLD lol. If I had to guess it's from the 80's or so. Not even really sure if it works yet... haven't had a chance to test it. Powers on and squelch opens up with antenna connected so fingers crossed.

 

[N467RX]

I've utilized this power point in numerous TrailBlazers with no adverse effects. It literally runs directly from the battery so I've had good luck, no chokes in use.

Same here, I have a RigRunner 4005 connected there and I have no issues.

 

[N8OHU]

I've got to say it; you're giving me ideas about what to do with my 2004 Trailblazer. I don't think my setup will be quite this elaborate, but you never know.

 

[KD0LDK]

I've got to say it; you're giving me ideas about what to do with my 2004 Trailblazer. I don't think my setup will be quite this elaborate, but you never know.

They're great trucks to work with. This is my second, I love the platform and again the ease of installing equipment. Give me a holler if you have questions!

 

[N8OHU]

They're great trucks to work with. This is my second, I love the platform and again the ease of installing equipment. Give me a holler if you have questions!

For a bit of irony, I used to work for the company that supplied the body side moldings, rear license plate frame and lower hatch handle to General Motors; I liked them at the time, but couldn't afford to buy one new. Paid off my 2003 Chevy S-10, had an issue with the drivers side window on that, and bought the 2004 Trailblazer to have something to drive to work. Both will have more professional looking radio installations, but the S-10 has "cosmetic issues" that need dealt with first. Questions on the Trailblazer installation will be sent shortly.

Matthew
N8OHU