2011 Tahoe PPV Install

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WX4EMT

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WOW! This thread has been up for only 6 days and over 3,300 views!

I am deeply humbled.

Thank you!
 

KD0LDK

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Gettin the old bedliner eh? I did with mine, about time to redo it unfortunately. Somewhere along the line some water got under and boiled the bedliner off the hood and now it looks like crap to be frank.

Tahoe up fits are VERY popular right now, seems like every enthusiast loves the way they look and loves the options. We just got one in at work for an upfit and I've been drooling over it since it was parked. Glad you've got one, definitely looking forward to seeing it this year!
 

WX4EMT

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@Kyle Will your boss let you post pics of installs / customers equipment? (with customr permission of course) I'd love to see some of the stuff comming through your shop.. If not can you just sneak me some shots?

Still looking for some part time at an install shop somewhere.

What kind of bedliner did you use? (brand, hot / cold app, texture etc) Where did you get it? Water under the urethane is definitely no bueno' but that sounds like an application error. Besides 100 bucks verses 1700 bucks? How long would it take you to decide?
 

KD0LDK

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@Kyle Will your boss let you post pics of installs / customers equipment? (with customr permission of course) I'd love to see some of the stuff comming through your shop.. If not can you just sneak me some shots?

Still looking for some part time at an install shop somewhere.

What kind of bedliner did you use? (brand, hot / cold app, texture etc) Where did you get it? Water under the urethane is definitely no bueno' but that sounds like an application error. Besides 100 bucks verses 1700 bucks? How long would it take you to decide?

Unfortunately no, wish I could share some though!

It's a blast, I've enjoyed it so far. Get to do what I've done to my truck for so long and get paid, climb towers and all kinds of fun stuff.

I used spray on 3M. I applied some to the fender flares on my old Jeep and it held up very well so I figured I'd give it a try on the TrailBlazer. I think the heat made a difference as well. Definitely could've been prepared better on my part I'm sure, this go-around I'll be doing some more research on preparing it.
 

WX4EMT

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Definitely.. that's a great price. Any plans for a brush guard?

Either a Go-Rhino Road Defender or a Setina aluminum still undecided about wraparound "PITT" guard but will definitely go with a push bumper. Gotta have something to hold up my Whelen Dominator. I have 2 Federal Dynamax speakers but thinking about switching to the FS-100s if the brush guard will hold em'.

Any suggestions?

Dynamax?
FS-100?
Something CPI with a 100 watt driver?
I don't think Whelen makes Longhorns for a Tahoe...

Waddayathink?
 

KD0LDK

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GoRhino is what I see all the time with FS-100's but they are heavy, so heavy in fact I've replaced the cross bar they mount to because they crack under the weight. I'd say an aluminum push bumper would be a safe bet, should have enough flex and is hopefully strong enough. Can't say for sure as I haven't personally seen one with FS-100's on it.
 

WX4EMT

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The FS100 is the way I'm leaning as well but that decision is several weeks away.

Next up is finish the front console and start building the back cabinet. Can you say aircraft crimper and terminal board city?
 

WX4EMT

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I'm running the same old Southern Vehicle Products SA-430 remote head system that I have had since the early 90's. It's the one that came out of my Blazer:

13Mounted.jpg


They sure don't make them like they used to.
 

WX4EMT

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The hood is back from Armorthane! Took less than 24 hours and Patrick did an excellent job! I'm hooked, he has all my business from now on.

HoodDone.jpg


Let the hail come down!
 

GrumpyGuard

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Very impressive. It's nice to see the attention to detail, from purchasing a purpose built vehicle to reusing some vintage quality siren equipment. I also can't wait to see the finished product. If you can't find an equipment installer in your area that is willing to take you on part time, how about going into business for your self. With the quality of work that you have shown so far, I am sure you could find business from hams to small businesses that need radio equipment installed.
Again great job.
 

AK9R

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Since no-one makes a faceplate for the Kenwood D710...
I don't have a perfect answer for this, but my solution may give you some ideas.

I'm in the process of setting up a JottoDesk Lazy-L console in a 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew. After studying the JottoDesk face plate listing, I found this:

Search results for: '425-6341'

I assume that a D&R Magnum F2 control is a siren or light controller. The recess in this plate seemed to be about the right size for the D710 control head and you'll note that the recess is open on the sides. This is important on the left side of the D710 so you can attach the GPS and control head cables.

I bought one of these face plates and the D710 fits with plenty of room. I drilled a couple holes in the floor of the recess to pass screws that go into the back of the D710 control head (I'm sure you've noticed the four holes on the back of the head marked "3x8 mm"). I also drilled a 3/4" diameter hole for the 8-pin mini-DIN connector on the back of the control head. Finally, I used a drill and cut-off wheel to make a keyhole-shaped slot to the upper right of the head. I split a grommet so I could get it around the mic cable and slipped the grommet into that keyhole slot.

Here's the result. I only did this Tuesday, but I'm pretty happy with it so far.

P.S. I think Jotto and Troy face plates are interchangeable.
 

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WX4EMT

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@ Grumpy, Thank you for your kind words and you are correct. I have done various installations for individuals and organizations for years but alas, I am living in new territory these days and folks just don't know me. I have a job... a good job and I wouldn't want to push someone out that is trying to feed their family just so I can have toy money. When the circumstances are right the Lord will grant my wish, but it never hurts to whine in a radio forum once in a while..

@ W9 Your solution sounds very intriguing and yes Jotto & Troy follow the industry standard 8 9/16 plan-form. Your pic didn't come through could you please post it again, I REALLY want to see this.
 

texasemt13

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This is one of the nicer installs I've seen on RR. From the top down, you've thought this out well, and I sympathize with doing it as it comes in and when you have time. Waiting to do it all it once seems great, but you might run in to a problem that you'd have seen doing it in steps. It might be more time on your part, but like you said, better to do it right than do it over (even if doing it right takes many steps).

I've always been a fan of the new PPV Tahoes. I'd add halogen lamps to roof (for on-scene working lights) and probably some black spotlights on the A pillars. Would you happen to have the 17" black steel rims (I'm assuming yes since it's a PPV)? Like I said, I've been a fan of the PPV, but I'd trade in all the install-friendly options for a 4-wheel drive, because it'd be a beast of a fishing/shack vehicle.

Looks good, keep us updated. I'm going to go change my britches now...
 

WX4EMT

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I'm with N46 if you want 4x4 SSV is the way to go. I would have preferred that package as well but I couldn't pass up the price of this one.

@Tex you are correct 17" steel and I will eventually try to find a spotlight but they are WAY overpriced, I'll find an old beat up one in a junkbox and refurb it before I'll pay retail for a Unity.
 

reedeb

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Looks good and will look amuch better when completed. I just got a Larson 150/450/800 mhz scanner antenna monday [HRO] I have it mounted in my room on top of my book case [using 2 steel square power box covers] considering the last one I had was over 30 yrs old [Antenna Specialist scannr antenna] that finally died on me this is an improvement. I think you'll like it. Keep up the exceptional work.
 
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