$ Khalid ! 9130 JHA 2009 Trailblazer LS Build

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Hi everyone

Finally thought I would put up my progress with my Trailblazer LS 2009

I bought this beauty I believe in Mid-October 2015 for 38,000 SR ( $10,134 ) at around 133,000 KM ( 82642 Miles )

Right now it is sitting at 138,000 something KM ( 85749 Miles ) and running great as the day I bought it.

Original Advertisement Pics:

( I didn't take any pics when I bought it home was tooo excited )













This will be the Service Bulletin section

SERVICE BULLETIN

1. First thing I did after getting the car was an Oil Change at I believe 134,000 KM

I have a rule that I change my Oil at 4,000 KM intervals ( 2485 Miles )

2. The second servicing was done recently at 138,000 KM ( 85749 Miles ). This was a bit extensive with quiet a few things :

• Oil Change
• Oil Filter Change
• Air Filter Change
• Battery Change
• Steering Fluid Top - Up
• Brake Fluid Top - Up

This was done at the Local AcDelco Service center for around 640 SR ($170)



3. This happened after my recent vacation trip. I had left the battery unplugged to avoid draining it. Came back and reattached the battery and messed up the recalibration ( HAD NO idea about the process ) for the air condition actuators. Specifically the Mode Door Actuator. Took almost a week with me being sick to take out the two actuators right under the drivers knee panel. Change the mode manually to blow from the drivers vent, and reattaching them. I will get some pics and more details soon!

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

CURRENT MODS INSTALLED

1. The car already came with a few mods of itself which included the following :

• Chrome Sidesteps
• Aftermarket Fogs (Always On)
• Ugly Aftermarket Mud Flaps

So first I did when I got it home was get rid of the Mud Flaps





Looks so much better

2. The headlights were really badly oxidized and the light output was horrible. So naturally went to HIDs 8000K and now the road is lit up like the Fourth of July, and haven't had any flashing drivers yet






3. Then came the interior Led Swap







The rear cargo area light is brighter than the rest as it is a Led Board but I don't mind. Helps me see better in the cargo area at night. ( Pics had to be cropped as they were too large )

3. I tried a simple rear bowtie blackout ( Using Electrical Tape ) Turned out well for a while until I ripped the rear plastic off and shined it to chrome






How it looks at the moment



4. Rear View Mirror Swap



The sensor for the temperature reading is with me



Just haven't gotten around to extending it yet. But a trail confirmed it was working



UPCOMING MODS

1. Side View Mirrors Upgrade







I had bought these from a junked truck with the rear view mirror. Just haven't gotten around to installing them

2. Capacitor Mod



Capacitors, wires and all are there just have to get around to it

FUTURE MODS

1. Resonator Delete

2. Centre Console Wireless Charging

3. Steering Wheel Upgrade

4. Chrome Door Handles ( Maybe )

5. Some Unique Emblem Jobs

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Ok here are some updates of what I was up to since the morning today

1. Side Mirrors Swap











They both are 100% working, although the drivers side bulb seems to be out. Now to get a new bulb !

2. Bought a one meter roll of automotive vinyl. And you guessed it. I went Vinyl Crazzzyyy

Had the hub caps done, with the front and rear bowties. Was worth every single minute of my time







A before and after pic of the Hubcaps !





This guy came out after a LOOOONNNGGG fight with the front grille to come off











All in all a really productive day !!

 

[tsmith1156]

Ok here are some updates of what I was up to since the morning today

1. Side Mirrors Swap

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They both are 100% working, although the drivers side bulb seems to be out. Now to get a new bulb !

2. Bought a one meter roll of automotive vinyl. And you guessed it. I went Vinyl Crazzzyyy

Had the hub caps done, with the front and rear bowties. Was worth every single minute of my time

View attachment 76107

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A before and after pic of the Hubcaps !

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This guy came out after a LOOOONNNGGG fight with the front grille to come off

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All in all a really productive day !!

How hard was it to do?

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

How hard was it to do?

The Side Mirrors were a piece of cake! Although I had to break the plastic holder for the wire from the mirrors cause they wouldn't budge. All in all both took me about 10-20 minutes in 42 degrees Celsius weather (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

The bowties took a while. The hubcaps were easy and done in about 10 minutes. The front bowtie put up a big fight for me to get it off from the front grille.

I also took a few breaks in the middle. But in all the bowties took about 45 minutes without breaks if you were to do them.

Both mods would come in between an Hour to an Hour and a half .

Lemme know if you need any help or extra pics

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Ok this is what I hope to get done today :

Extending the Temperature sensor that I got for the Comp/Temp interior rear view mirror. This was a loonng overdue project. I am willing to get it done today





Finally found the right size wire to extend it perfectly. Before the problem was I either had wire that was too thin or too thick!

This was the perfect size and a bit of electrical tape should be good enough.

I also got a nice Chevrolet Classic Script Emblem which I hope to put on the front Grille :



This I may not be able to get done today as I am still debating on how to attach it to the front grille

Will post back soon!

Stay Tuned !!

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Ok here are some updates of what I was up to since the morning today

1. Temperature Sensor Install ( FINALLY )

Two pieces of wire, about 100 CM long (extra for turns and what not), extenden from the harness I got from a junkyard TB with the sensor

Took me about 10-20 Minutes





Wrapped it in electrical tape for ensuring no unnecessary cuts etc...





I put it in here as the sensor has all the plastic bits broken from underneath and it wouldn't fit



I believe that was the hole where it should have been inserted into!





The small plastic bits are all broken as this was also from a junked TB. Might get a new one to replace it as it isn't really expensive









AAANNNDD SUCCESSSSS !!!

 

[jsheahawk]

You're getting it done. Nice job!

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

You're getting it done. Nice job!

Thanks

And one more thing I would personally like to thank @Blckshdw for all his persuasion to tackle things by myself rather than ask for everything. The feeling of accomplishment is just amazing once you have done it yourself

EDIT : On a side note I am rearranging some posts in the thread to make it better to follow for people so some pictures maybe missing for a while. Thanks all !!

EDIT 2 : There I have cleaned up the thread. First post will be the service bulletin which will be updated from time to time. The other posts will be about mods as we go along the road with my Trailblazer. Hope you all like it

 

[Blckshdw]

And one more thing I would personally like to thank @Blckshdw for all his persuasion to tackle things by myself rather than ask for everything. The feeling of accomplishment is just amazing once you have done it yourself

this is how your mod bug gets big and strong.

Once it gets enough experience, instead of seeing mods and telling you to copy them, it will tell you to use them as a base idea and to customize it with your own style. Make sure you get a good job, cuz mod bugs eat a lot of money.

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

this is how your mod bug gets big and strong.

Once it gets enough experience, instead of seeing mods and telling you to copy them, it will tell you to use them as a base idea and to customize it with your own style. Make sure you get a good job, cuz mod bugs eat a lot of money.

Getting a job is a loooong way for me atm. Am going to start University next year so hoping to get in!! After I get in you can apply for a monthly student stipend. And we all know where that's gonna go!

So far the mod bug has been steadily eating all my pocket I had saved since I was eight

One thing is when you are stretched for cash is you seem to make "wiser" decisions

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Hi everyone sorry had been a bit busy with my exams and what not and was just using the Trailblazer to speed to and fro from the examination centre these past few days.

I had a few days gap so I thought I would tackle one really annoying issue that finally got to me.

THE REAR DEFROSTER CABLE!!

I left the car for its car wash after a good few days of off-road fun and while my Dad was watching the guy cleaning the interior snapped one of the defroster cables off!

That's why I don't let ANYONE touch my car!!

Well I had to endure that cable hitting the side of the rear pillar every time I took a turn or went over a pothole and what not.

Today I finally decided it's time to put it to rest.

I picked up a pack of 3-ton Epoxy for 6.50 SAR ($1.73) and since I never had to use the rear defogger and one of the cables is connected properly I couldn't care less whether it worked or no. So I won't be able to confirm either whether your defogger will work if you try this (DON'T HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE )



Mixed a little of both and then applied some on the connector and held it in place for a while



What happened was I had the wire connected to the metal connector that sticks to the glass it didn't hold properly. Hence I took the small connector out of the wire and applied a fresh coat of the solution and let it stick in the air for about 5 minutes.










Aaaannnnndddd SUCCESS

 

[FearlessAZ]

Looks good! It is definitely nice to do things yourself. That sense of accomplishment when it is done is unrivaled. There are some things that it is good to have a professional do but you can work up to that. And like Blckshdw said, it is a whole new world (a beautiful glorious one) once you start using other ideas as a base and tweaking them to your own needs.

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Looks good! It is definitely nice to do things yourself. That sense of accomplishment when it is done is unrivaled. There are some things that it is good to have a professional do but you can work up to that. And like Blckshdw said, it is a whole new world (a beautiful glorious one) once you start using other ideas as a base and tweaking them to your own needs.

Appreciate your kind words. It is a great feeling, I have let my mod bug stall due to being two days from finishing my exams and also Fasting.. However be sure to see some NEW mods in the coming weeks as I finish my exams and get some cash from here and there

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Yesterday I finally got around to swapping out one of my side view mirror bulbs which had been out for quite a while





I had been wanting to do this for a while and I looked around for a good write up everywhere. Finally I decided to throw in the towel and just do it myself. Turned out to be quite simple and great article opportunity.

Unfortunately I spent 5 SAR ($ 1.33), because I had a few of them bulbs lying around in my closet

For a detailed write up :

http://gmtnation.com/forums/posts/504751/

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

I also swapped my license plate bulb lights yesterday after a loonong fight with the Trailblazer how to below :

http://gmtnation.com/forums/threads/license-plate-bulb-replacement.15620/

Some pictures of the final product















Ground output is amazing !!!

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Today I am planning on getting my Chevrolet Script Emblem on the car. Weather is looking good so far. Just got to get down to get it done. Update in a while

There! Finally got the emblem on it. Was no big thing. Just peel off the adhesive and stick it on the grill. I was only concerned about one thing. That was whether it will hold or no. But seems to be quite firm so far.







Will get some better pictures in the afternoon

 

[Blckshdw]

when you were saying 'script' all this time, I thought you were talking about this kind of badge...



Glad you finally got around to getting your mod done. I know you were looking forward to it. Now time for some LEDs in your cluster!

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

I really really wanted that !! I tried all I could to get it. Just wasn't possible at the time


It does look quite good though, temporary until I obtain the Cursive Script emblem

It was a loooong time in the coming, although being a simple one.

If you read my post on the What did you do to your GMT thread, I have the following situation going on :

Spoke to a guy willing to change the bulbs in my Instrument Cluster, guy wants 150 SR ($39.99) and I would have to buy the bulbs myself. I can't justify spending that much just for someone to solder bulbs on my IC!! I would rather spend that to get my resonator off. Planning that for August which also requires 120 SR ($31.99)..... Have to really fit it all in the budget

The Mod Bug is cleaning my pockets

 

[Blckshdw]

I know when you did your air temp and compass mirror mod, you said you didn't want to solder. I guess the more important question is do you know how?

If you do, you could easily do the cluster lights yourself. If not, I'd say borrow someone's soldering iron or buy a cheap one. Practice with scrap pieces of wire until you get the hang of it.

Then you can start doing LED mods in all your interior components bit by bit. Plus LEDS and resistors are cheap so it keeps your mod bug and wallet happy at the same time

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

I know when you did your air temp and compass mirror mod, you said you didn't want to solder. I guess the more important question is do you know how?

If you do, you could easily do the cluster lights yourself. If not, I'd say borrow someone's soldering iron or buy a cheap one. Practice with scrap pieces of wire until you get the hang of it.

Then you can start doing LED mods in all your interior components bit by bit. Plus LEDS and resistors are cheap so it keeps your mod bug and wallet happy at the same time

The main reason I didn't want to solder was due to me not knowing how to . Hence I went with just twisting them together and electrical tape .

I already have a soldering iron from my Dads toolbox, and TBH when I was doing the Temp/Compass Mod I thought I would try it out. I spent half an hour trying to "solder" two test wires by just heating them together .

My Dad has a lot of experience in soldering as he used to help out his uncle at an electronics shop when he was young, he's just not completely onboard with the idea of ripping apart the IC yet!!

I plan on learning how to solder myself, thanks to "some" motivation from the LED Mod thread, and also to save some

Just waiting till tomorrow for my Cryotherapy on my finger. Hopefully it won't put me out of commission for long

 

[jsheahawk]

Grab a couple wires and some solder, and get to practicing. It's the only way to get good at soldering. Oh, and YouTube videos. Here is a good description of the Western Union solder joint.

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

@jsheahawk Sure will

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Yesterday I finally got rid of the resonator and got a straight pipe attached. All in all took 105 SAR ($28.00). The guy suggested he cut before the hanger, so if I ever wanted to reattach my Resonator, it would be an easy process (Like that's ever going to happen). He then took a straight pipe, cut the top off to make the front cutoff for the exhaust. Welded it and attached a new hanger for the new exhaust. Since this was done in a workshop, I didn't have to remove the back tyre or raise the car. All this took about 10 - 15 Minutes max. When we checked the resonator it was sully shot already. So win win situation here! Now for the pictures:











Videos:

Enjoy

Update: I think I might have to smooth the end of the tip, and maybe give the tip a coat of black spray paint

Update 2: Video Links updated

 

[Mooseman]

Looks good but the links to your videos aren't working, marked as private.

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Looks good but the links to your videos aren't working, marked as private.

Oh sorry about that. Didn't change it to share the videos publicly. Will have to update it tmrw as I am unable to access my laptop

 

[fletch09]

Update: I think I might have to smooth the end of the tip, and maybe give the tip a coat of black spray paint

the edges of that do look pretty sharp. i had a tip like that on my 03 and did cut my leg by getting too close to it. and use high temp paint if you go that route.

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

the edges of that do look pretty sharp. i had a tip like that on my 03 and did cut my leg by getting too close to it. and use high temp paint if you go that route.

I will keep that in mind. What do you suggest to smoothen it out a bit?

 

[fletch09]

a file or a dremel w/ a grinding wheel. just need to dull it up a bit

 

[tsmith1156]

I also swapped my license plate bulb lights yesterday after a loonong fight with the Trailblazer how to below :

http://gmtnation.com/forums/threads/license-plate-bulb-replacement.15620/

Some pictures of the final product

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Ground output is amazing !!!

View attachment 76632

View attachment 76631

Yesterday I finally got rid of the resonator and got a straight pipe attached. All in all took 105 SAR ($28.00). The guy suggested he cut before the hanger, so if I ever wanted to reattach my Resonator, it would be an easy process (Like that's ever going to happen). He then took a straight pipe, cut the top off to make the front cutoff for the exhaust. Welded it and attached a new hanger for the new exhaust. Since this was done in a workshop, I didn't have to remove the back tyre or raise the car. All this took about 10 - 15 Minutes max. When we checked the resonator it was sully shot already. So win win situation here! Now for the pictures:

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Videos:

Enjoy

Update: I think I might have to smooth the end of the tip, and maybe give the tip a coat of black spray paint

Update 2: Video Links updated

Those look like the license plate lights I have and the exhaust sounds and looks a lot better

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Those look like the license plate lights I have and the exhaust sounds and looks a lot better

Glad you like the exhaust! The license plate bulbs seem to be coming on and off randomly. Might change them and go for a bit more expensive bulb. Or it may be a problem with the contact pads in the holder?

 

[Mooseman]

That's possible. I know here they tend to corrode but such issues are not common in your part. I usually hit them with some sandpaper and dielectric grease.

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

That's possible. I know here they tend to corrode but such issues are not common in your part. I usually hit them with some sandpaper and dielectric grease.

Video working? How was it

 

[tsmith1156]

Glad you like the exhaust! The license plate bulbs seem to be coming on and off randomly. Might change them and go for a bit more expensive bulb. Or it may be a problem with the contact pads in the holder?

Hmm idk mine work great, I think I'm gonna swap the interior bulbs here soon

 

[Mooseman]

Video working? How was it

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Hmm idk mine work great, I think I'm gonna swap the interior bulbs here soon

Although they look really good these were cheapy Chinese bulbs. Which may also be causing the flickering. Are you going to swap them with LED Bulbs or custom made bread boards ?

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Master @Blckshdw

I bought some LEDs and resistors for the Instrument Cluster Led Swap. Since I was in a hurry I got some with short legs. Would they still work? Or would it be better if I got some with longer legs?



Thanks

BTW I got some solder and have been practicing!





Perimeter Lighting Cap Mod coming soon

 

[Blckshdw]

The length of the legs does not matter, unless you have an application where the component needs to be a certain distance away from the power source, like standing up off a circuit board (instrument cluster comes to mind, although that was a very short distance)

In most cases, you'll end up trimming the LED legs, as well as the resistor leads, so you can fit them into small places. If you look back through some of my posts in the LED mod thread, you'll see how short I cut the legs on some of them to fit them inside the modules/switches.

 

[tsmith1156]

I have Amazon LEDs in there right now which work great I just want something different. I'm a big fan of sylvania

 

[$ Khalid ! 9130]

Went LED Shopping!



Bread Boards



New Soldering Iron



Some Wiring



Flux



5M Blue LED Strip



Better 5MM LEDs for Dash Swap





12V Bulbs



My FIRST Soldering experience Capacitor Mod 2.0

All this stuff came around at 148 SAR ($39.46). Well I did save around 3,000 SAR ($799) and 193 SAR ($51.46) by fixing the Mode Door Actuator by myself