Littleblazer's Quasi-build thread.

littleblazer

Original poster
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Jul 6, 2014
9,265
The time has come that I feel like I have done enough to the truck that I can create a build thread. :cool: Well hopefully anyway.

While this picture is from more than a year after we had her, almost nothing was changed, it is from January of 2013.
IMG_20141228_151849.jpg

I guess the first mod that was done was Christmas of 2011 the factory radio was gutted and replaced.

I went with JVC specifically the JVC KW-HDR720.

I went with 6.5's in all four doors. (note some cutting required in the rear. :rolleyes: ) My dad said to go Boston Acoustics, I listened and don't regret it one bit. :thumbsup: I took a chance on the se65 since they were new at the time and the clarity and midrange response was quite good for only being driven off of the head unit.

In the spring of 2013 the bug deflector and vent visors were added.
boat and car.jpg

By December of 2013 I was growing keen to the fact that something was missing as far as the stereo was concerned, it just was missing a little note, a hole if you will.... So I added a sub. :biggrin: Its an old optimus band pass from my dads old car that was just lying around the house.

In early January of 2014 a strange noise started to emerge from under the hood of the truck. I thought it was the power steering but it was actually the compressor clutch bearing. That was the first time I used a thread on Trailvoy to fix a problem. And very shortly after I learned about here. :biggrin: While I was there I also added a transmission cooler, cause I started to lurk on the sites and it was recommended if you towed, which I do sometimes. I went with the B&M 70264.

For my birthday in April my parents bought me the factory splash guards. They'll help keep the sand blasting on the bottom of the door from getting any worse since the amount of salt on the roads here is absurd.
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In the summer of 2014 I switched the probably original shocks to bilsteins.

In August of 2014 I decided to add an external transmission filter, I piped it between the return from the cooler and the return to the transmission. I used the B&M 80277 remote mount and the WIX 51269 hydraulic filter.

And finally, as it sits today I did a projector retrofit. I love the look, I was on the fence about it but it is just something that has to be seen in person. They look great on the truck.
20141228_150049.jpg
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I was going to clear the corner lenses but i decided not to and save that for if I have to ever re-open these.
So that's where I am at now... and I'm sure there's more to come. :biggrin:
 

combatspace

Member
Aug 6, 2014
37
Nicely done, so far. The projectors look like they belong there, to be hoonest. Can't wait to see what the future holds for you and the "littleblazer"
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
combatspace said:
Nicely done, so far. The projectors look like they belong there, to be hoonest. Can't wait to see what the future holds for you and the "littleblazer"
Thank you. Yea I have to name the truck I got my name since I'm little (well young) and I drive the Trailblazer. The envoy is Elliott.... mine is usually refered to as the green thing... but for now it's just the Trailblazer.
 

littleblazer

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Jul 6, 2014
9,265
Mounce said:
Looking good! :tiphat: What projector and shrouds did you use? And where did your parents get the mudflaps?
The mud flaps were from ebay. A guy was selling new old stock... at least I hope. It came in gm packing hado the proper packing slip from a dealer and has gm molded into each flap I believe. And the shrouds are the mini gatling guns for the morimoto mini h1. They work well with the truck.
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
Just would like to add some output shots from the projectors.

Low beams up close:
20141228_205523.jpg

High beams up close:
20141228_205439.jpg

Lows on a dark road:
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Highs on a dark road:
20141228_221050.jpg

Lows on a side street:
20141228_221531.jpg
 

Aarkon

Member
Nov 6, 2013
5,607
Love the output shots man great job building the headlights so fast[emoji106]
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
dmanns67 said:
Do you have any pics of the projectors installed in the headlight? Interested to see how it looks.
Like just in the housing or as I was building them?

Aarkon said:
Love the output shots man great job building the headlights so fast[emoji106]
Well it wasn't fast. I started at 8 on Friday and worked strait until 3. Took a break and had the whole fiasco with the pcm's and then got back in it at 6 by wiring the harnesses. Test fitted the lights at 7:30 and lined them up. Next morning I cleaned up all the wiring and permanently mounted everything. Then installed and uninstalled each light about 20 times getting the alignment as close as possible. Tightened the nuts and baked the lenses back on and was done by 3:30 on Saturday. If my time was counted as cost it would have been cheaper to send them out. But I have the satisfaction of it being right (as best as I could anyway) and done myself. :yes:
 
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littleblazer

Original poster
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Jul 6, 2014
9,265
dmanns67 said:
Just a daylight pic of the headlights with the projectors installed.
First thing tomorrow, I currently do not. :thumbsup: The only one I have is the one in the first post that isn't really that close.
 
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littleblazer

Original poster
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Jul 6, 2014
9,265
Aarkon said:
Your build has still been one of the fastest I have seen on here mine included
I guess I'm young and determined. And I'm not sure whether or not its a good thing. :redface: Or its my inner engineer coming out. :tongue:
 
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Stewzer55

Member
Feb 15, 2014
419
Be careful with the splashguards, there's a spot on mine where it has damaged the paint, plus they kill the already not so great ground clearance up front.
 
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Capote

Supporting Donor
Member
Jul 14, 2014
24,227
Atlanta, GA
Awesome another build thread! Nice projectors man
 
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littleblazer

Original poster
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Jul 6, 2014
9,265
As promised, a projector close up:

Passenger side:
20141229_105138.jpg

Drivers side:
20141229_105156.jpg
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
Snapped a pic at the marina, one of my favorite places. :biggrin:
20141229_165023.jpg
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
Here is the sub:
20141229_132526.jpg

I put the amp under the rear seat to hide everything, (yes I need to clean):
20141229_132644.jpg

And here is the basic equipment I keep in the back, not pictured is as set of 25ft 4 gauge jumper cables, a 30ft tow strap and an air compressor.
20141229_132549.jpg

Also the piece of rug is so that if I need to crawl under the truck I can lay on that in case of emergency instead of mud or stones, really it keeps dirt out of the in floor compartment though. :redface: :raspberry:
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
A true output shot:
20150102_001518.jpg
I'm impressed and can't believe I didn't do this sooner.
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
Between yesterday and today I did my amp install. I used a Blaupunkt Ema 455 and ran new wires to the doors and full RCAs from the back of the head unit. I don't really have any pictures of the install since I was annoyed with the progress I was making, it was slow I started at 11:30 today and only finished at 6:30. There is no alternator whine so that's a plus, and it sounds a lot clearer. I'll add finished product pictures later.
 

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littleblazer

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Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
On Saturday I performed the cabin air filter mod. A mod I've wanted to do for quite some time.

These are the parts needed for the mod, a door and filters. (Not shown self tapping 1/4 inch #8 or #6 (I forget will update later) hex head screw)
20150124_194442.jpg

The foam I used to seal the door against the hole.
20150124_194532.jpg

The tools required to remove the existing block off panel, I used this method because I didn't want dremel particles plugging up the passage ways.
20150124_194709.jpg

The opening that is created when the panel is removed.
20150124_194737.jpg

The new door next to the old block off plate.
20150124_195023.jpg

The door installed with the filters behind it, there is no noticeable reduction in air flow. There is a very slight leak, but its minuscule, not even enough to move a piece of tissue paper.
20150124_200440.jpg
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
I know I've been beating around the bush with this, but as of right now these are the only 2 other pictures I have of the amp installed, more are to come though.

I chose to keep all the wires organized, all ends are crimped on as well as soldered to the crimp terminal. (not the amp :rotfl: )
20150214_1604131.jpg

The wires to the door were tricky, my clip has been broken for a while, its on my to fix list. :raspberry:
20150214_1603561.jpg
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
So I did my turn signal mods the other day, I followed the tutorial in the article submissions section and it wasn't too bad. I used a hair dryer to separate the glass from the backing.

The tape I used to resecure the mirror when I was done.
20150221_152619.jpg
The pins I bought to wire into the ddm harness for the directionals
20150221_152629.jpg
Some of the components:
20150221_144515.jpg
20150221_144538.jpg
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I notched out the back of the holder for the insert:
20150221_151456.jpg
Work:
20150221_153512.jpg
How I placed the tape:
20150221_162621.jpg
Done:
20150221_163803.jpg
Moments before it fell:
20150221_171636.jpg
Installation on the car:
20150222_102445.jpg
20150222_102451.jpg
20150222_102516.jpg
20150222_102538.jpg
I went straight to the mirror harness since the slot was already there, maces removal easier if it has to be done too.
20150222_103001.jpg
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littleblazer

Original poster
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Jul 6, 2014
9,265
So I did the starting the car with no driver mod this weekend. (some may call this remote start.)



Part came in on Wednesday, I didn't see them till Friday, it was torture.

20150424_130956.jpg

Started out pulling my tools and testing wires, yes I have diagrams, but things change. I wanted to be sure.

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DMMs are your friend. :yes:
20150424_154137.jpg
Put in the hood pin, you know, so we can be safe. :raspberry:
20150424_174739.jpg
Just to prove a point, I do solder everything I do, yes it takes more time, but it's one less failure point.
20150424_174952.jpg
Not my best, the iron was a little small for the heavy gauge, I hit it again don't worry.
20150424_175338.jpg
Wiring mess
20150424_201354.jpg
Everything all secured in place
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Buttoned up
20150424_210753.jpg
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
Minor update, converted lights to leds.
Drivers side side marker only:
20150912_180910.jpg
Drivers side stop lamp
20150912_184611.jpg
20150912_184633.jpg
Drivers side directional (don't mind the clutter in the rear...)
20150913_153519.jpg
I thought I had pictures of everything when it was done.... oh well. More to come next week.
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
Those projectors are awesome! Do you have any pictures of the build?
Thank you! Sadly I do not have any pictures of the build itself. There are some other threads with a ton of useful information though.

http://www.gmtnation.com/forums/threads/members-projector-retrofits.12778/
http://gmtnation.com/forums/threads/thoughts-on-projectors.12440/
http://gmtnation.com/forums/threads/blckshdws-projector-retrofit-builds.12300/page-2#post-480825
Those are just a few.
 
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littleblazer

Original poster
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Jul 6, 2014
9,265
It's been a while since I even thought about updating this. Well I threw in a set of component speakers the other day, re adjusted my gains and actually have the truck eq damn near flat and it sounds very good. I have a few pictures but first and foremost would like to give a shout out to @MAY03LT for his thread on putting the tweeters in the dash. I would've never thought to use 1/4 inch wood to make a mount. Credit is where it's due. Now for the pics.
2016-07-26 23.54.24.jpg
The box as I pulled it off the deck. Had to work still but took it because I didn't want it to magically dissappear into the envoy... dad...
2016-08-01 00.38.11.jpg
Later I used some 1/4 inch hobby board to make new mounts for the tweeters. Better than the cardboard that was there. Which I probably would have used if I split another plank with my jigsaw... I ruined like three other ones before these two finally didn't split.
2016-08-01 00.38.32.jpg
Opened the box to make sure everything was there. I happened on these as factory refurbished. They have the exact same warranty as new but cost half of the original list pretty much everywhere. I felt that was a win.
2016-08-01 00.38.53.jpg
Look fine to me.
2016-08-01 00.39.27.jpg
Hit the boards with a satin black to hide my awful spray painting abilities. If you notice the cutouts are in the exact same location on each one... my ocd kicked in to make sure they were symmetrical lol.
2016-08-01 00.39.46.jpg
And at 11:30 I dropped them in. I installed the woofers in the door the next night since I you know... had work. But I put in the crossover and all that so it was a simple swap and then I took the old front speakers and slapped them in my rear doors and called it a day. It sounds good. To the point where I think my budget should stop. Leave it and be happy because everything is well balanced enough for my ears.
 

littleblazer

Original poster
Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,265
There's something missing in the middle about my installing an inverter in 2016...
 

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