99 Tahoe Transformation

[WH0DAMAN]

This build was over on Tahoeforum but since it's not there anymore I will continue it over here.
I bought this Tahoe back in January. I own a bodyshop and it came in wrecked on the right side. The owner hit ice and side swiped a guard rail. I picked the truck up for $1300.00. I'm not one to keep anything stock so the mods began. I stripped the whole thing down and repainted it black. The interior was stripped out and the floor and inner structure was sprayed with Cascade VB-1X damping compound. It keeps vibrations down to a minimum. The seats and trim panels were replaced with ones from a 99 Escalade. Brand new carpet. Stereo was replaced with an Alpine 9866, MA500 Amp, Pioneer Premier shallow mount 8" in back and 10" up front. Door speakers are Infinity 6022. Tweeters in the A pillar trim. The right front suspension was damaged so it was replaced. While I was at it I replaced all of the ball joints and links. All 4shocks were replaced with RMX Monotubes. 20" Arelli Jovan wheels with 305/50R20 Toyo AT tires. Replaced the chrome grille with a painted one and added a T Rex billet insert. Black headlamps, park lamps and corner lamps. Smoked LED tails. 2000 Limited ground effects, 99 Denali rear bumper and roof rack (not installed yet). SS front bumper cover. Thats about it for now.

It's been being worked on between busy times so progress is a bit slow at this point. I'd give it another week or two and it should be complete.

[WH0DAMAN]

More photos.

[WH0DAMAN]

And more photos.

[Shaggy]

You want a biuld forum? I will make one and move this thread into it.

[bowtiefreak]

Build forums are good, helps with new ideas for others.

Back on topic truck is coming along nicely.

[992door]

truck looks like it has come along way since you have had it

[96ProCompTahoe]

build thread would be awesome.

trucks looking good! i need to do an interior swap in mine one of these days.

[WH0DAMAN]

Yah. A build forum would be cool. I'm always building something. I can share lots of ideas and give some how to help.

[Shaggy]

Damn, nice ass paint job!!

[WH0DAMAN]

Damn, nice ass paint job!!

Thanks man.

[tahoe ss]

great progress and pics

[TahoeGoBoom]

still comin together well as always. have you gotten to the interior enclosures yet?

[clean454]

how come you didnt smooth the door handles?

[WH0DAMAN]

still comin together well as always. have you gotten to the interior enclosures yet?

I have the rear one layed out but not put together yet. I have been beyond busy the last couple of weeks so I am hoping life slows down a bit this week so I can get them done.

[WH0DAMAN]

how come you didnt smooth the door handles?

It crossed my mind but I had to draw the line somewhere. I just replaced the textured black handles with smooth black painted ones. Basically, I'm just lazy :gr_grin:

[foreverfalcon40]

Bitchen TRUCK! BUMP FOR A BBB HOE!

Why an esky rear bumper? Why not roll pan it? Did you do it just for the Ground Effects?

Also...your interior...how many different colors is it with the Escy seats and panels?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep my updated on the LED TAIL LIGHTS. I think they would compliment our truck well since they come stock with OEM third brake light. Add a LED light bar with tails and thats pure sex! Where did you get them...mind sharing how much they set you back...

Jason

[WH0DAMAN]

Bitchen TRUCK! BUMP FOR A BBB HOE!

Why an esky rear bumper? Why not roll pan it? Did you do it just for the Ground Effects?

Also...your interior...how many different colors is it with the Escy seats and panels?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep my updated on the LED TAIL LIGHTS. I think they would compliment our truck well since they come stock with OEM third brake light. Add a LED light bar with tails and thats pure sex! Where did you get them...mind sharing how much they set you back...

Jason

I still wanted a rear bumper. With the roll pan you have to cut the frame horns off the end and you are forced to buy the hidden hitch. Witch means no spare tire. I still need to be able to tow. The esky bumper covers most of the trailer hitch and gives me a painted bumper cover.

There are only two colors in the interior. The factory tan and the light beige leather and center console. Thats what is nice about doing an escalade interior switch because the carpet, dash and body panel trim is all the chevy tan. The Escalade door trim panels even have the chevy tan carpet on the bottom.

I got the LED tails from Sport Truck Direct. I think they were around $180. I then had my tint guy tint them. They used tint that is specific for this application so it will not fade with the UV.

I think the 3rd brake light is already LED if I'm not mistaken.

Thanks for the complements! Now I just have to finish this thing!

[foreverfalcon40]

I'm sorry If I wasn't clear...LEDs all the way is sexy. From the OEM 3rd brake light, tails and Light Bar (if you get it). What kid of warranty did you get with the lights. If one goes out, its just annoying. I saw SUV the other day with aftermarket LED lights and almost half othem were out.

Ahhh, I thought your interior was grey to start off! LUCKY SOB!

[WH0DAMAN]

I don't remember what the warranty was. I'll have to check at work tomorrow.

I get what you mean with the light bar now. That would look pretty sexy. Right now exhaust and engine tuning are in front of it so it will just have to wait :happy160:

[WH0DAMAN]

I finally finished this thing...kind of. I am still waiting for the billet grille for the bumper and the quarter panel ground effects. I also have not decided if I want to go with flares or not. Still up in the air. The truck was clean this morning but we had a rain storm come through so it got a bit water spotty. You have to love black! Anyway, here is what it is looking like right now.

[WH0DAMAN]

Some interior photos

[WH0DAMAN]

I forgot that I still have to do exhaust, tint the front windows and finish the sub enclosures. I should have just said that it is driveable now.

[TahoeGoBoom]

it looks great! lovin the all black.

[WH0DAMAN]

it looks great! lovin the all black.

Thanks!

[roadrageror]

2 thumbs way up!!

[blkcam]

damn what floor mats do you have in there??
those look badass

[mikeykey]

IMO due to the front ss bumper, you need to add fender flares.....i love it so far though!!!!!!


How much was the paint job $$$$$$$$?

[foreverfalcon40]

IMO due to the front ss bumper, you need to add fender flares.....i love it so far though!!!!!!


How much was the paint job $$$$$$$$?

He owns the bodyshop

Back to topic...

1) I assume your going for the blacked out look? Since you didn't paint SS Ports in the bumper?

2) Why no Ground effects on the rear bumper? Doesn't look right! Front and sides match and just cuts off abruptly in the rear.

3) I recommend some sort of hood for your truck...either cowl or ram air!

Either way comes a long way! Looks bad ass!

[smyers33]

what kind of headlights and cornerlights are those?

[WH0DAMAN]

damn what floor mats do you have in there??
those look badass

Those are Husky Liners. They definately save the carpets.

---------- Post added at 08:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 PM ----------

IMO due to the front ss bumper, you need to add fender flares.....i love it so far though!!!!!!


How much was the paint job $$$$$$$$?

Yah, I think I need the flares.

When I paint my own stuff my paint manufacturer donates the paint so the paint was free. Otherwise it's just labor, parts and a crapload of time.

---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 PM ----------

He owns the bodyshop

Back to topic...

1) I assume your going for the blacked out look? Since you didn't paint SS Ports in the bumper?

2) Why no Ground effects on the rear bumper? Doesn't look right! Front and sides match and just cuts off abruptly in the rear.

3) I recommend some sort of hood for your truck...either cowl or ram air!

Either way comes a long way! Looks bad ass!

1- Yep, I didnt want the silver ports. There is a billet grille going in the opening between the ports. That will be in next week.

2- I am looking for the ground effects that go behind the rear wheels on the quarter panels. The Limited I took the rocker moldings off of did not have the rear ones since it was sitting on the ground without the rear wheels. The ones from GM are $300 each. Thats a bunch of crap so I think I may just get the street scene ones. The bumper itself is off of a Denali.

3- I'm not into the cowl or ram air hoods. I like the smooth lines of the factory one.

---------- Post added at 08:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 PM ----------

what kind of headlights and cornerlights are those?

Matrix from Sport Truck Direct.

[JKmotorsports]

Man, that's coming along really nice. Props for the great progress.

[mikeykey]

When I get mine re-painted, is it worth trying to do a lot of the labor myself or do body shops really don't change the price. As far as removing door handles, headlights, etc. and rough sanding?

I got qouted $2100 for mine to be repainted. Thats f-ing crazy.

[WH0DAMAN]

When I get mine re-painted, is it worth trying to do a lot of the labor myself or do body shops really don't change the price. As far as removing door handles, headlights, etc. and rough sanding?

I got qouted $2100 for mine to be repainted. Thats f-ing crazy.

Thats f-ing crazy cheap to tell you the truth. We usually start at $5000.00 and go up from there. Full paint jobs done right are a pain in the ass. If the paint is factory and is in good shape then it might be a bit cheaper since we would not have to media blast the vehicle. If it has anything prior or has issues then it is getting media blasted. All the componants (door handles, mldgs, trim) and windows are removed and body work begins from there. We do the body work and then prime and block by hand. After that, we prime and block again if it is a dark color. It is then ready to shoot. If you think it is expensive then you should check into what materials cost now a days. List on a gallon of Martin Senour Red Toner is $900.00. Thats not including hardener or reducer. Add on another $250.00 a gallon for clear and $180.00 for primer. You are going to use a lot of sand paper as well. We dont use the cheap stuff. Then you look at $8.00 a roll for just the stupid masking tape. You can then add the labor on top of all of that. We also put a lifetime warranty on our paint and repairs. Everything is wetsanded and polished after paint so it looks perfect. Not too many people are getting their cars painted anymore since it costs more than the vehicle is worth. Most of the full repaints we are doing are for street rods and muscle cars. Thats a whole other story.

If you removed all the bumpers and trim it will make it a bit cheaper. You could have it media blasted or sand it down yourself. We would of course want to see it before you sanded it down to see what shape the paint was in. As far as any body work goes...we dont go over anybody elses work. The paint is only as good as what is below it. If somebody just fills in dents with bondo and doesnt work the metal it is just going to fail down the line.

I hope this at least opens your eyes to what is involved in a quality paint job. There are plenty of places that will of course paint your car for much less and not remove anything. You get what you pay for. Whatever you do, go with a reputable shop.

[mikeykey]

Very good info.... Thanks. I've seen some pretty shitty paint jobs in my day so I believe you when you say "you get what you pay for". A buddy of mine owns three body shops and has been around forever with a reputable name. He quoted me the price and I thought he must be crazy. I had no idea they had gone up so much.

Thankfully I only have one very very small dent in a rear passenger door and a nice paint scrape on the tail gate, other than that, everything is solid and good to go.

I could def. take all the trim off, roof rack, bumpers, lights, etc.. but the glass is a different story. I wouldn't know where to start and my luck would break one.

Thanks for the info though.

[WH0DAMAN]

Very good info.... Thanks. I've seen some pretty shitty paint jobs in my day so I believe you when you say "you get what you pay for". A buddy of mine owns three body shops and has been around forever with a reputable name. He quoted me the price and I thought he must be crazy. I had no idea they had gone up so much.

Thankfully I only have one very very small dent in a rear passenger door and a nice paint scrape on the tail gate, other than that, everything is solid and good to go.

I could def. take all the trim off, roof rack, bumpers, lights, etc.. but the glass is a different story. I wouldn't know where to start and my luck would break one.

Thanks for the info though.

It's always good to have a buddy in the trade.

Glad to hear that your paint is in good condition. That will definately make it easier. Are you going to keep the color the same? Color changes add a bunch of $ to the price as well since you then have to do the engine compartment and door jambs.

Have somebody take the glass out. The quarter glasses on the Tahoes are a pain in the ass since they curve in at the top. The last thing you want is to have to replace a $400.00 quarter glass because the moulding was cut off.

Good luck!!!

[ravingmadman]

Verrrrry cool. Nicely done. Can't wait for the next set of pictures.

[mikeykey]

same color thankfully!!! I've had it since 1999 (original owner) and have maintained it well. Plus I don't drive it much anymore.

[96ProCompTahoe]

trucks looking really good!

[Roadrage]

Nice I wish I could afford to repaint mine right now. How do you like the rear bumper? I was considering doing this to my 2000 Tahoe Limited. But I wasn't sure it would look right as the denali/escalade has body cladding, ie. the rear bumper seems to be a li'l wider. A buddy of mine right now has a totalled 2000 Limited in his yard he is parting out, and he has the 2 back ground effect pieces.

[XLdenaliXL]

i hate you!!! lol that truck is nice i want a caddy interior for mine!!! damn how much did that run you, it looks fucking mint

[jdawg901]

i like the bumper where did u get it

[WH0DAMAN]

Nice I wish I could afford to repaint mine right now. How do you like the rear bumper? I was considering doing this to my 2000 Tahoe Limited. But I wasn't sure it would look right as the denali/escalade has body cladding, ie. the rear bumper seems to be a li'l wider. A buddy of mine right now has a totalled 2000 Limited in his yard he is parting out, and he has the 2 back ground effect pieces.

I like the rear cover. It hides the trailer hitch more.

Ask your buddy how much he wants for the rear ground effects. I havent been able to find them yet and would really like to have them.

---------- Post added at 07:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:34 PM ----------

i hate you!!! lol that truck is nice i want a caddy interior for mine!!! damn how much did that run you, it looks fucking mint

Cost me $400.00 for it all. I buy a lot of parts from this wrecking yard though so they cut me a pretty good deal.

---------- Post added at 07:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:36 PM ----------

i like the bumper where did u get it

Front bumper cover is from http://www.streetsceneeq.com/

[destroyer1362]

Your truck looks amazing! Almost makes me want to switch my front clip. Where did you get the limited side skirts from? And are you going to get an aftermarket hood as well?

[96ProCompTahoe]

Nice I wish I could afford to repaint mine right now. How do you like the rear bumper? I was considering doing this to my 2000 Tahoe Limited. But I wasn't sure it would look right as the denali/escalade has body cladding, ie. the rear bumper seems to be a li'l wider. A buddy of mine right now has a totalled 2000 Limited in his yard he is parting out, and he has the 2 back ground effect pieces.


hows the interior and is it being sold? if so where you located?

[AtomicHoe094]

Originally Posted by Roadrage View Post
Nice I wish I could afford to repaint mine right now. How do you like the rear bumper? I was considering doing this to my 2000 Tahoe Limited. But I wasn't sure it would look right as the denali/escalade has body cladding, ie. the rear bumper seems to be a li'l wider. A buddy of mine right now has a totalled 2000 Limited in his yard he is parting out, and he has the 2 back ground effect pieces.
yea put me on the list for those ground effects and front bumper!

[WH0DAMAN]

Your truck looks amazing! Almost makes me want to switch my front clip. Where did you get the limited side skirts from? And are you going to get an aftermarket hood as well?

I purchased the side skirts from the same wrecking yard that I got the interior from.

I'm sticking with the OEM hood. I dont like to go over the top and a cowl induction would have sent it there. Not that I'm not a fan of them but it didnt work for me in this situation.

[AtomicHoe094]

what did you pay for the side skirts?

[WH0DAMAN]

what did you pay for the side skirts?

$100.00 :)

[AtomicHoe094]

fuck you!! lol

[WH0DAMAN]

fuck you!! lol

No problemo!

[AtomicHoe094]

haha, but thats a damn good deal if i saw one. I want the back 2 ground effects, im not a huge fan of mine.. wanna trade ;) haha was there much left of it when you bought the stuff?

[WH0DAMAN]

Actually, I had to do quite a bit of work to them since the vehicle they came off was sitting on the ground with no wheels. It probably cost me another $100.00 worth of materials just to fix them. Does that make you feel better?

---------- Post added at 11:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:51 AM ----------

haha, but thats a damn good deal if i saw one. I want the back 2 ground effects, im not a huge fan of mine.. wanna trade ;) haha was there much left of it when you bought the stuff?

I want the back 2 ground effects as well since I still do not have them. The wrecking yard I got the rocker ground effects from did not have the rear 2. I'm hoping the guy in the post above can get them for me. I'm not a big fan of the Street Scene ones. They feel kind of cheap but you would think they are made of gold for how much they want for them!

[AtomicHoe094]

i wouldnt say feel cheap, they are a very heavy heavy plastic, i need the limited ones since i have the roll pan and these hang to low. if you have a bumper with these, then it looks good..