DefendHawaii's 99 Tahoe build

[DefendHawaii]

So I just bought this 99 Tahoe on August 14th 2011. So far it is at 175,000 miles. Only issue is an o2 Sensor and I need to install a new exhaust manifold.

I just installed the projector headlights today. Bought them off a guy on Craigslist for 30.00. Similar price to what I would find on eBay minus having to wait a week for them to come.

The tires are BFG Rugged Terrains. I am going to probably go up from the 285's to a set of 33's and maybe do Treadwrights or some Yokohama's.

This is my very first Chevy of any kind. I have mostly owned Japanese Luxury Sedans (Currently have a Nissan Cima F50/Infiniti Q45)

I would like to take the cloth seats out and replace with leather soon. Also want to install a second power cell in back and build some sort of DC to AC converter package so we can plug in laptops and other electronics. Also would like to get an ARB fridge in the back.

This week by Saturday I will have 6000K HID's in the Lo's and all interior will be converted to LED lighting.

If anyone is out in Seattle area let me know. I just recently relocated here. If you are in the Army def let me know 10yr Veteran spent 9yrs at Ft. Campbell with group.

 

[SamoanYukon]

Nice clean ride. Talofa to the site.

 

[Ben]

welcome! those wheels look the same as when i flush my toilet tho!

 

[DefendHawaii]

Yeah I know they came on it. I am looking at doing a Black and Red rig so I wanted to do some 16-18inch black wheels nothing flashy definitely no KMC rockstars those are such a played out wheel IMO and make for garbage on the trails. But will probably try and stay in a 1400.00 total budget on wheels and tires.

 

[Ben]

Dude you should seriously consider some NBS z71 wheels on some 33's or 34's

---------- Post added at 02:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:00 AM ----------

 

[DefendHawaii]

Dude you should seriously consider some NBS z71 wheels on some 33's or 34's

---------- Post added at 02:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:00 AM ----------

Nice I was also thinking those 01 Tahoe wheels but powdercoat them?

 

[sparg93]

staying within $1400 for tires and rims of that size is going to be really tough IMO...especially when you factor in shipping, mounting & balancing.

But if you can find a used local set, that should be within the range.

Great looking rig - i completely agree with swapping tires/rim - I like the red bowtie, it's different from most.

I would recommend sealing up those projectors. I've personally never owned a set like that, but I've heard of a number of guys mentioning leaking and condensation in the lense.

 

[DefendHawaii]

Already leaked! I was at wash and it got condensation build up inside the highbeam area. Another thing to fix on it. I got 12 194 size LEDs to install and a 5000K hid kit from my buddy for 50.00 he has the best kits available.

What is a good sealer for headlights?

 

[gdddup]

looks good

 

[DefendHawaii]

Thanks!

So last night I found out my breaks are shot. Took it down was quoted 1024.00 for all brake components to be replaced... Told them F off and went and bought all parts myself. 374.00 for parts. and 150.00 for labor. Hired a mobile repair guy that was on Yelp. He has good reviews and came to my truck to do it all.

Have not tested it out yet. will update later!

 

[DefendHawaii]

Debadged the back logos last night while at the car wash. Also trying to patched the muffler for a temporary fix. Looking at options for a budget exhaust system. I wanna just go dual out with cherrybombs and then do good looking dual tips on each side.

 

[DefendHawaii]

Took 2 afternoons for some stupid reasons but finally got my HID's in 6000k for my lows all set up. Since I use Crystal Eyes projector housing had to rig it up with a relay. The bulbs are 35w H3 bulbs I spent 50.00 on the kit and got my relay harness free. The wires are mounted different since I could not fit relay onto the battery they are attached to the fuze box relay and then the neg is grounded to the frame. Was a bot of a hassle all together but now I see how it works on chevy vs Jeep. I am waiting on all my new lighting stuff and my bullbar was told 3 weeks for the bullbar and 3-5 for all exterior lights.

 

[DefendHawaii]

Ok so today I was able to finish my heater core project. I spent about 75.00 total. I had to get a new heater core, heater valve, 2 rubber hoses for the core to valve, and a set of vice grips.

I noticed my check engine lights off! I think I fixed it when I replaced this damn core!

Took me about 2 hrs total. I had to learn as I went basically. But it is easy to do. Just had to remove the air filter and box to get some space. Un clamp all the hoses and remove them from the valve. Unclamp from the core exit spots. Now this part was hard my hoses were practically glued to it. Could tell from the plastic on the valve that the core was the original from the factory. Plastic in the valve was brittle and old feeling.

Installing the core just open the black box in passenger spot and I tossed it in their. ake sure your clamps are all on the tubes and got them all dialed in and on. Reinstalled the airfilter and box. Started it up and it sounds great! I need to go and grab some DexCool now and get it topped off.

Next thing this week is the heater control inside the truck. None of my knobs work!

Oh and after fixing the core, My check engine light is now off...

 

[DefendHawaii]

The new heater core, hoses, and heater valve.

 

[DefendHawaii]

Some new upgrades. Need grab a smaller oil filter wrench today. One on now is oem crap! And stuck on. Got the wipers for 7.00 per and back one for 5.00 at the PX.

 

[DefendHawaii]

Got a new dual in single 3" out magnaflow installed. Also finally got the heating and cooling issue resolved. Went down to the wrecking yard for a second time exchanged the one they sold me and got a good heater control panel.

 

[car_lost]

good stuff. sub'd for more updates

saw your cima. are you on vipstylecars.com?

 

[DefendHawaii]

Right guys here is a few photos. Got the Magnaflow installed dual in single out.

Sorry photos suck using an iPhone underneath the Tahoe doesn't give me much room.

 

[DefendHawaii]

Here is the LEDs interior

 

[DefendHawaii]

An this is my 6000k HIDs in the highbeams.

Not bad definitely
Better then just standard halogens. Will be using 3000k bulbs in there once I get my 4hi mod also the corner lights are LEDs also