New tahoe owner

[Chrislovessushi]

Hey guys, Ive been browsing the forum for a few days and I really like what I see! I just got a 96 Tahoe LT a few days ago and it's already my favorite vehicle I've owned. I'd like to do a lot of different things to it as money comes in. So far all Ive had time to do is polish the factory headlights, install a new stereo system, debadge...then rebadge (until I get a 3m eraser wheel) and install a new keyless entry system (stills waiting on fobs). I was hoping you guys could give me some suggestions on what I should do with the exterior. Here are some pics

I was wondering if I could remove and paint the "chrome" grille and paint it black myself and what sort of paint to use? I assume spray paint wouldnt look too hot? Im putting a billet insert in soon and I think it would look a lot better if the grill were black.

 

[99Yukon_Z71]

Very awesome looking truck man!!! I always loved black vehicles, its just a pain to keep em clean and any little blemish is visible, but besides that, your Hoe is beautiful! If it was mine, I would remove the running boards to get better clearance for off road, that bugflector isnt really my favorite, I would remove the chrome wheel well mouldings and like you said, paint the grille black to match. I would also get some nice rims and off road tires. But again, thats what I would do, this is your truck so you do what YOU want!!! As far as the paint, you haev to make sure you sand and prep the grille so that the paint doesnt peel off in the long run.

Goodluck!

 

[bluebear15]

great lookin truck!
and i agree with 99yukon

 

[Chrislovessushi]

Thanks for the replies. I agree with everything except I want to keep the running boards for now. As soon as I can afford a 3m eraser wheel I'll be taking off the badges and well moldings. Im anticipating lots of sticky goo under those moldings and a sock soaked in goo-gone isnt really in my time schedule. As far as painting the grill, do you guys have any paint recommendations? I was thinking of using krylon fusion. If that paint is ok then I can go ahead and start tomorrow as I have lots of it laying around from other projects. Also, with tires and wheels, what size could I get away with without having to alter the wells?

 

[fyremanpat]

keep the running boards. They will hide the frame if you decide to get a body lift, and they arent any clearance issues if you do go with a body lift. Secondly keep your wheel well moldings too, your truck is black and im willing to bet dirt and sand has rubbed the paint through behind them.. My first thing would be new head lights and lenses, but definitely new head lights. Then exhaust..looks like maybe some new tires too..that right front looks a little bald...haha..truck looks damn good by the way!

 

[Chrislovessushi]

thanks man, from glancing under the molding it looks pretty gnarly. I was thinking of taking them off just to take a peek but Im willing to bet you're right. I do want to do a lift but not until much later. I know the price varies a lot but about how much could I expect to spend on new wheels and tires?

 

[Rebelution]

You can fit 285's on your stock wheels with minor rubbing. A few guys here have done it and it looks good. And I paid 350 for my wheels and about 600 for the tires but I got a pretty good deal on both.

 

[fyremanpat]

tires and wheels are probably gonna cost at least a grand..at the very least..after mount and balance and all.

 

[Chrislovessushi]

how about the paint for the grill? What should I use? Is krylon fusion ok?

 

[Rebelution]

It should work fine. When it comes down to it, it's all about how well you prep it. I would sand it down real good with some 600 grit, clean everything off, then hit it with 3 coats, waiting about 10 minutes between each coat and you should be good to go. It's gonna look badass on that black truck.

 

[Chrislovessushi]

Awesome! I'm going to have to take the corners off to get the grill off I believe and I was wanting to take them off to tint them anyway so I'll probably have to wait until next week when I have some money for nightshade so I can do it all in one go. As far as tires I found black 17 X 8 Eagle alloys with new Yokohama Geolander A/T-S 265/70-R17 tires for $1000. Sounds like a good deal to me?

 

[Effeckt]

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your recent purchase. Sounds like you already have some good ideas for it. Looking forward to seeing the progress.

 

[Chrislovessushi]

Thanks, in the future I want to add some new black 17" rims and some tires around 265, flowmaster 40s, and a 4" lift (rancho) but in the meantime I'll be tinting the tails and corners, painting the grill, adding a billet, k&n filter, and debadging

 

[niterydr]

Nice looking truck!

 

[blueflamed03]

wow...clean looking OBS!

 

[Chrislovessushi]

Finished some projects today! Got the grill painted black. Sanded it down with 600 grit, cleaned it with mineral spirits, water, dried it and did 4 coats of krylon fusion. I love the way it turned out! While it was taken down, I got a can of nightshade and tinted the corners and parking lights. Did about 3 coats. They look great but I completely forgot to clean the lenses before painting (ugh) and you can tell. Im still happy with them for the most part. Also added HID to my heads, replaced the brake pads, and changed the oil. That probably all for this week unless I get up the nerve to tint my tails but Im thinking it may be wiser (and more legal) to wait and buy some smoked tails.

---------- Post added at 11:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:00 PM ----------

Here's some night shots of the new front.

Lights off:

Lights on:

 

[99Bo-Tie]

looks good. how dark are your turn signals in the daylight? Is it to dark that you cant see them? I want to paint my lights just hoping its not to dark.

 

[Rebelution]

Damn dude that truck looks bad as hell!

 

[Chrislovessushi]

new picture of the truck during the day after a wash and wax. Using the krylon fusion was a great idea, Im really happy with how the grill came out. The shaded lights still look good in the daylight and the light shines through really well. Also really happy about the way the bowtie turned out after applying nightshade.

Im pretty desperate for some new wheels and tires now. No clue how Im going to come up with the money but Im still shopping around. Also trying to find out how much its going to cost me to add a flowmaster 50 series big block exhaust. I know the kit is going to be around $350 but any idea how much its going to cost to have it installed?

 

[grimm]

your grille turned out really good. nice choice with the krylon fusion. nice truck sir!