What else should I do while I've got my dash removed?

[02Z71Raven]

New to the forum. I've got an 02 Tahoe Z71 I'm restoring and I gave a bad heater core. I've been been avoiding it for obvious reasons, but it's time to deal with it.
I had planned to do my EVAP core and blend door motors and I'm wondering what else you guys think I should replace while I'm there.

 

[swathdiver]

New to the forum. I've got an 02 Tahoe Z71 I'm restoring and I gave a bad heater core. I've been been avoiding it for obvious reasons, but it's time to deal with it.
I had planned to do my EVAP core and blend door motors and I'm wondering what else you guys think I should replace while I'm there.

Check the condition of the actual doors while you are in there and the foam for the vents. Can't think of anything else.

 

[02Z71Raven]

Check the condition of the actual doors while you are in there and the foam for the vents. Can't think of anything else.

Good idea, thanks.

If I needed to replace the foam, any thoughts on products to use to do that?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[JonnyTahoe]

Have you watched any video's of what is all involved in this job.

 

[02Z71Raven]

Have you watched any video's of what is all involved in this job.View attachment 280769

I have, which is why I have procrastinated this long. Luckily it's a project truck, I don't need it for daily commute and I have several junk yards close by for parts. Fingers crossed.

Edit: Now I'm thinking maybe I should go take one of theirs apart first. Thanks jonnytahoe, now I have something to do this weekend.

 

[JonnyTahoe]

Your lucky its not your only truck and its summer. I too watched a video on a heater core replacement the guy had so many wires and connectors removed and none were marked. Anybody can take stuff apart getting it back together correctly is completely different and takes longer. Is the core leaking/no heat ? Practice at the junkyard not a bad idea Grab the core out of it too.

 

[TollKeeper]

You could always go thru the ducts, get rid of any dust, mouse nests, or whatever else may have collected in there (anti-freeze), just for better breathing.

 

[02Z71Raven]

Your lucky its not your only truck and its summer. I too watched a video on a heater core replacement the guy had so many wires and connectors removed and none were marked. Anybody can take stuff apart getting it back together correctly is completely different and takes longer. Is the core leaking/no heat ? Practice at the junkyard not a bad idea Grab the core out of it too.

Yes, it leaks antifreeze, so I bypassed it years ago. I live in Texas so I don't often need it but I'm now up against replacing the ac system so I figured it's time to just bite the bullet. I've already removed a lot of wiring from all the stereo stuff the Z71 had, and I do low voltage cabling for a living so I'm no stranger to massive amounts of cabling, but practice on a junkyard truck would definitely be advantageous I'd think.

Besides, who doesn't love a trip to the junk yard?

 

[JonnyTahoe]

Your lucky you have access to rust-free Trucks. Mine is from Richardson and the 3rd vehicle I have bought from Texas. We use to drive down to Dallas from MN and bring back rust-free cars. Love the junk yards down there too just have to watch out for the rattle snakes.

 

[02Z71Raven]

2 hours after work just to get through the stuff I know by heart. Got to drop the steering column and then the front comes off.
I was pleasantly surprised that off you plug certain things back in it'll still runs and drive like this.
Also, found an after market gps system in there I didn't know was on it.

 

[02Z71Raven]

What is this behind the passenger air bag? Do I need this?

 

[02Z71Raven]

Your lucky you have access to rust-free Trucks. Mine is from Richardson and the 3rd vehicle I have bought from Texas. We use to drive down to Dallas from MN and bring back rust-free cars. Love the junk yards down there too just have to watch out for the rattle snakes.

No joke on Rattlers! I'm in San Antonio and we have tons of junkyards and several that are pull your own parts yards so theyre fun to mess around in. I use this truck for a beach vehicle to drive down the islands, so it sees it's fair share of salt, but nothing like you guys got up north.

 

[JonnyTahoe]

What is this behind the passenger air bag? Do I need this?

View attachment 280799

Looks like the Amp for the stereo. Mine was much lower but they may of changed the location in '02.

 

[JonnyTahoe]

What is this behind the passenger air bag? Do I need this?

View attachment 280799

This was my 2000 Tahoe.

 

[JonnyTahoe]

2 hours after work just to get through the stuff I know by heart. Got to drop the steering column and then the front comes off.
I was pleasantly surprised that off you plug certain things back in it'll still runs and drive like this.
Also, found an after market gps system in there I didn't know was on it.

View attachment 280798

Were the stereo plugs and wires all cut up from the last owner ?

 

[02Z71Raven]

Were the stereo plugs and wires all cut up from the last owner ?

Nah that was totally me. I removed all the factory stereo equipment, just didn't take out all the wire from the amp out to the doors or cargo. The amp was in that lower spot where yours was. The unit I took the photo of is above there, but idk what it goes to yet. I'll have trace the wires or run the part number once I get it out.

Edit: I think what you're seeing is actually wiring for other stuff. The stereo wires are all gone. I ran all new wiring for the sound system, but I replaced the rear stereo controls and tape deck with led light switches and cig lighters and USB ports.

 

[02Z71Raven]

Replaced tape deck with led switches

 

[JonnyTahoe]

Nah that was totally me. I removed all the factory stereo equipment, just didn't take out all the wire from the amp out to the doors or cargo. The amp was in that lower spot where yours was. The unit I took the photo of is above there, but idk what it goes to yet. I'll have trace the wires or run the part number once I get it out.

Edit: I think what you're seeing is actually wiring for other stuff. The stereo wires are all gone. I ran all new wiring for the sound system, but I replaced the rear stereo controls and tape deck with led light switches and cig lighters and USB ports.

I figured it was not the amp it is much bigger. Must be for some other electronic options your Z71 has that a base Tahoe does not. Will have a P/N on it for sure hopefully it's still on it.

 

[swathdiver]

If I needed to replace the foam, any thoughts on products to use to do that?

Not yet, It's on my list of things to ponder and over-think but way down on it!