2001 Chevy Silverado *update July, 2012*

[Alex]

**Newest photos / videos towards the bottom**


This thread will document my build progress:


2001 Chevy Silverado Z71 5.3L v8


Update July, 2012:





Code 3 Grille Lights removed and replaced with Whelen LIN3s & Whelen Vertexs.


Plasti-Dip'd Emblems, Rear Bumper, and Wheels.


Equipment installed as of July, 2012:


x2 Whelen Vertex (Clear/Clear) DRL housing


x2 Whelen LIN3 (Red/Red) Grille


x2 Strobes N' More E series HAW (Red/Red) Rear Brake Lights


Kenwood TK-7160 VHF Mobile


Federal Signal 3-Switch Panel w/ LED Rockers


Go Rhino 3000 Series StepGuard


Plasti-Dip Emblems, Rear Bumper, and Wheels


As she sits today, July 2012:





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Update January, 2011:


Whelen TIR3s removed and replaced by Strobes N' More E Series HAW in Red/Red installed in rear brake lights.


Equipment installed as of January, 2011:


x2 Code3 45R Perimeter LEDs (Red/Red) Grille


x2 Strobes N' More E series HAW (Red/Red) Rear Brake Lights


Kenwood TK-7160 VHF Mobile


Federal Signal 3-Switch Panel w/ LED Rockers


Go Rhino 3000 Series StepGuard


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Update December, 2010:


Code3 LEDx Dual LEDs removed and replaced by Code3 Perimeter Red/Red LEDs behind the grille


Go Rhino 3000 Series StepGuard installed


Equipment installed as of December, 2010:


x2 Code3 45R Perimeter LEDs (Red/Red) Grille


x2 Whelen TIRs (Red/Blue) on LP bracket


Kenwood TK-7160 VHF Mobile


Federal Signal 3-Switch Panel w/ LED Rockers


Go Rhino 3000 Series StepGuard


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Update June, 2010:


Equipment installed as of June, 2010:


x2 Code3 Dual LEDx (Red/Blue) behind grille


x2 Whelen TIRs (Red/Blue) on LP bracket


x1 FireBall (Red) - Just for kicks


Kenwood TK-7160 VHF Mobile


Federal Signal 3-Switch Panel w/ LED Rockers


As she sat after her initial outfitting June, 2010:











Just for fun...

 

[Station 3]

I like it

 

[Luismariadarlene]

Looks good

 

[MEMS-LT]

I say keep the fireball, a little old school never hurts.

 

[Alex]

Not much progress made in the last few days. The temperature has been in the triple digits, so I've been working on my truck after my late swing shift in the early morning hours.


Painted my home depot brackets black for the Code 3 LEDx in the grill. Installed the sho-me flasher and finished up the wiring behind the grill. I am still waiting on my UTM4 to sell so I can order a hands free siren and complete the install.


Whelen TIR3s have been installed on the LP bracket, I am just waiting on my plates from the MVD to arrive to install.

 

[Alex]

More progress to my install. The only thing I have yet to install is a siren.


I removed the factory cassette player from the center console and replaced with my kenwood radio. It was almost a perfect fit, just slid right into place.





I have a basic switch panel installed below the radio mic that controls the vehicle lighting. Also my cheap ebay Iphone holder is attached using double sided tape.





My first NMO antenna install. It was much simpler to install than I imagined it would be.





If I had to do it again, I would have taken the time to drop the headliner and position the antenna more forward to make it stand up straight. Oh well, it doesn't look bad at all.





The TIR3s are mounted on a license plate bracket to the rear.








Finally, here are some videos shot from my iphone.

 

[nerdly_dood]

del

 

[StriketheBox]

Where did you get the iphone holder?? I have been looking for one for my touch forever now!!!!

 

[Alex]

Where did you get the iphone holder?? I have been looking for one for my touch forever now!!!!

From ebay seller: http://myworld.ebay.com/the_yorxster


Its a pretty simple, cheap, and effective option with the exception that you can't use any sort of protective case while in the holder.

 

[medicandy]

looks good.

 

[dcfrmp255]

where did you get the console?

 

[pdk9]

I removed the factory cassette player from the center console and replaced with my kenwood radio. It was almost a perfect fit, just slid right into place.

looks great there!.


i really think the black grill light brackets look a lot better. have u thought about moving some of the grill LEDs around so that it's all blue on one side and all red on the other side?...instead of the x-pattern, i think that i larger footprint would look better, imho (i.e. both blue LEDs on the left side flash --> both red LEDs on the right flash).

 

[Alex]

where did you get the console?

That is the stock center console for the 2001 Silverado. I know there are some listed on ebay.

looks great there!.

i really think the black grill light brackets look a lot better. have u thought about moving some of the grill LEDs around so that it's all blue on one side and all red on the other side?...instead of the x-pattern, i think that i larger footprint would look better, imho (i.e. both blue LEDs on the left side flash --> both red LEDs on the right flash).

Thanks!


The LEDs are the Code 3 LEDx Dual Stacked, so I couldn't move the colors around. I have since replaced those with a solid red/red code 3 LED. (I never felt comfortable running blue to the front even though it was allowed here, must be the Wisconsin blood in me). Pictures and video to be updated shortly.


I still want to add something to the taillights at some point.

 

[Alex]

Here are the updated photos of the grill & a video.

 

[RMBROWN]

Still like the setup man but what did u do with the fireball?

 

[AZEMT]

Good lookin' truck. Who are you running with out there in Queen Creek?

 

[SilveradoPOV]

Truck looks good,kind of like my setup.Simple is better

 

[Alex]

Still like the setup man but what did u do with the fireball?

It is laying around someplace in the cab. I really only use it by throwing up on the roof when a helicopter is looking for my location. Easy true 360 light that can be seen from the air.

 

[Alex]

Good lookin' truck. Who are you running with out there in Queen Creek?

With Regional Fire & Rescue Inc in the Casa Grande / Coolidge area and with PCSO S&R.

 

[Alex]

Truck looks good,kind of like my setup.Simple is better

Yup, go simple or go home! Granted, I'm not running lights & siren every often, I still prefer a simple approach.

 

[Alex]

Update Friday December 17, 2010:


Installed GoRhino 3000 series StepGuard (3093B).


Easy enough to install but I'm having a heck of a time figuring out how to install plug kig p200 to attach the top tube... maybe I'll leave it off. Other than that and some widening of some bolt holes, it just slipped right into place.

















Next will be driving and/or fog lights...

 

[cory y]

id put that upper tube in increase the strength a lil bit

 

[pdk9]

id put that upper tube in increase the strength a lil bit

i agree with you, but he probably doesn't want to at this time, since it's likely to block the grill lights

 

[cory y]

well looking at the pics it appears the crossbar would be even with or a little above the grille/hood line

 

[Alex]

I want to put it in. I'm waiting until Monday so I can contact their customer service. I just can't seem to figure it out. I have these ninja star looking things that I think need to be inside of the tube, just can't seem to get them in... Maybe I'm missing something.

 

[bigcat]

The bar looks good. Were the directions missing regarding the top tube? It is really quite easy.


Step 1: Stand the top tube on end, and position the tube connector (cup side down) over the opening.


Step 2: Position the shaft of a phillips screw driver through the center of the tube connector.


Step 3: Hold the screw driver in line with the tube, and carefully hit the end with a hammer, to drive the tube connector into the tube. (Approximately 1/4'' below the end)


Pictures removed.

 

[Alex]

The bar looks good. Were the directions missing regarding the top tube? It is really quite easy.

Step 1: Stand the top tube on end, and position the tube connector (cup side down) over the opening.


Step 2: Position the shaft of a phillips screw driver through the center of the tube connector.


Step 3: Hold the screw driver in line with the tube, and carefully hit the end with a hammer, to drive the tube connector into the tube. (Approximately 1/4'' below the end)


My next suggestion for you:

Huge thank you to you!! Those instructions defentiely were NOT included. The tube is now installed and it looks great.


BTW, I like the intersection coverage idea.. I was worried when I clicked on the link it would just be a LED installed to the side of the guard.

 

[bigcat]

No problem. Glad I could help.


I'm like you. I like my emergency equipment to be discrete. All my front lighting is behind the grille, up high on the dash, and in the light housings. You barely notice the stuff when it's not on.


I think it's funny the similarities between our trucks. I'm running a Kenwood TK-7160 as well.


You should get a backrack. I could make recommendations with that as well.

 

[Alex]

Installed today Strobes N' More's E Series Hide-a-Way LED Kit in the taillights of my truck. I used red LEDs behind the red lenses of the tail/brake light housing. Since we recieved a flip video camera for Christmas, I also took HD videos of the front of my truck. Day & Night videos posted below.

 

[NVFD612]

Alex,


I really like your setup very simple yet effective. Have you thought about putting the double stack Code 3's inside on your rear side windows/doors for some intersection coverage. I know you have the Fireball (very cool old school) but a little extra punch never hurts right. Plus did I miss something what happened to the TIR-3's from the licence plate? I didn't see them in the video...


Dennis


resQyou

 

[36TruckK]

Great pics of the radio instal in the console - I have an 01 Burb with the same console and want to remove the tape deck for a switchbox - how hard is it to remove?

 

[Alex]

Alex,

I really like your setup very simple yet effective. Have you thought about putting the double stack Code 3's inside on your rear side windows/doors for some intersection coverage. I know you have the Fireball (very cool old school) but a little extra punch never hurts right. Plus did I miss something what happened to the TIR-3's from the licence plate? I didn't see them in the video...


Dennis


resQyou

The TIR3s were sold to purchase the LAWs. Although they put out a decent punch, I didn't like having anything extra hanging off the truck. I prefer the cleaner look (other than my push bumper :thumbsup: ). Also I traded off my Code3 LEDx. I wanted a larger foot print for lighting behind the grille and I had the code3 Perimeters just sitting around. Plus I never liked running red/blue, I've always preferred red.

Great pics of the radio instal in the console - I have an 01 Burb with the same console and want to remove the tape deck for a switchbox - how hard is it to remove?

The cassette deck was easy to remove. I was lucky that my Kenwood slipped right into the stock groves left by the cassette deck. There is a simple screw preventing any back & forth movement.


I would love to run a dual radio setup at some point. When that time comes I'll be looking to remove that section of my console to find an aftermarket replacement.


Thanks for the comments. I know this is so simple (and boring) compared to the other installs on this board.

 

[36TruckK]

Simple and OEM looking is good! How did you remove the console to get to the "guts"?

 

[TritonBoulder47]

Those LAWs look great!!! :thumbsup:

 

[Falcon9]

Could you do a video of the siren> just wanted to hear how the hhs2200 sounded.

 

[Alex]

Could you do a video of the siren> just wanted to hear how the hhs2200 sounded.

wow, I don't know how I missed this in my own threat. Sorry. I don't have the HHS2200, it is on my wish list to purchase someday but not a priority.

 

[Falcon9]

wow, I don't know how I missed this in my own threat. Sorry. I don't have the HHS2200, it is on my wish list to purchase someday but not a priority.

No worries.. I misread the post and no theres no threat!! lol jks

 

[Alex]

July 2012 Update;


I used Plasti Dip to black out my badges, emblems, and rear bumper of the truck. I really like the way this product worked and it gives the look I was trying to achieve. We'll see how long it holds up. Wheels, front bumper, and grille are to be completed this week.


[Broken External Image]:http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g317/agrieger/93e0623f.jpg


[Broken External Image]:http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g317/agrieger/c660935c.jpg


To stay on topic, here are the new lights. The Code 3 LEDs were removed from the grille and replaced with Whelen LIN3s (red/red) and Whelen Vertexs (clear/clear) in the DRL housing. They are synched together and look great. I also used Rust-Oleum Lens Tint on the LIN3s to 'black' them out and remain unnoticed.

 

[MEVS06]

I really like the update. Looks real nice with the blacked out emblems.

 

[strobecrazy]

The LAWs look bright mounted there. Also +1 for the pattern.