2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 **NEW SETUP 05/15**

[foxtrot5]

Update: New setup starts on page 4.


So I now take credit for this install, I've been going through and fixing things as I find them from when a local company did the initial install. The wiring still leave something to be desired but it's a lot better than it was.


Vehicle: 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 single cab


Equipment (lights): Whelen Avenger R/R x3


Axixtech MS6 R x2


Axixtech SLED4 R x2 (removed for now, probably going on an intersection bracket)


911EP TD/WL 36 R/A/R x1


SOS Undercover LAWs R x2 W x4


AWL Venom R/R x1


Whelen 600 Series Linear LED R x2


Equipment (Siren/controller): Federal Signal SS2000SS


SVP Cyclone 100 Watt x2


Equipment (Radio): None yet


Equipment (Other): BLS bag stocked mostly for initial treatment of trauma.


The truck was initially equipped with a Dual Avenger in R/R and nothing else... that sucked. I then had a local shop do an install of the Avenger, TD/WL 36, SS2000SS, LAWs, and Axixtech lights. The lights looked great but the actual install sucked (see here for details). Since then I got 2 additional R/R Avengers for the back window, re-worked the wiring, and just last night installed my AWL Venom. The Venom install was very challenging because the headliner on this truck is supermegaultraglued to the roof along the windshield or something and the universal brackets that come with the Venom do not fit around the gigantic mounting post for the sun visor on it. Also, the mounting holes for the center most portion of each side were about 5" off from where they needed to be so I had to drill new ones (it's really scary drilling into a brand new light, especially so close to the actual LED modules). With all being said and done now I think it looks pretty awesome and as soon as I figure out how to upload videos I'll put one up. For now, photos to appease you!


Questions, comments, concerns, suggestions are appreciated and welcome.


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[foxtrot5]

As for the Venom review:


Tom and AWL in general are top notch in my book. Sure they don't have the brand name of the big3 but they stand behind their products and are always willing to help out.


The venom arrived very neatly packaged with a clear shipping label and included 2-3 business cards (which have already been distributed at the FD). Inside the package was adequate shipping materials to protect the unit from any but the most severe of drops. All the pieces for the mounting brackets were bagged together and included. The instructions available online were simple to understand. Installing it was very easy even though the universal brackets weren't universal enough for my truck. My only complaint was the quality of the included cigar plug, it just felt very cheap to me and is the only accessory plug to EVER give my problems when plugged in to my outlet, I had to jimmy it around a bit before it made solid contact and the light stayed on for testing. Overall I'd highly recommend the Venom to anyone who needs an interior bar!


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Yes, my cat's tail is crooked, he was born like that.


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[foxtrot5]

Video of my truck.


If this link doesn't work please let me know, my crappy little netbook doesn't like youtube so I had to upload the video elsewhere.

 

[Tlauden]

Nice!! Arent you worried about busting the two lights on the bed rail?? I like where they are but seem if you forget they are there while loading stuff...


Looks good though!!

 

[foxtrot5]

Nice!! Arent you worried about busting the two lights on the bed rail?? I like where they are but seem if you forget they are there while loading stuff...

Looks good though!!

So far I haven't had any issues other than having to be a bit more picky about my tie downs since part of the tie down point is blocked by the bracket. Also, I don't really use the truck to haul too much on any regular basis so on the rare occasions that I do need to load it I just take my time and be careful.


I was considering putting an additional 2 (one on each) TD/WL-36 on each rail but thought that that WOULD get in the way and probably look pretty tacky too.

 

[Storm4200]

So far I haven't had any issues other than having to be a bit more picky about my tie downs since part of the tie down point is blocked by the bracket. Also, I don't really use the truck to haul too much on any regular basis so on the rare occasions that I do need to load it I just take my time and be careful.

I was considering putting an additional 2 (one on each) TD/WL-36 on each rail but thought that that WOULD get in the way and probably look pretty tacky too.

please dont do that

 

[foxtrot5]

please dont do that

yeah, I changed my mind on that one when I really thought about it. I don't do NEARLY enough to scene and/or traffic control to warrant having to direction bars on the side of my vehicle. Maybe if I was Fire Police or something like that...

 

[Eric1249]

Looks good. Good choice on patters. I would get rid of the light below the RVM. There is too much in the front window. just my .02. I think the light below the RVM is brighter but the AWL has a larger footprint.

 

[foxtrot5]

Looks good. Good choice on patters. I would get rid of the light below the RVM. There is too much in the front window. just my .02. I think the light below the RVM is brighter but the AWL has a larger footprint.

The dual Avenger? I thought about getting rid of it, but it's the only linear light I have up front and being centered on the windshield like that makes it look awesome on dual steady burn.

 

[Eric1249]

The dual Avenger? I thought about getting rid of it, but it's the only linear light I have up front and being centered on the windshield like that makes it look awesome on dual steady burn.

I agree the steady burn looks good. I think it would just make it look cleaner. Just my .02. Having a standard cab and not having that second side window really limits where you can mount lide lights


Would that Ghosts on the hood fit anywhere on the sides?

 

[foxtrot5]

There's a slight gap between the black part of the front bumper and the forward body panel, might be able to squeeze them in there.

 

[Eric1249]

I can be pretty anal. Have you ever heard of Hot Toppers? They make all kinds of cover for nuts and bolts. They were made for Harleys. I have them on the brush guard of my truck and my grill lights. I am sure there are other brands out there. I would put them over the bolts on the visor light. I can take apic of them if you want?


I like the visor lights. I just wish they would make a shroud that pops over all the brackets. It would look a lot cleaner and it might help you from getting scalped.

 

[foxtrot5]

I can be pretty anal. Have you ever heard of Hot Toppers? They make all kinds of cover for nuts and bolts. They were made for Harleys. I have them on the brush guard of my truck and my grill lights. I am sure there are other brands out there. I would put them over the bolts on the visor light. I can take apic of them if you want?

I like the visor lights. I just wish they would make a shroud that pops over all the brackets. It would look a lot cleaner and it might help you from getting scalped.

I think I know what you're talking about and yeah I'm planning on doing something about those bolts but this was kind of a quick fix thing to just get it in there. I really just need to get off my ass and go buy shorter bolts but they're such a PITA to put on and/or take off.


The whole install would look a lot cleaner if the mounts for the sun-visor weren't a square foot each... OK so they're not that big but they're bigger than the supplied bracket could handle.


Now, anyone have any oppinions on putting something like linear 600 series in the grill? Pretty much directly below where the current lights are now, but I'd remove those and put them on a 10-75 bracket or something similar.

 

[pdk9]

I like it. I think the steady burn looks cool, but only on a single head (it looks a bit awk to me personally seeing a dual head on steady burn)...have you thought about changing to the pattern where both sides flash slowly simultaneously? I had a single talon in my last setup flash slowly and it was bright as F@#K (and complimented the rapid flashing dual talon very well IMHO). other than that, nice 360. i would say something intersection (i.e. MS6 in between the fender and the front bumper) would be a nice addition, but you got everything covered and certainly don't need anymore rear or front warning

 

[acala91]

I like the steady burn on the dual Avenger. I suggest you move the Ghosts on the hood to the front sides for intersection protection, and move the Avenger in the windshield onto the dash to give a little bit more room between the visor bar and it. The hood/windshield area is kinda busy as is, and by going off the video it seems that the Avenger kinda drowns out the Venom bar. The pattern on the venom bar is kind of slow for the front, I would change it to one of the faster back and forth patterns that it does. As for 600 series, I think they are a bit big for a grill light on a half ton pickup. A 500 series LIN6 would be perfect IMO, or if your wanted to get fancy you could use a dual color nForce or a surface mount intersector.

 

[MEVS06]

Nice truck, I would say go for some 700's instead of the 600's. Lower the steady red avenger to the dash as already suggested. Didnt you get your siren from me a while back... hmmmm

 

[foxtrot5]

I like it. I think the steady burn looks cool, but only on a single head (it looks a bit awk to me personally seeing a dual head on steady burn)...have you thought about changing to the pattern where both sides flash slowly simultaneously? I had a single talon in my last setup flash slowly and it was bright as F@#K (and complimented the rapid flashing dual talon very well IMHO). other than that, nice 360. i would say something intersection (i.e. MS6 in between the fender and the front bumper) would be a nice addition, but you got everything covered and certainly don't need anymore rear or front warning

I tried a slow flash on the dual avenger but without the ability to sync everything it just looked wrong to me. I'm the only one I know of in my area that runs steady red so I kinda like that it's really "big" and bright. Most of the guys on my department love their splitfailed lights to death...

I like the steady burn on the dual Avenger. I suggest you move the Ghosts on the hood to the front sides for intersection protection, and move the Avenger in the windshield onto the dash to give a little bit more room between the visor bar and it. The hood/windshield area is kinda busy as is, and by going off the video it seems that the Avenger kinda drowns out the Venom bar. The pattern on the venom bar is kind of slow for the front, I would change it to one of the faster back and forth patterns that it does. As for 600 series, I think they are a bit big for a grill light on a half ton pickup. A 500 series LIN6 would be perfect IMO, or if your wanted to get fancy you could use a dual color nForce or a surface mount intersector.

Problem with putting it on the dash is output is cut due to the hood and wipers, plus it's a HUGE PITA to re-run the wires. The Avenger appears brighter because the Venom is pushing through a strip of tint (not sure how dark) and I selected the slowest full Left, full Right pattern I could find on it because I wanted the big slow footprint a TIR style interior bar is best for (IMHO).

Nice truck, I would say go for some 700's instead of the 600's. Lower the steady red avenger to the dash as already suggested. Didnt you get your siren from me a while back... hmmmm

I'm still messing with the grill light idea, and quite possibly although I can't remember right now. If it was you, thanks! It's served me well so far! :thumbsup:

 

[DJIceman97]

I agree, move the Avenger down. But other than that, it looks great! My buddies are getting the Venom and I'm getting the linear bar. Tom's a great guy to work with on a purchase!

 

[foxtrot5]

I agree, move the Avenger down. But other than that, it looks great! My buddies are getting the Venom and I'm getting the linear bar. Tom's a great guy to work with on a purchase!

The way the wire is run, I'd have do a lot of work to simply move the avenger so it stays where it's at.

 

[foxtrot5]

Some people asked about the rear bar so here's some additional photos. I set the bar to steady-burn for better viewing.


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[foxtrot5]

Well tonight I decided I didn't like the TIR4s where they are on the grille so I was going to move them behind the grille.... NOPE instead I drilled a damn hole in my AC Condenser! Now everyone please feel free to tell me how stupid I am... :duh:

 

[julietbravosierra]

Some people asked about the rear bar so here's some additional photos. I set the bar to steady-burn for better viewing.

I like the rear bar setup with the avengers down below bro. Looks good.

 

[Flashguy]

Good news is it's cold outside, bad news...that'll cost ya!

 

[acala91]

Well tonight I decided I didn't like the TIR4s where they are on the grille so I was going to move them behind the grille.... NOPE instead I drilled a damn hole in my AC Condenser! Now everyone please feel free to tell me how stupid I am... :duh:

:haha: :bonk:

 

[remote_medic]

Been there, done that


http://elightbars.org/forums/f24/what-did-i-just-break-29862/

 

[foxtrot5]

So, how would 600 series w/ red lenses look instead of the TIR4 grill lights I have now?


Should they be mounted behind the grill or on it?

 

[strobecrazy]

I vote for the outside of grille.

 

[dawson75]

That interior bar can barely get through the top tint on the windshield. sometimes its better to spend a few more bucks. remember your life and someone elses life depends on if people can see the lights. spend a little now or a lot later.


just my .02 cents


Dan

 

[strobecrazy]

That interior bar can barely get through the top tint on the windshield. sometimes its better to spend a few more bucks. remember your life and someone elses life depends on if people can see the lights. spend a little now or a lot later.

just my .02 cents


Dan

Do you own one? Have you seen one in person? Just because it isn't brand name doesn't mean it isn't bright.

 

[fng605]

Do you own one? Have you seen one in person? Just because it isn't brand name doesn't mean it isn't bright.

Nice setup. If it were me, the flash pattern on the Venom light would be the flash to steady burn (like your side warning). It would offset the wig-wag pattern of your grill lights and the flash of the ghosts. My only concern is how much glare do you get off the windows at night? I was surprised the headliner had so much glare off the dash. Overall, a nice setup for sure.


B.F.


Illinois

 

[FollowingNFront]

Hows the flashback with the venom?

 

[foxtrot5]

Nice setup. If it were me, the flash pattern on the Venom light would be the flash to steady burn (like your side warning). It would offset the wig-wag pattern of your grill lights and the flash of the ghosts. My only concern is how much glare do you get off the windows at night? I was surprised the headliner had so much glare off the dash. Overall, a nice setup for sure.


B.F.


Illinois

Hows the flashback with the venom?

The flashback really isn't that bad for me at least. I've never been bothered by anything but the worst flashback. I could probably scoot the Venom forward a hair and reduce the flashback but I don't see the need.


The truck clears traffic on normal roadways without an issue but clearing intersections is still tough so I'm thinking when I pull the TIR-4s from the grill to put them onto a 10-75 bracket.

 

[Storm4200]

Instead of red 600s, can I recommend the M6s instead? The pair of m6s that I have blows any 600 I have ever seen, out of the water. If you're going to mount them to the front of the grill, the off-axis on the M6 is unparalleled.

 

[foxtrot5]

Instead of red 600s, can I recommend the M6s instead? The pair of m6s that I have blows any 600 I have ever seen, out of the water. If you're going to mount them to the front of the grill, the off-axis on the M6 is unparalleled.

As much as I'd love to use M6s I picked up the 600s for a heck of a deal and I really can't splurge on M6s right now.

 

[foxtrot5]

So, I decided that having TIR4s in the grill just wasn't cutting it. A bigger vehicle needs bigger lights so I searched for a deal and found one (thanks grfd711!) on 2x Whelen 600 series linear LEDs. Bonus points for having colored lenses!


Spent from about 2am until just now wiring everything up, taking out the old grill lights and putting these in. Thanks to TritonBoulder47 for the tip about mounting them with toggle bolts. I used 1/8" diameter bolts that were 2.5" long and they worked flawlessly leaving only a tiny bit of "spare" threads on the back of the toggle.


Now, for the ever important pictures, please note these will be accompanied by daytime shots once it actually becomes daytime.


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[foxtrot5]

Oh, and Boulder... my grill lights actually work!

 

[foxtrot5]

And.... daylight photos now that the sun is up!


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[Storm4200]

Oh, and Boulder... my grill lights actually work!

Prove it!

 

[DJIceman97]

No offense, the grille lights look goofy on the outside...is there any way you can mount it on the inside of the grille?

 

[acala91]

I'd keep them outside to take advantage of the off axis warning they give.