Kit is installed

chevy4x4trucks · December 2, 2001

Well you guys wanted the pics of the install and to know how it went and here goes. I'll throw a few pics on here, but I've got a bunch more pics and info on my site, I figure there's no sense in reposting it all. But, the kit worked great, no problems at all and IMO it looks good too. I'm still reaching for the volume knob, but now I'm starting to use the controls more. The control the radio and the cd player, not sure about the tape deck since I haven't tried it. But, the install was great and I had it all done in about 3 and a half hours, mainly becuase I was taking pics and painted some more dash pieces. Right now I have the back of the wheel black and the two pieces that go around the steering column. Later this week I'm going to paint the bezel and the middle piece on the center console black. I decided not to leave them textured, it looks good that way. Well here are some pics and if you want more info and some painting instructions click on the link to my site.

EDZ Z71 · December 2, 2001

This is something that the Silverado has needed for a long long time. That looks good on your truck. I think I would like to do this to my truck, where did you come up with kit and how much cabbage is it gonna set me back if I decide to do it?

Keep up the good work.

chevy4x4trucks · December 2, 2001

I actually didn't make the kit, just the first one to use it. Jason Pendlum of JPcustoms.com made up the kit and a few other ones. It's only 150 dollars which seems like a lot, but it's a really nice kit and works very well.

Shaners · December 2, 2001

Looks good Jon

I'd like to have that kit on my truck, but it won't be for awhile. I'm just too busy at the moment to get involved in a big project. Although 3 1/2 hours isn't really that bad...

Hmm... maybe I should order it!!!

Kansas Kid · December 2, 2001

Looks like a pretty high quality kit to me, just looks like it belongs there. Can't say that about alot of the stuff I've seen people do to their trucks. I imagine its alot easier to use then reaching for the controls, atleast once you get used to it.

Jpshostr · December 2, 2001

Having audio controls on the dash is about the only thing I like more about my Grand Prix than any trucks I've seen. This kit looks like it works pretty well, but installation would scare me. Can an electronic moron handle it?

Then again, I don't know if it would be a good idea, I drive plenty of people crazy when they are riding with me and I constantly switch radio stations. Now with the controls on the wheel its gotten worse.

Kansas Kid · December 2, 2001

This kit looks like it works pretty well, but installation would scare me. Can an electronic moron handle it?

I think I could handle the electronics part, but what about getting the steering wheel off? Seems like with the airbag it might be a tedious (sp) thing...

Then again, I don't know if it would be a good idea, I drive plenty of people crazy when they are riding with me and I constantly switch radio stations. Now with the controls on the wheel its gotten worse.

You sound like me. I change my radio stations all the time when driving. No way I'm going to listen to a song I can't stand. I'm sure this would make me change stations every song. LOL

chevy4x4trucks · December 3, 2001

I was a bit apprehensive about the removal of the wheel and air bag, but that took maybe a half hour of the install. The air bag is held on by two clips and pops off very easily. And the steering wheel can be removed w/ a steering wheel puller. It's not really as complicated as it seems. If you look at the third pic I posted on the left middle of the air bag there is a metal spike poking out and a matching one on the other side, those are the clips that hold it in and you just pop those w/ a flathead screwdriver and the air bag will release.

As for the wiring part, you just plug in the controls to the new harness and the 4 wires that connect to your radio are simple. You do 3 of them w/ a wire splice and the other one plugs into the stereo harness. It doesn't really take much wiring at all and I don't have a lot of wiring experience, but it seemed very simple, I think my little sister could do it (not that I'd let her). It's all just taking your time and laying things out carefully.

Shaners · December 3, 2001

Looks like a pretty high quality kit to me, just looks like it belongs there. Can't say that about alot of the stuff I've seen people do to their trucks. I imagine its alot easier to use then reaching for the controls, atleast once you get used to it.

Kyle I believe that is the factory GM part for the Denali and Escalade

pacodiablo · December 3, 2001

i like using the regular controls, but thas a neat kit

brmiller · December 3, 2001

chevy4x4: Awesome! Nice kit! Me wants one.

Serious, I told my wife, "Yeah, and he took the airbag off and everything!" That was the first thing I thought of when I saw your post, but glad it all worked out fine and was straight-forward. I guess I've only heard airbag horror stories when it comes to aftermarket or "user-servicing".

Brendan

djames · December 3, 2001

With the Av's and the Silverado having the same interior, I'm guessing these are compatable? And I'm guessing this project would come with full instructions for us idiots that don't own our own shop? Who do we need to contact to pick one of these bad boys up?

alsz71 · December 3, 2001

Nice looking kit ! Might have to git me one of them there.

Shaners · December 3, 2001

With the Av's and the Silverado having the same interior, I'm guessing these are compatable? And I'm guessing this project would come with full instructions for us idiots that don't own our own shop? Who do we need to contact to pick one of these bad boys up?

Here is where you get one...

JPCustoms

chevy4x4trucks · December 3, 2001

Yeah, it's about a 20 page instruction book that comes w/ it and everything you need (except tools) is included. I would email jason pendlum about the Avy to be on the safe side, but I think it would work. Yes, these are the controls that come off of the Cadillac Escalade and since our trucks are pretty much interchangable that's why they can be integrated into the silverado's. They are nice to have. The only times that I touch the radio now is to switch from cd to radio or vice versa.

Removing the air bag was actually no big deal and I was a little worried at first, but the more I looked at the instructions I gained confidence in what I was doing. Hey, if any of you are around Milwaukee, I'd be glad to help you put it in. It was actually a lot of fun. I had one of my buddies helping me with it, just putting parts on the workbench and handing me tools, reading instructions. But, it looks like it could be done w/ just one person.