I want to modify my Avalanche?

[Avalanche]

I've had my Avalanche for about three weeks and have been wondering what I can put in some of those empty spaces on the dash and overhead console. I've decided to put a cassette player in the cubbyhole in front of the cupholders and a rear seat audio control console in the cubbyhole above the rear-seat cupholders. If you haven't noticed this yet, the Avalanche has the same console as the Tahoe. In the Avalanche, that little empty overhead space that looks like it fits sunglasses is actually the rear air conditioning console in the Tahoe. Anybody know what else I can put in there? Any suggestions on who is selling aftermarket Electronics components for the Avalanche? The truck is so new that I can't find anyone online to suggest how to utilize that dead space.

[RyanbabZ71]

sorry to be off topic but i was wondering what kinda shocks came with your av? Bilstein? If so how do you like em?

 

[jpendlum]

I have a few ideas on my website, but you could always put the Escalade gauge cluster in. I'm installing rear fog lights with a factory switch in the empty space in the dash right now, I should have pics up soon.

You might want to check as the Tahoes with rear audio controls don't have the a/c vents on the center console. I've been wanting to do that to my Silverado for a while, but can't figure out if it's worth getting rid of the rear vents.

I have the picture that breaks down the assembly of the center console with the rear audio controls if you'd like me to email you a copy. I have part numbers for the stuff too. If you want to do it, it's going to cost you about ? just in parts from GMPD.

[Avalanche]

RyanbabZ71:

I don't recall the brand name of the shocks, but quite frankly, the shocks in the Avalanche Z71 package are about the best feature overall. They're remarkably smoothe. We have a lot of pothole problems here in Houston, TX, especially after the recent flooding, so driving on the average road is like driving in mild off-road conditions, so I get to appreciate my shocks quite frequently. My wife has been shopping for an SUV (both cars were destroyed by tropical storm Allison), so I've had the chance to drive almost all of them. Those hard shocks in the Nissan Xterra or Jeep Liberty are absolutely pathetic compared to the Avalanche. You really appreciate the shocks when you go over railroad tracks too. No need to slow down anymore. Incidentally, hard turns at slow speeds are also very comfortable. You don't get that disquieting heavy lean you usually find in soft shocks. Overall, they get an A+.

[Avalanche]

Jpendlum,

Fog lights are dfinitely going to be installed once my Chevy dealer gets around to putting the luggage rack on. That's an interesting observation about the lack of vents in the Tahoe if rear seat audio controls are installed. That's a bummer if I can't have both in the Avalanche.

Any ideas on what to install in the empty space in the overhead console besides rear seat a/c controls? It looks ugly with nothing in there but an empty cavity and it doesn't store sunglasses very effectively.

[jpendlum]

Hey Avalanche, I've seen all your posts on the forum and noticed you bought the luggage roof rack. Once you get it installed, I'd like to see some pics. I bet it looks tough with it on.

I'm finding it harder and harder to wait and get one next year. Still love my 2000 Silvy, but wouldn't think twice about trading her in. Knowing GM though makes me wait til the next production year. I'd like to see what things hold up and what doesn't in the real world test.

One thing I wonder is about washing it. It seems there is a lot of little places that could hold dirt. I'm a freak about cleaning my silvy and could only imagine the time it would take me to clean an Avalanche. I'll find out first hand soon enough, but what do you think about it? Is it difficult to clean?

Also, what is under the grate next to the diagonal supports on the back? I haven't been able to climb up there and see what  they're for.

As for the place in the OHC. You might wait and see what they come out with over the next few months. I was thinking maybe the controls for either a changer (being that you could mount them in a plate that looks factory) or controls for a DVD roof mounted screen. One other thing I wouldn't mind having in my truck is something I saw in a new Envoy. It's a voice recorder. I can't remember how it was mounted, but I know some other auto makers offer this option. If you could get the module/component, you may be able to work up a nice looking mount and install it in the OHC.

I'll keep thinking and get back to you if I come up with more stuff.

jason

[USRobo]

Do they make a pad for the console of the Avalanche? I like to rest my arm on the console lid but since it is indented doesn't appear to be very comfortable.

Quote: from Avalanche on 11:11 am on July 19, 2001

I've had my Avalanche for about three weeks and have been wondering what I can put in some of those empty spaces on the dash and overhead console. I've decided to put a cassette player in the cubbyhole in front of the cupholders and a rear seat audio control console in the cubbyhole above the rear-seat cupholders. If you haven't noticed this yet, the Avalanche has the same console as the Tahoe. In the Avalanche, that little empty overhead space that looks like it fits sunglasses is actually the rear air conditioning console in the Tahoe. Anybody know what else I can put in there? Any suggestions on who is selling aftermarket Electronics components for the Avalanche? The truck is so new that I can't find anyone online to suggest how to utilize that dead space.

 

[76BBSub]

Good point about the console, I had the same problem on my '99 GMC.  It had fold-down armrests built into the seats, so I worked around it, but it would have been nice to have the console at least flat on top.

Jeff

[Avalanche]

Jpendlum,

No need for both of us to get old and gray waiting for my roof rack. Take a look at what Chevy did for their concept avalanche. The lights they use are kinda puny. I'm thinking of higher candlepower, yellow, box-like fog lights.

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/reviews/20...irst_drive.html

[Avalanche]

USRobo,

No idea about padding for the armrest. I use the armrest for the captain's chairs - I hope you bought those too or you're in for some discomfort. There ought to be more padding for resting the left arm on the door too. I find myself putting my left elbow on the windowsill, which isn't exactly the height of comfort. A left arm on the driver's captain's chair would solve that, but I think it would hinder the side airbags. Incidentally, folks, don't buy seat covers until you're sure they won't conflict with the airbags. I almost bought a set at Wal Mart until I read the fine print.