A few upgrade questions from a base model owner

[deduncan]

Well,

 

I purchased an '02 base model Silverado 2 weeks ago.  So far I've figured out a few things that I would like to upgrade:

 

Fog Lamps

Center Console seat

Overhead console

2 button dome light

Escalade Guages

Flowmaster 40 series exhaust

Tires and wheels (undecided on style and size)

Bed Rails

Nerf Bars

Brush Guard

2500 Series Hood

Tahoe Chrome Grille

 

 

Most of these upgrades I have found information for in this forum, but a few I haven't seen anything yet, so I thought I'd ask...

 

Has anyone done the fog light install?  Is it difficult?  Why do I need to have the computer programmed to use them? And if anyone has the P/N for the kit, that'd be most helpful.

 

As for the center seat area.  I currently have the base design where the center seat is just that; a seat.  I'd like to upgrade it to the next step above where the center seat can fold down into a console/armrest.  I was curious about a couple of things.  The front seat on my rig is not a bench, per say, but it has that feel/look.  The seats move independantly.  If I were to upgrade the center area to the console/seat, would I need to replace the whole front seat area, or just the center piece?  Do they have this piece available in the charcoal grey color? Also, would anyone, by chance, have the part number for the center piece upgrade?

 

Lastly, would anyone have the part number for the overhead console?  Mine didn't come with it.  If anyone has installed one of these on a base model, is it difficult?  What steps are involved.

 

 

Thanks for all of your help!!!!

 

Dave from Idaho

[deduncan]

I guess I should tell you a little bit about the truck .  It's a base model silverado ext cab, short bed, 4X4, 4.8Ltr V8.  It has the polished aluminum 16in wheels, and the side panel body molding.  It was a dealer special that I got for $21,999 with 63 miles on it.  Figured it was a pretty good deal, and I could upgrade it to do what I want with it.  Oh yeah...it's red

[pipermaru9]

I did the factory foglight install ( I liked the factory look), and it's fairly simple, the kit I got came with the switch, lights and wiring. You will have to have the dealer program the truck so that it "knows" it has fog lights. My dealer did mine for nothing. One warning, after you have the truck programmed, make sure you test your keyless entry remote, mine didn't work after reprogramming for the fog lights.

 

The part# is 12495928 for the kit I got.

[bluelab]

pipermaru9 said it all and after reprogramming my keyless entry did not work either.

[SilveradoWV]

First of all its not a "base" truck if it has the shiney wheels and trim, I think it has the exterior appearance package. Although it is categorized as a base truck. So it looks like a standard LS on the outside! Correct me If I am wrong guys. I know that my truck is a "base" and it has the painted steel wheels and no trim (Nice Clean Look) just my opinion though. Back to the seat deal, dont know if this will help or not, but the center seat comes completely out in my '02 reg cab, just unbolt both the driver and passenger seat and maybe a few bolts on the center seat (not for sure) then it lifts right out! Making it like buckets, and therefore easy to do your own thing with a custom console or a factory one if it fits the same!!

[Shaners]

Check out Jon's site.  He is a moderator here and if he didn't do the mods to his base model truck, then he probably at least looked into them.  Check out his site.

 

Chevy4x4trucks

[RyanbabZ71]

check out the link in my sig for pics of my grill guard (go rhino)

 

I really like it

[chevy4x4trucks]

Like shane said, hit up my site for lots of info on some good base model upgrades.  A good idea is to just be on the lookout for those LS and LT guys that are getting rid of there old CD players, rims, etc... when they upgrade to some new stuff.  That's one of the easiest ways to do it.  Other than that, if you have the big "Chevrolet" sticker on the tailgate remove that immediately.

 

If you want to swap in the center console seat you may hit a snafu.  Look at my site, and if your interior matches mine you will hit some problems because that fabric is partial to basemodels.

[chevy4x4trucks]

As for the overhead console, hit up ebay, you can get them for about 50-80 bucks (make sure it matches your interior).  The same console is used in the 88-98 trucks as well, so go for those.  All the mounting stuff and wiring harness' are there.  For further help on this drop jason pendlum of JP Customs an email [email protected]

[deduncan]

Wow, guys...

 

This is exactly what I was looking for.  And Jon, your site is going to be my bible.  I'll make sure to remove the big "CHEVROLET" sticker that runs the width of my tailgate.  I'm planning on picking up the "Chevrolet" raised emblem along with the "Silverado" emblem.  I was considering that center console that went all the way under the dash, but I thought that the 4WD shifter would get in the way.  I guess I'll probably have to drop you an email.  My interior is identical in color and appearance to how yours used to look.  Did you have to buy anything besides the console and the carpet?  And did you have to relocate the 4X4 shifter?

 

Again, I REALLY appreciate all of your guys' help.  I've got a lot of modifications ahead of me, so I know you'll see me peekin' in from time-to-time.

[MountaineerTom]

Again, I REALLY appreciate all of your guys' help.  I've got a lot of modifications ahead of me, so I know you'll see me peekin' in from time-to-time.

And a lot of fun.      At least it would be for me.  

[GnatGoSplat]

Your truck sounds exactly like mine, except mine is black.

I haven't done anything except the foglights.

The foglights were $83-shipped from GM Parts Direct.  You might try contacting Dal Slabaugh about it, his prices might be cheaper with shipping.  He's pretty busy and might be backlogged a bit though (I was in a hurry which is why I went with GMPD).

I've heard the factory foglights suck as far as foglights go, but I think they're the best looking because they look factory and have that cool jewelled look.  They really don't seem to be too effective in my experience, so if serious foglights are what you want, you might consider getting the PIAA foglight/airdam combo.  If you want them for looks, definitely go factory.

 

Having your BCM reprogrammed will cost $60.  That's how much it was at every dealership I called.  This needs to be done, because the foglight switch is a momentary "soft" switch that doesn't lock into place.  It's connected to the BCM, and the BCM itself controls the foglights.  I don't like the way the factory foglights work anyway - they "reset" back to off everytime you turn off the ignition, so I went to Radio Shack and bought a 4013 chip for $1.27 and built a circuit that works with the factory foglight switch.  I installed it into the BCM so no modification was done to the factory wiring.  Pretty nice setup IMO, as now the foglight settings are "remembered".  I will post that schematic and pictures at some point so those who are skilled with soldering can build it.

 

I have seen an aftermarket folding center seat for $250 on Ebay.  It says the pattern on the seat matches that of the base model fabric.  If this is within your budget, let me know if you can't find it and I'll see if I can find it.

[deduncan]

Gnat,

 

Actually, that folding seat is exactly what I'm looking for.  Since my wife & I will be having children shortly, that center seat will be useful, but it will be nice to have the console available when no one is riding in the center seat.  If you have ANY information on it at all, please let me know.  I'll pick one up as soon as I can get the P/N or find someone selling them with the factory charcoal/grey fabric at a reasonable price.

[GnatGoSplat]

This should be what you're looking for:

Ebay Link

[pipermaru9]

I agree with Shawn, the factory lights are not intended to be a "power" light. The are just for looks and they look good.