2013 GMC Savana 3500 Overland Build

[ExpoMike]

Got some free time and good weather so did a couple projects on the van. First up was installing the Banks iDash and Pedal Monster. Since they didn't make a pod to mount the iDash into the van, I got a cup style mount and set about getting it installed. Installed a "jack nut" into the dash and was able to bolt things together. Got luck and it still allowed the A pillar trim to fit (didn't think the trim came out that far). The Pedal Monster (which allows different pedal response profiles) was zipped tied to a bracket under the dash. I haven't driven it yet but the factory pedal response in this thing is horrible so really hoping this solves that problem.

 

[ExpoMike]

Then I was able to get the new rear camera/third brake light unit installed. I got the cable ran front to back and just need to finish up the wiring. This will allow me to view via the head unit, which is much bigger size and I can have it turned on when driving (should I want). The stock one in the rear view mirror is okay but is hard to really see anything.

 

[ExpoMike]

A little more free time and good weather so I was able to complete a couple jobs on the van. First up was finishing up the wiring for the backup camera. Definitely much better view than the stock backup camera, plus I can select it at any time.

I also finished sealing up the holes that were left from when the previous owner removed the rear seat rails. He had taped over the holes but I wanted something a little more permanent. I found the larger size of the "tree" push pins with some sealant worked really well. I put sealant under the head and pushed them through the holes. Once dry, they are solid and should not leak nor rust.

New camera view





Push pins used with sealant to fill holes (and there are a lot of them)

 

[ExpoMike]

Got some more time to do some work on the van. First up was replacing the battery. AC Delco Gold 78DT. With the dual terminals, I can run the factory wiring to the side posts and then run all of my accessory wiring to the top posts. This should help keep things much cleaner than trying to hook a bunch of stuff up to the side posts. I also got the awning brackets from High Top Vans. Really nice quality. Should work well to mount our Famiaa awning I pulled off the M1010 project.

Then I was able to get the cross slat pieces mocked up for the sub floor (I need to cut the one piece). I still need to countersink the screw holes and then cut all of the pieces that will install between the cross slats, on top of the Unistrut. This will basically make a grid patter for the ply sheet to mount to. I have 1/2" insulation that will go on the floor, under these slats, then will install 1/2" insulation between the open parts of the grid. Then ply over that. Should work out well. I made a jig that helped me drill holes in the correct location on the slats.

 

[ExpoMike]

Well between being sick and then rain, I haven't been able to get much done. I did get a set of Diode Dynamics SS2 C2R flush mount lights for X-mas. I had also picked up a plug and play dual light harness from them, that plugs into the factory trailer wiring. I think I had less than 2 hours total into the full install and works great! Now I can have some decent backup lights, along with running and brake lights (that have an initial hyperflash).















Running lights


Brake lights


Backup lights