7K of USA

Colorado_Outback

Adventurer
I really like the way you made those caddy seats work. Are you running a console from front to back?

Thank you sir, and I'm glad you asked. Today was a fun day, I got to work on fitting the 03 Escalade center console.

I knew it was going to be a challenge since my truck is manual.

10514496_1556241657941010_874141372246493320_n.jpg


10380746_1556241671274342_3567960341072929921_n.jpg


Stripped the entire console down so I could figure out what I needed and what I didn't. There was an 8" sub, with ported box, amp a ton of wires and structural plastic Ill no longer need so I ditched it.

10477895_1556241684607674_1320290865010743567_n.jpg


This is really where the console wants to hang out. any farther forward and stuff starts to get really complicated.

1459945_1556241731274336_2335752084206637610_n.jpg


After much staring at it I decided to chop it a little shorter than I had previously pictured in my head. There is no eloquent way to make the base of the console meet up with the dash because of the length of the cab, console, 4wd and trans shifters. Ill use the plasma table and brake to build a cover for the front.

1464616_1556241747941001_3923461833426111748_n.jpg


4wd shifter in the rear most position, plenty of clearance.

1912282_1556241781274331_2776841972302564463_n.jpg


All in all I'm pleased with the way it turned out, accomplished all my wants/needs. 4 cup holders, 3 12v charging outlets and tons of storage where the bench had none.
Plus its like a rug, it really ties the room together :sombrero:

Planning on running a mini fuse block under the console so that I can break out power to the front seats, front and rear seat heaters and the 3 12v outlets. Power for the seats will be easy just 2 wires each, along with the 12v outlets. Heat is a whole other post.
 
Last edited:

Colorado_Outback

Adventurer
That looks good should make for a nice change when you are riding down the road.

I cant wait, bench with 225K on it was definitely lacking in the comfort dept. Tomorrows goal is to get the fronts drilled and bolted, and start collecting the parts ill need to start wiring everything.
 

Colorado_Outback

Adventurer
Got the driver seat and console mounted. I cant see all 4 mounting locations at once so I had to run the seat back and forth a bunch of times to get it marked, drilled and mounted. Next I need to pull it all out and do the passenger. Sigh/ almost there.

10624731_1560639977501178_199286567972055643_n.jpg


541535_1560639997501176_5131458095466167706_n.jpg


Found some 2x2 1/4" tube scraps to make my jack extensions today. Going to weld the black sleeves to the face of my existing hitch, extensions will slip into the sleeves, jacks mount to the ends. At 3500lbs a piece, I should be able to pick up the whole back of the truck.

10392280_1560640010834508_6554763508767497026_n.jpg


10014585_1560640024167840_3197096957068393673_n.jpg
 

norcal*PWRstroke

Adventurer
[IMG said:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10014585_1560640024167840_3197096957068393673_n.jpg?oh=aeb71ba170c556399e790f141ca4e429&oe=54F0F5D5&__gda__=1425252330_9b88a58c7c6664459df0d8c51c73eade[/IMG]
Great job on the seat conversion! Where did you buy those jacks at?
 

Colorado_Outback

Adventurer
Thanks guys!

The jacks are US General 3500lb capacity from Harbor Freight. Ive used them for a season on my trailer and they have worked well so far.
 

Colorado_Outback

Adventurer
Low was *15 degrees last night, camper was nice and toasty! This is the first time Ive ran the camper below freezing. Leaving the thermostat on 50* today and checking on it periodically. If all go's well it will be ready for some snowboarding/snowshoeing/hiking fun this winter.
20141111_085347.jpg
 
Last edited:

Colorado_Outback

Adventurer
I'm starting to look at replacing this motor. Ive come up with 2 options based on my budget, timeline and skill level.

Option 1- GM parts long block

Option 2- 6.0 LQ4 Swap

I'm really leaning towards the GM parts long block since it will bolt right up and have 0 miles. Jegs has one that they list for 3/4 and 1ton's 255hp/330tq for $1979 with free freight.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Performance/809/12530282/10002/-1

The LQ4's I'm seeing on Ebay are between 1250-1500 for one with more than 100k on it. Then I would need to modify the harness and do motor mounts and probably a couple other things like rad hoses etc.

In the end it will probably be really close cost wise either way. 2500 ish is what I'm thinking..

Am I crazy? are there better options for my budget/skill?

Any advice/recommendations appreciated.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
186,480
Messages
2,886,545
Members
226,515
Latest member
clearwater
Top