Lurking no longer, now a PPV owner

HamPPV · Nov 13, 2024

Good evening all,

Although I have been lurking for just a short time, I am happy now to join the group as a new PPV owner. While awaiting approval by the selling township board, I was able to read through many of the threads here in the group, and have gotten a lot of good ideas and info to keep me busy with projects and mods for quite a while.

Basic info:

2013 Tahoe PPV

Former traffic control rig, hence the incognito silver color

77K miles

5.3 L with 6 speed auto

Very reasonably priced

Been looking at PPV/SSVs for about a year now, and really hadn’t planned on buying something till next spring, but this one came along and couldn’t pass it up. I’ve had GM vehicles since the 70’s, so the Tahoe was the logical choice for me. My interest is turning this into both a rolling ham radio platform, and installing an audio system for enjoyment when not on the ham radio. I know some others in this forum are hams, and would love any input you can give me on radio installation suggestions.

First projects to concentrate on:

Finding a new or used radio console, preferably one with cup holders and arm rests

Getting a DIC installed

Reopening some of the sealed antenna holes and installing antennas

Finding a replacement steering wheel (the current one has a lot of wear on the rim)

As I know pics are a must or it didn’t happen, here are the first two taken after pickup, more to come. Looking forward to being active in the forum.

Thanks for the read,

Brad

Sparksalot · Nov 13, 2024

Welcome aboard. Nice looking truck!

RooTBeeRthe1st · Nov 13, 2024

Looks pretty clean! Congratulations, low miles for that age.

My steering wheel was pretty rough and I ended up getting the OEM upgrade from GT Grant, leather wrapped and whatnot. Pretty happy with it aside from a few of the stitches getting a little bit frayed, but I could just melt them off.

I had one giant hole in the middle of my roof that they use to run the power wires for the light bar through, so I went and got a cell phone range extender and it fit in that whole perfectly, actually I had to drill the hole bigger.

Spent probably 25 bucks or whatever on the DIC buttons, easy install as far as using them, plug and play. However mounting them in the factory piece cleanly can be a little interesting.
If you plan on painting painting all the dash trim, no big deal.
Otherwise you can pick up the used trim and buttons off of eBay for an easy quick install it's just a bit more pricey.

Fless · Nov 13, 2024

Welcome to the forum from Colorado!

HamPPV · Nov 13, 2024

RooTBeeRthe1st said:
Looks pretty clean! Congratulations, low miles for that age.

My steering wheel was pretty rough and I ended up getting the OEM upgrade from GT Grant, leather wrapped and whatnot. Pretty happy with it aside from a few of the stitches getting a little bit frayed, but I could just melt them off.

I had one giant hole in the middle of my roof that they use to run the power wires for the light bar through, so I went and got a cell phone range extender and it fit in that whole perfectly, actually I had to drill the hole bigger.

Spent probably 25 bucks or whatever on the DIC buttons, easy install as far as using them, plug and play. However mounting them in the factory piece cleanly can be a little interesting.
If you plan on painting painting all the dash trim, no big deal.
Otherwise you can pick up the used trim and buttons off of eBay for an easy quick install it's just a bit more pricey.

Will have to look at the Grant wheel, may be an option. And yes, I probably will attempt the surgery on the dash first, if not, may look for a replacement piece at a salvage yard

iLikeEggs · Nov 14, 2024

Nice score! Welcome to the journey.
Tons of information here.

RichardCranium · Nov 14, 2024

Well done intro thread with pics included. We expect DIC pics when that mod is done.

Very clean looking Tahoe, congrats on the find! Your initial desires to change/improve were about the same as mine were. I really preferred the OEM center console, so I waited patiently until one popped up on Ebay that was clean and fairly priced. As for the steering wheel, I went back with a brand new OEM leather wheel......but got one with steering wheel controls for radio and everything. It is plug and play, so definitely worth getting if you go that route. And I also took that factory head unit out, I went Alpine since they have a shallow double-din unit that fits and even has an upgrade amp that fits in the dash as well, if you want some extra power. Lastly with getting interior cosmetics up to speed, assuming you probably have at least one crack in your dash......it'll progressively get worse (if you are not familiar). Before you do anything, make sure the airbag recall has been performed on your Tahoe (no cost, dealer performed). If your dash needs help, I HIGHLY recommend DashSkin. Thing fits like a latex glove, and I have to point it out to most folks, it looks that factory!

I've had a lot of coffee this morning, lots of rambling. A lot of good info on the forum here, lots of knowledgable folks with a lot of different experiences and preferences. You'll surely find a route someone has taken and you can get a feel for their experience, its a great community here. I also like to document/share my own Tahoe as it still progresses, build thread in the signature.

Welcome!

Fubar0715 · Nov 14, 2024

Welcome from Southern New Hampshire! Good looking truck and as others have said, nice follow through on first posting! Where are you located - looks to be a cold weather locale.

Joseph Garcia · Nov 14, 2024

Another welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

VERY nice find!

HamPPV · Nov 14, 2024

RichardCranium said:
Well done intro thread with pics included. We expect DIC pics when that mod is done.

Very clean looking Tahoe, congrats on the find! Your initial desires to change/improve were about the same as mine were. I really preferred the OEM center console, so I waited patiently until one popped up on Ebay that was clean and fairly priced. As for the steering wheel, I went back with a brand new OEM leather wheel......but got one with steering wheel controls for radio and everything. It is plug and play, so definitely worth getting if you go that route. And I also took that factory head unit out, I went Alpine since they have a shallow double-din unit that fits and even has an upgrade amp that fits in the dash as well, if you want some extra power. Lastly with getting interior cosmetics up to speed, assuming you probably have at least one crack in your dash......it'll progressively get worse (if you are not familiar). Before you do anything, make sure the airbag recall has been performed on your Tahoe (no cost, dealer performed). If your dash needs help, I HIGHLY recommend DashSkin. Thing fits like a latex glove, and I have to point it out to most folks, it looks that factory!

I've had a lot of coffee this morning, lots of rambling. A lot of good info on the forum here, lots of knowledgable folks with a lot of different experiences and preferences. You'll surely find a route someone has taken and you can get a feel for their experience, its a great community here. I also like to document/share my own Tahoe as it still progresses, build thread in the signature.

Welcome!

At this point I may even go with a small radio console and a shorter padded console out of a Silverado or such, just know I need some cup holders

So far, have just the one small crack at the corner of the airbag cover but will watching for more. And I do plan to visit my local dealer for any recalls if needed, plus getting a full fluid and lubricant change.

Lurking no longer, now a PPV owner

HamPPV

TYF Newbie

Sparksalot

RooTBeeRthe1st

Full Access Member

Fless

HamPPV

TYF Newbie

iLikeEggs

Potato!

RichardCranium

Full Access Member

Fubar0715

Scott

Joseph Garcia

HamPPV

TYF Newbie

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