You asked and I supplied!

Here are just a few ideas on how to modify your vehicles appearance without spending alot of cash. Please feel free to add ideas and comments!

1. By MrLM7: Shave the antenna. Figured this out when I was bored. Pop your hood and pop off the little blackplastic cowlpiece that goes around your antenna. There are two clips in the rear, and one in the front. Next, remove the three bolts that secure your antenna to the base. Remove your antenna from the base and unscrew your antenna from the connection. Finesse your connection around the hoodhinge and re tighten your antenna and lay it down along the top of the fender. 99-02's can actually put the antenna through the rubber snubber and hide it under the hood seal... Just snap the black plastic piece back on and bingo. I've heard you can order a cowl piece off ofan Escalade that does not havean antenna hole initfor like $10...

2. By jcbst12: Painting your grill bow tie. Reach behind the grill and you'll feel two tabs on the left and right corners of the emblem. Push them apart and push out at the same time. jaxspellinar: "On the painted Bowtie, my '04 has two self tapping 'nuts' that hold the emblem on, they don't just pop off, you have to use a 10mm (I think) to twist them off." Once the emblem is out sand it down until it is completely dull. Now you can do this two different ways:
A. Spray it with a few coats of etching primer, let it set over night and then coat it with any color trim paint. (The primer prevents chipping moreso than using just paint). Let that sit for a few hours after coating a few times. Then use clear coat to top it off. This process will take a day or two before you can put ity back on your truck but its damn near bullet proof. Only applying one coat of clear will keep the color close to your factory paint. I did three and it looks a little lighter blue than my truck.
B. Less costly method would be the same technique but using automotive interior paint or trim paint without the etching primer. Clear coat is optional as some trim paints are glossy enough. (Interior trim paint usually isn't glossy). You could even use Krylon but matching the color to your truck will be difficult.

3. By jcbst12: Painting your mirror backing plates. (The chrome part of the plastic GM mirrors) My mirrors were faded to the point that they actually looked white. So I took the liberty of painting them much like my emblem. Make sure it won't rain for awhile or just do it in a garage! I masked the mirrors off, covered all but the plates with newspaper and throw a drop cloth over both sides of the truck. Cover everything within a three foot radius so you don't get overspray! Stick the masking tape to the black parts only, not the chrome. Spray it with a few coats of etching primer, let it set for a few hours and then coat it with any color trim paint. (The primer prevents chipping moreso than using just paint). You need something that won't chip on your mirrors, trust me. Let that sit for a few hours after coating a few times. Then use clear coat to top it off. This process will take a day or two to do it right. If you start early enough you can do it in a day. Splitting it up into two days won't hurt either. Only applying one coat of clear will keep the color close to your factory paint. I did three and it looks a little lighter blue than my truck. To finish the mirrors off and get them looking like your shiny truck paint, let them set for a few days and then lightly buff them out. This will make them shine real nice!

Here you can see the mirror and emblem painted to match the truck:
[IMG]lo

not bad!

Dude, I hope you were kidding about all the LED lights. If not, I don't ever wanna here youknock ricers.

First of all not knocking ricers. The damn Optix package the lights come in has a freakin Acura on the font with a giant wing, hence ricer lights. Matter of fact every other product has the same. Second, LED side marker RUNNING LIGHTS aren't popular with the import tuner crowd, they are with the 4x4 truck crowd especially diesel guys. Rigs even use these set ups now with the LEDs in tubes (pre-made of course). Last I checked Peterbuilts weren't imports or tuner cars. Third, lights on the mirrors (like signal mirrors) and as door lighting was on SUVs first not tuner cars.

Nice write up, thanks.

On the painted Bowtie, my '04 has two self tapping 'nuts' that hold the emblem on, they don't just pop off, you have to use a 10mm (I think) to twist them off. FWIW

jaxspellinar: Ok, I added your comment. Thanks.

Anyone one have anything else to add?

As far as the Fog lights go,anyone know which aftermarket ones fit the 2002 Bumper openings well and(dare I pray) can bolt up properly? I think Napa still has GM weatherpac connector kits, so maybe not have to cut the factory harness,just put the right weatherpac on the foglights wires.

my nuts are also self tapping but it gets a little annoying after a while!

you can add this one:

to clean up yor tail gate take some dish soap and coat the tail gate. then usea flat razor blade and gently scrape the chevrolet sticker off of the back. then buy a used chevy symbol and stick it to the tail gate. it's simple enough and makes it look really good imho!

here is a pic of what i'm talking about. nice and clean!

local://upfiles/3244/AC0BE1CF0B33475BBB8CD45A82671654.jpg

ORIGINAL: popo

here is a pic of what i'm talking about. nice and clean!

local://upfiles/3244/AC0BE1CF0B33475BBB8CD45A82671654.jpg
That's actually not a bad idea, it makes the Classic 00-07 models look like the newer Silverado models, but my only complaint is with your situation is, it is just so small it looks unnatural.

Still a good look and idea though, I'm not knocking it one bit.

Might want to add some info on how to debadge your vehicle (The silverado badge and the 4X4 on the rear. Pretty simple, but would be nice to have included in the mod list.

Also, if I can find a part number, I'm going to put a little write up on how to have a removable tool box for your vehicle. (so you don't have to drill into the bed).

jaxspellinar: Noted, I can elaborate on popo's post.

Popo: Added your post with a link to your pic.

I also added pics of my truck with the fog lights and painted embelm/mirrors. (Pay no attention to how dirty she is).

That didn't take long....

Adding a Removeable tool box:

Most toolboxes that go on top of the bed of a truck require that you drill through your bed to mount the truck. This writeup is for those who want a toolbox without destroying their bed.

1. Purchase a tool box for your truck. Aluminum boxes from Tractor Supply Company or another NON-STEEL toolbox is preferrable. If you get a low profile box, you might have to do some modifying to the mount to make it work.

2. Purchase at least two (2) of the following item. You can find them locally sometimes. A regular anchor that they sell at WalMart will not work.
http://www.cargogear.com/OneItemInfo.aspx?partnum=HIUANCHOR

3. Purchase some rubber or synthetic mat, about the same thickness as the height of the base of the anchor. I used non-slip rubber mats that you can get for a garage toolbox.

4. Install the base of the anchor on the bed, towards the cab. They are simple screw systems and will hold tight. I had one strip out when I moved my setup from my '94 to my '04 Silverado, so you might want to get some new screws and tap them when you put it in.

5. Measure and drill two holes just larger than the post screw into the box. Measure twice, cut once (I have three holes in one side of my box :$ ).

6. Cut the rubber strips and glue them with rubber cement to the bottom of the toolbox next to the holes you drilled (just far enough so they don't overlap with the base of the anchor. This will protect your bed from the metal of the box. Using rubber means that little water/salt/sand should get under it and wear on the paint. If you are really concerned about rubbing, you can purchase some bed rails and put those in first, then the anchor, then the rubber.

7. Lift the toolbox gently into place. Put the post of the anchor through the hole you drilled in the box and into their mount. Tighten the post to secure the box to the bed.

8. Removing the box: Simply open the box, remove the anchor posts. Remove the box and replace the anchor posts.

Note: Low Profile Toolbox. You might have to cut down the actual anchor. You won't have the loop to use as an anchor when the box is off, but at least you could remove the toolbox if you need extra room in the bed.

I can get some pictures at some point this weekend if needed, maybe after it stops snowing....

Toolbox idea was added. Thanks!

Non-Marking Bed Caps

This was an idea I had, but haven't gotten new bed rails/caps for my '04 yet....

Bed rails that are held down by either anchors or that have no pocket holes are subject to vibration and rubbing which can ruin a paint finish because the stainless steel or aluminum is rubbing against the paint on the truck.

To prevent this, get yourself some thin rubber no slip mats and cut them so they fit inside the bed cap. Using rubber cement or other adhesive, glue the rubber to the inside of the bed cap. Trim as needed so it can't be seen after the cap is put onto the truck. Mount the cap per instructions and the non-slip rubber should keep the bed protected against paint damage.

ORIGINAL: Folgers


That's actually not a bad idea, it makes the Classic 00-07 models look like the newer Silverado models, but my only complaint is with your situation is, it is just so small it looks unnatural.

Still a good look and idea though, I'm not knocking it one bit.

[/quote]

there are just too many one liners that can come from that!
I priced out the 2007 bowties and they are running about 50.00 avg. i got this one for $5. i agree the bigger one would be cooler but as you will find out and everyone else knows, i am a CHEAP SOM BITCH! Ido just about every thing for close to free on my truck. I just can't see spending that much.

thanks for the compliments tho.

good list, but it seems you forgot the clear (top) corner mod...

this site is decent but doesnt provide enough pics... http://home.comcast.net/~00gmc/free_clear.htm

you mean clear side markers?

i just did the painted bowtie and must say it turned out great, i used 2 coats of clear and got it dead on but mines a dark almost midnight blue. took a few hours to finish the bowtie mostly just drying time and had it back on the next day and it looks much better against all the chrome.

Sweet, if you found a good price on paint it reallt pays off. And at least you got it to match dead on, wouldn't be able to pull that off with a purchased bowtie Im sure.

no doubt i think it was about 10 bucks for primer paint clear and a couple sheets of sand paper.

thanks for adding the mod i found. ;) :)

No prob!

I just got done painting my bow tie and it looks awsome. It matches alomst perfect. Took about two days and about 10 bucks i used primer paint and clear coat. For that "almost Bullet proof" finish. one day i will tackle the shaved antena. Although i must dissagree with one mod. I bought the alteza tail lights off ebay and i have had no problem with leaking. you just might have gotten a bad set. Thanks for the mods list its awsome!!

ORIGINAL: rjdoolay
I bought the alteza tail lights off ebay and i have had no problem with leaking. you just might have gotten a bad set. Thanks for the mods list its awsome!!


Thats good news. Ive heard some leak, some dont. Im still borderline if i want them or not.
if/when i get some ill have to remember to ask you what exact kind you have. ;)

rjdoolay: Welcome. Just want to help. How much where your lights?

If anyone sees any on Ebay that are different looking then the usual tailights and pretty reasonable, let me know. Thanks!

As far as my lights go, you get what you pay for I know, I got mine cheap.

I belive they were 60 bucks. So they were a little more them most on there but a lot cheaper then anything from some place like summit or JC whitney. They from smokspeed. I really like them here is a picture.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/rjdoolay/truck247c.jpg

yes, some leak. but so far ive botten altezza lights for 2 trucks and none have leaked on me.

Same here this is my second pair as well. Both of them and been awsome for me.

Thats why I was so pissed about them leaking. And the people who sold them to me barely speak english, (japs selling stuff on Ebay) so I gave up.

rjdoolay: I really like yours. I need to look for ones like that next.

Why dont you use some sillicone to seal them?

I damn near covered the things in it and the one still got fogged up all the time. Grrr.

That sucks

I have an 05 silverado, and I was wondering if you could do the same with the headlights lens as the guy did with the gmc lights... It would make my truck look a lot cleaner. Not sure though; just looking for some insight.

Well I did my lights and antenna not the best pics and I havent done the bottom one yet. Well I did it about a week ago.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m275/rxsteven/04-0108001.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m275/rxsteven/04-0108002.jpg

This was a free mod someone gave me!!
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m275/rxsteven/03-23-08004.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m275/rxsteven/03-23-08002.jpg

And this was the free console mod

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m275/rxsteven/03-23-08005.jpg

Looks good i was thinking of doing the antena thing to my truck once it warms up a little more its nice here but it could still be better.

As for the free mods that the other person gave you that sucks man. A few years ago my mom got her truck broken in to nothing stolen that we could find but it still sucks.

Write up the free mods and I'll add them to the list. Im confused about the rear window "mod". You you just completely remove the window?

No the guys that broke in did it for me.

Oh, ouch. Im sorry dude. Well get some plexy glass, tint it and make yourself a removable rear window! lol

Actually they make that kit to make your window roll down like the Avalanche, you could always do that.

Realy I would love to find one ive looked to or at least the split window.

Nice Information..........

I want some more information about Ford Truck Covers........

Please advice me..............

ORIGINAL: rxsteven

Realy I would love to find one ive looked to or at least the split window.


I'm now looking too for a removable window, why did they stop making the split window an option?

Thought I would add some visual aid to the Antenna mod. First two pictures where off my 06 and the 2nd where off my dads 02. I used some self taping weather strip and put the antenna though the holes.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/fresmoe/Truck/DSC_1343.jpghttp://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/fresmoe/Truck/DSC_1344.jpghttp://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/fresmoe/Truck/DSC_1346.jpghttp://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/fresmoe/Truck/DSC_1345.jpg

Nice!!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c52/madmax523/0910091619.jpg

i painted my mirrors before i read this but did the exact same thing

bowtie is next