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My "Knight Rider" Project 2003 Avalanche

redheadedrod

SM 2017
PM 2015
Full Member
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
3,187
Location
Muskegon, MI
Here are a couple pictures of my truck before any modifications:
266499_10150370434381562_943414_o_zps18e3d76b.jpg

227558_10150299900426562_7227536_n_zps5512ee8c.jpg


The only update I have made to this truck so far is the interior door and dash lights are almost all blue LED's now. I have not done the radio yet and I have to go back and redo the headlight switch, dash cluster and the HVAC controls. Otherwise they all have been upgraded.

I have outllined the stereo and the computer setup below. I am calling this truck Knight Rider for now until I can figure out a better name for it. So feel free to offer names if you can think of some. ;)

This will be paralleled on MP3CAR at :

This truck is being called knight rider because there will be an attempt to hack into just about every system in this truck and monitor or control it. I will also be adding much more functionality to be outlined as I do it.

Upcoming maintanence and upgrades due on this truck:
Knock sensors and plugs.
Rebuilding rear end and transmission.
Upgrading transfer case for the hole issue.
Installing Vent Visors.
Bought an extra set of Factory 17" rims that I will be having powder coated black and installed with new tires.
Painting the "Powerbar" black and installing a Billet Black bowtie.

Other links related to my truck while building it:
Engine rebuilt: http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?topic=153974.0
Audio Build: https://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.c...ads/knight-rider-sound-system-upgrade.151754/
 
Last edited:
I have a thread discussing the computer equipment up to this point here:
http://chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,133262.0.html

PC Currently consists of:
M350 Case
GA-Z77N-WIFI
i3-55watt processor with Intel 4000 Graphics dual core and over 3ghz speed.
16gig ddr1600 ram
M3-ATX PSU
Roswill low profile fan (Designed for 65 watt CPUs)
Patriot Pyro 120G SSD

Directed HD radio DMHD1000
BU-353S4 GPS
OBDLink SX ODBII to USB cable

This motherboard supports Intel Graphics 4000 with dual monitors.
I upgraded the onboard card so now it has WiFi B/G/N/AC and Blue tooth 4.0.

The OBDII and GPS will shortly be replaced with a box purchased from a member of MP3CAR that has built in:
I have a box sold by a member on MP3Car that will add ODBII, Tire pressure sensors, backup object detection (Front and rear sensors), Phidgets 8, and GPS to my computer. It is all in one box and one set of the backup sensors will have to be wireless.
This stuff will run under Driveline but I plan to add plugins to Open Mobile for them.

Pictures of the PC that I will install:
The two wired pieces on top are the WiFi antenaes. I am not sure I will actually be using these and may be using the one that came with my desktop that is one piece for both and can fit easily in the dash.
2014-01-19200530_zps07a29f93.jpg

Yes there are 2 LAN ports and two HDMI ports. I have a DVI to VGA adaptor for using with the 7" screen attached currently.
2014-01-19200511_zps01c9b6fb.jpg


This machine will eventually have 2 monitors. I have a Touch 700 screen that has been converted to a capacitive screen and have a 10.1 wide screen ordered to install as well. The 7 inch will eventually go into the radio slot but the 10.1" monitor is a perfect fit for this part of the dash:
consoleinsert_zps0df12208.jpg


The 7" monitor will replace the radio once I can remove the Radio. I won't replace the radio until I have figured out how to interface to the Xm satellite, the steering wheel controls (After I add them) and the rear entertainment center. The intent is to be able to make the truck believe that the PC is the radio and allow it to access the functions properly. Plus also will have the factory "Dings" added at some point.

Since I have 2 Capacitive multitouch screens for this truck now I will be using Win 8.1 which is better for touch screens.

the 10.1 screen will fit within the black plastic piece so I will be making a custom piece to trim out the screen. I may have someone do it for me so it is perfect but it will be done shortly.

I have to finish the midgate before the computer will go in its final resting spot but I will find a temporary home for it for now.

The 7 inch screen still has a protective cover on it but I will post pictures of it when I get the chance. It has a Micro USB port on the front of the screen so something can be plugged into it.

There will be an ARM based PC probably running Ubuntu, WINCE 7 or QNX that will talk to the other onboard computers to give pretty much instant on access to the controls of the truck. The touch screen for this computer will be mounted in the over head console.

More to come...
Rodney
 
My alarm system is a top of the line Compustar alarm with 2 way remote and a "Drone" module. Once I am able to figure out how the communications works with this system I will likely replace it all with a special purposed module I will build myself but for now it will be a readily available commercial product.

The computer will serve as the head unit. Since I already have an HD radio for it I don't need anything else. I will be using Driveline or OM for the front end to drive the stereo. But until the computer is ready to replace the factory radio it will feed into the XM radio audio line as outlined in the "$3 aux port" thread.

I have a spare midgate and I am trying to figure out now what type of setup I want to do for the speakers and am curious if anyone with experience can provide suggestions. I want this to look stealthy but I don't want to build a totally new box. I have modified a picture of this midgate as it is right now after I peeled off the front trim piece with some blue and red overlays on it to show my choices:
Proposed_zps75f7d505.jpg


In the Red scenario the blocks marked in red would be cut out totally. In the front piece the same areas would be cut out as well and a wire speaker mesh glued onto the back side of the front piece. In this setup the 10" subs will fire either down or at an angle towards these ports. They hopefully will be big enough to not modify the sound and become an actual "port" more like a down firing sub in your house that can be used as a coffee table. The box would be deeper due to the orientation of the speakers which would leave the amplifiers and any processors going across the top of the box. With this version the window will not be affected at all. It can be placed in its resting place and the subs won't bother it. The tops of the cutouts will actually be a little lower since they will not run into the cloth piece.

The blue scenario would basically be cutting out speaker holes for the speakers behind the cloth piece on the midgate. The problem with this setup is it will require a switch to cut off the subwoofers if the window is in its storage location so they won't crack the window. It will be more stealthy but I am not so sure it is the best place. The amplifiers then have to be mounted lower or inbetween the speakers unlike the first box that could be built as a box going across the width of the bed.

With this system I will be placing 3 way speakers in the front doors, coaxials in the rear door and 2 10" old school Hart subs in the midgate. I expect to use diamond audio speakers for the speakers in the doors.

When I figure out the rear entertainment center I will feed it from the onboard audio and install a USB DAC to run the audio to the rest of the system. I DO have a couple USB sound cards I could use one of to start with.

The diamond audio speakers will all run off passive EQ's. I MAY get a 3 way active cross over and use my 6" subs for the higher frequency bass but not sure where I would put the speakers. I could build small boxes into the doors or under the dash assuming there is room under the dash.

I am using either 4 or 5 Audio Art 50HC amplifiers. These amplifiers put out 2x50 watts at 12volts and 2x75 at 14 volts. They put out 1 x 375 at 14 volts. All using 4ohm speakers. These are "Cheater" amps and is the reason for the weird power outputs. Using all 5 of these amplifiers I would use 1 to drive the high range subwoofers, 1 to run the front speakers, 1 to run the rear speakers and 2 to run the rear subwoofers. If I decide NOT to use the high range subwoofers I will only use 4 amplifers. Using 5 amplifiers in this setup I would be running a total of about 1200 actual watts at 14 volts.

Rodney
 
Got my powder coated rims back yesterday. They look very nice!

$40 apiece. I asked the guy and they do so much of this stuff that they don't charge much because they just run it in their normal work. The guy quoted me $50 for dual stage stuff as well so anyone near West Michigan it might well be worth the drive. (They are in Greenville, MI)

They wrapped the finished rims and I have pictures from the front and back. The back I didn't pull off all of the plastic for but the front I did. I will take some pictures once I get rubber on them and get them mounted. Probably will wait until the snow crap stops which at this point looks like may... LOL 

(Another 8 inches of snow last night... we are due to get 2 inches of rain this week during a warmup on thursday which should make things very interesting since none of the snow has melted yet and it is common to see 3-4' of snow in peoples yards let alone the snow banks.)
Backside
2014-02-17124506_zpsedbbb127.jpg

Frontside
2014-02-17124558_zpsbbb257e6.jpg

 
Those wheels look really sweet black like that. I love the finish too. Gotta love how close powdercoat comes out next to paint man. I am looking into starting to do this for peoples lift kits and all that around here  (y)
 
I am definitely excited to get some rubber on these soon and see how the look on the truck.

Next step though is the hub/center caps. Debating how to get them painted. Since the outer section has tabs on it I am thinking about trying to bring 4 caps in to get them powder coated as well. Just remove the outer metal section and bring just that in. Has anyone tried to split these apart?

Assuming it all works well I will likely get the rims that are on my truck done and store them as spares. That or I am sure I could probably sell them off if I can figure out how to get the caps done too. At $40 per rim that is very hard to beat. Likely will keep them as spares but worth thinking about.



 
Latest update:

Truck is in Detroit right now getting some work done...

Rear end has a lot of noise in it. Shop is replacing all bearings and seals and gears if needed.
Transmission is getting rebuilt. It works now but noticeably slips when changing gears.
Transfer case will get "case saver" installed and any worn parts replaced.
Since they are in there I also asked them to check out the front differential for any issues that are obvious. They give a lifetime warranty on any work they do so it was worth the trip.

Getting my truck back on Friday 3-14-2013.

Also going to be picking up my 10.1 screen for my computer which will be dropped off at a local audio shop with pieces of my console to have the screen installed into the console.

The same shop that put together this touch screen turned my 7inch screen into a capacitive screen that can replace my radio and I am lining up getting two 9inch resistive screens that can get mounted into the back of the seats. So yes this means my computer will have 4 screens. With two being capacitive screens and the other two being resistive.

I will likely just have the 10.1 screen installed for now while I work out the bugs in the system.

Looking at getting some rubber for this truck still but waiting until I get it back. Also looking for a way to get the "hubcaps" painted black. I am thinking of splitting the metal from the plastic backing and trying to powder coat one of them to see how it turns out.

I have the Compustar Alarm installed but having issues with the 3000' 2 way transmitters. The alarm seems to forget if the doors are locked or not and doesn't always unlock the doors. Works better if I lock the doors with that remote first but should not have to do this. The shop reflashed the alarm module to see if it would make a difference but it didn't. Otherwise I can start the truck just fine and the alarm seems to work fine.

Looking at a place to temporarily locate the PC until I get the console ready to fully install it. I am considering trying to put it in the dash wherever I can find room but not sure yet.

The size tires I need for this truck are 265 70R17. Looking for a basic "road" tire all weather tire.

Rodney
 
I have had two sets of Dueler A/T REVO 2's and have been very happy with them.  I drive 60-100 miles a day, about 30% city.  Central Iowa so I see ALL KINDS of weather and temps.

My $.02
 
Got my truck back from the trans shop yesterday. I will have to take the truck back this summer but for now the truck seems to be better. The transmission seems to shift slow.

Transfer case was repaired in the past but apparently not right so it was a good thing they opened it up and did it right.

Rear end apparently had a major bearing failure in the past.. Needs a new housing which I will do this summer.

Also got the screen for my truck too.

I bought a console to work with and get the PC installed in it. Got it pretty cheap so I have a good project going now...

I pealed off the metal pieces off the "hub caps" and dropped them off at the powder coater. We shall see how they work out. They thought they would work fine. I may go back and paint the Chevy logo that is etched into them but not sure.

Have to wait on the tires because it cost me a little more than I expected so might be a month or so.

Getting closer though... ;)
 
I stripped the console I have to see how it all fits together...

I need to relocate the BOSE amplifier and then I can mount the PC in the location the amplifier currently is located. I have to order some mounting brackets for the PC yet then I should be good to go. 

The screen should be relatively easy to mount as well. So now I am getting closer to getting the PC into the truck. I shouldn't have to mess with the factory sub woofer at this point in time but it does provide a LOT of room if I so desire to remove it after the midgate is done.

Going to send a bracket out to get powder coated as well. It should be very simple for the shop to do with the rest.

Looking forward to getting the screen into the truck and going from there.

Rodney
 
redheadedrod said:
Got my powder coated rims back yesterday. They look very nice!

$40 apiece. I asked the guy and they do so much of this stuff that they don't charge much because they just run it in their normal work. The guy quoted me $50 for dual stage stuff as well so anyone near West Michigan it might well be worth the drive. (They are in Greenville, MI)

They wrapped the finished rims and I have pictures from the front and back. The back I didn't pull off all of the plastic for but the front I did. I will take some pictures once I get rubber on them and get them mounted. Probably will wait until the snow crap stops which at this point looks like may... LOL 

(Another 8 inches of snow last night... we are due to get 2 inches of rain this week during a warmup on thursday which should make things very interesting since none of the snow has melted yet and it is common to see 3-4' of snow in peoples yards let alone the snow banks.)
Backside
2014-02-17124506_zpsedbbb127.jpg

Frontside
2014-02-17124558_zpsbbb257e6.jpg

Now I feel like I was robbed.
I paid $150 a piece to get mine powder-coated.
 
I peeled off the metal off the center caps for these and dropped them off to be PC'ed too.. $10 per piece. Going to drop off the metal bracket for the bottom of the console storage pocket too so I can get that done. It is rusted in my console and the console I got from the junkyard.

If you want to do a 2 stage paint they told me $50 instead of the $40 per rim...

I found out about it from some buddies of mine that do work with them. The same guys that did my full Compustar alarm install with "Drone" and 3000' 2way transmitters with car start for $450. (Was quoted $900 in town for same alarm setup.)

Nice to have friends that do this stuff or know people... ;)

Rodney
 
Lol, well if I am successful in my build getting even half of what I want to get done will make it imperative to do so... ;)

Not that I would ride with it on all the time since that could be an instant ticket but would be an important accessory I would think...

Might do some other knight rider based stuff too... Will see how the build goes first.

Have to wait until I install the lasers and radar though... ;)

Rodney
 
Well I do plan on 2 monitors in the dash and one in the over head console with possible HUD's in the dash... ;)

Update:
Console bracket is at the powder coater, Most of the rest of the console is at the mobile audio store to get the screen mounted and glassed in.

I got my hub caps back. They look really good. One had a flaw in it but otherwise they are pretty much perfect although they look a little more rounded off then they are.

Picture of the back section of the hub caps and the newly coated piece front and back. If you look at the original picture in this thread this is the piece in the center of the rims that WAS silver/aluminum in color. The back section is the color as it came from the factory.
2014-03-25171016_zps0c8b176f.jpg



Here is an assembled hub cap:
2014-03-25171209_zps27203c14.jpg


Once I get the console back and the bracket back I should be able to mount the computer in the console and be on my way...

Rodney
 
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