thetahoe

[Questions/info on the 2008 Tahoe have been removed, this thread is moving entirely on the topic of changing the 2002, so I did some editing of the original post. -thetahoe]

So my dad bought his friend's 2002 Tahoe LT Autoride from them because they recently purchased a new Denali. I think he wants to customize it and sell it, or customize and keep for fun days. Since he knows I wanted to try to customize a car, he's letting me do almost anything to this one. With that, I have a biggg list. Here goes:

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[*]Adding wood trim. I would add it to:
Switch panels on all doors
Around the dash
Compartment and cupholders located under the radio.
Basically anywhere the Escalade has wood located.

The interior is tan, so what wood would you recommend? Again, any pictures?

[*]Z71 branding and look. I am dying to do this
By this I mean a new grille, bumpers, and decals to match the Z71 look.
If you have tips, instructions on this that would be great.
[*]Replacing a few parts on the dash.
- Steering wheel, with a 2003-2006 style. Will this work?
- Gauge face. I know it is possible, but what matches the interior and looks elegant-ish, in your opinion?
- Adding the Escalade/Denali clock/information center under the radio. Possible?
- The radio. I absolutely do not like the appearance, I do not know why. Since I do not like 3rd party looks, I am hoping the 2003-2006 radios [maybe a factory Nav?] would work. Opinions?
- The radio also applies to the climate control. The 2002 Tahoe we have was manufactured 07/02, which is close to the 2003 Tahoe productions. So could it possibly accept the last 2 I asked about?
[*]Exchanging seats. This car has over 126.7k miles, so the seats are pretty worn. Found great-condition front row seats for 2000-2006 Tahoes, front and second row with a console. Looking to get captains chairs for the 2nd row. Possible?
[*]HID headlights. What kit and "color" do you think is best?
[*]Any factory parts from 2003-2006 Tahoes that will improve the appearance of this 2002 Tahoe?


Basically, I'm going for a luxury Z71 look. Rugged on the outside [well, sorta], elegant on the inside

Thanks to everyone who's helped so far, and anyone who posts with tips and such! Stay updated, I will post frequently and upload pics as I go along.

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in2pro

Kudo's to you for the props to your mom and dad!

thetahoe

Thanks

Looking at your avatar, I like that grille! Is it OEM or a really good 3rd party? Looking for one for the 2008 Tahoe and that one looks neat.

73shark

4300K is brightest, whitest HIDs.

thetahoe

Yeah I'm stuck between the 4300k and the 6000k, I like the bluish tint. In fact I saw a white 03-06 Tahoe Z71 drive by yesterday and it had bluish HID's. Looked amazing.

73shark

I guess it depends upon whether you want function or fashion. With the blue HIDs, you'll probably have more folks flashing their brights at you tho.

in2pro

Yes the grill is the factory chrome latice grill and its a bitch to get cleaned to perfection but it looks really nice clean...

I'm debating on adding the chrome tow hooks....

thetahoe

Thanks guys. Decided to go with 6000k because it's bright, and has a slight bluish tint.
And in2pro, I agree, even in a very small picture it looks great. Guess I'll shop around for one, trying to make everything OEM as possible.
I heard the tow hooks are a hard job to do for such small things. But they stand out!

73shark

Let us know if you get any bright flashes at nite w/ the 6000Ks.

thetahoe

Ehh, I don't really think the 2002 will be out at night anyways, much less at all. My black one is going to get the 4300k lights, considering that's my primary vehicle. I hope they make a difference in the lighting, because the stock headlights are pretty bright.