Author Topic: Totaled Avalanche rebuild (Read 7568 times)

Alaska_AV · « **on:** April 03, 2010, 12:51:57 AM »

I bought this Avalanche in the summer of 09 at auction. I thought I'd post some of the highlights of the year it's taking to rebuild her. It's for my wife Diane and our daughter will inherit her 01 Impala....some day.

As far as I can tell she was rolled over last winter.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2010, 12:56:36 AM »

got a donor 03 Avalanche from a wreaking yard

Many good parts have been salvaged from her besides sheet metal for the project

Emission parts fixed my truck
Steering coulomb is in my 02 now....Killer mod!
Hyd brake booster is going in my AV this summer
rear window latch went to a needy Canook.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #2 on:** April 03, 2010, 01:07:47 AM »

A true global attempt to fix

Hood is from Hawaii , from Woody
Fender is from Michigan Via Flint
Drivers door is from North Carolina via STA
2 Mirrors are off Ebay Via lower 48
oh and another mirror from for proof of concept.

rear torsion bar end links Surfnsnow
PCM programed by istopher in Arizona
front turn signals from....
chrome mirror caps from....

more.......

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #3 on:** April 03, 2010, 01:11:33 AM »

repairing the rear bumper that would cost $800 new

used my magic hammer on the reinforcement.
heat and plastic repair epoxy on the cover

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #4 on:** April 03, 2010, 01:13:54 AM »

doing some mudd work

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #5 on:** April 03, 2010, 01:16:29 AM »

sanding cladding and hole delete.

Sandblasted the hard to reach areas and lettering.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #6 on:** April 03, 2010, 01:24:12 AM »

priming various parts

molding the 08 mirrors to fit the 2002

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #7 on:** April 03, 2010, 01:30:20 AM »

some color Ideas and proof of concept pics........

I hope that next week I'll be done painting her and on the way to get inspected 'more paper work then car inspection, vin #'s checked'

top color is GM white diamond Pearl
bottom is Ford Cinnamon Pearl

+ some fun stuff from http://www.blingflake.com/

Ski Edition · « **Reply #8 on:** April 03, 2010, 05:40:03 AM »

This is not exterior mods, it needs to be in the Overhaulin' section!!! Great work Jon!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #9 on:** April 03, 2010, 06:44:41 AM »

Quote from: Ski Edition on April 03, 2010, 05:40:03 AM

This is not exterior mods, it needs to be in the Overhaulin' section!!! Great work Jon!

Maybe not in the Overhaulin' section but I think in the Avalanche Stories thread. I think it also deserves a Sticky on it.

Jon, this is some great work you've done on this.

I think the most amazing part is how you reconstructed that bumper. And to tackle a project like this can only be described as

Enkei · « **Reply #10 on:** April 03, 2010, 06:53:50 AM »

And what do you do for a living?? Rocket scientist???? It looks great.... Keep it up and I may send mine up there..

RonJ · « **Reply #11 on:** April 03, 2010, 07:39:26 AM »

All I got to say is WOW and I also godd say you must of gotten the truck for CHEAP! My boss is a body shop owner who buys total cars and trucks
that he thinks are worth repairing and possible sell able to make a profit. This he wouldnt touch with a 10 foot...noo wait a 100 foot pole! Congrats to you
the truck is looking good!

MyBigToy · « **Reply #12 on:** April 03, 2010, 08:28:32 AM »

It looks like a lot of great work. My thoughts: Can you really come out on a project like this versus just buying a good used example? I would think that parts costs would eat you alive with as much work as you had/have to do.

maverick1974 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 03, 2010, 11:33:54 AM »

You could say the same thing about a street rod or any classic car that you might restore. For some people the fun of doing it outweighs the cost involved.

strobin01 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 03, 2010, 11:39:01 AM »

You do awesome work! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #15 on:** April 03, 2010, 02:03:54 PM »

Thanks all, This thing has been allot of work.

To answer some concerns

To buy a better AV to customize round here is 12k+
This AV was the 4Th in 3 years to come up at the auctions I go to. 2ND I bid on. the first went over 3K so I quit. I got this one for $1700. No one considered it a builder but me. none have come up since...

Despite how she looked the Frame was essentially unhurt and the shell of the body was still sound, just rounded

I'm Using as many recycled parts as I can. Considering I gave myself a 5K budget. 8K to build a 10-12K truck. I know I will NEVER get my wages back out of building and selling her.

First thing I did was price New parts
front end bumper, grill, header panel, lights
Hood
fender
windshield
roof
3 doors
q panel
rear bumper assembly
Most of the cladding
Lets just say that was double my budget _ could buy a dealer truck for that price.

So I went the other way, figure my time as a freebee , donated to my dear wife.
fender $75 $120 shipped from Flint MI
drivers door $320 free delivery from NC By short bus! so cool
Hood free trade work
Avalanche carcass $700 1 door, outer Q panel, Inner Q panel , wheel well, A pillar, roof section, + more
windshield $225
Turn Sig, power mirrors $240
After market header panel and bumper $300
used headlights trade work
new turn Sig's $45 aftermarket from member who got wrong ones
Cladding recycled by painting
on and on

Right now I'm siting on $1200 in primer and paints and various Chemicals that would have been on Any Avalanche project.

So I guess I'll be 30K ahead of what I put in mine.......

Still looking for
fog/DRL lights

MyBigToy · « **Reply #16 on:** April 03, 2010, 02:22:48 PM »

I bought a replacement fog/DRL housing on Fleabay after my mishap with a deer. It's been in for over a year now and it still looks as good as the day I put it in. I think I gave $59 for it.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #17 on:** April 03, 2010, 02:35:03 PM »

I did the same for my AV, replaced both for $145 ish Probably end up doing it again for this one.

Just trying to save a $

Now that this post is a sticky, I'd like to apologise for not doing something cool like Gull wing doors or the like..... maybe next time...

I did section the L rear passenger door to save $$$ and practice for chopping a door down

maverick1974 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 03, 2010, 04:11:17 PM »

Shoulda done something with the door handles.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2010, 05:15:50 PM »

the wife didn't want me to shave them or convert them to 07 style. lost the feebay auction on the 07 handles

It's gonna be a daily driver so I guess some show car stuff wont happen

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #20 on:** April 07, 2010, 06:43:36 PM »

Here we go....

Paint time.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #21 on:** April 08, 2010, 02:28:57 AM »

here are some teazer picks.

The sealer coat and were I stopped for the night. gonna wet sand the side again and do the final blend and paint the lower cladding.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #22 on:** April 08, 2010, 06:59:42 AM »

Looks like it's coming along nicely.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #23 on:** April 08, 2010, 07:27:39 AM »

Just thought of this. Did you go ahead and cut the trap door for the fuel pump changing mod yet?

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 08, 2010, 11:46:22 AM »

It's a labor of love eh Jon ? you'll never forget this project

I still laugh thinking of fitting the fender in a small enough box

I'd already been following since the first photos then I got to help

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #25 on:** April 08, 2010, 10:29:12 PM »

Thanks again Loren, for doing that

well, here are a few more pics......

right or wrong I added some big flakes into the paint

Root-beer and red flake in the bottom and large pearl white and white holographic flake in the top. It's not quite BASS BOAT but big enough that I have to sand and re-clear the entire project. I planed on re-clearing anyway so really it's no big deal.

bluedevil · « **Reply #26 on:** April 09, 2010, 12:04:40 AM »

Im impressed....

Sure is taking shape to look like the concept pic

ChevyGuyNC · « **Reply #27 on:** April 09, 2010, 07:34:53 AM »

Wow... just, wow.

Fantastic work!

bluedevil · « **Reply #28 on:** April 09, 2010, 08:05:39 AM »

Quote from: ChevyGuyNC on April 09, 2010, 07:34:53 AM

Wow... just, wow.

Fantastic work!

That's some skills there isnt? I dont have the know-how

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #29 on:** April 09, 2010, 08:14:07 AM »

Just amazing the transformation

JerzyBoy973 · « **Reply #30 on:** April 09, 2010, 10:17:53 AM »

Subscribed. This is freakkin awsome!!!

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #31 on:** April 09, 2010, 10:24:02 AM »

Looking damn nice!!!!!!

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #32 on:** April 09, 2010, 10:24:28 AM »

I'd like to see the look on the original owner's face if they saw it now

maverick1974 · « **Reply #33 on:** April 09, 2010, 10:39:57 AM »

Next time you go to the auction drive that one, maybe the auction company would like to use it for some advertising.

bluedevil · « **Reply #34 on:** April 09, 2010, 10:49:08 AM »

Quote from: Flint 4X4 on April 09, 2010, 10:24:28 AM

I'd like to see the look on the original owner's face if they saw it now

Probably buy it back

TexasAVY · « **Reply #35 on:** April 09, 2010, 11:20:32 AM »

Looks great. Wish I had that kind of skillls and a place to practice those skills.

Main One · « **Reply #36 on:** April 09, 2010, 12:00:13 PM »

Very NICE!!!

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #37 on:** April 09, 2010, 12:19:08 PM »

Quote from: TexasAVY on April 09, 2010, 11:20:32 AM

Looks great. Wish I had that kind of skillls and a place to practice those skills.

Wish I had the tools, time & patience. I have some of the skills but GM pays me to build trucks, it was much more fun working on cars when it was either part time or a hobby. Maybe when I retire,...

Not that others don't but I fully appreciate the scope of jon's accomplishment, the attention to detail on a major project. So many minor tasks that go unnoticed unless you forget to do them, then they're glaringly obvious in the final product.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #38 on:** April 09, 2010, 02:51:23 PM »

Quote from: maverick1974 on April 09, 2010, 10:39:57 AM

Next time you go to the auction drive that one, maybe the auction company would like to use it for some advertising.

I have thought about that, probably will go to a few in her... But being a towing and wreaking joint I think the before pics are their buttered side.

Thanks for the ata boys, I'm realy surprised no one has

on it....

Main One · « **Reply #39 on:** April 09, 2010, 03:00:25 PM »

We don't do much

around here!

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #40 on:** April 10, 2010, 08:35:25 PM »

Pulled her out of the shop 2 day, kinda overcast dreary day. I have sanded off my fingerprints on this.....
sanding her down to re-clear her

How you like the 08 mirrors? the cap is just sitting on it so it may look a little off.

bluedevil · « **Reply #41 on:** April 10, 2010, 08:54:06 PM »

Sweet mirrors... They fit right on? Any modification?

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #42 on:** April 10, 2010, 09:33:41 PM »

very modified

trimmed the plastic were it meets the door and reshaped the mount

recast the plastic to fit the 02 door

sanded, primed and painted

bluedevil · « **Reply #43 on:** April 10, 2010, 10:08:34 PM »

Oh wow,.... i thought about them for my 04 but now i know the involvement.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #44 on:** April 10, 2010, 10:14:23 PM »

The whole project just amazes me. And I still can't get over how great that rear bumper looks.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #45 on:** April 10, 2010, 10:26:40 PM »

I threw in that last bumper pic just 4 ya

bluedevil · « **Reply #46 on:** April 10, 2010, 10:45:08 PM »

Whats your ETC planned? 'bout 3-4 more weeks?

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #47 on:** April 10, 2010, 10:48:02 PM »

you sound like my wife

bluedevil · « **Reply #48 on:** April 10, 2010, 10:52:57 PM »

Quote from: Alaska_AV on April 10, 2010, 10:48:02 PM

you sound like my wife

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #49 on:** April 10, 2010, 11:15:51 PM »

this is cool, on the home page

I wish I posted a better pic

bluedevil · « **Reply #50 on:** April 10, 2010, 11:25:50 PM »

I almost used this one but i couldnt crop it to fit

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #51 on:** May 04, 2010, 01:33:09 AM »

took the door handles apart to clear

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #52 on:** May 04, 2010, 01:41:12 AM »

Quote from: maverick1974 on April 09, 2010, 10:39:57 AM

Next time you go to the auction drive that one, maybe the auction company would like to use it for some advertising.

my fav auction house just went internet..... this sucks

I liked getting out in the weather and scrap for clunkers, now its gona cost me $200 a year to sit in my undies, online

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #53 on:** May 04, 2010, 04:57:47 AM »

Quote from: Alaska_AV on May 04, 2010, 01:41:12 AM

my fav auction house just went internet..... this sucks

I liked getting out in the weather and scrap for clunkers, now its gona cost me $200 a year to sit in my undies, online

6am my time and I don't even have my first cup of coffee down the hatch yet. Thanks for the visual

I see in your door handle pix that two of them have the key holes. Came off of an '02 eh?

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #54 on:** May 04, 2010, 07:15:05 AM »

All I can say is, absolutely amazing!!!! Great job and can't wait to see more!!!

BnGBleeder · « **Reply #55 on:** May 04, 2010, 09:58:19 AM »

Finally took a look through this whole thread,all I can say is

!! The work you have done is simply amazing !!

You have some serious skills,what you have done is unbelievable !!

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #56 on:** May 31, 2010, 11:57:28 PM »

been kinda hard at it lately

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #57 on:** May 31, 2010, 11:58:57 PM »

some more over the weekend

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #58 on:** June 01, 2010, 04:56:14 AM »

You know how amazed some of us here are. How's the wife feeling about it now that it's getting closer to being finished?

AvyPrncss · « **Reply #59 on:** June 01, 2010, 07:09:29 AM »

That's coming out awesome!

The Beast · « **Reply #60 on:** June 01, 2010, 01:08:29 PM »

Looks great!!!

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #61 on:** June 01, 2010, 08:14:15 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on June 01, 2010, 04:56:14 AM

You know how amazed some of us here are. How's the wife feeling about it now that it's getting closer to being finished?

She's getting excited.

Just wait till you you see what I have for it next

well not next but soon!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #62 on:** June 01, 2010, 08:27:30 PM »

Quote from: Alaska_AV on June 01, 2010, 08:14:15 PM

She's getting excited.

Just wait till you you see what I have for it next well not next but soon!

Oh ya big tease you

Ski Edition · « **Reply #63 on:** June 01, 2010, 08:27:53 PM »

That sun visor just looks too cool on that AV! Great work Jon!

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #64 on:** June 02, 2010, 02:23:14 AM »

Quote from: Ski Edition on June 01, 2010, 08:27:53 PM

That sun visor just looks too cool on that AV! Great work Jon!

Thanks

the visor has been an issue of debate but I love it. When I got the Tahoe fans and the control harnes off a junker heading to the crusher, this visor was on it. got it for 20$

Ski Edition · « **Reply #65 on:** June 02, 2010, 07:19:36 AM »

Quote from: Alaska_AV on June 02, 2010, 02:23:14 AM

Thanks

the visor has been an issue of debate but I love it. When I got the Tahoe fans and the control harnes off a junker heading to the crusher, this visor was on it. got it for 20$

Very nice feature on her AV!!!

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #66 on:** June 02, 2010, 04:07:47 PM »

Damn Jon, that is looking pretty Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #67 on:** June 02, 2010, 09:20:48 PM »

yay!!!!

the new windsheild fit

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #68 on:** June 12, 2010, 11:15:04 AM »

Quote from: Alaska_AV on June 02, 2010, 09:20:48 PM

yay!!!!

the new windsheild fit

I see that.

Came out fantastic!

Main One · « **Reply #69 on:** June 14, 2010, 10:04:02 AM »

How does the painted cladding hold up during the Alaska winters?

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #70 on:** June 17, 2010, 10:13:42 PM »

took her to the DMV for the inspection, title, and plates today. who hoo no more dragging her around, shes legal now

Al · « **Reply #71 on:** June 17, 2010, 10:28:16 PM »

Awesome job, what are you going to do with all your spare time?

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #72 on:** June 17, 2010, 11:37:03 PM »

just my luck my kid will want one 2

maverick1974 · « **Reply #73 on:** June 17, 2010, 11:38:42 PM »

Guy at the DMV must of taken a double take at that rolling into his inspection station, a custom painted AV towing another custom painted AV...

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #74 on:** June 17, 2010, 11:53:19 PM »

Quote from: maverick1974 on June 17, 2010, 11:38:42 PM

Guy at the DMV must of taken a double take at that rolling into his inspection station, a custom painted AV towing another custom painted AV...

lol, I remember your comment about me driving it home.... about lax laws......

The lady inspector asked if I drove it to the DMV..

no, It's on a trailer... I say

Does it run??? she asked

Yes....

Well sir you'll have to take it off the trailer...

OK...

We walk to the end of the parking lot were it is , I drive it off....

she checks the vin against my doc's

says OK, done......

Paid $185 for plates and 2 year tags and left

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #75 on:** June 18, 2010, 08:16:14 AM »

Quote from: Alaska_AV on June 17, 2010, 11:53:19 PM

she checks the vin against my doc's

says OK, done......

two custom Avalanches, obvious you spent time & money

I'd check VIN#s and make sure it ran to cover my butt before I signed off.

Imagine the other junk she has to look at ? she liked inspecting yours

Enkei · « **Reply #76 on:** June 18, 2010, 09:00:28 AM »

Quote from: Al on June 17, 2010, 10:28:16 PM

Awesome job, what are you going to do with all your spare time?

I think that Totaled Av from NY is still for sale.....

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brx/cto/1793173132.html

Yep still for sale... I know A girl in LI looking for one...

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #77 on:** January 04, 2011, 05:24:41 PM »

Thanks OBB for fixing the pic's problem with this thread

I have been wanting to add to this but was unable to.

Updates include

GM E-fans PCM run
rear Cam
Remote start
Running boards
Bed cover
CB
Front steering rebuild
Slotted drilled rotors
front hub

umm........

R3D DR4G0N · « **Reply #78 on:** June 03, 2011, 12:04:24 PM »

Speaking of restoring totaled vehicles, I am less than a month away from the surplus sale that's held at the school district I work at. This may be a little out of place, but I have 101% intentions of bidding on a 1991 Chevy Suburban, and doing a frame-up restoration on it, with the help of my girlfriend's brothers. I already researched necessary body parts and their prices, have located a machine shop to clean the engine in their hot tank, and have ready access to a sandblaster, welder, and other various tools to get the job done.

Providing I'll be the high bidder for the truck, I will be snagging a dealer plate from a family friend to just get the truck home. Then, with the help of my girlfriend's brothers, we will seperate the body from the frame to sandblast, prime, undercoat, and top coat (satin black) it. The engine will be torn down in order to clean the block, heads, and intake at the machine shop. The engine and some components will be painted (not sure what color yet, :P), and will be using a higher amperage alternator, iridium spark plugs, and higher end carbureator, just to name a few.

The interior calls for a major overhaul, but I haven't gotten too worried about pricing for that. The body calls for some TLC, but nothing too serious. The manual locking hubs will be rebuilt with all new parts, the steering box will also be rebuilt, but not too much else calls for anything (the truck was owned and operated by the bus garage staff, all of which are motorheads, :P)

I know its not an Avalanche, nor am I forgetting about mine, its just that, back when I was a youngster, we used to take this sick nasty Suburban to a local dirt track to watch the sportsman modifieds race every weekend. It must have been a mid-80's Suburban, victory red (with woodgrain on the side! I guess it was a special option), with Mag wheels and massive off-road tires. Just thinking about it brings back memories... Anyway, I'd like to relive some of those memories, and what better way to do it than with the longest-lived continuous automobile nameplate still in production, since 1935?

Thank you!

Jon

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #79 on:** June 04, 2011, 09:58:02 AM »

Our Avalanche is really just a variation of the Suburban which is a variation of the Silverado.

R3D DR4G0N - you better take a camera to the auction now and should you have the winning bid,.... you have to start a new thread titled BURB REBUILD or something and post photos of the process from conception to reality.

R3D DR4G0N · « **Reply #80 on:** June 05, 2011, 01:20:15 AM »

Quote from: Flint 4X4 on June 04, 2011, 09:58:02 AM

Our Avalanche is really just a variation of the Suburban which is a variation of the Silverado.

R3D DR4G0N - you better take a camera to the auction now and should you have the winning bid,.... you have to start a new thread titled BURB REBUILD or something and post photos of the process from conception to reality.

I got real excited when i read what you wrote, flint, lol. I have other plans as well, the main-most being, if i dont put in the high bid, ill still look around for one. also, ive decided what I want to do for the body. I was going to paint the truck, after the prep part is all done, the rare h2 body color, glacier blue metallic, with black accents (grille, fender flares, tints, bug guard and ventshades, roof rack, etc). I'm counting down the days and saving my money up! AND i will definitely start a new thread entitled, '91 'burban rebuild, with plenty of pics. thank you!

Jon