Starting out
Forum rules
One thread per car per member in this section. No thread hijacking in this section please, if it's strictly a tech discussion please move it to the appropriate sub-forum - moderators can assist if needed or requested.
One thread per car per member in this section. No thread hijacking in this section please, if it's strictly a tech discussion please move it to the appropriate sub-forum - moderators can assist if needed or requested.
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:20 pm
Starting out
Hey everyone I've started getting my Tex-Mex Caprice going. Of course first thing was a Battery car showed up from the hauler barely able to even jump it to move off the hauler. Next was over all evaluation. Besides the normal fluids and visible body damage. The tires were definitely what you would expect completely dry rotted. Decided to "buy once cry once" and grab wheels and tires that I wanted. Started driving the car and was having some serious voltage fluctuations. 12.0 to 14.4. Did a load test and replaced the alternator. Did a AFM delete programming with hptuners. Modified the factory center console and turned it around. Now it's a usable arms rest. My head lights were Terrible I tried the sand and buffing, didn't do a whole lot. I found a used set of Australian headlights that the housings tabs were all broken off and decided to swap the lenses with my factory ones. Upgraded to full leds and that's where she sits today.
Currently have cam, headers, all top end parts for the dod delete I plan to complete soon.
Currently have cam, headers, all top end parts for the dod delete I plan to complete soon.
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- elc32955
- System Manager
- Posts: 2748
- Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:32 am
- Location: East Central Florida
- Contact:
Re: Starting out
You've done a lot of work so far, not too shabby! Those new headlight lenses make all the difference as long as the interior projector lenses are still in decent shape.
BTW, not to down anything you've done but GM later-model alternators do have voltage fluctuations that are quite noticeable. There is a TSB on this which describes that as normal activity to save stress on the battery & charging system. If you still have your old alternator, chances may be that it could actually be good and the car was just varying the voltage on you - might be worth a recheck at a shop that can work on those later model alternators. My Caprice does that, and my GMC 2008 Sierra 1500 did that as well. First time I saw it I was convinced the alternator had gone south on me, but I found out as soon as I researched it a bit it's normal behavior. Nothing like modern computer-controlled alternators! Check this topic for further... viewtopic.php?t=5101
Welcome!
Eric
BTW, not to down anything you've done but GM later-model alternators do have voltage fluctuations that are quite noticeable. There is a TSB on this which describes that as normal activity to save stress on the battery & charging system. If you still have your old alternator, chances may be that it could actually be good and the car was just varying the voltage on you - might be worth a recheck at a shop that can work on those later model alternators. My Caprice does that, and my GMC 2008 Sierra 1500 did that as well. First time I saw it I was convinced the alternator had gone south on me, but I found out as soon as I researched it a bit it's normal behavior. Nothing like modern computer-controlled alternators! Check this topic for further... viewtopic.php?t=5101
Welcome!
Eric
System Manager and your tour guide for the day. 2015 Caprice w/LFX, former NC DPS staff car. Partial hybrid G8/SS/Camaro SS interior mods, SS MyLink radio upgrade, 2016 Camaro V6 rims, GMPP Malibu chrome exhaust tips, otherwise bone stock for now.
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:20 pm
Re: Starting out
elc32955 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2023 8:35 am You've done a lot of work so far, not too shabby! Those new headlight lenses make all the difference as long as the interior projector lenses are still in decent shape.
BTW, not to down anything you've done but GM later-model alternators do have voltage fluctuations that are quite noticeable. There is a TSB on this which describes that as normal activity to save stress on the battery & charging system. If you still have your old alternator, chances may be that it could actually be good and the car was just varying the voltage on you - might be worth a recheck at a shop that can work on those later model alternators. My Caprice does that, and my GMC 2008 Sierra 1500 did that as well. First time I saw it I was convinced the alternator had gone south on me, but I found out as soon as I researched it a bit it's normal behavior. Nothing like modern computer-controlled alternators! Check this topic for further... viewtopic.php?t=5101
Welcome!
Eric
Yeah I actually realized that after I returned my core. . I found that the fluctuations actually went away after I cleaned up all the wires that were left under the center console. Found a hot straight from the battery just bouncing around arcing.
Included is the "turned around: center console. Waiting on the inserts from Havis gonna upholster it when I do my headliner.
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- colemanvoice
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2023 9:57 pm
- Location: Cumming GA
- Contact:
Re: Starting out
Nice job with the headlights, cool rims. How did you order with Havis? Did you find a Reseller or Distributor from their website? I'm gonna have to do my headliner too.
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:20 pm
Re: Starting out
Thanks man just ordered it online from swps.com prices are good too.
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:20 pm
Re: Starting out
Not a huge upgrade but I found a set of holden fog light bezels locally, and ordered new housings, and led bulbs.
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Re: Starting out
Nice work. If you want to protect the headlights from any further sun damage, use some 3M clear UV paint film. Did that on mine after sanding and buffing, been good for 3 years.
2011 Caprice PPV, former RCMP test vehicle, never put into service
Build Thread: http://www.newcaprice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2419
Build Thread: http://www.newcaprice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2419
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:20 pm
Re: Starting out
Thanks for that info I was looking at vivvids hex clear vinyl for them
Re: Starting out
Nice updates!
What wheel specs are those? I love a bronze wheel on white car.
What wheel specs are those? I love a bronze wheel on white car.
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- Posts: 2305
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2015 2:31 pm
- Location: Pearland, Texas
Re: Starting out
+1 on the wheels. Not sure of the color, but do like the design. Nice work, so far!!
Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas
2012 Caprice 9C1
1992 B4C 1LE Camaro
2018 Tahoe PPV (her car)
1995 DGGM Impala SS
1985 Firebird - 310 LS1 C Prepared autocross car.
1980 Bluebird Wanderlodge
And some others
Do YOU have my SPID?
Pearland, Texas
2012 Caprice 9C1
1992 B4C 1LE Camaro
2018 Tahoe PPV (her car)
1995 DGGM Impala SS
1985 Firebird - 310 LS1 C Prepared autocross car.
1980 Bluebird Wanderlodge
And some others
Do YOU have my SPID?