Re: 09 HyHoe
 

Big day today ... esky bumper and mirrors are finally in!!!
http://gallery.me.com/soulsea/100050...13164633160001

http://gallery.me.com/soulsea/100050...13164632400001

http://gallery.me.com/soulsea/100050...13164632450001

http://gallery.me.com/soulsea/100050...13164631930001

http://gallery.me.com/soulsea/100050...13164631880001

http://gallery.me.com/soulsea/100050...13164684220001

Tired now but I'll post later on a couple of fitment notes.

Can't tell you how happy I am that I don't have to look at that bumper hole any more. :)

Re: 09 HyHoe
 

Let me tell you....you should work for GM.

You took a plain Jane (Tahoe Hybrid) and turn it into how GM should release her in the first place..like Linda Carter !!!!!

You got the best of all GM designs and mate it into one gorgeous ride.

Congrats.

Re: 09 HyHoe
 

Well that's just about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. :D

Thanks Gabe.

Yeah I can't really fault GM on this too much ... they do make a truck that's very close to what I ended up with, that being the Denali Hybrid.

The thing is the Yukon swoopy front end isn't to my personal liking nor is the one of the Escalade. So my only option was to get the Tahoe and modify it to my taste. Other than the projectors and the front grille every modification on this truck is with oem parts.

And thanks again.

Re: 09 HyHoe
 

Just a couple of quick fitment notes for any hybrid owner who wants to do the bumper swap:

1. Do not forget to get the reverse sensor moldings from a denali/esky because the hybrid ones are too small. Also keep in mind that for some reason GM didn't create an attachment for them, so in order to attach them behind the bumper you will need to use a plastic adhesive like liquid plastic or JB weld. You do not need to replace your sensors as they work with the new moldings.

2. The Hybrid's bumper has little notches at each top corner where it slides in below the quarter panel. The denali/esky bumper does not, so in order for it to go in it has to be cut out. It's no biggie, it takes all of five minutes and you can't see it after it's installed ... but it won't go in unless you do it.

Here's a pic of the hybrid bumper for reference:

http://gallery.me.com/soulsea/100050...13164736310001

Re: 09 HyHoe
 

have you ever considered Electric running boards.

I want to install that in a couple of Hybrid Silverados.

Do you think is doable, worth it, trouble free?

Re: 09 HyHoe
 

Mmm, I have indeed considered it but decided against it.

The Tahoe and (non-denali) Yukon have a couple of design elements that really work against it. First they have the massive aerodynamic front bumper, second, they have these little moldings at the bottom of the back of the fenders and the front of the quarter panels that flare out. They do so as to line up with the base (non esky/denali) hybrid specific running boards. When I took the boards off those moldings stayed because removing them will more than likely show on the paint below.

So because of those elements what happens with the HyHoe is that it has an overall 'bulkier' appearance to it. This is not an issue for me because I actually like that look, but it won't work with the power steps. For them to line up properly I would have to remove the moldings, have all fenders and panels repainted, buy the steps, have them installed ... basically waaaay to expensive and involved for that one feature that still would look too small relative to the front bumper.

Having said that, these design issues are very specific to my truck, they might not exist at all for yours if your truck's design mirrors that of its non-hybrid counterpart.

It is really extraordinary that although to a lay person the regular Tahoe looks practically the same as the Hybrid. how many subtle differences there actually are. It's been a journey of almost as much error as trial for me, but I do enjoy it.

A lot of it rests on spending lots of time at dealer lots staring blankly at other trucks trying to spot tiny variances. I used to get a lot of funny looks from the salesmen ... now they can't wait for me to get there to see the latest changes on the truck. :)

So just do a lot of research at GM part websites, see how things fit together on your ride relative to others and see what can be done. There are also a lot of very helpful folks at the tahoeyukonforum.com forum.

One last thing about the power steps ... if I remember correctly, if you choose to install them a lot of wiring has to be done. And I don't remember if the BCM can be reprogrammed with a Tech II scanner at the dealer or if you would need a new one. So one would need to investigate that.

Adding new electrics is never an easy mod on these trucks, hybrid or not.

Hard, but not impossible. :)

Re: 09 HyHoe
 

Sorry, I didn't myself quite clear.

Not the OEM electric side steps. I have a 2008 Tahoe with those steps, and actually the running board decks, the body itself is different from non-electric sideboards Tahoes, hybrid or not.

There are this After market electric side steps that cloak under the body next to the chassis. Electrical install will have to be really clean, and directly from the 12 V Battery it self. Only signal that have to be crossed will be the open door signal.

The APM will probably not support an Electrical constant load for other accessory working 24/7, but the ruining boards will only work when opening the doors.

Is just my analysis, that is why I was asking.

Thanks for your fast response !

Re: 09 HyHoe
 

Ah okay ... so you''re not referring to these:

http://www.thehulltruth.com/attachme...-view-comp.jpg
(they also make them with a chrome srip)

Well, I don't see why you couldn't do it, but I am not familiar with electrical stuff so I don't know what exactly is involved.

The only thing I would reiterate if you wanted to put something as picture above, or similar, on a Tahoe Hybrid is that it will look really off unless the side moldings are removed ... and I mentioned above what the potential issue are with that strategy.

But if your Silvy doesn't have those moldings then I can't see why it couldn't be done. :)

I hope I understood correctly this time ... it's been a long day.

Re: 09 HyHoe
 

yeap. Not those in ur pic.

The APM Research Power retractable step.

Attachment 2840
Attachment 2841
http://www.electricstep.com/

They have Specific instructions for our hybrid trucks !
http://www.amp-research.com/?dl_id=1

Re: 09 HyHoe
 

Just an FYI for you if you're interested, I once wanted to remove all four of those moldings, so i tried removing the right rear molding on the rear door and once I had it about half way off I realized/Seen GM had put a few big holes in the body of the of the door where the clips would go to hold on the moldings along with adhesive strips to hold them on/up tight to the body of the door, So I figured it would be the same thing for the front half of the vehicle as well.:cry:

So like you say, You'd definitely would have to fill holes and repaint, etc.:(

If you ever get a chance could you please go just a little bit more into detail about where you bought and how you installed the new rear denali style bumper with the chrome strip, I love that look and miss my 07 normal style Black denali we had to lemon law.:( But I definitely do not miss putting so much fuel in it compared to the Hybrid.:) Thanks.