Restoring my 99 Tahoe

[MoragaTahoe]

Hey all,

I am new to the sight and just bought a 99 Tahoe LT. Mechanically she is great, but cosmetically there is going to be a lot to do!

The Plan:

To restore her to her glory days.

Exterior:

Replace:

Headlights/Indicators
Side View Mirrors
Broken Tailgate Handle
Dark Blue Bow tie for Front Grille
Chrome Fender Trim
Badging to match 2000+ Models

Remove:

All Rubber Rocker Panel Trim
All Original Emblems

Bodywork and Paint:

All Door dings and creases on body panels
Refinish Hood and Roof to remove oxidation and surface rust
Paint Rear pieces above Tail Lights Body Color
Repaint Whole vehicle in original GM Indigo Blue Metallic


This is just the beginning! I am determined to bring this awesome truck back!!

 

[MoragaTahoe]

New Tires and Wheels

I decided to put on 16" Denali Wheels. I found them on craigslist and picked them up for next to nothing. The big $$ was spent at America's Tire. I spent 900 Bucks on 4 brand new 265/75R/16 BF Goodrich AllTerrains. I have to say they look bad ass!:happy160:

 

[MoragaTahoe]

Removed all Trim and Badging! Ready to go in for paint!

Removed all Rubber trim and old beat up chrome. I also removed the side mirrors, the broken rear tailgate handle, and replaced the interior door handle for the front passenger (it was completely snapped and you couldn't open the door from inside!). I removed the front grille as well. She will get all new lights once she's painted up!

Taking her in to the paint shop to get some light bodywork done and get her shot with a fresh new coat of her original color. You can see how bad the hood is (the roof is just as bad). Its going to be hard to wait the week and a half until she is done!!

:driver:

 

[Rough Country]

Hi there, this is Darrell from Rough Country we have 2" leveling kit or suspension kits for your Tahoe, just give me a call when your ready.

 

[MoragaTahoe]

Almost done!!!

Stopped by the Shop to take a look! She just got painted yesterday! Looking great! Can't wait to pick it up on Thursday Morning!!

 

[Andrew99Tahoe]

Removed all Rubber trim and old beat up chrome. I also removed the side mirrors, the broken rear tailgate handle, and replaced the interior door handle for the front passenger (it was completely snapped and you couldn't open the door from inside!). I removed the front grille as well. She will get all new lights once she's painted up!

Taking her in to the paint shop to get some light bodywork done and get her shot with a fresh new coat of her original color. You can see how bad the hood is (the roof is just as bad). Its going to be hard to wait the week and a half until she is done!!

:driver:

I also removed the modeling. It looks a lot better once its gone, gives it a one of a kind look too. What process did you use to remove it?

 

[MoragaTahoe]

It was all put on with adhesive tape. I literally just pulled it off! The worst part was getting all the adhesive off the truck. I cleaned most of it off with goo gone and then cleaned and lightly sanded the surface. It was pretty smooth, but the body shop smoothed it out a little bit more for me. Chrome Step Bars are next..

 

[MoragaTahoe]

Here is a pic from the other side! What do you all think? Any suggestions or comments?

 

[MoragaTahoe]

Got it Back from the Body Shop!

I finally got the beast back yesterday!

Replaced all the exterior lights, re-badged the tailgate, new driver's mirror and reinstalled the passenger mirror. and got the grill back on.

Next is the chrome fender trim, and I have to fix the tailgate handle.. That is frustrating. Has anyone ever had to replace that? it seems someone tried to break into the back at one point and snapped something inside.. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Shes on her way!
:happy160:

 

[Andrew99Tahoe]

It was all put on with adhesive tape. I literally just pulled it off! The worst part was getting all the adhesive off the truck. I cleaned most of it off with goo gone and then cleaned and lightly sanded the surface. It was pretty smooth, but the body shop smoothed it out a little bit more for me. Chrome Step Bars are next..

I used acitone to get the adhesive off.

 

[Andrew99Tahoe]

I finally got the beast back yesterday!

Replaced all the exterior lights, re-badged the tailgate, new driver's mirror and reinstalled the passenger mirror. and got the grill back on.

Next is the chrome fender trim, and I have to fix the tailgate handle.. That is frustrating. Has anyone ever had to replace that? it seems someone tried to break into the back at one point and snapped something inside.. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Shes on her way!
:happy160:

The fender trim is a pain, its screwed/riveted on. Removing mine left holes behind.

 

[MoragaTahoe]

Chrome Trim On!

Got my new Chrome Fender Trim On, now for Chrome Step Bars and then its time to get to work on the interior!

 

[Jounier11]

Got my new Chrome Fender Trim On, now for Chrome Step Bars and then its time to get to work on the interior!

Recommend replacing the led roof light and get some led tailights off e-bay that will give it a 1 of a kind style(trust me i know xD)

 

[ralatkins]

Got my new Chrome Fender Trim On, now for Chrome Step Bars and then its time to get to work on the interior!

working on a 95 2 door myself, so i know the pains you are going through! your truck is looking great though, good work!

 

[scstables]

Ah I see yours has color. The one my husband got at the auction is WHITE. I hate white!!!!

 

[MoragaTahoe]

Replacing the Steering Box, Idler arm, Upper and Lower radiator hoses, AC hose, rear swaybar links and bushings, steering speed sensor, oil change, transmission service, 4-wheel balance and alignment!

Then its time for some chrome step bars! shes starting to really get back to her like best running condition!

 

[Jounier11]

@MoragaTahoe Update