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Blasirl’s Build:

47801 Views 182 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  Blasirl
25
I've been toying with this post since day one and would have probably never posted it, but someone I know was harassing me, so here is the text beginning. Pictures will follow - sometime. My main impediment is every time I complete something, something else goes south or I change my mind and replace something. You would also think being an electrician the electrical projects I have pending would be top notch and done, but nooooo, I don't want to start em even - so someday...

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Fleet LT 1.4l AT
Standard:
My fleet 1LT included the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, OnStar, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel. air-conditioning, a six-way (manual) adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a trip computer, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.

It also came standard with stability control, antilock brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and front and rear side-impact airbags as standard. A front-disc/rear-drum brake setup is standard on all models (except the 2LT, LTZ and Diesel, which are upgraded to four-wheel disc brakes). Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen-vehicle assistance.

Current Modifications:

Huskie Floor Liners throughout
Wing Spoiler (body color)
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Chevrolet Chevrolet cruze

Spring assisted trunk openers
Vehicle Car Auto part

Split Leather shift knob cover (red stitching)
Gear shift Vehicle Car Center console Auto part

MGP "Cruze" caliper covers (red) -------I have a set of unused rear covers FS or Trade - long story (still for sale as of 02MAR20)
Land vehicle Alloy wheel Vehicle Car Tire

Cruze Pedal Covers (red)
(where's the pic??)
Snowshield & Mirror Mitts
Door Lock knobs & Bezels (red)
Vehicle door Technology Table Auto part Windshield

Sunglasses holder (gray) (How to install)

Cover Craft Sun Shield {Thanks to spacedout} EDIT: Upgraded to Rose color to match - Blue shade FS or trade. (still for sale as of 18SEP20)
Diode Dynamics XP50 Reverse Lights

Reverse Camera
Vehicle Hood Automotive exterior Car Bumper

Open anytime interior trunk release button
Trunk mounted volt meter, power and USB outlets
Electronic instrument Electronics Auto part Technology Bumper

Trunk side rear seat covers
Rear Fog light (laser) - [see Reverse Camera photo]
Dual Fog light switch (still need to know how to get second switch to work)
Vehicle Car Family car

Glass look rear window quarters UPDATE: Removed and replaced with black appliques - [See window tint photos]
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Mid-size car Vehicle door

Plasti-dipped rear chrome bar (red) (now it is painted 2020)
Shark Fin antenna cover (body color) (Had to repaint it once)
Diode Dynamics side marker lamps (amber)
Fog/Driving lights i.e. Flip Flop amber/white lamps - [See lip spoiler photo]
Leatherette parking brake covers (red stitching)
Couture RS look front lip spoiler (body color) [this was rudely ripped off of my car at 70 mph on the Toledo Turnpike by a retread. Funny, I was on my way to court to fight a ticket procured during the Lordstown meet] EDIT: Added Lip Spoiler back! 19OCT17 @ 60280
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Grille Hood

Z-Spec grille (Black Granite) {Thanks to Cully77} - [See lip spoiler photo above]
Splash Guards (fourth set now 2020)
Tire Automotive tire Bumper Vehicle Automotive exterior

Centrex High Carbon rotors
LS window seals (black) {Thanks to Scott at Lordstown} (black appliques finally installed July17) -[See window tint photos]
K&N Air Filter {thanks to Merc6}
16” LT rims with Blizzaks for winter with matching black & red wheel storage covers
A couple of 5hp stickers
In-dash USB charging port

Ultra Racing upper rear shock tower bar
Grenade valve caps (red) {since changed to chrome valve caps with a red R for Robert - the power wash ripped out one and stranded me at the carwash} May 2018
18” LTZ rims {Thanks to whitecruze} with Continental Pure Contacts (1 size wider) (waiting on TPMS) UPDATE: Chinese TPMS took an immediate dump, replaced with Sam’s Club items (replaced one of these ~JUL20)
Land vehicle Alloy wheel Vehicle Car Wheel

Window tint by New Wave (35% I think)- 29JUL17 (redid the windshield tint after windshield replacement)
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Mid-size car Chevrolet cruze
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Chevrolet cruze Full-size car
Sky Blue Daytime Architecture Cloud


This last photo is the difference between winshield and strip tint.​

Eibach springs {Thanks to Overbuilt} - 23AUG17

Bilstein B8 Sport Struts - 23AUG17
Moog front sway bar links & bushings - 23AUG17

Ultra Racing upper front shock tower bar - 23AUG17
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Engine Auto part

GM strut mounts and bellows - 23AUG17
Front End Alignment - 25AUG17 (Sep 20)

MISC items:
Will not let me upload any more pictures!

Pending Modifications:

Rear View mirror with video screen (issues with wiring)(installed May 18, but not completely connected)
Electronics Technology Electronic device

Smoked BMW style tails (need to decipher wiring)(tried to install May18, but ran into issues)(tried twice in Jun18)
Automotive lighting Light Headlamp Auto part Automotive exterior
Electronics Auto part Technology Electronic component Games



Add MyLink {Thanks to justsowicked} (Need to redo VIN first somehow)
Wndow vents (smoked) – (too lazy to put them on yet) (Done)
Whiteline 22mm Rear sway bar Edit: Completed at 65,000 19MAR18
Autometer Cobalt Boost and AFR gauges installed but not yet connected May18 EDIT: Connected Boost electrically 16JUL18 EDIT: Completed install 28AUG18
LTZ Cluster upgrade OCT2018

Planned Modifications:

EBC Greenstuff brake pads
Color match steering wheel trim (changed the Wheel to a Camaro Hot Wheels steering wheel)
Upgrade sound system (while keeping stock head unit) ala XR’s post


Completed Repairs:
Replaced negative battery cable (Warranty)
New Duralast brake pads and Centrex rotors
Repaired PF fender (repainted peeling paint & replaced fender liner 18SEP20)
Repaired DF rocker panel 19OCT17 @ 60280
Repaired front end 23MAY18
New camshaft seals 17AUG18 (Warranty)
New valve cover and gasket 17AUG18 (Warranty)
New water pump and a free coolant refill. 17AUG18 (Warranty)
Engine degreased 17AUG18 (Warranty)
Replaced (currently being shipped)one snow tire (Warranty) 03DEC18 73,XXX - EDIT: Installed 10DEC18 EDIT: Replaced all four snows 2021)
Slow coolant leak / Check Engine / Security System / battery 03DEC2018 73,XXX
DF rocker panel repaired again along with tire rash from when the H2 tried to eat me.
Changed the oil & Filter - 95912 - no analysis, Oil Analyzers must have shipped the two kits I ordered to China before they would come to me. 18DEC20
Installed a ZZP magnetic drain plug - 95912 -18DEC2020
Replaced the Surge Tank hose for the second time & topped off the coolant - 95912 - 18DEC2020
Replaced both intake and exhaust camshaft position sensors with Duralast part SU14096 and also purchased a crank position sensor SU13894 28APR21

Completed Modifications:
ZZP Pillar Pod {thanks to LS2 BLAZER}(May18)
Depo smoked side markers {this guy is the cheapest, but his Customer Service Sucks]Installed 23MAY18) Updated Link 20APR19
Bilstein B8 shocks - [Tire Rack shipped me the wrong ones - waiting on reply 26AUG17] EDIT: Installed at 65,000 19MAR18
Amsoil Oil (Wix filters) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}Edit: Completed at 65,000 19MAR18 EDIT: More oil waiting in the wings 2021
Amsoil Brake Fluid (time) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}Edit: Completed at 65,000 19MAR18
Amsoil Trans Fluid (time) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}Edit: Completed at 65,000 19MAR18
Big Three Kit (2 grounds installed so far - time) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}Edit: Finally completed the third cable on 11MAR18
Completed HomeLink, but not yet installed 07JUL18 see pics below EDIT: Installed 17JUL18
Diode Dynamics HP24 Switchback front signal LEDs installed 19JUL18
Installed a Verano engine shield SEP18
EDIT: Moog strut mounts and bellows - (same) [DST shipped the wrong parts - substituted GM parts]Soon to install a Scangauge II {Thanks to PanJet} EDIT: Installed
06JUN18 - EDIT: 26NOV2018 - gauge went blank - unsure of problem as of yet. Gauge went back on 10DEC18
Periodic oil changes
Re Vinylized the back bowtie 09AUG18
Purchased and installed power heated leather seats. - acquired them all piecemeal by 06APR19
How I swapped in power seats
How I Swapped in Power Seats part 2
How I removed and replaced my Rear Seats
How I removed and replaced my Rear Seats pt 2
Hot Wheels Camaro steering wheel w/paddle shifters - I had to rehab it first before I installed it.
Carbon Fiber shifter/stereo surround - 2020
Dual exhaust with U-Power tips - 2020
Glove Box Light Ready to install. Waiting on connector from Mouser and Diode Dynamics LED. EDIT: Installed 18JUL18, but having electrical issues (fixed)

Additional mods listed here


Pending Issues/Repairs/Modifications:
Amsoil Coolant & Coolant Boost (As I have a fresh coolant change via the warranty this will be waiting) {Thanks to XtremeRevolution}
Troubleshoot the rearview mirror connections
Troubleshoot the glove box light (done) - 2020
Figure out the connections for the taillights I bought 5 years ago and install them
Waiting on my Amsoil shipment (18SEP20)(Received)
Forge Wastegate Actuator
Forge BPV
BNR LS7 coil upgrade
Racer X manifold
60lb fuel injectors
DP

The day I brought her home in November of 2014:

I still cannot find these pics...

For Sale / Trade items:

Eibach camber bolts - [so far not needed] - FS or Trade - (still for sale as of 18SEP20) EDIT: Ended up installing these 2021
Complete set all black LT seats
Blue Covercraft sunshade
Full set of LS window seals and appliques )(all black)
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Add the Whiteline front sway bar bushings to that mod list. A tutorial is coming as soon as I make some baffles.

Sent from my BlackBerry PRIV using Tapatalk
Just thought I'd mention that my Whiteline rear sway bar just showed up in the mail the other day.
Updated some of the info and posted a few more pics.
3
Finally had time to have the Bilstein shocks, the Whiteline swaybar and the Amsoil fluids installed.

Vehicle Auto part Automotive exterior Bumper Automotive exhaust
Vehicle Auto part Car Automotive exhaust Suspension


Just a photo that would not upload before - some minor mods:

bag hooks, steering wheel cover, CD organizer, sunglasses holder, radar detector and dash cam are all in this pic

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Mode of transport Family car
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Tried to install all of my waiting projects that had to route through the pillar, but ran out of time. Here are a pic of the new mirror for now though.

Vehicle Rear-view mirror Automotive mirror Car Auto part
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Finished installing the pillar cover with the gauges, but haven't connected the gauges.

Vehicle Car City car Windshield Auto part
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Nice build, I like it. I just bought those "Euro tail lights" for mine. Were you having issues with them? How do you like them?
Nice build, I like it. I just bought those "Euro tail lights" for mine. Were you having issues with them? How do you like them?

I actually figured out the wiring and put them in the Cruze two nights ago, but the tails and one brake light decided it wasn't going to work so I reinstalled the factory ones as the Bomb went to the body shop yesterday morning. Maybe after I get back from Lordstown.
2
Made some minor updates to the post.

Had the front end repaired last week at Pulera's. It started out looking like this after a tangle with a hidden piece of sheet metal. The metal was crumpled up and painted white/silver and was under a layer of fluffy snow in the middle of the roadway.

Vehicle Car Bumper Automotive exterior Grille


An after picture to come. I thought I had one, but found I still need to take them.

EDIT:
I found the paperwork for something that occurred on 25MAY2018

I went to Quaker City Motorsports Park dragstrip while in Lordstown and forgot to post my terrible times.

67582
The tires were 38psi
1/2 tank 87 octane
Traction Control on
Bone stock, no tune 1.4T
Trunk Junk
18" LTZ rims

I believe this is my second run.
286108
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That's a very nice ride, Blasirl! You should be proud of her.
That's a very nice ride, Blasirl! You should be proud of her.

Thanks,

So far so good although it seems for every step forward I went at least two back:dizzy:
it seems for every step forward I went at least two back:dizzy:
It does seem to work that way with both women and cars. :rotate:
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5
HomeLink Project

1. So I finally was able to complete my HomeLink Project
Electronics Technology Electronic device


2. This is the backside assembled.

Electronics Technology Electronic device Electronic component

3. This is the cutout. I learned that I could have cut even less out right at the last step when I clipped on the keypad.



4. This is the unit set in the cutout.

Electronics Product Technology Electronic device


5. And this is where I found I could have cut out less material.

Scale model

If you look close, you can see where the black tabs are not in contact with the area cutout for them. They did sit there up until I found the keypad would not clip on. There was just a bit too much space between the keypad and the unit. In picture four, you can see where I cut out around the tabs in line with the keys. Originally this was not the case and it set in there very nicely albeit too far from the cover. With them cut out, the cover snapped in nicely, but the back end lifted a bit. Oh well, live and learn. It seem to work well now. Hopefully in the next couple of days I can program the unit and actually install it.

EDIT: Installed 27JUL18 How to Program
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How I installed a Verano engine shield

I finally installed the Verano shield I ordered a few months ago. I first had to figure out how to get my 4 ton jack under the car. I made a mini ramp to get it up higher.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Alloy wheel Rim


I then set about stenciling the new shield so hopefully it remains intact.

Vehicle Auto part Family car City car Car


These are the closeups of the two labels

Technology Electronic device Label


As you can see, I had a bit of a leak on the passenger side so I waited to install until after they were addressed.

Firearm Gun Trigger Airsoft gun


Before I installed the new one, I compared the two for differences.

Auto part


I used a hole saw and a razor knife to add the new holes. After installing it, I found the two holes used to connect the shield to the wheel well shroud on both sides were off. I used a wood bit to make some new ones in the shield.

Auto part Bumper Fender Floor


I had to use the drill upside down to get it in there.

Impact wrench Impact driver Hammer drill Handheld power drill Drill


The only other items I had to deal with to install the shield was the two missing body nuts and an extra-large hole in the shield. The extra-large hole was easy, I just added a stainless fender washer to the original screw. It took me awhile to figure out a temporary solution for the two missing body nuts. I ended up using two Harbor Freight panel nuts and the matching screws. I expect they may last over winter. U-Clip and Screw Assortment, 170 Pc.

Auto part
Ceiling Vehicle
Tire Automotive tire Auto part Automotive wheel system Tread


Actually there one more item I chose to do and that was to create an opening around the oil drain plug.
I used a 3” hole saw and a scrap of plywood to make a jig and the drilled out the plastic / aluminum sandwich.

Wood Tool accessory Machine Tool
Tool accessory Impact wrench Random orbital sander Tool
Auto part Machine tool Machine Metal



Hopefully that will keep sloppy oil changes from lighting my fire.

Happy Modding!

71462
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I’ll have to get a closer look at this in the upcoming off season so I can get mine on. I sourced mine along with the panels that go under the floor boards from a Verano at a local wrecking yard.

By by the way, I like the idea of the cutout for the drain plug.
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I’ll have to get a closer look at this in the upcoming off season so I can get mine on. I sourced mine along with the panels that go under the floor boards from a Verano at a local wrecking yard.

By by the way, I like the idea of the cutout for the drain plug.
The two side ones and the rear one? I never thought to look at Veranos for those. I had always thought they were only on the ECO's . If you have the actual body nuts or just the HF clips, a drill and the bits this is a quick job. I am not sure what you mean by off season, but this is an hour job at most.

I had looked at all of the posts I could find on the shield and the only person I remember mentioning adding holes was @spacedout, but he never was specific. I know I eventually will drill some more once I figure out where the drips accumulate, but I knew for sure the drain plug area was going to be one of them. I didn't mention it, but you need to pull back on the shield while you are spinning the drill. I would go fairly slow and really pay attention where your fingers are. Also remember you are going through the aluminum too.
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Correct I have the two side ones on. The front and rear stud was there for each side to line them up with. I drilled new holes around the edges to line up with existing hole in the chassis and used push pins to hold them up.

Couldn’t figure out the rear one as it seems to be missing a bracket or something in order to install it but I have it as well. My catback also doesn’t help as it sits below the bumper rather than sit in the cutout, I would more than likely have to clearance the rear piece in order to make it fit

We have a “busy” season at work that is about to end which will give me another day off each week to work on things. Given the hours I work there is no getting anything done until a day that I have off, not enough time before to finish what was started and too tired to do anything afterwards on the days that I work.

This is will be in addition to the collection of parts that have been slowly coming in to be completed this winter for regular maintenance in my book. Come spring my Cruze should be a little bit closer to where I want it to be.
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good job on the shield. I installed mine a few months back....it hangs down a bit in the middle....didn't see where I could bolt it to or anything. Is yours tucked up nice or does it hang a lil too?
Correct I have the two side ones on. The front and rear stud was there for each side to line them up with. I drilled new holes around the edges to line up with existing hole in the chassis and used push pins to hold them up.

Couldn’t figure out the rear one as it seems to be missing a bracket or something in order to install it but I have it as well. My catback also doesn’t help as it sits below the bumper rather than sit in the cutout, I would more than likely have to clearance the rear piece in order to make it fit

We have a “busy” season at work that is about to end which will give me another day off each week to work on things. Given the hours I work there is no getting anything done until a day that I have off, not enough time before to finish what was started and too tired to do anything afterwards on the days that I work.

This is will be in addition to the collection of parts that have been slowly coming in to be completed this winter for regular maintenance in my book. Come spring my Cruze should be a little bit closer to where I want it to be.
This must be my down season as I have went through a ton of boxes piling up in the basement (mostly parts for the Cruze) and installed a bunch of things.

good job on the shield. I installed mine a few months back....it hangs down a bit in the middle....didn't see where I could bolt it to or anything. Is yours tucked up nice or does it hang a lil too?
Thanks. Mine bulges a bit too, but it is stiff because I used all the available mounting points.
This must be my down season as I have went through a ton of boxes piling up in the basement (mostly parts for the Cruze) and installed a bunch of things.



Thanks. Mine bulges a bit too, but it is stiff because I used all the available mounting points.
same here..used all the available spots, just nowhere to bolt it up to where it kinda bulges
4
Renewing the Plasti-dipped Chrome Bar

Renewed the Plasti-dip on the Chrome Trunk Bar yesterday. (EDIT: This is now painted body color)

1. Cleaned it with glass cleaner and then taped it off.

Automotive exterior Art Mural Vehicle


2. Added a light coat and then about a minute later completed it with a wet coat.

Automotive exterior Font Technology Textile Art


3. Removed masking while it was still wet.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Vehicle registration plate Red


All done - for now!

Land vehicle Car Trunk Vehicle Red
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