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Mods and Installs - What are your plans?

2244 Views 9 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  zedknepplin
10
Hello All!

I'll start! What have you done to your car lately? Here are some things I have done to personalize/customize/improve? the car, and some other ideas for later:

• Installed a Buick Approved Thinkware 4K Dash Camera System w/OBD/PAC/IGN Cables (Bought mine from the Dealer parts department, but saw it later for $100 less on line) - Also known as the U1000. I also added the Thinkware Radar Module. I made a separate post about the install.
• Buick Emblem Valve Caps
• Wheel Lock set
• 10.2" Glass Screen Protector
• Deer Whistles (Needed for country roads)
• Road Safety Kit
• Small outside blind spot mirrors (I have to see for myself)
• Some small Beige Towels
• First Aid Kit
• Leather Key Fob Protector
• Center Console Tray
• Safety Triangle (The trunk tray has a slot for it by the spare tire @right side)
• 2x Small Umbrellas
• Protective headlight film
• Unbuckled the center rear seat belt. I did not like the look of it being there twisted. There is just my wife and I. We have never used center rear seat in many years of driving. After unbuckling, it was moved out of the way and clipped it to a back seat child anchor
... and you can always put the seat belt back when needed. (See Pictures)

Ideas:
• I did try replacing the front dash speakers/tweeters (the highs are not crisp enough for me) with: a set of Pioneer TS-A709 or Hertz DT 24.3 Tweeters. I tried them both; and they sound OK, BUT both sets need to be amplified to really get good sound out of them. I don't want to add any amplifiers right now, so I put the factory speakers back. Those front dash speaker grills DID NOT want to come off peacefully! Pro Tip: If you buy from Crutchfield, you get some install parts and the master build sheets free!

• If I add amplified tweeters; since I have to remove the door panels to do that, I would look at adding the marker lights and puddle lights then...

• I am also thinking about possibly adding some marker and puddle lamps to all 4 doors like I did with my Equinox. (See Pictures) I got the power for these LEDs by tapping the dome lights over the passenger doors.

• Keep in mind if you want to add a sub woofer (See Equinox sample in Pictures - I probably will not add one to the Envision this time), the low frequencies may interfere with the active noise cancellation (ANC). ANC is done with the 4 small round microphones - each one is located over a door. I had to disable the 4 ANC microphones when I added a Sub to the Equinox. If you tap the front dash speakers for the Highs (tweeters) you may need a ground loop isolator to filter car high frequency electrical noise, and a line level adapter if you want to connect to the amplifier RCA inputs. I have done several GM sound system builds (including Bose) before. The frequencies are there, the installed paper speakers from the factory just can't reproduce them.

• The Gen 3 Prius had a kit to add turn signal LEDs to the outside mirrors for USA Spec Prius cars. I checked Ali Express and eBay, they do not have such a kit for 2021+ Buick Envision at this time. I checked with the vendors that do sell replacement LED lights for (Chinese Version Envisions - See Pictures) that have mirror turn signal LEDs. These vendors do not want to bother building a kit to retrofit USA spec Envisions.

What are some of your ideas?

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Car Automotive lighting Hood Motor vehicle Automotive side-view mirror

• Chinese Envision Outside Mirror

Chair Comfort Armrest Automotive design Car seat cover

• How To Disconnect Center Rear Seatbelt.

Car Vehicle Automotive design Plant Car seat cover

Looks Much Better! :)

Tire Automotive lighting Hood Vehicle Automotive tire

• Sample Marker and Puddle Lamp Install on my old Equinox.

Product Electronic instrument Audio equipment Gadget Electrical wiring

• Sample Sub and Amplifier Install on my old Equinox.

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What did you use for protective headlight film?
What did you use for protective headlight film?
Hello mw3450011!

I got the 3m Film and install kit from Amazon:

I read somewhere that the Envision headlights were Lexan.

I used Maguire's UV Headlight Spray on my old Equinox headlights. The Maguire's spray kept the headlights clear, but I did not like spraying a coat on each year. Thought I would try the film instead this time.
I got the items, looked at a lot of example videos, but have not installed the film yet. Waiting for the weather to get better. (y)
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Going to try your idea as to the rear center seat belt, yes I hate the look of the twisted belt, and just the two of us as well. Going to add the factory mud flaps soon, as well as factory Buick all weather rubber mats, and going to clear bra coat the entire hood, front facia, side mirrors, A pillars and roof. Also a set of custom "whisper beige" seat belt covers as all our other cars and trucks has them and they feel better than just the plain seat belt. I was surprised the BUick did not add puddle lights to the sides. Also plan to add satin chrome spears to the rear Bose speakers, along with Bose emblems, This along with satin trim to match the window control trim of the front seats. I guess Buick thinks our passengers in the rear are lower class?
Hello All!

I'll start! What have you done to your car lately? Here are some things I have done to personalize/customize/improve? the car, and some other ideas for later:

• Installed a Buick Approved Thinkware 4K Dash Camera System w/OBD/PAC/IGN Cables (Bought mine from the Dealer parts department, but saw it later for $100 less on line) - Also known as the U1000. I also added the Thinkware Radar Module. I made a separate post about the install.
• Buick Emblem Valve Caps
• Wheel Lock set
• 10.2" Glass Screen Protector
• Deer Whistles (Needed for country roads)
• Road Safety Kit
• Small outside blind spot mirrors (I have to see for myself)
• Some small Beige Towels
• First Aid Kit
• Leather Key Fob Protector
• Center Console Tray
• Safety Triangle (The trunk tray has a slot for it by the spare tire @right side)
• 2x Small Umbrellas
• Protective headlight film
• Unbuckled the center rear seat belt. I did not like the look of it being there twisted. There is just my wife and I. We have never used center rear seat in many years of driving. After unbuckling, it was moved out of the way and clipped it to a back seat child anchor
... and you can always put the seat belt back when needed. (See Pictures)

Ideas:
• I did try replacing the front dash speakers/tweeters (the highs are not crisp enough for me) with: a set of Pioneer TS-A709 or Hertz DT 24.3 Tweeters. I tried them both; and they sound OK, BUT both sets need to be amplified to really get good sound out of them. I don't want to add any amplifiers right now, so I put the factory speakers back. Those front dash speaker grills DID NOT want to come off peacefully! Pro Tip: If you buy from Crutchfield, you get some install parts and the master build sheets free!

• If I add amplified tweeters; since I have to remove the door panels to do that, I would look at adding the marker lights and puddle lights then...

• I am also thinking about possibly adding some marker and puddle lamps to all 4 doors like I did with my Equinox. (See Pictures) I got the power for these LEDs by tapping the dome lights over the passenger doors.

• Keep in mind if you want to add a sub woofer (See Equinox sample in Pictures - I probably will not add one to the Envision this time), the low frequencies may interfere with the active noise cancellation (ANC). ANC is done with the 4 small round microphones - each one is located over a door. I had to disable the 4 ANC microphones when I added a Sub to the Equinox. If you tap the front dash speakers for the Highs (tweeters) you may need a ground loop isolator to filter car high frequency electrical noise, and a line level adapter if you want to connect to the amplifier RCA inputs. I have done several GM sound system builds (including Bose) before. The frequencies are there, the installed paper speakers from the factory just can't reproduce them.

• The Gen 3 Prius had a kit to add turn signal LEDs to the outside mirrors for USA Spec Prius cars. I checked Ali Express and eBay, they do not have such a kit for 2021+ Buick Envision at this time. I checked with the vendors that do sell replacement LED lights for (Chinese Version Envisions - See Pictures) that have mirror turn signal LEDs. These vendors do not want to bother building a kit to retrofit USA spec Envisions.

What are some of your ideas?

View attachment 2275

View attachment 2272
• Chinese Envision Outside Mirror

View attachment 2278
• How To Disconnect Center Rear Seatbelt.

View attachment 2279
Looks Much Better! :)

View attachment 2280
• Sample Marker and Puddle Lamp Install on my old Equinox.

View attachment 2281
• Sample Sub and Amplifier Install on my old Equinox.
What did you do with the belt once disconnected in the rear center?
What did you do with the belt once disconnected in the rear center?
Hello!

I folded it back over the seat and connected it to a child seat anchor with a small keychain clip on back of the seat.

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If needed, I can always reconnect it. (y)
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3
Just added these polished stainless striker covers to our 2023 Avenir today....I found these on another Buick forum site Buick Forums looks so much better than the plain jane striker....the 2nd photo is the "before", these are made in many colors, I choose chrome

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Just added these polished stainless striker covers to our 2023 Avenir today....I found these on another Buick forum site Buick Forums looks so much better than the plain jane striker....the 2nd photo is the "before", these are made in many colors, I choose chrome
9
Hello All!

Thank you very much for posting your work and ideas!

It's been a while. I'm still waiting on my retro-fits for heated seats and key fob.
Wheel Vehicle Car Tire Automotive tire


Until then, still collecting items for more personalization's.

Installed a wheel center cap on the engine cover (Amazon). Did not think it would stay on there, but it did.
Hood Grille Motor vehicle Bumper Automotive design


Installed 3M clear film on headlights. Added benefit to the film is it will protect from rock chips as well. These headlights are wide! Be sure to measure first!

The 3M film I used has 2 layers - not 3 as stated in the demo films and info sheet. I got the separate install kit. Use a new x-acto knife and new blades. Do not use cheap blades in the kit or you will get jaggy/saw blade cuts.

Wash the car first. Practice using the squeegee with a spare piece of film first (I used the white one with the black rubber edge). Watch the demo videos. They show you everything you need.
Line Flooring Wall Font Road surface


Automotive parking light Wheel Car Vehicle Tire


I will not install anything else until after the retro-fits.

Got the wood trim kits from eBay. The dash kit covers up the Avenir's accent lighting, so I have to figure something out there. I thought the interiors on the Avenir could use some more wood touches. The ST trim has carbon fiber on the dash.
Rectangle Wood Eye glass accessory Material property Bag


I think the Bose stereo could use some help, so getting some parts together for that. Going stealth mode this time, hiding amps under the seats and such.

Wiring harness taps. Check out John 1 Pocket (John Adams) on YouTube! He made the custom Bose wiring harnesses for me - (Bass, Tweeters, and ANC Bypass). A.I.S.-Audio Integration Solutions. He also made the harnesses I used in the Equinox build 4 years ago.

I'm working on an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Bypass relay circuit that is powered by the remote Amp power. The usual ANC bypass harness removed the ANC microphones from the circuit permanently.

My modified harness only disconnects the ANC microphones when the Bass AMP is on! Otherwise you will get feedback! And not the good kind!
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Amps & parts:
Product Musical instrument accessory Gadget Font Rectangle


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Since I have to remove the door panels, thinking about adding some puddle and marker lights:
Automotive lighting Hood Motor vehicle Automotive tire Automotive design


My preliminary research reveals that the wiring color codes are similar to the Chevrolet Equinox. But the Bose amps are located in the rear hatch area - right side for the Envision.

I have a lot of work ahead for me! 😁
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Hello All!

Time to install the "wood" trim. ;)

Rectangle Wood Eye glass accessory Material property Bag


Before:
Car Vehicle Motor vehicle Gear shift Steering part


After:
Car Vehicle Motor vehicle Automotive design Steering part

Looks better! (y)

Notes:

The piece that goes on the sliding cover is tricky. Practice doing it before removing the 3M tape cover. Not much room to play with there.

The Piece that goes by the Infotainment screen needs some modification (if you have the accent lighting). I asked the seller if it would work on the Avenir and not cover the accent lighting. They said no problems, but it does cover the accent lighting.

After some trials, I added some thick foam tape and 2-sided tape to raise it up a bit above the accent lighting trim. I did not install the piece by the left side driver's vent - Can't see it much anyway.

We'll see if it can stand the South Georgia heat.

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