Luna AKA: Lambda^2 20% Cooler Redux - 1996 Chevrolet C1500 Extended Cab

**freeflashstuff** · 03-17-2012, 06:47 AM

R.I.P Project λ^2 (Lambda Squared or Lambda II)

So, the 1988 pickup died on my way home for spring break on Friday (3/9/12) and I had to get a replacement for it. I got a 1996 Chevy C1500. Essentially, it's the same truck, just one generation up. I actually dropped $230 on an OBDII scanner for this one, just so I'd be in control of EVERYTHING this time around. (I know, OPs aren't supposed to, but in b4 "Why didn't you just get the USB scanner for your TruckPC?") This one does the ABS and SRS data as well, the PC ones don't as far as I can tell. So, I'm dropping my "signature" Lambda name and switching to a different "theme" if you could call it that.I have the tires from the other truck. They are still practically brand new. I had to fix the drivers side interior door handle to avoid having to roll down the window and open the door that way. This truck is a bit of a downgrade in that it doesn't have power locks or windows, but it does have a camper shell with toolboxes in it.

Pix from before I washed it:

I'll try for some more current pix later, but this is it for now.Maybe someone can tell me the best place/way to ground my amplifier? I stripped/sanded/wire brushed several places in the cab and still couldn't get a decent enough ground to get the amp to click out of protect. Running straight to the battery, it works, but that's not very cost effective...

**PhilG** · 03-17-2012, 08:05 AM

Looks like your off to a good start. Those trucks are bullet proof. I had a 92 3/4ton 2wd with a 350 and a in 95 had a 95 3/4ton 2wd with a 454. Other than exhaust manifolds on the Big Block (7 of them), I had no re-occuring issues with either truck. Regarding the amp ground, why not just run a ground wire back from the battery to the amp? That should solve it. Love the back bumper & rear firing exhaust on it BTW!

**freeflashstuff** · 03-17-2012, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by PhilG

Looks like your off to a good start. Those trucks are bullet proof. I had a 92 3/4ton 2wd with a 350 and a in 95 had a 95 3/4ton 2wd with a 454. Other than exhaust manifolds on the Big Block (7 of them), I had no re-occuring issues with either truck. Regarding the amp ground, why not just run a ground wire back from the battery to the amp? That should solve it. Love the back bumper & rear firing exhaust on it BTW!

These trucks are virtually bulletproof. The '88 took almost everything that was thrown at it. I think it was a timing chain that took it in the end. This one has an EGR code that keeps popping up, but I think I just need to pull it off and clean the carbon out of it. I will have to order some more battery cable if I run one back to the battery. The exhaust and bumper were almost the only reason I got it!

**4ofakind** · 03-23-2012, 04:00 PM

Don't know why you are having ground issues. I removed the carpet in my 95 extended cab dremmeled off the paint on the floor near the rear wall and grounded my whole system there. How big is your ground wire? I am using 0 guage from ground to dist. block. And 8 guage from block to amps, x-over, and PC PS. No noise, no thumps, nothing whatsoever.

Mal

**freeflashstuff** · 03-23-2012, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by 4ofakind

Don't know why you are having ground issues. I removed the carpet in my 95 extended cab dremmeled off the paint on the floor near the rear wall and grounded my whole system there. How big is your ground wire? I am using 0 guage from ground to dist. block. And 8 guage from block to amps, x-over, and PC PS. No noise, no thumps, nothing whatsoever.

Mal

No matter what I did, I couldn't get a good enough ground. I ended up running a line back to the battery to get a decent ground. It's kludgy at best, but it works. I'm in the process now of trying to figure out a way to mount my iPad.

**kolton5543** · 03-25-2012, 02:39 AM

Do your self a favor and check thoroughly for rust. If the frame and body are excessively rusted it can cause a bad ground not to mention the rigidity of the truck.

**OldSpark** · 03-25-2012, 08:11 PM

IMO - in general - no harm with a "parallel" dedicated GND wire.
And through panels, bolts & chassis, a wire might be better.

Though all panels/trays etc should be ground-strapped, it's usually only to handle static & shielding, or typical lights (stop, tail etc even though their wiring should include &contain their GNDs) and not heavy loads (audio, inches).

**kolton5543** · 03-25-2012, 11:27 PM

True. I prefer ground wires to go directly to the battery my self but it is still a good thing to check for rust.

**freeflashstuff** · 07-15-2012, 02:38 PM

Wow, you know you've been missing for awhile when you get messages from people checking up on you. (Thanks Tidder.

) I've been having nothing but issues lately. I failed some classes last semester so now I 'm taking summer classes (which drained everything I had and then some, money-wise). Luna has some issues about a month ago (fuel pump, brakes, etc) and that didn't help either. I have also been having issues with my main PC. I sent it off for repairs via the warranty, and a week after I get it back, my 1TB external HDD dies on me. So it's been hell these last few months. I have to do well in these classes this summer, or I get the boot for a year, so I've been working my @$$ off. (Not sure about how active the censor thing is anymore... I've been gone too figgin' long!)

So there's that, in case anyone has been wondering. Also, my website is finally up, but I'm still adding to it here and there when I have some spare minutes. The link is in my sig if you care to check it out.

**freeflashstuff** · 11-22-2012, 01:31 AM

I should try to pop in here more often... I haven't vanished off the face of the earth yet. I promise that if I do, you will all know about it!

I come home for Thanksgiving, only to have the alternator fail 20 miles from home. Looks like I'll be spending my Black Friday fixing things up all over again... Meh. By now, you'd think I'd be used to this BS.

My website is also down. College is kicking my butt, so I haven't had much time to do anything to the truck. I have been working on some musical stuff on my SoundCloud though. I won't spam the link here unless people really ask for it.