It's All About The Small Details...

[ddalder]

Most of you have probably already figured out that attention to detail is very important to me. One problem I noticed over time is that my Tire and Loading Information decal started to lift at one corner. Of course my first thought was to head over to my local GM parts department and order a replacement. Well guess what... General Motors WILL NOT PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT FOR THIS DECAL. Instead they offer a letter with the information specific to the vehicle that can be kept in the glove box. My response... no thanks.

As you can see in the photo, GM actually did a pretty terrible job with these in the first place. The colours were not applied well and did not line up properly. Then there is the spelling error in the French text. Andrew (harofreak00) actually discovered this despite the fact that he is not French. The first line of text (at the top) should read "INFORMATION SUR LES PNEUS ET LA CHARGE" not "INFORMATION SUR LES PENUS ET LA CHARGE". Not sure how that one slipped past the proof stage!



So I had Andrew create new artwork (he does fantastic work BTW) which I had professionally printed. Here's the new one:



But that was just the start!

Many of you recall all the new options I've added over the years. Each is protected electrically with an appropriate fuse located in either the under hood or rear fuse block. As the final step in completing these mods, I felt it would be a great touch to update the fuse block decals accordingly. I put Andrew to work again and with artwork in hand, I was off to my local printing company. All the new decals are an adhesive backed, laminated product. I even purchased new fuse block covers to apply them to.

Those of you with a keen eye will notice on my under hood decal that I now have Fuse #43 HTD WSHR SYS (60A).



The rear fuse block is where most of my new options have been connected and numerous changes were made here. You'll notice that like the under hood fuse block, each fuse location on the diagram is coloured appropriate to the standard case colour for the amperage rating. I'm not sure why GM did this in the front but not rear. No matter, mine is now consistent. New to this decal are:

Fuse #5 RRCAM (10A) - Rear View Camera System.
Fuse #9 HTDST LR (10A) - Heated Seat Left Rear.
Fuse #28 HTDST RR (10A) - Heated Seat Right Rear.
Fuse #32 TRK REL (5A) - Two Shot Trunk Release Circuit.
Micro Relay #42 RRCAM - Rear View Camera System.
Micro Relay #52 TRK REL - Two Shot Trunk Release Circuit.
Diode #80 - Heated Washer System



One small inaccuracy... both state "PRINTED IN U.S.A.". This was to maintain consistency with the original decals provided by GM.

[haro1225]

Do you ever show this car? It would probably win some awards with how perfect all the details are.

[ddalder]

Do you ever show this car? It would probably win some awards with how perfect all the details are.

Thanks I haven't entered into any shows but I may start next year. I'd like to have some poster boards made and put together a photo album to go along with it outlining the mods. I may work on these over the winter.

[1oldman]

Do you ever show this car? It would probably win some awards with how perfect all the details are.

Thanks I haven't entered into any shows but I may start next year. I'd like to have some poster boards made and put together a photo album to go along with it outlining the mods. I may work on these over the winter.

for what it's worth, I think that is a great idea. You have one fine ride! Congratulations again on COTM. - BC

[ddalder]

Thanks for the compliments, congrats and the support! I always appreciate these

[ddalder]

Of course the idea to change them may have been mine, but Andrew did all the hard work. He's done other graphic projects for me as well and always turns out top notch quality! The fact that he puts up with me and all my numerous ongoing little changes and tweaks throughout a project is impressive in itself.

[1oldman]

Of course the idea to change them may have been mine, but Andrew did all the hard work. He's done other graphic projects for me as well and always turns out top notch quality! The fact that he puts up with me and all my numerous ongoing little changes and tweaks throughout a project is impressive in itself.

I'm jealous cause I'm way down south and Andrew is way up north in MN. I'd be up there except for one big problem for me - it's tooooooo cold in MN for me - lol! - BC

[ddalder]

If you think MN is too cold, don't visit Alberta in the winter! Andrew and I have met up several times but he is still a long way from where I live. Any of the artwork he's done has simply been sent back and forth electronically. Most parts I've got from him were shipped but generally I try to purchase most items new (when available).

[ga93sle]

That is nuts!!! ...And I love it!!!!!! Very few people out there pay any attention to their cars, much less this much! Every detail is amazing and I hope to see it some day!

[nos4blood70]

This is amazing. Haha! You really are a connoisseur.

[CMNTMXR57]

*dang* man! That is nice work.

What is the Two-shot trunk release? I guess I've never heard that or not paid enough attention.

[ddalder]

Thanks! I ran across the 2X relay in the May 2013 of GM's TechLink publication. I was particularly interested because of the number of times I'd look outside and see my trunk open.

"There may be an unwanted opening of the trunk while the vehicle
is parked on some 2010-13 LaCrosse; 2011-13 Regal, Cruze;
2012-13 Verano, Sonic (4 door sedan only); and 2013 Malibu
models.

This condition may be caused by the trunk release button on the
Remote Keyless Entry transmitter (key fob) being pressed inadvertently
while the transmitter is in a pocket or purse.

Replace the KR95B Rear Compartment Lid Unlatch Relay with a
“Two Shot Relay” (part number 19119267).

TIP: When the new relay is installed, the key fob trunk release
button, the exterior rear compartment lid release switch (touch
pad) or the interior rear compartment lid release switch must be
pressed twice within three seconds to release the trunk."

A similar item is available for the Camaro...

http://www.pfyc.com/CA2033.html

Two problems with the Camaro option is... First, it is not a direct replacement for the Bonneville because our trunk release relay only has four terminals whereas this has five so it won't physically fit. Secondly, this relay only requires two presses. They can be one second apart or fifteen minutes apart so the problem will still occur if you're within transmitter distance and bump the fob button twice. The relay referenced by GM requires two presses within three seconds. I've tested this and this is actually how it works.

[95naSTA]

Excellent work on bot you and Andrew's part. Love the attention to detail.

[CMNTMXR57]

Thanks! I ran across the 2X relay in the May 2013 of GM's TechLink publication. I was particularly interested because of the number of times I'd look outside and see my trunk open.

"There may be an unwanted opening of the trunk while the vehicle
is parked on some 2010-13 LaCrosse; 2011-13 Regal, Cruze;
2012-13 Verano, Sonic (4 door sedan only); and 2013 Malibu
models.

This condition may be caused by the trunk release button on the
Remote Keyless Entry transmitter (key fob) being pressed inadvertently
while the transmitter is in a pocket or purse.

Replace the KR95B Rear Compartment Lid Unlatch Relay with a
“Two Shot Relay” (part number 19119267).

TIP: When the new relay is installed, the key fob trunk release
button, the exterior rear compartment lid release switch (touch
pad) or the interior rear compartment lid release switch must be
pressed twice within three seconds to release the trunk."

A similar item is available for the Camaro...

http://www.pfyc.com/CA2033.html

Two problems with the Camaro option is... First, it is not a direct replacement for the Bonneville because our trunk release relay only has four terminals whereas this has five so it won't physically fit. Secondly, this relay only requires two presses. They can be one second apart or fifteen minutes apart so the problem will still occur if you're within transmitter distance and bump the fob button twice. The relay referenced by GM requires two presses within three seconds. I've tested this and this is actually how it works.

ok, understood. It's odd that some GM vehicles do require two to three presses before it will release. Some are hold for "XX" period of time, then it'll pop. Some are just pop it. The Caddy is this way and it is supremely annoying should you do it, not realize it, then later come out to remote start it, and it won't start because the darn trunk has been released (it doesn't fly open or anything).

[harofreak00]

Darcy says I'm supposed to take a bow for my work... so here

[yonkerse]

Excellent work and detail on your car Darcy! Love the passion you show for the Pontiac crowd! Agree with above, show this car and add on a trophy room to house! Haha

[ddalder]

Darcy says I'm supposed to take a bow for my work... so here

[Archon]

It all looks fantastic!

[ddalder]

I'm curious about the US Tire and Loading Information decal... Is it English only, English/Spanish or English/French? I'm also wondering how many others have the same spelling error?

[Sirius]

“Les Penus Et La Charge”

I don’t speak French, so who are they saying is in charge?

Nice work Andrew & Darcy. That car is better than new. Interestingly if this was 30 years from now (I'd be dead) and you were doing a "100 Point Restoration", you'd have to leave that misspelling on your new sticker. Those Resto-guys are crazy.