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Lighting Product Evaluation/FYI232 thumper 01-31-2005, 11:44 AM Hi All - I solved my fog light problem and thought I would pass on my experience with the products I used. I ordered the PIAA front valance replacement. They advertise it as a simple direct replacement for the factory part. I was not able to confirm what it was made out of. I expected simple fiberglass that would require a tone of fitting/re-fitting and then unfortunately have to painted. I had made up my mind to simply paint it black knowing that I would most likely be doing frequent touch ups do to winter road sanding, etc. I was SOOOOO wrong.... This thing is made of the exact same urethane as the factory part - except in black vs that horrible "wheel chair tire grey" color. The fit was perfect - it looks like a factory part. The kit includes all mounting hardware for both the valence and the new lights. The hardest part of this install was the removal of the old valance. I have no idea what GM was thinking when they designed the fasteners used to hold it on. In our manuals it says the valence is removable for off road - that is BS - it would take you way over an hour to get them off - maybe 2. The valance has openings for 7" round lights. I went to our local 4x4 shop and the PIAA lights they reccommended were 275.00 (55watt amber fogs). I thought that was total crap. I went with a 55 watt Hella 500 that uses the reflector to create the amber color and a standard H-3 bulb (vs the PIAA that uses a $32.00 colored H-3 that has to be special ordered - what a racket..). The Hella's were 7" round and 89.00. They mounted easily on the brackets. Here is the cool part - no new wiring. I simply changed the end on the factory loom and plugged them right in - two minutes! My timing was pretty good as we had snow and fog all weekend here in Colorado. What a difference! I easily drove over Loveland Pass in a virtual white out with only these light on. It was so great. Thanks to ebay and going with non-Piaa lighting, I am into this project for right at 200.00 (usually the valence alone is $229 + shipping). So I have function, the truck looks great - still appearing stock to those not in the know. chuck16 01-31-2005, 01:22 PM Any pics to go along with this thread??? 232 thumper 01-31-2005, 03:32 PM I cant figure out how to post pics (I don't see the option). I have a feeling I havent posted enough to have access yet. Sorry! jeverett 02-01-2005, 07:55 AM Good deal man, I'm glad it all worked out for ya. I've tried to e-mail you since the other day, but Earthlink won't seem to let me. ryanszpara 02-01-2005, 10:07 AM damn man.... sounds awesome. I want some big hella lights on my truck. I was goin to get a westin light bar, but your idea sounds awesome....wish i could see some pics.... Ryan 232 thumper 02-01-2005, 11:55 AM I put a couple of pics pic in my gallery. It is not my truck, just the ad for the airdam. Jeverette - drop me a PM.... vBulletin®, Copyright ©2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
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