SSV decoded?
Well, I know a bit about the SSV from 2 unconnected aspects.... here goes...
I own a 2007 SSV XLT EL. I purchased it very reasonably from a gas and oil company in Colorado. 100% rust free, just muddy as hell. I can suffer through a forensic cleaning and save a ton. The SSV or (Special Service Vehicle) primarily as described in previous posts was stripped of many of the creature comforts of their civilian models. Most, but not all, had column shift, no 3rd row seating, and 60/40 split front seats. Nearly all do not have factory fog lamps.
On the upside, there are skid plates all over the underside of the vehicle. The Alternator output is greater, and there is a secondary, factory installed fuse panel next to the one behind the right side kick panel.
Here is what I have found thus far by trying to add some of those creature comforts back to my rig.
1. Factory fog lights fit right into the "Vented"covers that are in the bumper, plug directly into the wiring harness hanging on the frame, the relay spot is open on the relay contol center to just plug one in, and all you have to do is change the headlight switch out for one that had fog lamp controls. Bought all the parts used on both ebay and local junk yard. Total cost to put factory fog lamps on...$78.56
2. 3rd row seats do fit directly into these models, but there is a catch, the mount holes for the T55 mount bolts are not there, but the welded in threads are there on the underside of the vehicle. I'd like to call them knock-outs, but the truth is, you have to drill them out and re-chase the threads. All of the bolt holes are behind the rear most panels for the seat belts and the retractors. worst part is getting that damn large cover off to access it.
3. If you go to get parts at dealer, or anywhere else for that matter, have your VIN number in hand. It makes the world of difference as there are subtle changes found only on the SSV.
Here is my second side of the knowledge on the SSV. I worked for nearly 20 years as a field service technician for a large emergency communications vendor that has ties to Batman.....(some of you may be able to figure that out)
I have worked on the electrical systems of nearly every maker of a SSV, police package, police interceptor, etc. These vehicles have some commonality. They all specify increased alternator output, increased voltage regulators, electrical load management systems, and in some cases today, factory installed warning lights.
These units are built to last under some of the worst electrical systems known to man. Law enforcement agencies turn these things into mobile command centers that often resemble the cockpit of the Space Shuttle.
I was the guy who drilled the holes right through the floor to mout the radio and computer consoles. So, if you get an SSV, check underneath and plug up some of my handy work or you will get water under the floor mat.
We also drilled 3/4" holes in the roof for antennae. (Yes, that is a plural. Often times a few agencies had multiple radio systems on multiple bands) You will often find the cables (Coax) still in the plural space between the headliner and the roof. There is a rubber hole plug available on Ebay to permanently seal up those holes as well.
In recent years, those coax cables were run to the area where the 3rd row seating belt retractors were located. We then ran control cables to the control heads in the front under the carpet / mat to the front of the vehicle.
If I could give any advice to someone entertaining the purchase of an SSV, I would offer this.....Police and Fire service vehicles are beat beyond what any reasonable person would expect from a vehicle in the performance of their duties. Aside from the jelly doughnut drippings on the seat, these units are hammered on multiple times a day.
Look for one that came from a private company that specified SSv's for their fleet. Government agencies not related to law enforcement also had these untis. (FDA, CDC, etc.) Perhaps the most beat up ones I saw came from the US Border Partol. Not judging.....just saying.
Hope this gives someone a bit of insight to the SSV line of Expys. If you are looking to build a Zombie proof, expeditionary vehicle cabable of withstanding a small nuclear attack, this may be the best place to start for a project vehicle. Looking to pack all the kiddies and the wife up for a family vacation to Wally World? Spend the extra cash and find a good quality Civilian model.
