Project "Candy Apple"
 

Well I'm passed due on getting this build thread started, so here I go. This 83 popped up on my facebook feed about 3 weeks ago. SWB, rust free, super nice paint, LS1 5.3/4l60 combo, lowered, and updated interior. My interest was peeked to say the least, so 2 phone conversations later the truck was headed to Nashville. I new upfront the truck still needed some updating but over the last 2 weeks I've made the decision to change a lot more than I originally hoped for. So my plans are made and lots of new parts ordered.

Suspension: New 4.5/6 drop only reusing the drop spindles. The current setup is a mixed match of parts that doesn't work well together. Everything will be cleaned and painted as I go.

Body: The paint is super nice 3 stage candy apple red and titanium silver, super straight and zero rust. It will get a 2 stage wet sand & buff along with new bumpers front and rear. The side trim and wheel moldings are new.

Interior: Seat and headliner are new, carpet and dash are in good shape also. The door panels, door moldings, and steering wheel are going to get replaced.

Drivetrain: 5.3/4l60 from a 2002 Tahoe. No big changes under the hood just some rewiring and detailing. I've ordered all new fan, clutch, fan shroud to replace the undersized electric fan. Also ordered the full 3 piece engine covers.

Wheel: The Foose wheels are peeling and the tires are all wrong for my plans. So new 20x8/20x10 torque thrust with 245/45 & 285/50 tires will be ready early next week.

Stay tuned the fun begins this week and hoping for a 3 week completion. I'll have better and more detailed pics as I get started.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

I am in need of a set of burgundy floormats. Looking for a older factory set that need restored. Thanks

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

subd

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

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Will be following along, as your theads never disappoint!

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Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Tear down started early and was finished by noon. No big hidden surprises other than upper ball joints and 2 spring risers in the coil springs. Main goal for the rest of the weekend is to finish cleaning parts and have everything painted, I'm planning on starting reassembly by mid week.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

In between the tear down and cleaning parts, I took a short break to sort and inventory the first load of parts. I'm trying a few new parts suppliers on this build, and I'll give a honest review as I go. One new company I'm trying is Crown Suspension, and so far I'm really impressed.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Just an idea if you can't find older ones to restore.

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-98-...fo/39%2D077B/#

Description states:


If you are looking for the original early model accesory floor mats, Classic Parts has what you need. These mats are exact reproductions of the original floor mats including the embossed Bow Tie logo. Each mat is produced to exact dimensions in accordance with factory specifications and die-cut to fit the original contour of the floor pan. These superior quality reproductions are produced with high grade rubber in the original grains and colors! Also featured are the original style carpet grips on the bottom of each mat which will keep the mat securely in place. These mats are originally for 62-78 Trucks, but will fit other applications. Mats are sold in pairs. Made in the USA. This is a GM Restoration Part.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Rear suspension is back together and after a little more detailing this stage will be complete. Flip bracket, new shock extenders, new axle mounting plates, new KYB shocks, lowering block, and overload leaf removed make up the 6" drop. Party starts tonight on the front end.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Finally had a productive weekend and actually got some work done. The frontend is done except for brake calipers, paint was still too wet to handle. New upper ball joints, new outer tierods, new moog 6452 springs with 1 round removed, 2-1/2 drop spindles, and new KYB shocks make up the 4-1/2 drop. Inner fenders front and rear were sprayed with 2 coats of rubber coating as well. Tires and wheels were ready Friday but I'm going to have to machine the rear spacers down to 1" to make the 285 tires work.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

color is awesome!

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Always in for some inspiration!

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Finished the front reassembly last night, bled the brakes, and set her down for a little motivation. I have to say that I'm real pleased with the stance. This stage is complete and now time to move to the interior.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

She looks great.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Thanks you sir.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

I just love the wheels you use on your trucks. Someday I would like to get wheels like that on my truck. I hate the wagon wheel looking things that I have.

Have you had any luck with the floor mats?

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Also, are you going to keep that billet grille, or try and get an OEM one?

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

I'm going to keep the billet grill but remove the emblem. I have new bumpers front and rear also. That's the same thing I used on my red 87.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Wow. The red 87 looks amazing too. Do you still have it?

By the way, I requested to follow you on Instagram.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Love you builds. Start with a good truck and make them great.

I like the look of the 285/50 tire in the rear. That comes out to a 31" tall tire, fills up the wheel opening really well.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Man that looks nice!! But I love all the trucks you have done.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

I like the 285 look on the rear tires, Can you tell me more about the final wheel offset? So the new spacer width will be ???.

Just curious what the fender/frame clearance is now with the new setup and did you have to roll the lip on the quarter panel.

Thanks....

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

I don't think the rear spacer is going to work, there's only about 3/4"-7/8" clearance between the outer bulge of the tire and the bed. I'm debating longer wheel studs and a 1/4"-3/8" spacer.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

The grill will look much better without the emblem.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Ok, For me personally I would have more peace of mind with the longer stud setup. Are you still considering this for this build?

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Started this weekend with plans of restoring the door panels and a full interior detail. Pulled the door panels then started the stripping and cleaning process. After 3 rounds of final cleaning the door panels were ready for restoration. 3 light coats of Bulldog, 4 light coats of SEM texture coat, and finally 5 coats of SEM napa red. New door panel trim, super nice OEM map pockets and arm rest complete this project.
I'm real pleased with the final look, but this is where the project started to spiral out of control. The seat and headliner are new, and the dash pad is nearly new, but after the door panel restoration everything else looked horrible. So next thing you know, seats are out, carpet pulled, door carpets removed, and an order placed for new parts. Definitely not what I planned, and way over budget now. But I hope it will be worth it in the end.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

I don't know if this could help someone out, but I hate to put this stuff in the garbage. I believe the carpet and door carpets are OEM and would cleanup fairly well. I'll like to give it to a kid, or someone on a super tight budget for just the shipping cost. I'd like to see it get used if possible.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Door panels turned out nice, Is that seat upholstery OEM?
I like it. Nice detail work as always...

Did you see my last post about the rear stud and spacer setup? what was the final setup? Will you use the larger size tire in the future or is this a one time?

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Is the door panel fabric around the handle refurbished or new?

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

I think they were redone with the seat. I just hit them with some air and shampoo.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

I don't know on the upholstery being OEM, it was recovered back over the summer. I'm still up in the air about adding the 1/4" rear spacers. The rear trac width is wider than the front as it sits, that the big thing with me.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Are they easy to remove and reinstall?

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Yes sir. Pull door panel and remove 8 self threading speed nuts. I use nut drivers only, no ratchet and socket and be very gentle. If one feels very hard to undo I work it back and forth until they come off. I can get you a pic of the back of the door panel if needed. Once the insert is removed you can redo in any material you choose.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

That upholstery is actually one of the OEM styles. It's the Vinyl/cloth combination without the horizontal band, 81-87

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Thanks for the info.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Thank you for all the info. Pictures are not necessary. Thank you though

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Clean ass truck. Love the paint. Really feeling that ls swap, welcome to the club.:metal: grill looks nice . Whats the story on the ls swap? Just stock? What kind of exhaust you running? Post videos so we can see that properly and hear it! That candy is dripping wet its sick. NICE TRUCK:bo2::bo2:

That red 87 is nice

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

This is helpful info. Always thought it was the luck of the draw whether the trim posts snapped or not. I can see how your technique would help. Any trick to how much you tighten them on reassembly?

Very nice truck and I am enjoying watching your meticulousness.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

All new carpet, floor mats, door carpets, and steering wheel arrived Friday. I wasted no time by test fitting the carpet and mats. I spent the rest of the evening painting the heat/ac box and repainting the rear speakers.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

Saturday's goal was to reassemble all the interior. I started with the steering wheel swap and some detailing of the dash and cluster. Then moved to the carpet and newly painted sill plates. I added a set of 6x9 speakers and checked for sound before mounting them. Seat, door panels, and door carpets finished up the day and brings this stage to completion. I'm real happy with the finished look and again was able to reuse mostly original parts.

Re: Project "Candy Apple"
 

This was the first time I've used the LMC door panel trim. I'm pleased with the fit and finish and they are very close to OEM quality. I also added new pull strap covers
to complete the door panels.