85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**N2TRUX** · 05-01-2016, 02:13 PM

I am always looking at Ebay and Craigslist to see whats out there. I ran across what appeared to be a really nice 85 Sierra in my Facebook feed that was for sale. I felt the asking price was above market so I ignored it.

Eventually it came up again listed at a lower price. I sent a request for more pics, and liked what I saw but I felt it was still above market. Recently it popped up again, and I asked for more pics and talked to the owner at length. I decided the only way to know for sure if it was really that nice was to go take a look.

Saturday I drove 3 hours to Lake Charles with an empty trailer. I spent an hour looking the truck over and talking with the owner. In the end he accepted an offer that I felt was fair. I handed him a stack on bills and loaded my new truck up.

91short · 05-01-2016, 02:20 PM

Cool story, but where's the pictures at?

91short · 05-01-2016, 02:22 PM

Nevermind, I just looked at your other thread and seen them. Looks to be a very nice truck, can't wait to see what you do with it.

killthewabbit · 05-01-2016, 04:57 PM

Just too much fun running down nos trim for mid 80s gmcs huh?

**lolife99** · 05-01-2016, 04:57 PM

Congrats on your new truck!

**N2TRUX** · 05-01-2016, 05:41 PM

The story as I know it is the truck was originally bought and spent most of its life in Arkansas. From what I know this is a good thing as they don't use salt or chemicals on the roads when it snows, and the state has dry climate. I can attest that this truck has a rust free undercarriage and no sign of rust repair, so I feel that is accurate.

I was told that a shop in Meridian, Georgia bought the truck from the original owner. It was blown apart and all the dings and bumps that had been aquired over the last 30 were smoothed out. The original GM bright red was sprayed over the entire truck. That was followed by a late model GM champagne color on the top and roof.

The suspension was modified with BellTech spindles and spring up front. A BellTech flip kit accompanied by a 1" block brought the rear down. A set of 22" Coys C57 wheels were bolted on to give add a contemporary twist to a classic style.

**N2TRUX** · 05-01-2016, 05:43 PM

All new glass was installed with fresh rubber seals. The interior was refurbished with a new carpet, a replacement dash pad, and all of the plastic was dyed to match. The dash and doors received a billet over lay, and the door panels were refurbished too.

**N2TRUX** · 05-01-2016, 05:46 PM

Under the hood the original 305 got a boost in performance with a mild cam and headers. A basic dress up kit was added, and most of the unnecessary restrictive items were removed.

**N2TRUX** · 05-01-2016, 06:09 PM

Now that I have shared the good, lets look at the bad. The paint has shrunk back, and needs a cut and buff. It was used as a shop truck for a brief period so has some scuffs in the bed area that need attention.

The motor runs strong, but its cold to start and needs a carb tune. Even though it had a premium rebuild all the gaskets need tightened or replaced. It leaks from top to bottom. The headers have mild leaks, and it has an occasional missfire. Fortunately it runs smooth once warmed up and pulls hard despite the factory high gears.

Over the next few moths I will give it a complete N2trux detail. Everything inside and out will be replaced, restored, or repainted as necessary. I have already contacted Derek Churchill at Precision Replacement Parts. I will be shipping the vent windows in for a complete refurbish and all of the window scrapers will be replaced as well.

I will post progress reports as I go. Stick around and share your thought. Meanwhile take a look at my other build threads found in my signature below.

muthstryker · 05-01-2016, 06:38 PM

Very nice!! I love that style of two tone, it's on my possible list of paint schemes for my 85.

**Palf70Step** · 05-01-2016, 07:19 PM

Love the color combo. Sweet looking truck. Looking forward to your updates.

flashed · 05-01-2016, 09:27 PM

Very nice truck ,Im in to see more.

**rustytruck50** · 05-01-2016, 10:33 PM

Just my $.02...the new vs old GMC pic is equally as cool as your new project...lots of truck envy...not gonna lie...

ultrahd4me · 05-02-2016, 02:38 PM

Very nice sir.

**N2TRUX** · 05-03-2016, 09:46 AM

I spent more time with my latest purchase last night. I had to borrow the battery to move my 77 back in her place of prominence. My wife and I took her for a drive, and she decided to give her a name besides "The 85". She is now known as "Scarlett" based on her color and Southern heritage.

I spent a lot of time analyzing what all she needs to be the Belle of the Ball again. I need time to research all the hard parts, so I'm going to start with pressure washing her from top to bottom so I can determine where all the leaks are. From there I'll be changing the fluids and resealing all the gaskets as I go.

JWall · 05-03-2016, 09:48 AM

I'm on board again as always!

Looks like another great truck to get the N2TRUX magic!

BB72CHEVKT · 05-03-2016, 10:35 AM

Nice score. Following along.

aggie91 · 05-03-2016, 05:35 PM

Wow Ken, you find the good ones to make even better. Your on another one and I can't even finish one...

I love the color combo and the name fits really well. Props to your wife on that one!

slammed427 · 05-04-2016, 09:21 AM

Nice! I'll be following along again!

carboncrew · 05-04-2016, 12:04 PM

Frankly Scarlett I give a damn
.
.
.
following

**N2TRUX** · 05-04-2016, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWall

I'm on board again as always! Looks like another great truck to get the N2TRUX magic!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB72CHEVKT

Nice score. Following along.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slammed427

Nice! I'll be following along again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by carboncrew

Frankly Scarlett I give a damn
.
.
.
following

Thanks guys. My plan is to have this one done and ready for Goodguys Ft Worth in October. I'm also committed to have the updates on my 77 Cheyenne done as well. Lets hope I can pull it off.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggie91

Wow Ken, you find the good ones to make even better. Your on another one and I can't even finish one...
I love the color combo and the name fits really well. Props to your wife on that one!

You have a had a couple of set backs in your builds Karl. Set a date and focus on having it done by then, That always motivates me.

Low Elco · 05-04-2016, 01:09 PM

Looks like a good start. Gonna be really nice cleaned up.

tintbox · 05-04-2016, 03:31 PM

Nice purchase!

**N2TRUX** · 05-08-2016, 01:50 PM

A more thorough inspection reveled that Scarlett is a clean Southern lady but she does have a fondness for the lubricants. Pretty much every location that contains fluid seeps, drips, leaks, or puddles. The up side of this is she has a well lubricated bottom end. The bonus is there is no real rust to worry with.

I need to get this old girl dried up before I can make her pretty again. The first step in that process is a trip to the local coin-op car wash armed with several cans of Gunk Engine Brite and Brake-kleen.

As you can see, Chris and I have our work cut out for us. No worries, we got this. Right?

Heres a few top side pics.

UKNOWME · 05-08-2016, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

A more thorough inspection reveled that Scarlett is a clean Southern lady but she does have a fondness for the lubricants. Pretty much every location that contains fluid seeps, drips, leaks, or puddles. The up side of this is she has a well lubricated bottom end. The bonus is there is no real rust to worry with.

I need to get this old girl dried up before I can make her pretty again. The first step in that process is a trip to the local coin-op car wash armed with several cans of Gunk Engine Brite and Brake-kleen.

As you can see, Chris and I have our work cut out for us. No worries, we got this. Right?

Heres a few top side pics.

Why not just pull the engine? Put it on a stand and completely reseal it.

05-01-2016, 02:13 PM	#1
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" I am always looking at Ebay and Craigslist to see whats out there. I ran across what appeared to be a really nice 85 Sierra in my Facebook feed that was for sale. I felt the asking price was above market so I ignored it. Eventually it came up again listed at a lower price. I sent a request for more pics, and liked what I saw but I felt it was still above market. Recently it popped up again, and I asked for more pics and talked to the owner at length. I decided the only way to know for sure if it was really that nice was to go take a look. Saturday I drove 3 hours to Lake Charles with an empty trailer. I spent an hour looking the truck over and talking with the owner. In the end he accepted an offer that I felt was fair. I handed him a stack on bills and loaded my new truck up. Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" Last edited by N2TRUX; 05-01-2016 at 02:50 PM.

05-01-2016, 02:20 PM	#2
91short Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Hemet, CA Posts: 129	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Cool story, but where's the pictures at?

05-01-2016, 02:22 PM	#3
91short Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Hemet, CA Posts: 129	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Nevermind, I just looked at your other thread and seen them. Looks to be a very nice truck, can't wait to see what you do with it.

05-01-2016, 04:57 PM	#4
killthewabbit Spear and magic helmet! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,226	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Just too much fun running down nos trim for mid 80s gmcs huh? __________________ -- Will

05-01-2016, 04:57 PM	#5
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Congrats on your new truck! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

05-01-2016, 05:41 PM	#6
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 85 GMC Sierra The story as I know it is the truck was originally bought and spent most of its life in Arkansas. From what I know this is a good thing as they don't use salt or chemicals on the roads when it snows, and the state has dry climate. I can attest that this truck has a rust free undercarriage and no sign of rust repair, so I feel that is accurate. I was told that a shop in Meridian, Georgia bought the truck from the original owner. It was blown apart and all the dings and bumps that had been aquired over the last 30 were smoothed out. The original GM bright red was sprayed over the entire truck. That was followed by a late model GM champagne color on the top and roof. The suspension was modified with BellTech spindles and spring up front. A BellTech flip kit accompanied by a 1" block brought the rear down. A set of 22" Coys C57 wheels were bolted on to give add a contemporary twist to a classic style. Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" Last edited by N2TRUX; 05-01-2016 at 05:54 PM.

05-01-2016, 05:43 PM	#7
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 85 GMC Sierra All new glass was installed with fresh rubber seals. The interior was refurbished with a new carpet, a replacement dash pad, and all of the plastic was dyed to match. The dash and doors received a billet over lay, and the door panels were refurbished too. Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

05-01-2016, 05:46 PM	#8
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Under the hood the original 305 got a boost in performance with a mild cam and headers. A basic dress up kit was added, and most of the unnecessary restrictive items were removed. Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

05-01-2016, 06:09 PM	#9
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Now that I have shared the good, lets look at the bad. The paint has shrunk back, and needs a cut and buff. It was used as a shop truck for a brief period so has some scuffs in the bed area that need attention. The motor runs strong, but its cold to start and needs a carb tune. Even though it had a premium rebuild all the gaskets need tightened or replaced. It leaks from top to bottom. The headers have mild leaks, and it has an occasional missfire. Fortunately it runs smooth once warmed up and pulls hard despite the factory high gears. Over the next few moths I will give it a complete N2trux detail. Everything inside and out will be replaced, restored, or repainted as necessary. I have already contacted Derek Churchill at Precision Replacement Parts. I will be shipping the vent windows in for a complete refurbish and all of the window scrapers will be replaced as well. I will post progress reports as I go. Stick around and share your thought. Meanwhile take a look at my other build threads found in my signature below. Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

05-01-2016, 06:38 PM	#10
muthstryker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Snohomish, Washington Posts: 1,187	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Very nice!! I love that style of two tone, it's on my possible list of paint schemes for my 85. __________________ Matt

05-01-2016, 07:19 PM	#11
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Love the color combo. Sweet looking truck. Looking forward to your updates. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

05-01-2016, 09:27 PM	#12
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Very nice truck ,Im in to see more.

05-01-2016, 10:33 PM	#13
rustytruck50 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Papillion, Ne Posts: 897	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Just my $.02...the new vs old GMC pic is equally as cool as your new project...lots of truck envy...not gonna lie... __________________ -Doug '05 RCSB Sierra 2WD '71 Sierra 2WD Longbed '98 Silverado K1500 Xcab...sold '72 Highlander"Raymond"...sold

05-02-2016, 02:38 PM	#14
ultrahd4me Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gallatin, Tn Posts: 676	Re: 85 GMC Sierra Very nice sir. __________________ Follow me on Instagram: @midtennc10 Youtube channel: Midtennc10

05-03-2016, 09:46 AM	#15
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" I spent more time with my latest purchase last night. I had to borrow the battery to move my 77 back in her place of prominence. My wife and I took her for a drive, and she decided to give her a name besides "The 85". She is now known as "Scarlett" based on her color and Southern heritage. I spent a lot of time analyzing what all she needs to be the Belle of the Ball again. I need time to research all the hard parts, so I'm going to start with pressure washing her from top to bottom so I can determine where all the leaks are. From there I'll be changing the fluids and resealing all the gaskets as I go. Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



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05-03-2016, 09:48 AM	#16
JWall Frequent Flyer Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 2,258	Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" I'm on board again as always! Looks like another great truck to get the N2TRUX magic! __________________ - Justin 76 SWB C-10 - 98 SWB C1500 (x2) 1 Owner 1976 SWB

05-03-2016, 10:35 AM	#17
BB72CHEVKT Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hideaway, TX Posts: 4,950	Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" Nice score. Following along. __________________ 71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400

05-03-2016, 05:35 PM	#18
aggie91 I'm just glad to be here! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 4,788	Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" Wow Ken, you find the good ones to make even better. Your on another one and I can't even finish one... I love the color combo and the name fits really well. Props to your wife on that one! __________________ Karl 1965 Chevy Stepside(Grandpa's Old Blue) and (July 2015 Shop Build!)(2020, the Saga Continues) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372424 The LST Challenge: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7812257 Korbin's 1st Square: "Sunburn" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418618 1985 GMC Sierra: "White Trash", Korbin's 2nd now... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632305 Henry - 1984 Chevrolet, Owen's 1st Square

05-04-2016, 09:21 AM	#19
slammed427 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tempe, Az Posts: 325	Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" Nice! I'll be following along again! __________________ 74 C10 LWB 350/T5 Dropped on 20's Soon to be Bagged and Injected 84 C35 Crew Cab Dually. 454/400 Dropped a lot. Instagram: mmmdropp

05-04-2016, 12:04 PM	#20
carboncrew Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 446	Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" Frankly Scarlett I give a damn . . . following __________________ ________________ My very own build My tailgating ambulance

05-04-2016, 01:09 PM	#22
Low Elco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Indep, MO Posts: 5,893	Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" Looks like a good start. Gonna be really nice cleaned up. __________________ Boppa's Old Yeller Truck Build, Old Yeller's New Heart! Project Buzz Bomb Flyin' Low!

05-04-2016, 03:31 PM	#23
tintbox Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 77	Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" Nice purchase!

05-08-2016, 01:50 PM	#24
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" A more thorough inspection reveled that Scarlett is a clean Southern lady but she does have a fondness for the lubricants. Pretty much every location that contains fluid seeps, drips, leaks, or puddles. The up side of this is she has a well lubricated bottom end. The bonus is there is no real rust to worry with. I need to get this old girl dried up before I can make her pretty again. The first step in that process is a trip to the local coin-op car wash armed with several cans of Gunk Engine Brite and Brake-kleen. As you can see, Chris and I have our work cut out for us. No worries, we got this. Right? Heres a few top side pics. Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" Last edited by N2TRUX; 05-08-2016 at 08:39 PM.

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