"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[N2TRUX]

We wanted to make sure the mirrors were in exactly the right spot. To do so we decided to install the vent windows. This would ensure the vent window brace didn't block our view.
As always, the PRP restored vents looked amazing. They are literally nicer than new.

[N2TRUX]

Although it wasn't necessary, Chris installed the rear quarter windows as well. They will have to come out when we install the rear window mechanism, but it's nice to have them in place for now.

[N2TRUX]

We had hoped to have time to dye the door panels and interior plastic. Unfortunately the weather worked against us. My experience has been your wasting time and money if you try to spray vinyl dye when its humid. It will blush badly, and it doesn't repair easily.
Instead we spent time mocking up the door panels. Since the panels and all the related parts didnt all come from the current doors, some fitment issues came up.

[N2TRUX]

I worked my way around the cab aligning all the brackets. Once the pieces were adjusted I installed a few screws and attached the armrest pads.
We still have to adjust the new door handles on their mounting plates. Once that's done we can mount the bezels. When everything fits correctly we will tear it apart and detail all the small parts and dye the panels to match the seats

[Dads79GMC]

Looking great!!

[nlped]

Question about your fuel system... since you’re projecting an EFI in Jake’s future and you have dual tanks, will the tank selector valve have to be different than the original valve due the increase in pressure?

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by nlped

Question about your fuel system... since you’re projecting an EFI in Jake’s future and you have dual tanks, will the tank selector valve have to be different than the original valve due the increase in pressure?

Carter - Check out posts #615-#617. That should answer your question on the tank selector valve.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Looking great!!

thanks

Originally Posted by nlped

Question about your fuel system... since you’re projecting an EFI in Jake’s future and you have dual tanks, will the tank selector valve have to be different than the original valve due the increase in pressure?

Originally Posted by aggie91

Carter - Check out posts #615-#617. That should answer your question on the tank selector valve.

Thanks for the reply Karl.
I have to decide what to do with that issue. I'm getting ready to pull the bed and install the RideTech 4 link. While its off, I plan to install the second tank, and the required lines. That will included the selector valve as well. At that point, I will still be carbed with a mechanical pump. I'm not sure what the solution is at this point, but somehow I feel this wont be the last time I have the beed off.

[N2TRUX]

We pulled out Friday morning at 4:00 am headed for the C10 Nationals. Since we didn't install the windows I used plastic bags to keep the interior dry. Despite loosing the front two bags half way there, the interior stayed dry.

[N2TRUX]

We made it to the C10 Nationals early Friday morning and started the clean up process. Chris and I cleaned as much as possible but it was still a mess from the trip. Thanks to the gracious hospitality of the American Racing team we had a premium spot for the weekend.

[N2TRUX]

During the middle of the day I got a wild idea to install the window gasket lock strip. Hey, I had seen the guys from Precision Replacement Parts do it at a show. They made it look so easy, that i decided to give it a go

[N2TRUX]

Unfortunately the wind and sun quickly dried the glass cleaner we were using as a lubricant. Consequently it went slower than expected, but we did get the task accomplished

[N2TRUX]

Tonight I started on my car hauler transformation. I recently bought a Kearny 20 ft to replace my Kearny 18 ft trailer.
The shorter trailer towed like a dream, and it was really easy to park. Unfortunately my crewcab is right at 20 ft long and it just didnt fit well. For me to find my sweet spot, it was a bit too far forward to strap down easily.

The 20 footer is just right for Jake. It has just the right amount of floor space and it's still easy to maneuver

I had recently purchased new tires with road hazard warranty from Discount Tire so I'm keeping those. While swapping them out I decided a clean up was in order.

[N2TRUX]

While I was there I cleaned and painted the inner fender and hub assembly. I also popped the cap and checked the grease in the hub.
With everything cleaned and serviced I washed both sides of the tires and rims.

As a final touch I gave the tires a couple of coats of shiny stuff. The lug nuts were torqued and I called it a night.

If you know of anyone looking for a really nice car hauler message me. The 18 ft trailer will be fresh and ready for the market soon.

[83GMCK2500]

Wow, that looks like a fairly new trailer, I'm shocked it doesn't have brakes. A couple years ago my dad finally bit the bullet, it was necessary for him to add brakes to license his up in WA. Super easy to buy the Dexter brake kit and install it: https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes.aspx

[cochino12]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

Wow, that looks like a fairly new trailer, I'm shocked it doesn't have brakes. A couple years ago my dad finally bit the bullet, it was necessary for him to add brakes to license his up in WA. Super easy to buy the Dexter brake kit and install it: https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes.aspx

I'm sure the front axle has brakes. Some states only require one axle to have brakes

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by cochino12

I'm sure the front axle has brakes. Some states only require one axle to have brakes

That looks to be the front visible with wheel off (amber forward clearance light at edge of fender).

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

Wow, that looks like a fairly new trailer, I'm shocked it doesn't have brakes. A couple years ago my dad finally bit the bullet, it was necessary for him to add brakes to license his up in WA. Super easy to buy the Dexter brake kit and install it: https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes.aspx

It has brakes on the tag axle. Thats the front hub pictured.

Originally Posted by cochino12

I'm sure the front axle has brakes. Some states only require one axle to have brakes

Trust me, its not necessary to have them on both axles. The trailer will drag the truck to a stop if you turn the up past 70%

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

That looks to be the front visible with wheel off (amber forward clearance light at edge of fender).

You are correct, thats the front hub pictured. The brakes are on the rear axle.


There are a lot of trailers available built by some great companies. There are just as many built by some back lot hacks. This is a Kearney brand trailer. It is extremely well built and painted top to bottom "before" the deck boards are installed. Thats siginificant to the longevity of the trailer life, especially in areas where rust is an issue.

When I saw a like new 20ft Kearney pop up on my feed, I didn't hesitate to drive 2.5 hours with cash in hand. Not only are they well built, they tow like a dream. Once you dial in the "sweet spot" of your towed vehicle, the trailer almost disappears. It doesnt tug, sway, or cause the tow truck to porpoise at all. They use a heavy duty electric brake that will literally drag the tow truck to a stop.

I'm sure there are better, and no doubt prettier trailers available. When shopping for quality at a valued price, the Kearney is hard to beat.

[N2TRUX]

Y'all know I cant leave anything alone, right? It's just in my blood so I don't really try to fight it.
There was one plank on the trailer deck that seemed to ha deteriorated more than the others. No big deal, I'll replace that "one" bad board and be done.

I pulled the top cap where the dove tail meets the deck and found several of the short boards on the dove tail were rotted at the top.

Fortunately I was able to pull two of the deck planks and cut the bad sections out and replace the short ones.

[N2TRUX]

I went to pick up the treated 2x8s today. I got back and set up camp under my porta cache.
I cut the treated 2x8s down from 16' to 14' and set them in place. I discovered a great product for replacing deck boards. These TEKS self tapping screws worked amazingly well.

[N2TRUX]

Ok, one last round of "Trailer Talk" and I promise ill get back to building trucks. This weekend was dedicated to getting the 18' wrapped up and ready to sell. I spent Friday evening sanding and prepping section at a time.

I used a wire cup to take down the rust scale, and followed it with a couple of coats of primer. I used green Scotch Brite pads to scuff the painted parts. As always it was wiped with paper towels and Walmart Brake Cleaner right before paint.

[N2TRUX]

I worked my way around masking and painting section at a time to keep it manageable. Yes, I could have loaded my paint gun and knocked it all out at once, but this method allowed me to fit it in my schedule.

I'm not a big fan of the pinstriping that they put on Kearney trailers, but it is part of the "look" so I retained as much as possible. This required masking along the edge of the stripe after gently cleaning and prepping.

[N2TRUX]

Section at a time I worked my way around the trailer. Prepping and masking one section, while allowing flash time between coats of paint. I managed to get the topcoat to lay down with a nice shine.

I cleaned all of the existing lights, and replaced a fixture so its now 100% LED lighting. I added some additional red reflective tape visible from the rear. I put strips of white reflective tape inside the fenders thats visible between the wheels.

[N2TRUX]

And its ready to roll out. These final shots are me wrapping up at dusk last night. I had brake lights, but no park lights. I traced the problem to a Scotch Lock at the tongue that will soon be replaced.


Almost done. I still need to pressure wash the deck and stain the new planks to match but it's close to finish.
If you have any interest or know of someone that might, heres the details.


Its a 2014 Kearney 18 foot raised deck with a 3 foot dovetail. It's been updated with full LED lighting.

All new tires, the brakes were adjusted and hubs serviced.

The trailer has been recently inspected and the license tag is new.

Message me for complete details and pricing. No trades.

[Damien]

Ken, thank you for the thourogh write-up on refinishing the door panels. I'm anxious to see the final results. Your experience is giving me confidence I can recolor a set of panels I have and finally get rid of the Suburban door panels.