Refining "Sierra"

[N2TRUX]

I worked late last night, and had family visiting so no shop time. I did manage to get my new valve covers painted. I picked these up from Speedway Motors because the factory covers have stands welded on for the plug wires. I plan to route them differently, so the easiest solution was new covers. These come powder coated in several colors and the quality is impressive for the price.

The plug wires that were on the truck were decent quality 8mm wires, but they were a boring color so they had to go. I picked up a set of MSD 8.5mm wires that will look nice and ensure plenty of spark.

[N2TRUX]

The plug wires that were on the truck were decent quality 8mm wires, but they were a boring color so they had to go. I picked up a set of MSD 8.5mm wires that will look nice and ensure plenty of spark.

[N2TRUX]

So its been a real rough week for me with a load of negativity falling on my head, but that part of life. Tonight I got home late, but the full on thrash has begun. If I dont get it running by Sunday, I'm probably not going to succeed. Tonight I was determined to install the vent windows so we could seal the cab up and get it cleaned up inside.

The new seals that were installed on the vents made them extremely tight going in. I fought for quite some time before I found the key to getting them back in position. Once they were installed I added the latch assembly and closed one side nice and tight. No more leaks.

Since I had added sound deadner to the door skin, I wanted to take another step to help seal the door and make it quitter. I took an idea from the new cars and added a heavy plastic skin inside the door under the panel. I used double sided tape to set it in place, then added a layer of duct tape to close it tight. It's not airtight, but it close.

[ironroad9c1]

Nice work man, Gives me motivation to work on my 85...Any measurements you can share about that rear storage area behind the seat?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by ironroad9c1

Nice work man, Gives me motivation to work on my 85...Any measurements you can share about that rear storage area behind the seat?

Since it took several attempts to get it where I wanted, I did not document my changes. I plan to build another on for my 77. I will make a blueprint then.

[N2TRUX]

I finally got some quality garage time this weekend. Unfortunately a lot of what Chris and I did might not be as noticeable unless you compare before and sfter.We spent a lot of time cleaning and re-taping, and rerouting the wiring. It was a greasy mess, that needed a lot of attention. It's still not finished, and I am concerned that I may not make it, but I won't give up.

[N2TRUX]

We did get the accessories hung once the wiring was routed. I'm slowly working my way to the top of the motor. I'm leaving it till last because we may have to change plans as we go with the wiring, vacuum lines, and plug wires.

[carboncrew]

It's all in the details. Looks great

[Low Elco]

Lookin' good! You'll get there.

[aggie91]

I update look good. I have faith in you Ken, you and Chris are doing a great job. I think you are going to make it. You have enough time, even though in my need to be some late nights...

[N2TRUX]

8

Originally Posted by carboncrew

It's all in the details. Looks great

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Lookin' good! You'll get there.

Thanks for the kind words

Originally Posted by aggie91

I update look good. I have faith in you Ken, you and Chris are doing a great job. I think you are going to make it. You have enough time, even though in my need to be some late nights...

My true concern is with the wiring. It frustrates me greatly that I cant just cut, and splice, and replace all the connectors with better quality pieces. I have the ability, and the sources, just not enough time.

A perfect example of how long even the simple things take was tonights project. In researching pictures to help remember how the brackets went back together, we realized there was a bolt and spacer missing from the upper a/c mount. It might not have mattered, but once we knew it was not on there when we took things apart, I was determined to make it right.

No big deal. right? Keep in mind these trucks are a mix and match assortment of metric and SAE. Once I found the correct pitch required I was able to source the bolt and a 3/8 pipe nipple to build a spacer.

I verified the new bolt was correct, cut, drilled the center of the 3/8" nipple to the correct ID. After sanding, painting, and installing I had almost 3 hours involved in a simple piece. OCD much?

[Jaysonb]

Your attention to detail is an inspiration!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Jaysonb

Your attention to detail is an inspiration!

I appreciate the kind words.

This morning I skipped the gym and went straight to the shop. I worked on a couple of small items, then focused on the headlight wiring harness. The headlights have been replaced with some quality lights that come with adapters to connect to the factory connectors. Once again, it would have been cleaner to eliminate the adapters, but time would not allow.

Instead I verified that the connections were solid, and removed all the old tape. I replaced everything with 3M premium tape to ensure that it wont come unwrapped. I cleaned all the ground points, and called it done for now.

[aggie91]

I understand what you are talking about. I am working on a wood project now, restoring an old vanity for my daughter. Last night, I ended up taking more pieces apart to repair/replace damage parts, that will not even be seen once it is put back together...

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by aggie91

I understand what you are talking about. I am working on a wood project now, restoring an old vanity for my daughter. Last night, I ended up taking more pieces apart to repair/replace damage parts, that will not even be seen once it is put back together...

I try to explain it to my sons like this, it's never the one thing, it's the sum of the little things.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 68Timber

I try to explain it to my sons like this, it's never the one thing, it's the sum of the little things.

This is what I have found to be true as well. People look at the big picture and get deterred. Thats why I start by cleaning and painting a few parts as I go just so I can see what the end result will be. Sometimes you make changes, but those little Easter eggs are motivation.

[N2TRUX]

Last night till late, and up early again this morning. I made slow tedious progress on the wiring, vacuum lines, and throttle bracket. I was ready to install the carb, and pulled it out of the box we had it stashed in. I had blasted it with carb cleaner, wrapped it in a plastic bag, and stored it in a box to keep it clean.

Unfortunately the carb cleaner worked too well and left raw metal which rusted. I made an executive and did something I may later regret. I painted the carb with VHT high temp paint. The label says that it is chemical resistant once heat cured, so lets hope I dont have any leaks.

[aggie91]

Which braided loom are you using? Is it the split stuff from Painless?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Which braided loom are you using? Is it the split stuff from Painless?

I will have to look it up, but it was not from Painless. I searched for a while and the reviews and price were the best from this group.

[N2TRUX]

Im running out of days, and the pressure is on. Last night Chris and I double teamed the wiring to finish it up. Well almost anyway.. I have a couple more wires to shorten this morning. Im not sure what type of coating GM uses on their wires, but I can't get it to take solder. I always solder spliced wires, but I may have to use crimp connectors and I must not really happy about it.

Here's a sneak peek of last night's progress.

[lolife99]

Looks great!^^^

[Palf70Step]

[cochino12]

Looks great Ken. Maybe I should know this but what is "Invader" on the valve covers?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by cochino12

Looks great Ken. Maybe I should know this but what is "Invader" on the valve covers?

I think its a reference to the older GMC 350 engines with this valve cover sticker,...

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Looks great!^^^

Originally Posted by Chaplain

Keep digging

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Thanks for the motivation, I really need it.

Originally Posted by cochino12

Looks great Ken. Maybe I should know this but what is "Invader" on the valve covers?

Originally Posted by lolife99

I think its a reference to the older GMC 350 engines with this valve cover sticker,...

Keith is correct. I needed aomething to add a splash of color on the valve covers. I decided to use the "Invader" term from the past. My buddy Johnny C came up with the idea for an 80s look on the font.