85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[PunishedC10]

Those wheels and steering wheel are awesome! I recently ordered the same latch and cable from classic, but I didn't have many issues. My latch was packaged as if was a NOS OEM part from GM, not sure if it truly was.
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[rustytruck50]

The color matched leather and brushed finish really sets the steering wheel off and makes it look that much better...btw, what are you doing with the factory tiller?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by PunishedC10

Those wheels and steering wheel are awesome! I recently ordered the same latch and cable from classic, but I didn't have many issues. My latch was packaged as if was a NOS OEM part from GM, not sure if it truly was.

My parts are clearly reproductions. The release cable looks as good as factory. The latch mech looked great, but one of the captured nuts were loose. I tried to press it with a large punch but it wouldnt stay tight. Not a big deal, just frustrating.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

The color matched leather and brushed finish really sets the steering wheel off and makes it look that much better...btw, what are you doing with the factory tiller?

I plan to keep it for now. Its not in bad shape and you never know when I might need one.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 85/Silverado

I would sure like one in Black. Dang nice steering wheel.

They will build you one. Like anything that is one of one, it wont be inexpensive.

[st1]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

They will build you one. Like anything that is one of one, it wont be inexpensive.

NICE !!! Custom or one of one actually mean expensive from what I understand LOL
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[85/Silverado]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

They will build you one. Like anything that is one of one, it wont be inexpensive.

Who do I contact?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 85/Silverado

Who do I contact?

Message me for details.

[N2TRUX]

It has been raining here all week. When the rain lets up the heat sets in and humidity goes through the roof. Consequently I have not been able to finish my American Racing steering wheel project.

I needed to fine tune the brushed finish, then prep and clear it. I consulted Chris Plump from American Racing and found out they use a ceramic based clear on the wheels for durability. I looked at several options and came up with a Rust-oleum semi gloss that fit my needs.

After a bit of touch up on my brush work, the parts were wiped with brake cleaner to ensure they were oil free. I gave everything a few coats of clear and let it bake in the sun. For reference, this is a moderate dry paint. It flashes quickly and goes a bit milky. Its ready for consecutive coats in a short time, but needs a few hours to totally cure for handling purposes.

While the clear was curing I worked on the wiring for the horn button. I removed the plastic insulators from the connectors and used shrink tube instead. All I need now is the connector that activates the horn. That didn't come with the kit so I'm trying to track one down locally.

Once the components were cured I assembled everything. I topped it off with the Napa red leather ring looking like the cherry on top of a fancy dessert. I slipped the package in place and admired the new look.
In the last pic you get a drivers perspective of the American Racing VF506 steering wheel framed by the Brothers Truck Parts brushed dash bezel. Look closely to the bottom right and the Kicker Audio KMC20 controller is visible.

[TKCR]

Damn that looks nice!! You do awesome work.

[rustytruck50]

Nailed it!

[moregrip]

yeah that steering wheel wrap looks pretty fantastic bro, great call!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by TKCR

Damn that looks nice!! You do awesome work.

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Nailed it!

Originally Posted by moregrip

yeah that steering wheel wrap looks pretty fantastic bro, great call!

Thanks guys

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Its going to be a great show but only one day this year. There is talk it may go to 2 days next year. That would be worth the trip.

Totally agree. Or maybe a Friday night gathering and cruise to add to all the Saturday fun

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Totally agree. Or maybe a Friday night gathering and cruise to add to all the Saturday fun

Actually that happens now. There is a local cruise spot that everyone hits on Friday night. Then Saturday night there will be an after party on the square.

[smpoulin01]

Scarlett is looking great. If you don't mind me asking, where did you pick up the tach/fuel gauge? It looks at home there.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Actually that happens now. There is a local cruise spot that everyone hits on Friday night. Then Saturday night there will be an after party on the square.

I knew about Saturday night. I was unaware of Friday night. Hopefully I will get there early enough. Unlike last year

[N2TRUX]

Saturday evening I finished rerouting the hood release cable. The original path out of the firewall that draped over the stock fender liner wouldn't work well with the Slosh Tubz. I found a larger hole nearby that would work but I needed a way to close the gap. I couldn't find a grommet the right size so I improvised. I used a panel plug and drilled it with a step bit to achieve the desired size.

I routed the cable along the brake hard lines and through the core support. I drilled a new hole close to the hood latch and added a grommet there as well. The cable is no longer draped across the fender liner and top of the core support. Simple, yet effective.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by smpoulin01

Scarlett is looking great. If you don't mind me asking, where did you pick up the tach/fuel gauge? It looks at home there.

Take a look here. GM Sports

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

I knew about Saturday night. I was unaware of Friday night. Hopefully I will get there early enough. Unlike last year

They had a pretty good turn out last year.

[smpoulin01]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Take a look here. GM Sports

Thank you sir.

[N2TRUX]

Yesterday I sent Scarlett to my local repair shop to have the A/C system charged. I hate to open the system up, but its mandatory to gain access to the motor to properly detail everything.

While inside the cab we had added Silent Coat Sound Deadner, and foil seal to reduce noise and radiant heat. To promote maximum air flow the blower motor was replaced and all the vent tubs were resealed with fresh weather strip foam. This pushes as much air as possible through the new Brothers Truck Parts vent.

Under the hood, the accumulator, low side valve, and relay were all replaced. I used new green O rings to seal all of the connections before snugging them in place. I also replaced the seals at the compressor for good measure.

With everything new or reconditioned like new my buddy Robert at Today's Automotive purged the system and charged it with Freon and oil. The temps were over 100+ yesterday when I picked the truck up. On the short ride home the cab was already comfortable. I'm just going to roll my windows up and chill for now.

[rustytruck50]

That looks really nice and tidy....you're one of a very, very small handful of people able to make those items look like a million bucks without chrome and over the top glitz....

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

That looks really nice and tidy....you're one of a very, very small handful of people able to make those items look like a million bucks without chrome and over the top glitz....

I'm very big on visualization. I squint my eyes and look at a component while visualizing what I want to highlight, contrast, or bend in. By slightly contrasting the smaller pieces your attention is drawn away from the big ugly parts.

[N2TRUX]

I just couldn't bring myself to hang those big ugly overlow tank and washer bottles back on the nicely painted Slosh Tubz. I considered mounting smaller ones on the back of the core support but that wasn't appealing either.

Instead I opted for a pair of stainless tanks that will eventually painted cast iron gray. I tried to locate one on each side of the radiator for symmetry, but its physically impossible on the passenger side. That left me with no choice but to mount them together on the drivers side.

Last night I worked on a mounting system since the brackets that came with them wouldnt work. I tried several options and settled for 1 1/4" square tube. To allow room to open the lids I had to move them apart abit so two pieces of stock were bolted together.

I still have to determine exactly how to mount this to the core support. Once a location is established I will had a pump and lines for the washer fluid behind the Slosh Tubz filler panel.

[N2TRUX]

Saturday Chris dropped by and we did maintenance on his daily driver. We did a front brake job and rotated the tires. Time to get back on Scarlett.

We still had some details inside the cab to wrap up. The glove box door latch was loose so we found a YouTube video and got that repaired. Final fitment on the a.c. ducts got the seals under the dash as tight as possible. I had ordered a horn wire kit and now the horn is back in business.