85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[N2TRUX]

Sunday was pivotal. If Chris and I couldn't make serious progress with the interior parts it would be a major defeat. We got the majority of the upper interior pieces dyed, but our focus was on the door panels. We knew they would require a slow build process so our goal was to get them done.

I had ordered brushed aluminum trim from LMC Trucks to replace the billet inserts. They look very nice, but did require a couple of holes to be drilled. Once installed with the provided PAL nuts the fit was good. They do not come with holes for the pull straps. We opted to eliminate the straps for now.

I tried to clean and polish the door handles and the related handle pockets with no success. The handles were too pitted, and the pockets scratched deeply enough they just couldn't do. I ordered new handles from Auto Metal Direct and bought the pockets locally from Outback Truck parts.

We are done with the panels and waiting for new handles to arrive so we can install them.

[Greenlee]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Sunday was pivotal. If Chris and I couldn't make serious progress with the interior parts it would be a major defeat. We got the majority of the upper interior pieces dyed, but our focus was on the door panels. We knew they would require a slow build process so our goal was to get them done.

I had ordered brushed aluminum trim from LMC Trucks to replace the billet inserts. They look very nice, but did require a couple of holes to be drilled. Once installed with the provided PAL nuts the fit was good. They do not come with holes for the pull straps. We opted to eliminate the straps for now.

I tried to clean and polish the door handles and the related handle pockets with no success. The handles were too pitted, and the pockets scratched deeply enough they just couldn't do. I ordered new handles from Auto Metal Direct and bought the pockets locally from Outback Truck parts.

We are done with the panels and waiting for new handles to arrive so we can install them.

Looking good. Nice work!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Greenlee

Looking good. Nice work!

I really like the Firethorn red much better than the Napa red, but I had a dilemma to deal with. The carpet has been replaced with Firethorn red but the kick panels havent. The seat belts, vinyl on the seat, and headliner matched the Napa red the best so I went with Napa to prevent having to gut the interior.

In the end it will "match" best, just not my first choice of color on a red truck.

[86454k30]

http://www.usa1industries.com/chevy-...-burgundy.html

This is actually a 100% match, I didn't want to dye my whole door panel so I spotted in the top edge, matches perfectly.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 86454k30

http://www.usa1industries.com/chevy-...-burgundy.html

This is actually a 100% match, I didn't want to dye my whole door panel so I spotted in the top edge, matches perfectly.

Excellent choice if you have all original components. Unfortunately this interior was dyed twice and it appeared to be a mix and match of parts.

I picked a color that would help bring the different shades together.

[N2TRUX]

While waiting for dye to dry Chris and I worked on lots of small parts. He pulled the rear view mirror and sanded the surface rust down then gave it a fresh coat of satin black.

I cleaned and painted several small parts then started on the steering column. It was chipped around the ignition switch so I sanded it and primed the raw spots. Once we get of few more critical pieces we can do final assembly.

[LT7A]

That front end looks great! Like new. The painted inside of the bumper shows itself off well in your pictures. I see that you used VHT primer. They also have a high heat product with ceramic. I just bought a can of flat aluminum color to use for my tailpipes and more as I get the chance.

http://www.vhtpaint.com/high-heat/vh...eproof-coating

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LT7A

That front end looks great! Like new. The painted inside of the bumper shows itself off well in your pictures. I see that you used VHT primer. They also have a high heat product with ceramic. I just bought a can of flat aluminum color to use for my tailpipes and more as I get the chance.

http://www.vhtpaint.com/high-heat/vh...eproof-coating

Thank you for noticing. The inside of the bumper is just a personal deal. Most will never see it, but I feel better knowing it's done.

Yes I really like VHT paint and have seen the VHT ceramic paints. Unfortunately they are all flat. The paint I used on my exhaust has a nice satin sheen to it so it's not as porous as flat paint.

[N2TRUX]

Some nights in the shop are a lesson in frustration. The dash pad is in excellent condition and it appears to be a GM replacement. It had two layers of dye on it and the bottom layer was peeling and lifting. I had no choice but to strip the entire piece.
I worked very gently to prevent damaging the grain on the surface while removing as much dye as possible. It was a tedious process, but it's finally done. I will be able to spray it tonight and install it tomorrow.

[Custom.Chevy]

nice job on restoring original pieces instead of jumping to ordering everything new. i like the sanding and painting of all the pieces you have done. makes me want to get another truck so i can do it all again lol. i find joy in the day in day out handy work that really makes an old truck nice. dont need a ton of money to build a nice c10 just time and patience.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Custom.Chevy

nice job on restoring original pieces instead of jumping to ordering everything new. i like the sanding and painting of all the pieces you have done. makes me want to get another truck so i can do it all again lol. i find joy in the day in day out handy work that really makes an old truck nice. dont need a ton of money to build a nice c10 just time and patience.

Thanks for the kind words. I try to find a balance between reconditioning and replacing. There are times when my best effort won't bring a part back to the level I want so I have no choice.

[N2TRUX]

Last night was once again a lesson in frustration. My dash parts were ready to dye but the weather didn't cooperate. It rained hard right before I got home. Despite setting up fans for circulation the humidity took its toll on my attempt to refinish my dash pad.
I gave up and worked on a couple of other projects instead.
In an effort to make the cab quieter I added dense foam at rattle spots in the door, then covered the opening with insulation.
I had tried to restore the door handles and pockets, but they wouldn't polish to my satisfction so I ordered new handles from Auto Metal Direct.
Once installed I had to test fit a door panel. They need some adjustments but I'm getting closer.

[N2TRUX]

In preparation for the dash pad to be reinstalled I assembled the new speakers. The stock speakers are terrible when new, but 30 years later they are trash. I cleaned and painted the original brackets and installed a pair of Kenwood 40w 3.5" . I have found the Kenwood KFC mid line speakers to be a great bang for your buck. They offer great sound quality at an are affordable price.

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

In preparation for the dash pad to be reinstalled I assembled the new speakers. The stock speakers are terrible when new, but 30 years later they are trash. I cleaned and painted the original brackets and installed a pair of Kenwood 40w 3.5" . I have found the Kenwood KFC mid line speakers to be a great bang for your buck. They offer great sound quality at an are affordable price.

Thanks, Perfect timing. I was just going to upgrade my front speakers.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Desert1957

Thanks, Perfect timing. I was just going to upgrade my front speakers.

I used theKenwood KFC series in my 84 and was pleased with the results. They are decent quality mid level speakers at a fair price. I got these from Amazon.

[N2TRUX]

I won my battle with the dash pad last night. The humidity level dropped enough to get it shot properly. I hit it with a light coats of Bulldog then several mist coats followed by a wet coat. The sheen came out just where I wanted it.

[rip2174]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I won my battle with the dash pad last night. The humidity level dropped enough to get it shot properly. I hit it with a light coats of Bulldog then several mist coats followed by a wet coat. The sheen came out just where I wanted it.

what is this bulldog?

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by rip2174

what is this bulldog?

Look at the picture in Post #359. Bulldog is an adhesion promoter for painting vinyl and plastic parts.

[rip2174]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Look at the picture in Post #359. Bulldog is an adhesion promoter for painting vinyl and plastic parts.

Ty. I looked back.

[Greenlee]

I have a zip lock bag somewhere with clock parts. Probably have a second hand or a whole clock if you need one.

[N2TRUX]

My first attempt to paint the column had a reaction, so I let it cure and sanded it down again. This time it laid out nice and I checked another item off the list.

[rip2174]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

My first attempt to paint the column had a reaction, so I let it cure and sanded it down again. This time it laid out nice and I checked another item off the list.

what paint did you use on column? Turned out really nice.

[LDO]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

My first attempt to paint the column had a reaction, so I let it cure and sanded it down again. This time it laid out nice and I checked another item off the list.

Which paint on column?

everything looks great!

[N2TRUX]

While waiting for parts to dry I worked on lots of little jobs. Chris had noticed the antenna connection to the windshield didn't look right. He removed it and the snap that makes the connection was missing. He picked one up at Outback Truck parts this week along with the last a/c vents we needed.

I installed the antenna connection and changed the speaker terminals to fit my Kenwood speakers. I have tunes although the stock GM am/fm needs to go.

[N2TRUX]

Before I quit for the night I wanted to take a look at the clock. I crawled under the dash to trace wires and discovered it was not plugged to what I what appears to be a ground strip.
I plugged it in and she runs smooth. I set the time and it keeps good time too. Now I need to replace or repair the sweep second hand when I restore the cluster and the dash will be working perfectly.