85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[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.

[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.

[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.

[rip2174]

Awesome. Really like the attention to detail.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[rustytruck50]

Nice

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by 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.

I've unplugged a few to keep them from draining the battery on vehicles that are driven rarely.. Nice job.

[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]

Originally Posted by rip2174

Awesome. Really like the attention to detail.

Originally Posted by rip2174

what is this bulldog?

Originally Posted by rip2174

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

Originally Posted by aggie91

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

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Nice

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Yes, Bulldog is anot adhesion promoter as Karl mentioned. It's supposed to be the best available. Be careful when using though, it tends to spit.

Originally Posted by phillipm

I've unplugged a few to keep them from draining the battery on vehicles that are driven rarely.. Nice job.

That's might be what this is about. My battery was low last night so I may unplug it for now.

Originally Posted by Greenlee

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

Let me know what you find out.

[N2TRUX]

Times up! I'm leaving tomorrow for @c10sinthepark so Chris and I thrashed last night to get her back together. I assembled the dash trim panel while Chris installed the trim pieces that we had dyed. We double teamed the dash pad assembly and snugged it in place. The a/c vents and duct fought like mad but Chris tapped in and we kicked their ass too.

[N2TRUX]

I cleaned and painted the pedal assemblies and replaced the worn brake pedal pad. We gave the carpet a quick scrub down and called it done. Theres still so much more to do but Scarlett is back together for now.

[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!

[mcbassin]

Killer progress Ken! Hopefully, you'll be in Waxahachie tomorrow. I'll check it out if so.

[rustytruck50]

Looks great!! Wish I could see it in person...

[UKNOWME]

Ken it was nice to meet you this weekend. Scarlett was looking nice!