"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[N2TRUX]

I started working on stripping all of the door panels.
I removed the old window scrapers. This allows me to test fit the panels and remove them with ease. They will be replaced on final install with new pieces from Precision Replacement Parts.
I also removed the arm rest pads, insert panels, and trim pieces. These parts were a tedious task due to 35 year old plastic pins

[N2TRUX]

I worked my way through all four door panels till they were stripped down. I laid all of the pieces aside to evaluate what needs to be done.
Once I ensure alignment on the corresponding doors. The cloth covered insert panels will be stripped, then cut down to make room for the full length Silverado brushed aluminum trim from Cheyenne Pickup parts.

[N2TRUX]

I learned a valuable lesson tonight. I already knew that Texas weather is totally unpredictable.
This past week temps were freezing at night, with drizzling rain and 40s during the day. It was supposed to be cold and wet today as well. Instead it cleared and warmed to the low 70s.

So, what is my point? I found out that its virtually impossible to hang sound deadner inside a door when temperatures are above 70 degrees. It turns the sheets to a limp and sticky mess that does not want to be adjusted after it makes contact.

It was a lesson in frustration, but I managed to get the last door done.

[N2TRUX]

Today Chris and met with Harris and picked up the parts from inside the doors. Chris took inventory and we only have a couple of parts missing.

Once we got the parts stored we loaded Jake on the trailer. Hes headed back to Homegrown Hotrods to start the panel alignment process.

After mapping out our plans on Jake, I headed back to the shop. With the truck gone I have to see what's available for me to work on.
I decided to rebuild the rear door handle assemblies. The stock handles are spot welded to the mounting plates so I drilled them out. I drilled and tapped holes to mount the new handle assemblies to the backing plate.

[N2TRUX]

I went by Cypress Auto Interiors yesterday and met with Jaime. We discussed color choices for Jake's interior.
The choices for seatbelt webbing are limited. We made that decision and moved on to vinyl dye. He had an SEM color chart so I took it with me. I wanted to look at the samples in various different light sources.

The colors are really hard to photograph. I managed to get a pic that's reasonably close, but still not completely accurate. The ivory (15853) is a bit darker than the seat vinyl which I what I want.

[lolife99]

Ken,... why couldn’t TMI provide you with matching door panel material?
I would think they would have plenty on hand.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Ken,... why couldn’t TMI provide you with matching door panel material?
I would think they would have plenty on hand.

They did Keith.I bought extra yardage of both materials. Jaime will use that to create inserts for the door panels. Eventually I will use some to cover a speaker box.

The vinyl dye will be for all the plastic parts. All of the trim, door panels and console will be dyed to match.

[rgunlock]

Just found and caught up on this build. I appreciate all the detail you put into your posts regarding product and suppliers. It is getting pretty rare to see other squares on the road around here, particularly the early style. Keep up the great work.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rgunlock

Just found and caught up on this build. I appreciate all the detail you put into your posts regarding product and suppliers. It is getting pretty rare to see other squares on the road around here, particularly the early style. Keep up the great work.

Thanks for the kind words. Its unfortunate that the forum format doesn't get the following it once did. It's still so much better than other media outlets for reliable data.

I have always preferred the 73-80 front end. In particular the 73-74 grill due to its recess design. It add so much depth to the front of the truck.

[N2TRUX]

It's been a crazy busy week. I ran hard and long so my shop time was nonexistent. Today I had to spend some time in my yard to keep Momma happy.

With that done I managed some shop time. I am still trying to piece together my dual tank system. My buddy Chris Lucas finally located the switching valve and fuel line assembly he had stashed away. With that part located I was motivated to get the second tank stripped and ready for its replacement.

[N2TRUX]

The tank that came with Jake is junk, so I bought a Spectra Premium replacement. I needed to remove the filler neck and mounting brackets for restoring. I stripped the necessary parts and broke them apart for cleaning.

[N2TRUX]

With everything separated I worked each part with a small wire wheel. I followed that with Scotch Brite and brake cleaner

[N2TRUX]

I plan to paint the new tank satin black, so the filler neck will be the same. I hung them up a blasted them with Krylon.

[Dads79GMC]

Nothing better than working on C10s on a Saturday!! Looks good! Mike

[N2TRUX]

I gave the mounting brackets the same cleaning process as the other parts. I wanted some contrast so I used my favorite accent color, VHT cast iron.

[N2TRUX]

Unfortunately the replacement tank was damaged in shipping. Spectra makes great products, but does a terrible job of packaging them. The flimsy box literally disintegrated.
The good news is Summit didn't hesitate to ship a replacement. Hopefully it will be here by Monday.

[rustytruck50]

Haven't checked in for a while, but things are looking great! Btw, the small parts of the tank setup look much nicer than they were ever intended to be...you do have detailing mad skills my friend!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Nothing better than working on C10s on a Saturday!! Looks good! Mike

It was a good day Mike. I planted some Spring color and detailed truck parts.

I managed to find a great deal on a new rear bumper too. Now I need a set of brackets. I'll be shopping at Brothers Truck parts come Monday.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Haven't checked in for a while, but things are looking great! Btw, the small parts of the tank setup look much nicer than they were ever intended to be...you do have detailing mad skills my friend!

Thanks for dropping by. Yes, my mad skills are called OCD. Sometimes a blessing, often times a curse. Regardless, I appreciate the kind words.

[N2TRUX]

Today I spent some time sorting through my interior pieces to see what I had. The visors are usable so I set them aside. The seat belts will need a color change so I'll have them rewebbed. I'm not happy with the plastic covers on the front set, so I hope to find a better set to dye.

[N2TRUX]

With the seatbelts at a stand still I moved on to the center console. Chris didn't understand the attraction of a mint condition factory cup holder console. All he knew was it wasnt going in the truck for LST if it was still blue. He took it apart and gave it a quick coat of Krylon.

[N2TRUX]

It looked much better for the show, but now it needed to be stripped and prepped for a complete color change.

[N2TRUX]

Before stripping the black paint I spent time cleaning and polishing the trim piece. It had quite a bit of surface rust. Fortunately I was able to remove 98% of it and polish it back to like new condition.

[N2TRUX]

I decided I wanted to give the inside a more finished look. I didn't like that the bottom didn't have a smooth floor and all of the mounting bolts were exposed.
I found a piece of hardboard scrap and set about making a floor piece. I just happen to have a piece of black vinyl that will give the look I'm after

[N2TRUX]

With that issue resolved I went about stripping the black paint off. I used brake cleaner and paper towels to remove the bulk of it. I followed that with a final clean up with Scotch Brite and more brake cleaner.