"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[Joseog83]

Looking Great!

[rustytruck50]

Nice!!!!!!! That's gonna be really sharp!!!!

[Hammered 77]

Ken, I see you used SEM primer first and then the SEM dye. Is the primer a good adhesion promoter vs there adhesion promoter or do you use both?

Rick

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Hammered 77

Ken, I see you used SEM primer first and then the SEM dye. Is the primer a good adhesion promoter vs there adhesion promoter or do you use both?
Rick

Rick, this is the first time I have used the SEM primer. In the past I have not needed to fill minor blemishes so I do my usual prep followed by Bulldog adhesion promoter. Due to some small scratches, and a dark to light color change I decided to try the SEM Primer.

I'm very pleased with the results. It lays down smooth and dries quickly. It does leave a lightly dusty surface that needs to be scuffed with Scotch Brite, but I would normally prep any primed surface anyway.

After it cured over night and I scuffed it with Scotch Brite, I gave it a scratch test with my fingernail. I was not able to remove the primer without using excessive force. The primer left a slightly porous surface so I felt confident that adhesion was not a concern.

Normally I'm one to lean toward "better safe than sorry". I decided to forgo the Bulldog not wanting to add any more material build than necessary.

PPG bought out SEM and the prices have gone up 35%.
I'm going to compare the cost of primer vs Bulldog and decide how to proceed on the remaining parts.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Rick, this is the first time I have used the SEM primer. In the past I have not needed to fill minor blemishes so I do my usual prep followed by Bulldog adhesion promoter. Due to some small scratches, and a dark to light color change I decided to try the SEM Primer.

….PPG bought out SEM and the prices have gone up 35%....

That's jacked-up. SEM was/is a very consistent go-to for many that didn't have the equipment or workspace for a pro (or similar DIY) set-up.
Now because PPG owns SEM, prices suddenly need to go up 35%..... ???

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

That's jacked-up. SEM was/is a very consistent go-to for many that didn't have the equipment or workspace for a pro (or similar DIY) set-up. Now because PPG owns SEM, prices suddenly need to go up 35%..... ???

Scoti prices have been climbing anyway. I used to pay 12.00-14.00 a can for SEM. Now its averaging 20.00 a can or higher. I found the cheapest to be at O'riellys and they actually stock it in their warehouse.

I'm am in contact with Tammy from Tamco Paint. They offer premium quality paint at a very affordable price. I going to see if her products can be used as a vinyl dye.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Joseog83

Looking Great!

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Nice!!!!!!! That's gonna be really sharp!!!!

Thanks guys. I'm trying to find a combination that retains the vintage heritage with a bit of contemporary styling.

[N2TRUX]

I did a final mock up assembly on the console to ensure everything fit. I'm really pleased with how it came out, and the color I ended up with. The interior is going to be very light and inviting once finished. It will retain the vintage vibe with lots of modern amenities.

[JoeinT.O.]

Thanks for taking the time to post all the pictures and info of your build. It is very motivational. I can't wait for the weather to get warmer here.
Joe in T.O.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by JoeinT.O.

Thanks for taking the time to post all the pictures and info of your build. It is very motivational. I can't wait for the weather to get warmer here.
Joe in T.O.

My pleasure sir. This keeps me motivated as well.

[N2TRUX]

I had to do a test fit with the seats just to be confident I had accomplished my goal. From the factory, these consoles sit to low to be used as an arm rest. My objective was to raise it enough to offer a comfortable seating position and be able to rest my arm on the console lid.
I found a position that will accomplish that goal and still be asteticly pleasing.

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I had to do a test fit with the seats just to be confident I had accomplished my goal. From the factory, these consoles sit to low to be used as an arm rest. My objective was to raise it enough to offer a comfortable seating position and be able to rest my arm on the console lid.
I found a position that will accomplish that goal and still be asteticly pleasing.

I love what you're trying to accomplish with the interior. Looks great.
Mike

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

I love what you're trying to accomplish with the interior. Looks great.
Mike

Thanks, that's very encouraging. I keep questioning my choices, hoping what I have envisioned in my head will look good in real life.

[N2TRUX]

Today I spent time ordering parts. I have decided at some point Jake will have a fuel injection system so I'm going to plan ahead. My primary has tank is an 87+ which means it's baffled. I ordered the secondary tank the same way. For now I have to use a a traditional fuel pickup on the primary side, but I'm going to run a F/I pickup with pump in the secondary tank. Obviously I won't be able to use that setup now, but it save me time and money in the future.

[N2TRUX]

In the past I have had great luck with Spectra tanks. This one had to be modified to fit. Nothing some massaging with a hammer on the flange couldn't fix, so I tested the bracket fitment and prepped for paint.

I wiped the production lubricant off and scuffed it down with Scotch Brite. A final prep with brake cleaner and it was ready for paint. I sprayed the bottom side first. I gave it three full coats of satin black Krylon.

[N2TRUX]

While the tank was curing I went to work on the door panels. I'm using 88-91 Suburban panels to accommodate the power doors I have installed. I plan to run the 81-87 brushed aluminum inserts, so the Suburban filler panels needed to be cut down. After stripping the old cloth away, I ran the panels through my table saw, cutting the top section off.

[N2TRUX]

Unfortunately no one makes the brushed inert for the rear doors. I have a set that's driver quality that I'll attempt to restore. If anyone has a set in mint condition please message me.

[N2TRUX]

This evening I was able to flip the tank over and paint the top side. I cleaned and prepped with brake cleaner and Scotch Brite, then hit it with Krylon. The Spectra Premium pumps #SP05N1H is on its way from Summit racing. I should be able to complete the assembly in a couple of days.

[aggie91]

Ken, just an FYI, the pump used in the '87 TBI fuel injection is a different pressure and flow rating then required by some of today's EFI systems. I don't know what your plan for fuel injection is for the future, I just know that pump will NOT work with a LS style fuel injection system.

The standard 1987 in tank pump (Spectra Premium SP1114) is good for about 25psi. The LS style fuel injection needs 58psi. The correct in tank pump for LS style is an ACDELCO EP381 (Spectra Premium SP1115). The hanger assembly will hold either pump.

Just wanting to help you avoid any issues later on depending on you EFI plans.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Ken, just an FYI, the pump used in the '87 TBI fuel injection is a different pressure and flow rating then required by some of today's EFI systems. I don't know what your plan for fuel injection is for the future, I just know that pump will NOT work with a LS style fuel injection system.

The standard 1987 in tank pump (Spectra Premium SP1114) is good for about 25psi. The LS style fuel injection needs 58psi. The correct in tank pump for LS style is an ACDELCO EP381 (Spectra Premium SP1115). The hanger assembly will hold either pump.

Just wanting to help you avoid any issues later on depending on you EFI plans.

Karl, Thanks so much for sharing. I'm still up in the air about what I will be running.

I have been on the fence about keeping the current 454 and adding a 4L80e, finding a TBI 7.4L or going with an LS based transplant. I "thought" I had a deal on an 2007 2500 HD with a 6.0/4L80e . That had swayed my decision until it got bought out from under me.

While that was being juggled about, I decided to set the spare tank up for F/I. I knew that the 87 tank was baffled for F/I so I ordered the matching sending unit. I was not aware that I would need the higher pressure pump.

The focus of my LS/LT swap research has been on big ticket item costs. I have not drilled down through the incidental cost yet.

[N2TRUX]

I got a shipment from Summit Racing today. It included the Spectra Premium sending unit and the license plate box for the rear bumper. This is Goodmark brand and its actually one of the nicer ones I have owned. The fit and finish required minimal attention to clean up.

[N2TRUX]

I used stainless button heads to secure the light in place. I drilled holes for mounting clips on the bottom of the plate to prevent vibration. Normally I spray the box bright silver to match the bumper. I sprayed this one satin black to see if I like it.

[Dads79GMC]

Maybe I missed it? Are you trying to match the light colored inserts from the seat(s) with the console? Colors online are very hard to ID. Just a thought, USA1 has a great mix for the 79 mystic vinyl paint. They may be able to match that insert if that is what you're going for.
Mike

[Jaysonb]

I wonder if you could have a paint shop mix up somthing that is a little closer match, and have them put the paint into some spray paint cans for you? Just a thought. In the picture the console doesn't seem to compliment the color of the seats very well. Might just be the lighting in the pictures.

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by Jaysonb

In the picture the console doesn't seem to compliment the color of the seats very well. Might just be the lighting in the pictures.

N2TRUX:

"The lighting makes the seat look a bit yellow."

"I'm really pleased with how it came out, and the color I ended up with."

Jayson, I captured these two quotes since I assumed that you had missed them. You and Ken are two of my favorite builders on here and I assume that you wouldn't come out and criticize something that another builder had expressed satisfaction with, unless he was asking for other opinions. It takes a fair amount of time for both of you to show us what you're working on and we all enjoy and benefit from it. I don't like the idea of anyone getting unnecessary discouragement from an unsolicited opinion. Happens all the time on the internet, but we're better here. I figured it was unintentional so I thought I would do a "public service post".