"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[N2TRUX]

I temporarily put the finished pieces back together . I ordered a can of SEM primer and a can of SEM Ivory. It should be here tomorrow so I can see what it looks like soon

[N2TRUX]

I decided to use SEM brand primer to ensure proper adhesion and smooth out some small imperfections on the console pieces. SEM offers more than one primer. The one used here is a flexible primer and surface which is ideal for my intended results

[N2TRUX]

I sprayed a few light coats on the interior of the console. I will scuff this to soften the rough edges before adding color.
The exterior surface got several wet coats after initially cutting in with dry coats. Once it cures, I'll scuff the areas that need attention and give it one final layer before color.

[N2TRUX]

I ordered a can of SEM Ivory #15853 based on a color chart. Unfortunately the color is actually lighter than the sample show. More importantly its lighter than the seat color which is not what I'm after.

[N2TRUX]

So the SEM Ivory was a no go. Based on that color being much lighter than the chip, I decided to go darker. I was hoping the results would be the same and I was correct. The new color is SEM #15843 Medium Parchment.

Once again its virtually impossible to photograph accurately. It is a very close match to the vinyl color of the seat, but it is a shade or two darker.

[N2TRUX]

If your wondering why I'm using rattle cans vs spraying from the gun, its about consistency. I have had difficulty getting my local automotive paint store to mix SEM colors consistent in color. Rather than fight it, I decided to find an off the shelf color hoping to have better luck.

I have a lot of pieces to dye, and I want them to match.

[N2TRUX]

Now that I have a color I'm pleased with I can try to have it mixed and hope it's the same.

Meanwhile heres a sneak peek of where I'm headed. The lighting makes the seat look a bit yellow.

[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 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]

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.

[1970SWB]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

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.

Not sure what Tammy has for vinyl dye/paint, but........Tamco has an excellent adhesion promoter (#HP-2010)

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 1970SWB

Not sure what Tammy has for vinyl dye/paint, but........Tamco has an excellent adhesion promoter (#HP-2010)

I plan to talk to Tammy soon to see what she suggests. I really love that she has fantastic products and keeps her prices very fair. I plan to support Tamco as much as possible.

[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]

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.

[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]

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.