"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

It's been raining here all day so I decided not to test my luck with the humidity. I put off spraying the door panels with primer and move on to the next project. I plan to run the brushed aluminum inserts in the door panels. The front pieces are reproduced, but the rear are not. I have attempted to locate quality replacements with no luck.
I decided my next best option was to restore what I have.

Too bad about the rear inserts not available. I currently need one for my truck.
No one on this site has one? hard to believe.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Desert1957

Too bad about the rear inserts not available. I currently need one for my truck.
No one on this site has one? hard to believe.

I looked at all known sources as well as checked with my "Go To" squarebody experts. They all confirmed they are not reproduced.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I looked at all known sources as well as checked with my "Go To" squarebody experts. They all confirmed they are not reproduced.

And...… Even if you find some NOS pieces, they won't match what you can get for the fronts from the aftermarket.

The OE chrome edge is Night/Day different vs the aftermarket version. So to keep things consistent, you'd basically be doing what you did to revitalize the used parts (or change things up like I did on the dually).

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

And...… Even if you find some NOS pieces, they won't match what you can get for the fronts from the aftermarket.

The OE chrome edge is Night/Day different vs the aftermarket version. So to keep things consistent, you'd basically be doing what you did to revitalize the used parts (or change things up like I did on the dually).

You are correct. I uncovered the Cheyenne Pickup Parts dash this week, and realized the outer edge of the dash trim is black. Looks like i will be masking anf painting it as well.

[N2TRUX]

I started the process by working on the brushed aluminum finish. It had a few minor scuffs and scratches so I cleaned them as best as possible with a fresh Scotch Brite pad. With that process complete I masked the center section to protect them.

[N2TRUX]

I used the Scotch Brite to clean the edges and remove the remains of the simulated chrome. With the surface clean, I sprayed the edges with ACE brand bright silver. It's as close to chrome as possible with paint.

[N2TRUX]

Yesterday I made a run to College Station. On my way home I "swung by" my buddies shop in Cut and Shoot. I needed a a pair of front seat belts to rebuild and he happen to have them.

The plastics are in excellent condition so they will clean up nicely. I'll test, clean, and lube them before stripping them down for the upholstry shop to re-web them.

[N2TRUX]

After inspecting the seat belts, I went back to work on the aluminum inserts I had started to restore. I let the bright silver cure for a day so it was safe to mask over. I taped all of the silver and shot a few coats of satin black on the perimeter stripe. After they cured I removed all of the tape a cleaned up a bit of blow through around the edges.

I will top coat the inserts with a satin clear for protection

[N2TRUX]

Not much to report. I researched the SEM color I chose and found out they dont make a factory pack. I ordered a quart from my local supplier. I hope it's a good match.

I did pick up a set of rear bumper brackets that I needed. I found a great deal on a new set of brackets and grabbed them.

[N2TRUX]

Saturday I went to Homegrown Hotrods to work on Jake. He had slowly become harder to start and keep running. The motor was running rough and any attempt to bring it above and idle caused it to die.

Aaron had pulled the hood and fenders so I had easy access to the plugs. I decided to pull one bank to see what they looked like.
As expected they were wet from fuel but not oil fouled. I found a bad plug wire and replaced the terminal.
I located and repaired a couple of vacuum leaks as well.

I decided to test fire and the results were a smoother idle. The motor still stumbled and died with minimal throttle input.

[N2TRUX]

The P/O had installed a cheap clear plastic inline fuel filter. I noted that the fuel line fitting going into the carb was rounded off. I assumed there was no filter at the carburetor but decided to check anyway.
I discovered the filter in the carb was clogged and removed it for testing

[N2TRUX]

I was pleasantly surprised with an easy start and quick throttle response. It seems that the small filter was the cause of my problems. I was not able to test drive but the motor ran smoother and revved quickly.

I'm almost tempted to keep this old gas hog now. Its definitely in need of a Krylon overhaul.

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by n2trux

the motor ran smoother and revved quickly. I'm almost tempted to keep this old gas hog now

454 ftw

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LT7A

454 ftw

The 454 was certainly a great motor. Unfortunately the 1984 truck version is pretty much the bottom of the barrel. At 230hp and 270tq it's not my idea of a Sport Sedan powerplant.

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

The 454 was certainly a great motor. Unfortunately the 1984 truck version is pretty much the bottom of the barrel. At 230hp and 270tq it's not my idea of a Sport Sedan powerplant.

Ha, no, it's probably the last thing you would want in a Sport Sedan. It's a workhorse. Growing up with all small blocks it assumed mythical proportions. And has serious potential. Even though I have experienced the LS revolution and have been impressed with the motors in newer trucks, I'm kind of sentimental about the era correct small and big blocks. I certainly understand the draw of the efficiency and power at the baseline along with the power making potential of the LS engines.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LT7A

Ha, no, it's probably the last thing you would want in a Sport Sedan. It's a workhorse. Growing up with all small blocks it assumed mythical proportions. And has serious potential. Even though I have experienced the LS revolution and have been impressed with the motors in newer trucks, I'm kind of sentimental about the era correct small and big blocks. I certainly understand the draw of the efficiency and power at the baseline along with the power making potential.

I understand your feelings toward period correct, and truly appreciate retro styling.
My objective with this build is to retain retro styling with contemporary updates. The American Racing VF527 wheel design is a perfect example that. It emulates the 80s AR Vector, yet comes in 2k sizes.

Initially I had plans to keep the 454 with a retro look, and update it with modern amenities. I wanted to add the Holley Terminator fuel injection, and a late model O/D transmission. Unfortunately all of that come with a price tag and it has to be made to work together.

Dollar for dollar the Gen III, IV or even Gen V motors offers a LOT more bang for the buck. No its not nostalgic, and swaps are common as dirt. Initially it will double or possibly triple my expense. In the end the reliability of these later motors and the capability to easily add HP/TQ is a big attraction.

Dont dispare though. Until I can find the right donor, I plan to keep the 454 and make it look pretty.

[OlySezHey]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

...

I'm almost tempted to keep this old gas hog now. Its definitely in need of a Krylon overhaul.

If you do, I'm lookin' 4ward to see how you do it, tips n tricks n watnot

[N2TRUX]

Today I went to the Classic Truck Nationals in Waxahachie. My buddy Terry Hill and a great group of truck lovers hosted a new event open to all brands of classic trucks.
It was a great show despite last minute changes to compensate for bad weather.
To justify my trip I delivered suspension parts to Mike Losh for his squarebody project. I also picked up a much needed rear bumper for Jake

[N2TRUX]

Due to a change in plans, my wife and I will be hosting Easter Sunday at our house. Consequently my focus has shifted to making my yard presentable. Unfortunately my sprinkler system controller decided to die and its going to be several days before the replacement arrives.
Meanwhile I'm cleaning up beds and spreading mulch
. Heres 20 bags worth on my front yard. Color will be added to the beds when the new controller gets here

[N2TRUX]

This evening was spent in the back yard. Unfortunately it got dark before I finished so no pics.

I did get a couple of shipments in today. My interior pieces from Brothers Truck Parts arrived.

[N2TRUX]

Another package arrived that I'm pretty excited about. I ordered a complete LED lighting system from United Pacific to update Jake's exterior lighting.

I'm also going to be using the United Pacific LED turn signal mirrors. I wanted something a bit bigger than the 73-87 sport mirrors, but more attractive than the dumbo mirrors. I opted for the 69-72 Blazer style mirrors which fall somewhere in the middle on size.

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Another package arrived that I'm pretty excited about. I ordered a complete LED lighting system from United Pacific to update Jake's exterior lighting.

I'm also going to be using the United Pacific LED turn signal mirrors. I wanted something a bit bigger than the 73-87 sport mirrors, but more attractive than the dumbo mirrors. I opted for the 69-72 Blazer style mirrors which fall somewhere in the middle on size.

I have NEVER heard of UP...huh, interesting. Thank you for that little evening rabbit hole!

Nice looking yard, thanks for sharing.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

I have NEVER heard of UP...huh, interesting. Thank you for that little evening rabbit hole!
Nice looking yard, thanks for sharing.

They are a huge supplier to the big rig industry. Their catalog is massive.

[N2TRUX]

While my yard work continues, Aaron is making progress on Jake. The front doors had dumbo mirrors which means they had three large nutserts in the outer skin. Aaron removed the nutserts and welded the holes up.

[N2TRUX]

While he had the welder out he went to work on the cowl. Since Jake's cab is an 84 it has the slots for the 81-87 hinges. It also had the holes for the cowl panel to go in.
Aaron made a filler panel for the slots and stitch welded them along with the holes.

Heres a before and during view.