"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[Hammered 77]

Ken, I thought of the 67 c 10 back up light might be close to the right size. May be too big.

[FunKing85]

This is a fantastic thread, very detailed and informative. I work on my truck solo, on a budget, when I can, to see the professional version and tactics helps me learn so much. Keep up the detail and the work! i'll be checking in regularly.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by FunKing85

This is a fantastic thread, very detailed and informative. I work on my truck solo, on a budget, when I can, to see the professional version and tactics helps me learn so much. Keep up the detail and the work! i'll be checking in regularly.

Thanks for joining us. I try to keep my builds clean and simple with a high level of detail that can be duplicated by the average Joe.

[N2TRUX]

This week was extremely busy so my shop time was non existent. This morning I finally found time to fabricate the mounting bracket that needed to be replaced. With a new bracket in place I headed to Homegrown Hotrods to test fit. After confirming my work, I had Aaron weld the brackets in place. He filled the bolt holes as well.

[N2TRUX]

I headed back to my shop and spent some time cleaning up the welds and fine tune the shape of the brackets. I used a flapper disc to finesse the welds followed by sanding pads in my angle grinder.

[N2TRUX]

With all the welds smooth I followed with a Scotch Brite pad and several coats of high build primer.

[OlySezHey]

That truck has a dome light, right? How 'bout matching that lens, and using something like this in all places?
https://www.autozone.com/exterior-li...light/751597_0
Any color o light you like - and a few other minor fx

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by OlySezHey

That truck has a dome light, right? How 'bout matching that lens, and using something like this in all places?
https://www.autozone.com/exterior-li...light/751597_0
Any color o light you like - and a few other minor fx

It has a single frosted lens in the middle of the roof. I plan to add a Suburban or Astro van overhead console and update it with LED lights

[N2TRUX]

Today I had to load an SUV and haul it to the mechanic shop for repairs. Chris tried to repair the blown spark plug threads on a Lincoln Navigator but the fix didn't hold.

After that fun trip in the rain, I got back in my shop. I started with the seat brackets. The primer got scuffed and another coat added before applying the satin black. After letting the bottom side cure I flipped them and put a few layers on the top side.

[N2TRUX]

While the seat brackets were curing I moved on to my next project. I had been putting off working on the door panels till the appropriate time. That time had arrived.
I always start the conversion process by deep cleaning the plastic. I use Dawn and a a scrub brush followed by another round of Dawn and Scotch Brite.

[N2TRUX]

After scrubbing both sides, I rinse and repeat . I pull out my 40 volt leaf blower to get the drying process started.

[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.

[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

[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]

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.

[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