85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

Some more excellent progress and good looking work. Did one of the radiator tanks happen to have Harrison stamped in it? I've seen that on those older ones from time to time.

I am familiar with the Harrison brand, but I didn't see and logo or name stamped.

Originally Posted by moregrip

I haven't seen that too often, interested to see how she comes together, nice choices!

Thank you

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

It's kind of a shame you painted that radiator. A coat of clear would have showed off that brass.

I considered that for about a minute. It wouldn't match my colors and would have required a lot more polishing to make me happy.

[moregrip]

did you already cover this maybe....what do you use to straighten the fins?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 87max

maybe I missed it but its a single stage you used that glossed high?

That part of the long story I left out. This is actually a bc/cc or two stage paint. The painter said by using the clear hardener in the base color it would give it a,satin sheen and wouldn't require a top coat. After talking to a PPG expert I discovered where I went wrong. He said you can fudge the system like that but it's discouraged. Of the many things I did wrong was make the assumption that more is better. By adding more of the clear hardener than suggested I was creating more shine and extending the cure time. I juiced the heck out of the last few coats so I really shot myself in the foot

Originally Posted by moregrip

did you already cover this maybe....what do you use to straighten the fins?

I use a small flat blade screw driver and a brass wire brush combined with a lot of patience.

[LDO]

Is that cast iron paint on the fan and P/S pump? If so, what brand did you use VHT? Sorry if this is covered already. Your thread is an amazing reference of info for me. Thanks for taking the time to post it and answer all my questions.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LDO

Is that cast iron paint on the fan and P/S pump? If so, what brand did you use VHT? Sorry if this is covered already. Your thread is an amazing reference of info for me. Thanks for taking the time to post it and answer all my questions.

Yes sir, it is VHT High Temp cast Iron. I have tried several brands including Eastwoods products, and keep coming back to the VHT Cast iron. It sprays and covers very well, and dries amazingly quick. I have used it extensively on small parts and decided to use it as a primary motor color on this build.

FYI- I order it from Summit Racing when I have a 100.00+ order. I find the cheapest price online (Autozone) and they price match. This allows me to have it delivered for free at the best price available. I usually buy 6-8 cans at a time.

[87max]

maybe I missed it but its a single stage you used that glossed high?

[N2TRUX]

Good news this morning! The paint is continuing to cure. Its very slow, but it is getting harder and the gloss has not diminished. My buddy and I had already decided that the best solution was going to be pull the front clip and media blast the parts. That would have killed my schedule. It appears I may have dodged a bullet this time.

[aggie91]

As I read your responses to the paint cure issue, I admit that I had to chuckle about what you did, as you have said, you learn from your mistakes...

Hope this does cure soon, and you can still get it all together for LST.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by aggie91

As I read your responses to the paint cure issue, I admit that I had to chuckle about what you did, as you have said, you learn from your mistakes...Hope this does cure soon, and you can still get it all together for LST.

I have learned that dwelling on the mistake doesn't fix it. After my initial moments of frustration I quickly began to analyze the options for a remedy. I had determined that I would pull the fenders and core support and media blast the old paint off. Very time consuming, but it was going to be the best resolve. Fortunately I won't have to resort to that.

[N2TRUX]

My pile of parts that need replaced or reconditioned has diminished dramatically. Last night I decided to clean up the fan shroud. It was pretty dirty and oily from antifreeze.

The two halves were held together with staples from the factory. I wanted it to be two piece for ease for installation so I removed the staples. I drilled and tapped the halves and added polished button heads.

With that done I scrubbed it with Dawn and a Scotch Brite followed by a brake cleaner wipe. A few coats of satin black and it looked like new again.

[86dragracer]

Did the same thing to my fan shroud. Makes it way more manageable. I used J clips and 10mm bolts though.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 86dragracer

Did the same thing to my fan shroud. Makes it way more manageable. I used J clips and 10mm bolts though.

I considered clips or nuts, but the shroud is held secure when in place so i just drilled and tapped the housing. Its thick enough at that point to get a decent amount of threads cut.

[N2TRUX]

Last night I worked late and had to make a stop on the way home. I saw on ad on Facebook for some parts I wanted and a friend needed too. I made a package deal on everything and met a nice guy in the process.

[N2TRUX]

I was a bit frustrated that I did get anything done in the shop. Fortunately I got a text from my buddy Johnny C and he sent me pics of my valve covers he was building for me. While looking at my breather someone jokingly said are you going to punch your valve covers to match? Well, why not? I had been contemplating doing some more holes, and the valve covers were a perfect place to add them.

Thanks Johnny C for your fantastic interpretation of my vision.

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I was a bit frustrated that I did get anything done in the shop. Fortunately I got a text from my buddy Johnny C and he sent me pics of my valve covers he was building for me. While looking at my breather someone jokingly said are you going to punch your valve covers to match? Well, why not? I had been contemplating doing some more holes, and the valve covers were a perfect place to add them.

Thanks Johnny C for your fantastic interpretation of my vision.

I really wish this forum had the feature where we could like posts... Those.are.awesome. Your buddy nailed those covers. Wish I could have watched him fold and smooth those corners.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

I really wish this forum had the feature where we could like posts....

I agree. The Coloradofans forum, that I'm a member on, has that feature.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I was a bit frustrated that I did get anything done in the shop. Fortunately I got a text from my buddy Johnny C and he sent me pics of my valve covers he was building for me. While looking at my breather someone jokingly said are you going to punch your valve covers to match? Well, why not? I had been contemplating doing some more holes, and the valve covers were a perfect place to add them.

Thanks Johnny C for your fantastic interpretation of my vision.

Man O Man those are snazzy!
You still gonna get the mild tubz installed in time?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by moregrip

fantastic! this helps me out quite a bit, nothing like a good show and tell!

Now that I have seen have dried up the sealer was, I'm glad I did this. Besides, it will be so much easier to work on the firewall now.

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Man O Man those are snazzy!
You still gonna get the mild tubz installed in time?

We are at the mercy of the supplier at this point. I will do everything possible to get them installed assuming I get them in time.

[87max]

If the sun is shining get that thing in the sun it will get that paint to cure. Personally I would put some matte clear over that, base really has so little to it other than color.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

I really wish this forum had the feature where we could like posts... Those.are.awesome. Your buddy nailed those covers. Wish I could have watched him fold and smooth those corners.

Originally Posted by TKCR

I agree. The Coloradofans forum, that I'm a member on, has that feature.

Thanks for the kind words. Im pretty excited about how they turned out.

Originally Posted by 87max

If the sun is shining get that thing in the sun it will get that paint to cure. Personally I would put some matte clear over that, base really has so little to it other than color.

Its finally gotten hard and still glossy so I'm going to stick with what I have. I may scuff it down and shoot clear over it if my painter buddy concurs.

[GAc10boy]

Those valve colors are absolutely stunning! They are begging for an accent color on the punched section opposite the actual valve cover .

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by GAc10boy

Those valve colors are absolutely stunning! They are begging for an accent color on the punched section opposite the actual valve cover .

Thanks. You have read my mind. The covers will be VHT cast iron and the top pieces will lighter. I have ordered Cerakote Titanium to spray the headers. These might be the same, or Dupli-color stainless steel.

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Thanks. You have read my mind. The covers will be VHT cast iron and the top pieces will lighter. I have ordered Cerakote Titanium to spray the headers. These might be the same, or Dupli-color stainless steel.

Awesome! I'm planning to come to LST for this first time this year so I'm hoping to meet you and see this beautiful truck.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by GAc10boy

Awesome! I'm planning to come to LST for this first time this year so I'm hoping to meet you and see this beautiful truck.

Youreally going to love the show. The guys that own the event work to ensure it gets better each year. It's with out a doubt my favorite even of the year.

[N2TRUX]

I hadn't planned to pull the evaporater core housing to paint it. I was just going to clean it up and mask around it.
Then I realized it was only a few bolts and I could have much better access to the housing and the firewall too.
I scrapped all the undercoating and sealer off, then scuffed it inside and out. I followed with a wipe down of brake cleaner. A few good coats of satin black and hey are ready for new seals.