"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[N2TRUX]

After installing the fiber washers I test the amount of friction. If it's a bit too much I use a box cutter to split a thin layer off of the top.

[N2TRUX]

I do the same modification to all of the vents across the dash.

The smaller ones require the fiber washer to be split rather thin. It's just a bit bigger than the foam spacer when done. Once tuned and reassembled the vent will now stay exactly where you position it.

[N2TRUX]

While I was working on the a/c vents, Chris was working on the a/c system.
I got a shipment from my buddy Ronnie at Vintage Air. He sent the dash control module so we could get started on the install. He included a couple of shirts and a cool tin Vintage Air sign for my shop.

The Vintage Air control is 100% electronic, but has the look of the original mechanical controller. IIt integrates so nicely, f it didnt have the V/A logo you probably wouldn't notice.

[N2TRUX]

We wiped down the shop dust and Chris got to work. We pulled the stock steering wheel and installed the Eddie Motorsports billet wheel again.
The stock mechanical control was disconnected and the related wires, lines, and cable was removed or pushed aside.

[N2TRUX]

The new Vintage Air controls simply bolts in the stock location. Its just that simple. I have some decisions to make before we decide how the rest of the system lays out, so that's all we can do for now.

[N2TRUX]

We worked late this evening so Chris got a jump start on work. It's hard to tell from the pic but the passenger front wheel had really bad caster and camber.
When I converted from C20 suspension to Ridetech coilover C10 system the front wheel alignment was off and never got corrected.

Chris did some measurements and got the castor fairly close. I'll add some shims to adjust the camber when I switch wheels.

[N2TRUX]

We teamed up once I got home and wrapped up a couple of projects we had previously started.

I recently teemed up with the marketing manager from United Pacific and we mapped a plan to convert to a full LED light system. John sent me a box filled with the latest and great that U/P has to offer.

[N2TRUX]

Since my wiring harness is not completely converted I didn't try to install the lights in the limited time we have.
Instead we focused on the side mirrors. We opted to use the United Pacific 70-72 GM truck mirrors. They are about an inch bigger than the 73-87 mirrors. They are the ideal size for function and look aesthetically correct.

[N2TRUX]

To get started we researched the mounting location of the smaller 73-87 mirrors and adjusted our spacing to accommodate the larger size.

We protected the door with layers of masking tape that allowed us to see our marks as well. To ensure we had the right location we set the seat to driving position and verified our measurements.

[N2TRUX]

Once we had our location dialed in we triple checked each mark before drilling. We drilled the front hole and mounted the mirror and took one last look to ensure alignment before drill the remaining screw and wire holes.

[N2TRUX]

Once we had all the holes drilled we installed the gaskets on the outside and the backing plates on the inside.

Chris routed the wires to the Dakota Digital RTX cluster. Ironically the red color in the blinkers match the digital dash lights perfectly.

[GRAY GOOSE]

I really like those mirrors.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by GRAY GOOSE

I really like those mirrors.

They are premium quality products and functional as well.

[N2TRUX]

While I finished my day at work, Chris came over and switched the wheels out. We are off the crusty chrome rollers and back on the American Racing Vf527 again.

[N2TRUX]

To backtrack a bit, we had received a shipment from Precision Replacement Parts several weeks ago, and we hadn't had a chance to dig inside.
From experience, I didn't feel pressured to inspect the contents because PRP never let's me down.

I had sent in a pair of crusty vent windows and the rear quarter glass. They sent me back a box filled with beautiful new parts.

[N2TRUX]

We wanted to make sure the mirrors were in exactly the right spot. To do so we decided to install the vent windows. This would ensure the vent window brace didn't block our view.
As always, the PRP restored vents looked amazing. They are literally nicer than new.

[N2TRUX]

Although it wasn't necessary, Chris installed the rear quarter windows as well. They will have to come out when we install the rear window mechanism, but it's nice to have them in place for now.

[N2TRUX]

We had hoped to have time to dye the door panels and interior plastic. Unfortunately the weather worked against us. My experience has been your wasting time and money if you try to spray vinyl dye when its humid. It will blush badly, and it doesn't repair easily.
Instead we spent time mocking up the door panels. Since the panels and all the related parts didnt all come from the current doors, some fitment issues came up.

[N2TRUX]

I worked my way around the cab aligning all the brackets. Once the pieces were adjusted I installed a few screws and attached the armrest pads.
We still have to adjust the new door handles on their mounting plates. Once that's done we can mount the bezels. When everything fits correctly we will tear it apart and detail all the small parts and dye the panels to match the seats

[Dads79GMC]

Looking great!!

[nlped]

Question about your fuel system... since you’re projecting an EFI in Jake’s future and you have dual tanks, will the tank selector valve have to be different than the original valve due the increase in pressure?

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by nlped

Question about your fuel system... since you’re projecting an EFI in Jake’s future and you have dual tanks, will the tank selector valve have to be different than the original valve due the increase in pressure?

Carter - Check out posts #615-#617. That should answer your question on the tank selector valve.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Looking great!!

thanks

Originally Posted by nlped

Question about your fuel system... since you’re projecting an EFI in Jake’s future and you have dual tanks, will the tank selector valve have to be different than the original valve due the increase in pressure?

Originally Posted by aggie91

Carter - Check out posts #615-#617. That should answer your question on the tank selector valve.

Thanks for the reply Karl.
I have to decide what to do with that issue. I'm getting ready to pull the bed and install the RideTech 4 link. While its off, I plan to install the second tank, and the required lines. That will included the selector valve as well. At that point, I will still be carbed with a mechanical pump. I'm not sure what the solution is at this point, but somehow I feel this wont be the last time I have the beed off.

[N2TRUX]

We pulled out Friday morning at 4:00 am headed for the C10 Nationals. Since we didn't install the windows I used plastic bags to keep the interior dry. Despite loosing the front two bags half way there, the interior stayed dry.

[N2TRUX]

We made it to the C10 Nationals early Friday morning and started the clean up process. Chris and I cleaned as much as possible but it was still a mess from the trip. Thanks to the gracious hospitality of the American Racing team we had a premium spot for the weekend.