85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[N2TRUX]

After an extensive search failed to turn up the missing piece I decided to move on. I had one last chance to finish up but it would require a seam in the most obvious place possible.

I had no choice, so I partially covered the top plate with two pieces. Thinking my troubles were over I started prepping all the pieces for dye.

I gently wiped away the excess glue with brake cleaner and set up for a coat of Bulldog adhesion promoter. That's when I discovered I only had one can of SEM Napa red. The second can I had was not the same color.

Time for plan B. I would spray the edged of all the pieces. This would allow me to assemble them and dye the rest later. Unfortunately I had been working in a hot garage all day and failed to note the humidity level. Vinyl dye does not like humidity. Every piece I covered in color blushed as it dryed. There's no fixing that until I get more supplies and dryer weather.

[N2TRUX]

For reference..

[N2TRUX]

Chris came over yesterday and we had a good day in the shop. He worked inside the cab while I focused on prepping Kicker Audio components for paint. I had not intended to paint them, but it bothered me that the KMC20 processor was a different color than the other components.

Chris double checked all the wiring, then installed the carpet. With the carpet in place we made cuts to allow the mounting base from the KMC20 box to be exposed. The base of the box is bolted through the floor and the mounting bolts serve as a ground point. When the box is bolted down ground wires are installed on the studs.

[N2TRUX]

While Chris worked on the interior, I was busy masking. We decided that the VHT Cast Iron was a great accent color, so I got busy taping off the parts. The KMC20 processor and it's end caps will protrude through a custom built enclosure. The design is to help protect and hide all of the un-used wires. I added vent holes along the side to ensure there was no heat build up inside the box.

Once my supply of SEM Napa red arrives the vinyl covered lid will be dyed to match. Until then heres a sneak peak of what it will look like.

[N2TRUX]

I'm still waiting on my SEM dye, but I couldn't resist a test fit of the KMC20 processor box cover. It will look much better when its the correct color, but for now I'm pleased.

[mcbassin]

Very nice work Ken! Killer attention to the little details.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Very nice work Ken! Killer attention to the little details.

Thank you sir. I know it wont be seen once the seats installed, but I just couldnt leave all those wires exposed. Now everything will match and my OCD is at ease.

[N2TRUX]

I'm starting to get dissapointed in Amazon Prime. This is the second time I have made an order and the arrival date has changed after the order has been placed. I bought 3 cans of SEM Napa red so I would have plenty to finish the Kicker Audion install this weekend. After it shipped the date was pushed back a week. I managed to get one can from the local paint supply so I salvaged the day as best as I could.

Chris came over and we got started. He worked in the cab on the KMC20 wiring. We had to move it aside to get a touch up coat of color on the box. Meanwhile I fought the high humidity and managed to get the lid painted. With the lid on an the wires tucked neatly in place we could stop to admire the work.

Fist bumps and high fives all around. We had one more piece of the puzzle completed.

[TKCR]

Man that looks NICE!!!

[st1]

Originally Posted by TKCR

Man that looks NICE!!!

Craftsmanship and a level of detail above!!!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by st1

Craftsmanship and a level of detail above!!!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

That is the truth!!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by st1

Craftsmanship and a level of detail above!!!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

Originally Posted by TKCR

Man that looks NICE!!!

Thank you for the kind words We are so excited to see it coming together.

[N2TRUX]

Saturday was a lesson in frustration. While Chris worked on wrapping up the KMC20 install, I worked on assembling the main enclosure. It became a two man project to get everything lined up correctly. Everything was going well despite my frustration with running short on SEM dye.

We started with the base and attached the upright dividers and end caps. With the dividers and end caps attached to the bottom of the box, it was time to install the top piece. Thats when I realized I was shorter than I thought with the top piece of vinyl. I had failed to compensate for the 1/2" thickness of the end cap material and the vinyl was not forgiving. I tried to heat and stretch enough to cover it, but it just wasnt going to happen. The more I stretched, the worse it looked.

We were so close to having the box ready to assemble and finish up the install. I just could not settle for the way it looked so we called it a day. Had it been any other place it might have slid by. Being right up top, there's just no hiding it. I have no choice now but to look for a vinyl with a similar grain and recover the top of the box.

[daddyjeep]

I am sure it is not what you are after, but what about a piece of brushed stainless for the top. It would visually tie into the door and dash trim and help secure the speaker boxes to the center piece.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

I am sure it is not what you are after, but what about a piece of brushed stainless for the top. It would visually tie into the door and dash trim and help secure the speaker boxes to the center piece.

I thought about that. I have a spare aluminum band for the back of the cab that I considered cutting up. I decided to try to find a similar vinyl instead.

[N2TRUX]

Despite several things that didn't go well today, I did have success at the fabric store. I considered all my options for making the top of the box look better and decided to seek out a replacement piece. I assumed that the vinyl I bought wouldnt be available since it was close out priced AND the store I bought it from went out of business.

I went by a JoAnns fabric center today and was shocked to find a bolt of the exact same vinyl. I only needed a 6" strip, but I bought a yard to be safe. I like the grain so much, I may do "The 77_Remix" in the same material.

So tonight I went straight to the shop and started the stripping process. Theres no doubt a made a good choice when changing glue brands. Thats great unless your trying to remove it. It did come off, but it wasnt easy. I stripped and sanded the top cap and covered it all in one complete piece this time. It looks so much better now.

The weather was not going to give me a break. It is so humid that my dye was guaranteed to blush. I decided to give it a color coat anyway. I will wait till its drier and top coat everything once more.

[NewType72]

Oh boy, what a lesson that vinyl is giving you for sure! But the patient prevail and you definitely have sir, that box looks off the hook and makes me want to toss the tank out of my 72's cab so much but alas the fund train stopped a few stations early this year

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by NewType72

Oh boy, what a lesson that vinyl is giving you for sure! But the patient prevail and you definitely have sir, that box looks off the hook and makes me want to toss the tank out of my 72's cab so much but alas the fund train stopped a few stations early this year

I recently did a video with my daughter doing a interview. One of the great questions she asked was do I have any words of advice for those following along? My one word response was "persistence". I elaborated with more detail about what works for me is that being persistent allows me to achieve small goals. Those small accomplishments became a part of the whole and the end result was success that measured in small increments.

[daddyjeep]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I recently did a video with my daughter doing a interview. One of the great questions she asked was do I have any words of advice for those following along? My one word response was "persistence". I elaborated with more detail about what works for me is that being persistent allows me to achieve small goals. Those small accomplishments became a part of the whole and the end result was success that measured in small increments.

Wise words indeed.

[NewType72]

Excellent words of wisdom absolutely sir!

[N2TRUX]

Ding, ding, ding. Round three and I am loosing this battle. I just cant get a break from the humidity. I tried using every fan I could find to move the air, but it wasnt enough. The dye is still blushing. I had to call it quits early tonight.

[N2TRUX]

One more time. The air seemed drier this morning. Tried a test in the shop with bad results. Moved to my side draft paint booth. Much better, but still some small spots blushed. 😣

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

One more time. The air seemed drier this morning. Tried a test in the shop with bad results. Moved to my side draft paint booth. Much better, but still some small spots blushed. ��

looks awesome How does that dye hold up over time?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by moregrip

looks awesome How does that dye hold up over time?

Its very durable IF you prep in properly. You absolutely must clean everything thoroughly with brake cleaner, then use Bulldog brand adhesion promoter. Follow with very thin coats of dye till you get complete coverage.

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Its very durable IF you prep in properly. You absolutely must clean everything thoroughly with brake cleaner, then use Bulldog brand adhesion promoter. Follow with very thin coats of dye till you get complete coverage.

thanks for the info! Is the SEM product considered the best in terms of quality and durability?

I see this process in my future! Appreciate the step by step!