Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

nice job on restoring original pieces instead of jumping to ordering everything new. i like the sanding and painting of all the pieces you have done. makes me want to get another truck so i can do it all again lol. i find joy in the day in day out handy work that really makes an old truck nice. dont need a ton of money to build a nice c10 just time and patience.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Thanks for the kind words. I try to find a balance between reconditioning and replacing. There are times when my best effort won't bring a part back to the level I want so I have no choice.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Last night was once again a lesson in frustration. My dash parts were ready to dye but the weather didn't cooperate. It rained hard right before I got home. Despite setting up fans for circulation the humidity took its toll on my attempt to refinish my dash pad.
I gave up and worked on a couple of other projects instead.
In an effort to make the cab quieter I added dense foam at rattle spots in the door, then covered the opening with insulation.
I had tried to restore the door handles and pockets, but they wouldn't polish to my satisfction so I ordered new handles from Auto Metal Direct.
Once installed I had to test fit a door panel. They need some adjustments but I'm getting closer.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

In preparation for the dash pad to be reinstalled I assembled the new speakers. The stock speakers are terrible when new, but 30 years later they are trash. I cleaned and painted the original brackets and installed a pair of Kenwood 40w 3.5" . I have found the Kenwood KFC mid line speakers to be a great bang for your buck. They offer great sound quality at an are affordable price.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Thanks, Perfect timing. I was just going to upgrade my front speakers.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I used theKenwood KFC series in my 84 and was pleased with the results. They are decent quality mid level speakers at a fair price. I got these from Amazon.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I won my battle with the dash pad last night. The humidity level dropped enough to get it shot properly. I hit it with a light coats of Bulldog then several mist coats followed by a wet coat. The sheen came out just where I wanted it.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

My first attempt to paint the column had a reaction, so I let it cure and sanded it down again. This time it laid out nice and I checked another item off the list.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

While waiting for parts to dry I worked on lots of little jobs. Chris had noticed the antenna connection to the windshield didn't look right. He removed it and the snap that makes the connection was missing. He picked one up at Outback Truck parts this week along with the last a/c vents we needed.

I installed the antenna connection and changed the speaker terminals to fit my Kenwood speakers. I have tunes although the stock GM am/fm needs to go.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Before I quit for the night I wanted to take a look at the clock. I crawled under the dash to trace wires and discovered it was not plugged to what I what appears to be a ground strip.
I plugged it in and she runs smooth. I set the time and it keeps good time too. Now I need to replace or repair the sweep second hand when I restore the cluster and the dash will be working perfectly.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Awesome. Really like the attention to detail.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

what is this bulldog?

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

what paint did you use on column? Turned out really nice.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Look at the picture in Post #359. Bulldog is an adhesion promoter for painting vinyl and plastic parts.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

:cool::cool:Nice

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I've unplugged a few to keep them from draining the battery on vehicles that are driven rarely.. Nice job.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Ty. I looked back.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I have a zip lock bag somewhere with clock parts. Probably have a second hand or a whole clock if you need one.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Yes, Bulldog is anot adhesion promoter as Karl mentioned. It's supposed to be the best available. Be careful when using though, it tends to spit.

That's might be what this is about. My battery was low last night so I may unplug it for now.

Let me know what you find out.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Times up! I'm leaving tomorrow for @c10sinthepark so Chris and I thrashed last night to get her back together. I assembled the dash trim panel while Chris installed the trim pieces that we had dyed. We double teamed the dash pad assembly and snugged it in place. The a/c vents and duct fought like mad but Chris tapped in and we kicked their ass too.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I cleaned and painted the pedal assemblies and replaced the worn brake pedal pad. We gave the carpet a quick scrub down and called it done. Theres still so much more to do but Scarlett is back together for now.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Which paint on column?

everything looks great!

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Killer progress Ken! Hopefully, you'll be in Waxahachie tomorrow. I'll check it out if so.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Looks great!! Wish I could see it in person...

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Ken it was nice to meet you this weekend. Scarlett was looking nice!