85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I am always looking at Ebay and Craigslist to see whats out there. I ran across what appeared to be a really nice 85 Sierra in my Facebook feed that was for sale. I felt the asking price was above market so I ignored it.

Eventually it came up again listed at a lower price. I sent a request for more pics, and liked what I saw but I felt it was still above market. Recently it popped up again, and I asked for more pics and talked to the owner at length. I decided the only way to know for sure if it was really that nice was to go take a look.

Saturday I drove 3 hours to Lake Charles with an empty trailer. I spent an hour looking the truck over and talking with the owner. In the end he accepted an offer that I felt was fair. I handed him a stack on bills and loaded my new truck up.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Cool story, but where's the pictures at?

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Nevermind, I just looked at your other thread and seen them. Looks to be a very nice truck, can't wait to see what you do with it.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Just too much fun running down nos trim for mid 80s gmcs huh?

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Congrats on your new truck!

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

The story as I know it is the truck was originally bought and spent most of its life in Arkansas. From what I know this is a good thing as they don't use salt or chemicals on the roads when it snows, and the state has dry climate. I can attest that this truck has a rust free undercarriage and no sign of rust repair, so I feel that is accurate.

I was told that a shop in Meridian, Georgia bought the truck from the original owner. It was blown apart and all the dings and bumps that had been aquired over the last 30 were smoothed out. The original GM bright red was sprayed over the entire truck. That was followed by a late model GM champagne color on the top and roof.

The suspension was modified with BellTech spindles and spring up front. A BellTech flip kit accompanied by a 1" block brought the rear down. A set of 22" Coys C57 wheels were bolted on to give add a contemporary twist to a classic style.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

All new glass was installed with fresh rubber seals. The interior was refurbished with a new carpet, a replacement dash pad, and all of the plastic was dyed to match. The dash and doors received a billet over lay, and the door panels were refurbished too.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Under the hood the original 305 got a boost in performance with a mild cam and headers. A basic dress up kit was added, and most of the unnecessary restrictive items were removed.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Now that I have shared the good, lets look at the bad. The paint has shrunk back, and needs a cut and buff. It was used as a shop truck for a brief period so has some scuffs in the bed area that need attention.

The motor runs strong, but its cold to start and needs a carb tune. Even though it had a premium rebuild all the gaskets need tightened or replaced. It leaks from top to bottom. The headers have mild leaks, and it has an occasional missfire. Fortunately it runs smooth once warmed up and pulls hard despite the factory high gears.

Over the next few moths I will give it a complete N2trux detail. Everything inside and out will be replaced, restored, or repainted as necessary. I have already contacted Derek Churchill at Precision Replacement Parts. I will be shipping the vent windows in for a complete refurbish and all of the window scrapers will be replaced as well.

I will post progress reports as I go. Stick around and share your thought. Meanwhile take a look at my other build threads found in my signature below.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Very nice!! I love that style of two tone, it's on my possible list of paint schemes for my 85.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Love the color combo. Sweet looking truck. Looking forward to your updates.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Very nice truck ,Im in to see more.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Just my $.02...the new vs old GMC pic is equally as cool as your new project...lots of truck envy...not gonna lie...

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Very nice sir.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

GREAT LOOKIN....looking forward to this thread!

Re: 85 GMC Sierra
 

Thanks guys. I will try to keep the progress reports coming.

I thought it was a cool contrast. I'm still not sure how much I like the new GMC styling, but I needed a new driver.

Thanks Bobby. I cant wait to see what your new one looks like when your done.

They can be yours, but shipping might kill the deal ;)

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I spent more time with my latest purchase last night. I had to borrow the battery to move my 77 back in her place of prominence. My wife and I took her for a drive, and she decided to give her a name besides "The 85". She is now known as "Scarlett" based on her color and Southern heritage.

I spent a lot of time analyzing what all she needs to be the Belle of the Ball again. I need time to research all the hard parts, so I'm going to start with pressure washing her from top to bottom so I can determine where all the leaks are. From there I'll be changing the fluids and resealing all the gaskets as I go.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I'm on board again as always!

Looks like another great truck to get the N2TRUX magic!

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Nice score. Following along.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Wow Ken, you find the good ones to make even better. Your on another one and I can't even finish one...

I love the color combo and the name fits really well. Props to your wife on that one!

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Nice! I'll be following along again!

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Frankly Scarlett I give a damn
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following

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Thanks guys. My plan is to have this one done and ready for Goodguys Ft Worth in October. I'm also committed to have the updates on my 77 Cheyenne done as well. Lets hope I can pull it off.

You have a had a couple of set backs in your builds Karl. Set a date and focus on having it done by then, That always motivates me.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Looks like a good start. Gonna be really nice cleaned up.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Nice purchase!

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

A more thorough inspection reveled that Scarlett is a clean Southern lady but she does have a fondness for the lubricants. Pretty much every location that contains fluid seeps, drips, leaks, or puddles. The up side of this is she has a well lubricated bottom end. The bonus is there is no real rust to worry with.

I need to get this old girl dried up before I can make her pretty again. The first step in that process is a trip to the local coin-op car wash armed with several cans of Gunk Engine Brite and Brake-kleen.

As you can see, Chris and I have our work cut out for us. No worries, we got this. Right?

Heres a few top side pics.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

That post above is driving my dirty ass mind crazy. Lol

Truck looks really clean as is man. Great find. Following along.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Why not just pull the engine? Put it on a stand and completely reseal it.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Just trying to utilize my literary skills and paint a picture with words. I cant be responsible for what direction it takes you ;) That may happen, but it presents a problem. I have gotten pretty good at doing it while still in the truck, and I don't have a hoist, or an engine stand.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

My trip to the car wash was reasonably successful. Unlike my last build "Refining Sierra" The leaks on this truck are fairly new and haven't been baked on so badly. The engine cleaner did a pretty good job. At least good enough for me to see exactly where the leaks are coming from.

Since this truck didn't come with a paper trail on maintenance, I decided to start from the back and work my way forward servicing everything along the way. This would allow me to honestly and accurately know the condition of the truck for future reference.

My first stop was at the rear differential. I know its a stock GM 10 bolt, and I assumed it was an open carrier with 2.56 gears. I determined that to be correct when I pulled the cover. I could tell that the rear had been serviced before, but the condition of the 90W told me it had been quite some time ago.

I thoroughly drained the rear, flushed it out with Brake-Kleen and wiped it dry. Fortunately the snout was not leaky, so no need to replace the pinion seal. The positive side of this is it does have the optional HD 2.375" drum brakes. The negative side is one of the wheel cylinders is seeping.

An hour with a wire wheel got all the caked on red clay off of the housing, combined with a trip to the blasting cabinet and the cover and drums ready for paint.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Probably better off. If you're like me one thing will lead to another and the next thing you know you'll have it torn down to the bare frame with larger plans in mind. That's how my build started. Was gonna reseal the engine and clean up the frame. Next thing you know it's completely disassembled for a complete rebuild.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Exactly! I'm OCD, so i have to limit myself. If not this would be a pile of parts and i would move on to the next project. One piece at a time. ;)

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

That truck looks like a shiny new HotWheels just taken out of the package ,just needs played with . Enjoy the new toy .

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Aristotle said “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” I feel the whole is great "because of" the sum of the parts. The large flashy parts get your attention, but its the details that keeps it.

A common issue on the 73-87 trucks is the drivers side seat foam breaks down from years of wear and tear. I'm not sure why, but most upholsterers dont rebuild the foam when recovering the seat. This one was no exception. It looked great with its new cover, but my left cheek had no support forcing me to ride with that cholo lean.

I knew I would have to make a call to Jaime at Cypress Upholstery (281-455-2310). He did a great job on my 84 GMC and was fair on his price. I like the fact that he picks up and delivers so I can still work on the truck while he does his thing.

I dont have a good "before" pic, but take my word, the after is much more comfortable. The sides are stretched tight, and the cushion is firm again.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Lets hope someone starts reproducing the seat buns. Between high back, low back, and bench, you'd have a huge market.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Actually. they do make them. Last time I looked you were at 350.00 for a bench, and close to 500.00 for buckets. Not really good bang for the buck in my opinion.

I have found that about 7/8" of the seat foam is usually in good condition. By replace the lower layer on the edge, and the top layer all across it works out to be fairly comfortable.

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

Interesting, I've never seen them. Who sells them?

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

There is more than one source, but I just saw these on USA #1 site- "Seat Foam Cushions"


http://www.usa1industries.com/images...-seat-buns.jpg

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I got home tonight and found a stack of boxes that FedEx had dropped for me. My order from Summit Racing came in. Summit absolutely amazes me with their customer service. I researched the parts I needed and got the best prices from my search. I then called Summit and asked them to price match. I was able to save almost 100.00 on a 500.00 order, and get free shipping. I made the order on Monday,and they verified everything was in stock. I had it on my doorstep on Wednesday. BAM!

Re: 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"
 

I decided I like VHT Cast Iron paint for an accent color so I ordered 4 cans to get started. It will save me from chasing it down locally.

I also bought 2 new wheel cylinders for the rear drums since I found one leaking. They are only 8.00 each, so there was no question about replacing both while I had it torn apart. The shoes were like new, so I left them alone.

The front brakes are the HD 1.25" and it already has a set of drilled and slotted rotors. I decided to enhance what was there with a set of Wilwood D52 replacement calipers. They improve the clamping force over stock, and the bright red matches the GMC log colors. Function and fun in a bright red package.