85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[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.

[N2TRUX]

I finally got the last bit of blush covered over yesterday. Last night I spent time in the shop installing the Kicker Hideaway 8" Subwoofer in place. I also installed the LED lighting that will light the storage compartments and around the sub. The adhesive on the strip light was weal, so I used double sided tape to hold the strips in place. I'm still not sure if thats enough. I may have to go back and use Weldwood to get a better bond.

Note that the light is NOT as bright as the pics make it look. The red light had overpowered the cameras filters and I couldn't prevent it from having an evil glow in the pics.

[rustytruck50]

Looks great....you don't let up at all on the details, do you? The picture of the uncovered LED reminded me of a past Maroon 5 album cover

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Looks great....you don't let up at all on the details, do you? The picture of the uncovered LED reminded me of a past Maroon 5 album cover

Attention to details is my forte. It's also my madness. Sometimes I wish my mind would let me accept less.

Not really...

[N2TRUX]

It's amazing how a couple of small pieces can be so labor intense. I yet to determine exactly how I was going to fill the void between the end of the box and the cab. I has mocked up a scrap piece early on, to get an idea of what it would take.

I determined then that it was going to suck designing and fitting a filler piece . Not one of the edges in that corner are straight. Each one has multiple angles and curves combined. There is just no easy way out.

I started with making templates and adjusting the fit. The box must be in place to ensure accuracy yet the box prohibits you to see or feel what your doing. Combine that with the fact that each is is slightly different and design time doubles.

In the end, I prevailed. I can tell you there is a large scrap pile of failed attempts, and there were a few episodes of cursing but I have my filler panels.

On a side note, if you looks closely you will see that one is thicker than the other. I'm not pointing an fingers, but my centerline and side to side measurements were checked many, many times. Surely GM wouldn't build a truck that's off by .25 from side to side? Nah, it must be me.

[st1]

If that truck was built on Monday or Friday I am willing to bet it is NOT your measurements.

[rustytruck50]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Surely GM wouldn't build a truck that's off by .25 from side to side? Nah, it must be me.

Maybe you have one eye stronger than the other or a Monday/Friday made tape measure As many of those trucks that were built over the years and the replacement panels that were stamped, I'm surprised that it's only that much...not trying to minimize the PITA situation....I don't know if you've encountered this, but when I was wrenching on the '82 Silverado years back, I had to have a complete set of both standard and metric tools because of the mix of bolts throughout the truck...that's enough to make a preacher cuss

[N2TRUX]

Sunday was a big day in my shop. I got an early start by running for supplies and started the final push for assembly. All of those additional hours spent sanding a fitting gaps were finally starting to pay off.
Chris arrived and started on the last bit of wiring. We had originally planned to utilize a switch for the LED light strip, but I couldn't find a location to mount it that I liked. We opted to expose the infrared sensor and use the remote control instead.

All I wanted was the ability to run red ambient lighting. With the remote we could turn on the audio sensor as well. Now Scarlett has the ability to go full disco mode. Not what I was after, but everyone seems to like it so what do I know.
We were able to install everything one last time and finally see the completed results. We spent some time tuning and shot a couple of videos while the seat was still out.
The vids are located here JLo and BEP.
When I get the seat installed, I will get a few more pics. Enjoy these for now.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Maybe you have one eye stronger than the other or a Monday/Friday made tape measure As many of those trucks that were built over the years and the replacement panels that were stamped, I'm surprised that it's only that much...not trying to minimize the PITA situation....I don't know if you've encountered this, but when I was wrenching on the '82 Silverado years back, I had to have a complete set of both standard and metric tools because of the mix of bolts throughout the truck...that's enough to make a preacher cuss

Having had several GM trucks, old and new I realize they are prone to variances in fit and finish. I just failed to compensate and it bit in the end. Most people will never notice but it bothers me. Next time I will whip out the laser level.

Oh yes, the wonderful world of what bolt is it. We encounter that constantly. Fortunately I have a well stocked tool box so we can accommodate what ever they were using that day.

[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!

[UKNOWME]

Did you ever go back and talk about what you learn from precision about the door seals?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by moregrip

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!

For an aerosol application its the best. I have sprayed PPG before and it works great to.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Did you ever go back and talk about what you learn from precision about the door seals?

Not yet. I plan to take that task on this weekend.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Not yet. I plan to take that task on this weekend.

Ok, glad I didn't miss it

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

For an aerosol application its the best. I have sprayed PPG before and it works great to.

thank you, I went on SEM's website and did further research, looks like they have all kinds of good stuff available! Thanks for the tip!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Ok, glad I didn't miss it

This time of year is super busy at work. I will document the process soon.

Originally Posted by moregrip

thank you, I went on SEM's website and did further research, looks like they have all kinds of good stuff available! Thanks for the tip!

They have a great selection. Don't forget the Bulldog brand adhesion promoter too.