85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I will be running 265/35 and 285/35 Nitto tires.

What happened to the 315/35?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

SCORE! !!!!!!!!! Sorry for the yelling, but that's a killer package you got on the American Racing swag!!!!

It was like Easter eggs in every box I opened.

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

That is sweet! I had no idea ARE had matching steering wheels too. Another reason for me to strongly consider them.

They have had a couple of styles that match the Torque Thrust. This is a prototype to determine if there is enough interest to make them viable.

[N2TRUX]

Tedious details were the task last night. I worked on the The of the coolant lines. The heater houses were rerouted and clamps were fine tuned to fit better. The upper radiator hosee was trimmed as well. Those are done and ready for coolant
stainless button heads.

[N2TRUX]

With the hoses done I worked on building ground cables. I have had ground issues in the past and want to ensure that isn't a problem again. I built a solid cable to go between the frame and motor, and another from the motor to the blower fan.

[N2TRUX]

At this point I had enough time left before calling it a night for one more small project. I needed to reinstall the gas cap door. I had previously pulled it for color matching the red paint. I decided to add polished stainless button heads here too.

[UKNOWME]

where did you buy all your button heads? Did you buy a large assortment or did you have to know each size you needed?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

What happened to the 315/35?

I wanted them badly, but I couldn't find a source locally. My buddy Jason can get me a killer deal on Nitto tires so I chose to go that route.

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

where did you buy all your button heads? Did you buy a large assortment or did you have to know each size you needed?

I buy them from Alloy Boltz They sell kits, and bulk. They are good people to work with and the prices are better than most.

[LDO]

Love the detail you put into these builds. It's things like that that give a buyer confidence that they are not getting a nightmare but something that has been thoroughly gone thru.

And at the risk of sounding corny, it inspires me on my stuff!

[rustytruck50]

I agree....I wish I lived closer to see Scarlett in person...looks great!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LDO

Love the detail you put into these builds. It's things like that that give a buyer confidence that they are not getting a nightmare but something that has been thoroughly gone thru. And at the risk of sounding corny, it inspires me on my stuff!

Thats my intentions. I want to establish a reputation of quality builds that are done right. Its become common to see lipstick on a pig trucks. I dont wish to be a pig farmer.

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

I agree....I wish I lived closer to see Scarlett in person...looks great!!

Thank you sir. Hopefully my documentation will allow you to enjoy her virtually

[rustytruck50]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Thats my intentions. I want to establish a reputation of quality builds that are done right. Its become common to see lipstick on a pig trucks. I dont wish to be a pig farmer.Thank you sir. Hopefully my documentation will allow you to enjoy her virtually

Definitely so....always good reading and informative...I always see something helpful

[N2TRUX]

Chris and I are both feeling sick but he dropped by last night to help wake Scarlett up. She was a but grumpy from her long nap, and didn't want to be disturbed at first. Chris plugged in the remaining plugs on the harness and she reluctantly turned over.
It took some persuading but she finally woke up. She had a couple minor leaks that we cinched up tight and she's back and happy with the new look. Link

Since we don't have the Slosh Tubz Mild Tubz installed yet we had to improvise a bit to get the battery in place. You might be a redneck if....

[N2TRUX]

After our start up celebration Chris and I worked on getting the@slosh_tubz Mild Tubz installed. The Slosh Tubz filler panels serve as a template so they go in first. We finished the cut edges and taped them to protect the paint. We are going to hide the headlight harness behind the panel so we mapped that out.
Next comes final fitting and mounting holes. We decided to call it a night and get a fresh start on Friday.

[carboncrew]

I love the filler panels. I ordered a set from Mike, and have them waiting for me to start my swap. Looking great....as always

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by carboncrew

I love the filler panels. I ordered a set from Mike, and have them waiting for me to start my swap. Looking great....as always

Mike has been sensational through this entire process. He has made changes several times to ensure I got the end product like I wanted it. His customer service is the best.

[N2TRUX]

Tonight Chris and I worked on the @slosh_tubz Mild Tubz install. He added length to the headlight harness. We order some water tight 12 pin plugs end added length to the wires to hide it inside the fender.
While Chris worked on the harness,
I mocked up the #mildtubz filler panels. I trimmed a bit of excess here and there and drilled and tapped holes for stainless button heads. Unfortunately I broke one of the captured nuts so I have to install a nutsert in the hole.

[rustytruck50]

Dang!!! Those filler panels are sweeet! The street rod level of detail really suits Scarlett. I wanted something like these back when I had my Pro Streeted '82 stepside...even bought a couple of 4x8 sheets of aluminum but couldn't get the templates figured out.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Dang!!! Those filler panels are sweeet! The street rod level of detail really suits Scarlett. I wanted something like these back when I had my Pro Streeted '82 stepside...even bought a couple of 4x8 sheets of aluminum but couldn't get the templates figured out.

I built a set many years ago for an 84 Z28 out of plexiglass then painted them .It took a lot of time to make the templates and get them to fit. I truly appreciate the time saved to buy a set already made

[rustytruck50]

No doubt...some things are better left to the guys with the better tools & mad fabricating skills

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

No doubt...some things are better left to the guys with the better tools & mad fabricating skills

I wish I had room for a,shear, metals brake, bead roller, etc. Unfortunately I don't, but I know someone that does, and the skills to use them. Mike Losh has really been a valuable resource for this build.

[N2TRUX]

Yesterday Chris and I were thrashing out the details. He worked on wrapping up the headlight harness extension and hiding all his wires. Very tedious work and his skills were tested since GM wire isn't easy to solder. He used weather tight connectors and marine grade shrink tube to ensure everything connection was permanent.

I worked on the interior trim and seat belts in the cab. I had previously dyed everything but had left a few pieces out till final installment.

[N2TRUX]

After lunch we worked on the @slosh_tubz Mild Tubz install again. With all the components mocked up we marked and cut the fender. Im not a big fan of cutting up sheet metal but this wI'll be worth it for the additional clearance gained.
With the cut made, and edges dressed nicely I masked the opening then sprayed inside with undercoating. This might not be necessary, but it made me feel better that no raw metal was left exposed.
We drilled all the holes and mocked up one last time. This was a big struggle till we figured out a system. The other side should go much faster.
Note the difference in size? No more rubbing on the liners.

[N2TRUX]

Yesterday was a blur of activity in my shop. My buddys Jared Pharis and Waylon Tucker from Hicks St. Auto rolled in and unloaded the Rupes polishing system. They go started on making Scarlets paint smooth again.

The original painter had told me they gave her a light cut and buff fresh out of the booth, but the paint and cured and shrunk back. Jared and Waylon tag teamed the finish with a 3 step system. Waylon cut the clear flat with tedious block sanding, and Jared worked the Rubes orbital polisher with 3 levels of compound.

It took an entire day, but she went from blotchy skin to velvety smooth with a mirror finish. Thanks to Jared and Waylon for making her skin glow again

[N2TRUX]

While they worked their magic on the paint Chris and I worked in installing the Slosh Tubz Mild Tubz. Now that we had a feel for what it takes, the passenger side install went a bit smoother. Once again, I made the cut then dressed the sharp edges. I masked around the opening and sprayed inside with undercoating. It may not be necessary, but I feel better that there are no exposed surfaces to rust.

We did encounter a bit of trouble trying to get the bolt holes to match up. Even though we used the stock tubs to mark the holes they took a bit of finessing to fit. Once we worked through that, the tubs fell in place. I was concerned that the stock A/C lines would no longer clear, but a bit of tweaking and they all hooked up.

[RodsGreen10]

Man you need to change those hose clamps. Truck looks way to clean for those. Get heat shrink hose clamps put the finished looked on them. And those cuts and inner fenders look like mine. Install was farily easy. I'm like you bit a fan of cutting but the end result will be worth it.