85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Ken,

How are you liking the sound system? Do you have individual p/n's for the kick panel 6.5's & 6x9's? Would it compare to a late model high end set-up or?

Scoti here the cheat sheet for the Kicker Audio system in Scarlett-
Reciever- KMC20 Media Center-
Sub- Hideaway-
Rear- KS Series 6x9" 2 Way Coax
Kick- KS Series 6.5" Coax
High- KS Series 3.5" Coax
Center- KS Series 3.5" Coax

I worked with Tim Smith of Kicker who helped me design the system. Time would have rather not used the 6x9's in the rear. I felt it would create rear imaging that would be inaccurate, and he was correct. To compensate, Chris and I tuned them down as much as possible. They still produce more high end sound than is technically correct, but they arent overpowering.

My reasoning for using the 6x9 in the corners is that its a common practice in these trucks and I hoped to accomplish a full range system using components that are commonly used. I feel we achieved the goal with some trade offs in sound quality.

With all that said, whats the bottom line? We have a system that has great mid bass and low bass coming from minimal power. The Kicker Hideaway is impressive in its ability to perform based on size. With the hideaway tuned moderately low, the 6x9's fill the mid bass gap very well.

Up front the KMC 20 works very well in accomplishing my goal of having a contemporary full feature receiver with out having to cut the stock dash at all. It offers Bluetooth that connects easily to your device to plays HD sound via YouTube. You can use a memory stick, or any storage device to play back as well through an HDMI port.

Does it rival a high end factory system with computer designed enclosures and ideally placed components? Probably not. Does it sound very impressive based on the limitations and obstacles these old trucks offer? Absolutely!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Scoti here the cheat sheet for the Kicker Audio system in Scarlett-
Reciever- KMC20 Media Center-
Sub- Hideaway-
Rear- KS Series 6x9" 2 Way Coax
Kick- KS Series 6.5" Coax
High- KS Series 3.5" Coax
Center- KS Series 3.5" Coax

I worked with Tim Smith of Kicker who helped me design the system. Tim would have rather not used the 6x9's in the rear. He felt it would create rear imaging that would be inaccurate, and he was correct. To compensate, Chris and I tuned them down as much as possible. They still produce more high end sound than is technically correct, but they arent overpowering.

My reasoning for using the 6x9 in the corners is that its a common practice in these trucks and I hoped to accomplish a full range system using components that are commonly used. I feel we achieved the goal with some trade offs in sound quality.

With all that said, whats the bottom line? We have a system that has great mid bass and low bass coming from minimal power. The Kicker Hideaway is impressive in its ability to perform based on size. With the hideaway tuned moderately low, the 6x9's fill the mid bass gap very well.

Up front the KMC 20 works very well in accomplishing my goal of having a contemporary full feature receiver with out having to cut the stock dash at all. It offers Bluetooth that connects easily to your device to plays HD sound via YouTube. You can use a memory stick, or any storage device to play back as well through an HDMI port.

Does it rival a high end factory system with computer designed enclosures and ideally placed components? Probably not. Does it sound very impressive based on the limitations and obstacles these old trucks offer? Absolutely!

Gotcha..... Thanks

[LT7A]

Ken, the truck looks great and I'm glad you made it to the show! I've followed your work on the previous truck from part way through and for the entire time on this one (along with an eye toward what happens on the '77). I like seeing the upgrades, ideas implemented, and overall improvements. But I think my favorite part is the storytelling aspect. Working on these rigs always goes better in our minds than on the floor with the tools. It is great to see your progress along with the mistakes, mismatches, and chasing of gremlins. Nice work man, I appreciate your work and your efforts to tell us about it.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LT7A

Ken, the truck looks great and I'm glad you made it to the show! I've followed your work on the previous truck from part way through and for the entire time on this one (along with an eye toward what happens on the '77). I like seeing the upgrades, ideas implemented, and overall improvements. But I think my favorite part is the storytelling aspect. Working on these rigs always goes better in our minds than on the floor with the tools. It is great to see your progress along with the mistakes, mismatches, and chasing of gremlins. Nice work man, I appreciate your work and your efforts to tell us about it.

I appreciate your following and the kind words. I try to present my builds from the average Joe perspective. This is reality TV without the TV and drama. Its as real as it gets, including my mistakes.

My 77 Cheyenne build is ramping up. Enjoy the ride. Elwood #the 77_remix

[Mtblack412]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Thanks for following along. That looks like the headlight harness. I will double check to be sure, but I believe that bundle goes to the headlights.

Any luck on that harness I indicated in the photo. I know it’s not the headlight harness because mine still work. The harness in question is below the firewall block.

[WillHucks29]

Originally Posted by Mtblack412

Any luck on that harness I indicated in the photo. I know it’s not the headlight harness because mine still work. The harness in question is below the firewall block.

If memory serves me right that is a vacuum line for the Cruise control. It has its own separate switch on the brake pedal housing. It goes from the switch, through the firewall, and to the servo mounted on top of the intake. It should be right beside the carb on the passenger side. It is what disengages the cruise when you hit the brakes I think.

[N2TRUX]

As much as I love this truck, its time to let her go. I finish Elwood, and think about my next build. Besides this thread, I have several videos and hundreds of pics documenting the entire build.

Asking 25k, NO TRADES. Message me if you are a serious buyer.

[rustytruck50]

Hate to see her go, too, Ken. Will be keeping an eye out for the next chapter

[85/Silverado]

I would buy it But I like my cahonies to much.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by 85/Silverado

I would buy it But I like my cahonies to much.

Don’t be scared!
It’s easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 85/Silverado

I would buy it But I like my cahonies to much.

The cab is quite roomy if you need a new place to crash.

[rustytruck50]

Very true.....and one heck of a "rehab/get well soon" gift to yourself!

[85/Silverado]

I'll print some photo's from here and take them to the Car Show this weekend ( https://emeraldcoastcruizin.com/ ) and show your work off. I'll give them the web-site so they can look at the work you did. This is the first year I get to show mine off with 85% complete. I think your's would win in the C-10 category

[LT7A]

Ken, I hope you find the right buyer in a time frame that works for you to get your money back out of the truck. Hold out for a number that makes it worth it for you. Having done a similar build, albeit on a car, that number is more than reasonable. My quick calculations say that's about what somebody would have to spend just to buy the truck and the parts, before installation.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LT7A

Ken, I hope you find the right buyer in a time frame that works for you to get your money back out of the truck. Hold out for a number that makes it worth it for you. Having done a similar build, albeit on a car, that number is more than reasonable. My quick calculations say that's about what somebody would have to spend just to buy the truck and the parts, before installation.

I sold the truck and it has arrived at its new home. I put a price on her that I thought would be fair market value. I told the new owner, "its a lot of money for the truck, but its a lot of truck for the money"

Essentially I built the truck to improve my skills, and teach my nephew life lessons. With out the support from Chris and all the great vendors involved Scarlett would not exist.

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I sold the truck and it has arrived at its new home. I put a price on her that I thought would be fair market value. I told the new owner, "its a lot of money for the truck, but its a lot of truck for the money"

Essentially I built the truck to improve my skills, and teach my nephew life lessons. With out the support from Chris and all the great vendors involved Scarlett would not exist.

I get it. Very cool.

[Mattkeetley]

where do you find those tie rod end connectors or sleeves ? doing the same kit and wanna change mine from factory .. Thanks

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Mattkeetley

where do you find those tie rod end connectors or sleeves ? doing the same kit and wanna change mine from factory .. Thanks

If you look closely you can see the RideTech logo on them. They are located here LINK on the RideTech site

[N2TRUX]

Check this out- Internet Success: Ken McAvoy’s 1985 GMC Sierra by Rob Fortier

[Palf70Step]

Congrats on the write-up Ken. Love reading all your builds here.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Congrats on the write-up Ken. Love reading all your builds here.

Thank you sir. I was pleased to see her getting the attention.

[rustytruck50]

That's well deserved & pretty damn cool!

[67cheby]

congrats, well deserved for sure!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

congrats, well deserved for sure!

Thank you for your valuable assistance as well.

[ultrahd4me]

Great write up Ken. Very fitting way to end the build.