Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

:lol: :metal: :D

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I as well have used a pressure washer on the carpet. I think I have even taken them to the car wash a time or two as well. Whatever works. Lol.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks, I was wondering what would work. I'll bet the rear speakers are in the same shape.

Hang the old underwear on your rear view mirror. Gives the truck character. 😂
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Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Got the interior out today. Found a small area of surface rust, but I'll clean it up and por 15 it.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Not sure about this carpet. May have to replace it and the headliner too.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I have a truck that was in similar condition as yours. I power washed the carpet and it turned out much, much better looking. However, I wish now that I would've just spent a little on new carpet.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Carpet is relatively cheap. I would recommend putting some sound deadening stuff in there now. I regret not putting it in mine when I redid my interior(color change).

Nice truck. Should be pretty nice when its all cleaned up.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I've got samples headed my way now. I washed it at a car wash, but it just has to many stains. I have got it in my shop though to use it as a guide to cut holes in the new one when I get it in. When I get off nights this week the bed is coming off!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Got my bed bolts out, wires off and such then saw the goose neck ball was welded to the nut, no way to screw it off. Had to go get the portable torch and cut it off and by that time all my help had left so I was forced to improvise. Thanks to a come along and a large pecan tree, I got her off.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Mine looked the same way as yours except where my seat bolts down. The carpet had been wet and left rust stains and also a stain on the trans hump that I couldn't get out. I was going to replace mine but soaked it down with degreaser and then used my truck wash soap in my hot water pressure washer and it came out pretty good considering. I might just put it back in to buy me some time. I will post some pics later on my thread.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Been busy with work, grandkids, and the hill farm, but still had time to get a little done. The windshield was broken and leaking on the passenger side so I got it replaced and the dually rear end out. Got rear shocks and an ac delco fuel pump on the way. Can't see not replacing it while the bed is off. I'm about ready to see things going back together.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I'll have updated pics this week, but a safety lesson first. I was working in the shop last week and dropped a very heavy air header on my finger. I was in a hurry to get to work so I just wrapped it up and left. The next morning I realized I messed that thing up. I should have went to the Dr for sure, but it's healing and they aren't talking about cutting the tip off anymore. So, let's watch for those pinch points!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Ouch! Glad the Doc is going to leave you intact!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Back to the truck, I got a 4.10 geared rear end to replace the dually axle. I went ahead and took off the bumper and hitch and stated cleaning the frame up so I could paint it. Looks like I need a new spare winch so I can keep a spare in the right place too.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Progress is looking good. Why the desire to loose the training wheels? You mentioned it in you initial post but I forgot about it until seeing the SRW axle.

Does your truck have a hot start issue? The original design injectors on our motors are AWFUL and notorious for causing long crank/no start conditions. I'm starting to develop it again on mine and was wondering how yours was doing.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I like the looks of the fleet side trucks is the only reason I wanted to make the change really. As far as hard starting, I've not had any problems, but the longest drive was about 40 miles home when I bought it. Since then just to move it from the shop and back a few times. I'll keep an eye out when I get it back on the road as a daily driver.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Got the rear end cleaned up, painted and put in. Used ac delco hd shocks on the rear just like the front. Have a new ac fuel pump to put I while the bed is off too. The 409's? So many projects so little time.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

holy smokes! three of them, very cool. now you just need some dual quad intakes.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

I have a 65 impala coup that was a 396 car originally I planned on putting one in. Maybe one day lol.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

i guess a 3 dueces manifold would be awesome too!

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Not a lot of pics, but got a lot done. Put in the new fuel pump and put the new hyd brake like 4wd on then started on the doors. I took the latch out of every door, cleaned and lightly lubed them. The roller pins were broke so l knocked them out. Have to get new ones and change the pins and bushings out in the front doors. The latches all looked about like the one pictured, but they open nicely now.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Got off today and drained the transfer case, there was very little fluid in it and it looked about the same color as what was in the trans. They were both due a change a while back I'd say. Tomorrow, finish up the trans filter change then finish up the doors. Have to bolt up the actuators that broke from the door frame. Hopefully I'll be ready to get her painted up soon.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Ghah! ...those latches. :exit: I really appreciate the level of detail you're putting into going through this truck.

Re: 97 3500 454 4x4 project
 

Thanks, when I got it I thought I'd be done by spring, but I want it reliable and the more I get into it the more I find that needs to be done so I'm in no hurry. I keep telling myself the end result will be worth it!