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View Full Version : My wife calls her princess....

Red91
10-09-2012, 10:20 AM
Well the title kind of says it all. I bought the truck a little over 2.5 yrs ago. She was Stone Stock but super clean and straight especially for a true WI Truck.
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/208.jpg
Yes that is all GM sheetmetal. I got it with a 2" thick stack of reciepts and various pieces of documentation and I recieved a memo pad that documented every dime the previous owner put into it INCLUDING GAS!!! He is a regular at all the local shows with a small collection of Trans Am's and this was his daily baby. After rocking it stock for awhile I started to get the itch and started collecting parts for a 4/6. Well this summer I put some new 225/70s up front and 255/60s out back.
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0100.jpg
It took me way longer than it should have but I wanted to do it un assisted. http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0103.jpg
While I did the front I also did all the standard wearables, Ball joints Tie Rod ends, sleeves, and sway bar end links. I found out the hard way that I have 1.25" brake rotors as well. It could have been easily avoided if I did a little more research but lesson learned. So after I bought the right spindles I put it all back together.
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0108.jpg
Only one problem...
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0138.jpg
Enter 454!!!!
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0150.jpg
After that I flipped her around
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0155.jpg
The leaf spring bolts were frozen solid in the bushing sleeves. With a little coaxing and some heavy equipment the rear leafs came on out.
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0161.jpg
I obviously had to do new bushings so a little propane, swazall and ball joint press later.
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0163.jpg
So I shot the springs with a little satin black krylon
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0162.jpg
They turned out pretty good. Actually had a tire guy ask me if they were new. So I pulled out a little backwoods engineering and got the new bushings in
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0164.jpg
After a little assembly some more black Krylon and one "sick" day at work
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0167.jpg
Like I said it took me way too long, but I could only work on it 2-4 hours at a time. That and I have a dd so it didn't hurt me to have it down for the summer. Either way I learned a few things 1. You can never research enough something will always bite you the first time around. 2. I loath press in ball joints 3. I am never doing spring bushings AGAIN! Either way after all the work, money, and time the first time I drove it made it all worth it! :D
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0173.jpg
Well after that I got the rear wheels swapped over too the 454s, then 2 weeks before her first show I got an exhaust leak.... :mad: Soooo I said screw it and ordered....
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0176.jpg
and threw in a new y-pipe. But to add insult to injury the y-pipe didn't seat well so I have a little "Pop" leak when I get into the throttle. Either way I took the hit in stride and showed her anyways. This was my first show as an entrant. http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/Red-91/Red%2091/IMAG0182.jpg
I have absolutely gotten hooked on showing it since I just wish it wasn't so late in the year! I am now "stuck" I feel like I have writers block I can't seem to plan my next move. Suggestions?... Lol
Devs93
10-09-2012, 10:25 AM
94+ mirrors and updated lights truck is looking good
dagen_1
10-09-2012, 10:29 AM
94+ mirrors and updated lights truck is looking good

95+ (94 is still dumbo mirrors)


i REALLY LIKE this truck! great job!
dagen_1
10-09-2012, 10:32 AM
an inexpensive upgrade i would look into is the jeep XJ steering shaft and 95-98 wiper arms. the wiper arms are straighter and have a heavier duty spring. they also have the hook-style end connector instead of the pin-type.
Devs93
10-09-2012, 10:34 AM
I do to even the old style grille
Red91
10-09-2012, 10:34 AM
94+ mirrors and updated lights truck is looking good Yea I couldn't/can't pick between the 94+ or the 454 mirrors. I am really hesitant on lights because I don't know if I want to go smoked, blacked out, or clear or whether to go with 94+ GMC grill or rock the older one. At least I am on the right track! Lol Thanks for the input!
Red91
10-09-2012, 10:39 AM
an inexpensive upgrade i would look into is the jeep XJ steering shaft and 95-98 wiper arms. the wiper arms are straighter and have a heavier duty spring. they also have the hook-style end connector instead of the pin-type. THANK YOU!!!!! My wiper arms have driven me absolutely crazy since I bought the truck! Anything over 55 and the don't stay on the windshield. So frustrating!

95+ (94 is still dumbo mirrors)


i REALLY LIKE this truck! great job! Thanks I appreciate it!

I do to even the old style grille That seems to be the general thoughts for whatever reason everyone likes the old grill on my truck. But like everyone else I am getting restless! haha
dagen_1
10-09-2012, 11:58 AM
there were comments made when i was looking to buy a new grille for mine just prior to getting the truck painted. the feedback i was getting was either 94+ chevy or gmc. but i stuck to my guns and left the pre-93 style in place, i just ordered a new chrome shell and billet inserts to dress it up a little. i like the older styles myself, not throwing off on the newer grilles, its just that it's been done time and time again. my truck is a 89 and i wanted "something" on the outside to reflect that.
Red91
10-09-2012, 12:09 PM
there were comments made when i was looking to buy a new grille for mine just prior to getting the truck painted. the feedback i was getting was either 94+ chevy or gmc. but i stuck to my guns and left the pre-93 style in place, i just ordered a new chrome shell and billet inserts to dress it up a little. i like the older styles myself, not throwing off on the newer grilles, its just that it's been done time and time again. my truck is a 89 and i wanted "something" on the outside to reflect that.
Nothing wrong with that! The idea I keep having is to get a black grill and paint the GMC emblem like the 454ss emblems, Then enter my light deliemma.... I can't decide from there what I want to do. Either way I want to H.I.D.s
Bearcat91
10-09-2012, 01:06 PM
I vote smoked...I think they look good on almost any car/truck. ALMOST
dagen_1
10-09-2012, 01:09 PM
I vote smoked...I think they look good on almost any car/truck. ALMOST

x2... and i agree on ALMOST... i don't think my truck could pull off smoked lights. they're illegal in virginia anyway.
Red91
10-09-2012, 01:09 PM
I vote smoked...I think they look good on almost any car/truck. ALMOST I feel the same way but with the style of this truck following "Factory" lines I am on the fence. However I will tally 1 vote smoked.
stargazer7467
10-10-2012, 10:30 PM
looks good, lovin the vice press haha
Red91
10-11-2012, 02:04 AM
Thanks! Yea I pulled that out of the shed, it worked really and gave me a wide solid mounting surface to start it in square.
Red91
10-17-2012, 03:00 AM
Looking at some headlights, I will probably pull the trigger on a set by snow fly. Opinions please! Regardless of headlights I will be going with the same style grill I have in black instead of chrome when I go with the 95+ mirrors. So keep that in mind.

option 1.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrome-Headlights-Clear-Bumper-Lights-88-02-Chevy-GMC-C-K-1500-2500-3500-Pickup-/310432833091?fits=Year:1991|Make:GMC|Submodel:Sier ra&hash=item48473d1e43&item=310432833091&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

option 2.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/94-99-CHEVY-SUBURBAN-TAHOE-SILVERADO-HEADLIGHTS-CORNER-LED-BUMPER-SIGNAL-LIGHTS-/230833979574?fits=Year:1995&hash=item35bec700b6&item=230833979574&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

I plan on running these style tailights, http://www.ebay.com/itm/88-98-Silverado-Suburban-Tahoe-Red-Clear-LED-Tail-Light-/230668943291?forcev4exp=true&forceRpt=true LED/standard bulb will be determined from the front. The only issue I am coming across is what to do for corners. I plan on running HIDs regardless of LED/standard bulb marker/tails. These links are just examples, just doing a little shopping tonight! Opinions and Tips always welcome!
rj2
10-17-2012, 04:29 AM
Vote option 2. I think those would look slick on there.and match the taillights
rj2
10-17-2012, 04:31 AM
Im sure u can find that same led corner set up in clear instead of amber. And then run hids up top. But even if not would still look good imo
Red91
10-17-2012, 04:35 AM
Cool thanks for the input!
Devs93
10-17-2012, 04:41 AM
Look up Depo brand lights. They are a tad pricey but are badass and quality.
Red91
10-17-2012, 04:52 AM
Maybe I am missing something... The only lights for a 400 by them I can see look like stockers. You got a link Dev?
Devs93
10-17-2012, 05:45 AM
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=e4c2ffeaa62ac9a00fc17119badaef3c&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmt400.com%2Fforum%2Fshowthre ad.php%3F8623-Project%2Fpage7&v=1&libid=1350470625561&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depo.com.tw%2Fasp%2Fpdf%2FP_C V_AVEO_BERETTA_BLAZER_CAMARO_CAPRICE.pdf&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmt400.com%2Fforum%2Fshowthre ad.php%3F8623-Project%2Fpage6&title=Project%3A%20-%20Page%207&txt=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depo.com.tw%2Fasp%2Fpdf%2FP_C V_...RO_CAPRICE.pdf&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13504707141373
Red91
10-17-2012, 11:02 AM
Thanks man! Those look so much better! We will see how long I can I can hold out until the ones I have no drive me nuts! Lol
Devs93
10-17-2012, 12:15 PM
These lights are so boss you dont even have to silicone em
Red91
10-17-2012, 12:33 PM
They look to be super quality. Makes me think I should rock those and some factory tails. It would keep my look solid. DAMN you DEV! Muddying the waters! Lol.
Red91
10-19-2012, 08:12 AM
I remembered I have another early grill in storage but the black center bars are beat/chipped. I want a black one anyways so I was thinking about stripping the "Chrome" off and adding a billet insert. What do you think? http://www.ebay.com/itm/88-93-SIERRA-PICKUP-SUBURBAN-YUKON-BILLET-GRILLE-INSERT-/300796670455?fits=Year:1991|Make:GMC|Submodel:Sier ra&hash=item4608e0f1f7&item=300796670455&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
Old77
10-29-2012, 03:27 PM
Clean GMT400! Any thoughts on ditching the chrome doohickeys along the top of your windows on your doors?
Red91
10-29-2012, 09:36 PM
Thanks! I would love too but they are screwed on. According to the po they have been on it since it was new. So i will just paint em black when I do 95+ mirrors then when I paint it they will go.
Corey Prince
02-27-2013, 11:38 AM
any new updates on the truck?
Red91
02-27-2013, 12:47 PM
No I have been slacking lately hopefully in the next month or so the snow will clear a bit in my area and I can get back on her. I need to go thru the rear suspension again I am not really happy with the current set up so that will probably happen first.
Corey Prince
02-27-2013, 03:17 PM
well get to it and do work :)
94LowRider
03-23-2013, 12:35 PM
A Really SWEET 2Tone, I like it.
Red91
04-25-2013, 06:38 PM
Thanks! It really sets the drop off too in person it really shows how long it is. I don't plan on changing it!
Old77
04-26-2013, 08:39 AM
Thanks! It really sets the drop off too in person it really shows how long it is. I don't plan on changing it!

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