Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
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Jake came with manual roll up windows. I want full power options, so I decided to find a set of power doors. Since they will all need painted it doesn't matter if they aren't match. I scored two rear doors, four panels and a harness from my buddy Berdo.
I made a trip to the tiny town of Nada, Texas and got a passenger front door, power panels, and a 73 core support. Piece by piece the parts are accumulating. |
Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
Maybe it's me, but since the last truck was "Elwood" and this one is "Jake" you must be a Blues Brothers fan, so maybe an obvious color choice for this one is blue? Anyway can't wait to see another beautiful truck out of your shop.
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We considered several options for Jake, but my brother in law suggested Jake. It took some time, but Jake was voted in by the family. |
Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
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I got a message from a buddy of mine the other night. He said I have something you need, and sent pics. He was right. It was a 1979 tailgate that had been in storage for decades. A family friend had taken it off of a truck that was turned in to a wrecker. Its been collecting dust every since.
He added that he had an 85 GMC that had cool original paint, but the tailgate had been damaged. He had located a replacement band, but not a good 81-87 tailgate. It just so happened I had the correct one that he needed. It was in restorable condition, but it needed some love. I went by his shop and we visited a bit to get caught up, then we did some horse trading. He got the gate that he needed and I got one as well. I came home with a GM unit that is in excellent condition. It has some surface rust from storage, but the Silverado band is in mint condition. |
Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
Very Nice Ken!
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Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
I was in your shoes. Got frustrated and bought a truck from New Jersey. Then a few months later low and behold I found my exact wish only about 1.5hrs away!
They're out there! In mislabeled for sale adds! |
Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
PS- I'll have an extra set or two of all 4 wood grain 73-76 door panels once I pick the 4 I want.
So if you can find doors(good luck!) I may be able to help out with the door panels. |
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As much as I love the early interior, I am probably going to with the later door panels. Good stuff is near impossible to find, and its never cheap. Quote:
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So me and my buddy make a mutually agreeable deal. We shook hands and walked away happy. I couldnt wait to get home and confirm that the early gate would work on the later bed. I knew there were changes along the way, but I couldn't remember exactly what and when. I called my buddy Chris Lucas and he reassured me I was safe.
Once home, the 79 tailgate dropped in place on the 84 trunions. I did have to remove the rubber rattle stops from the top of the bed to close the gate. Beyond that, it looked as if it was made for it. After giving the band another good cleaning, I realized it was virtually flawless. The upper and lower trim is mint as well. I stood back and take a few pics. |
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I was excited that it fit so well, and closed up nicely. I had thought maybe the old bed was tweaked, but this gate lines up nicely. After admiring my new purchase for a moment, I could resist digging in my parts stash. My buddy Keith found a NOS Cheyenne band a few years back and i picked it up from him. Its got some shelf scuffs in the clear, but its still in mint condition. I had to know what it looked like on this tailgate.
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Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
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So the question is, which one looks best. Keep in mind the truck will be factory red and have all new 73-80 trim on it. Top or bottom?
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Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
Toss-up; but partial to the narrow one!
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Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
:agree:
Both look good, but I like the narrow one. You just don't see those that much. |
Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
I like the narrow one too!!!
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exactly what I did!:lol: sold my first '76 chevy for the '76GMC. |
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Re: "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab
ken,
great score!! will be following as well. I may have missed it? but I assume that the truck is a conversion to SWB? can you give little detail on how it was done? also were/are you "scared" about the "workmanship" if a conversion? I am in the beginning stages of looking for a squarebody project as well, I am fully aware of the rareness of finding a "descent" truck for a good price! it seems like the second that I started looking the prices jumped about 15% higher!!!:jdp: what are you thoughts on the drivetrain? I am really wanting to do a 5.3/4l60 in my project, I am planning on it to be a DD with a flare for showing as well... let the games begin!!:lol: Jake |
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Its currently running the most anemic 454 GM ever made, and I have never been a big fan of 454s, but I think this truck needs one. Im considering a 7.4 Vortec, or possibly even an 8.1 . If I do go LS it will be a 6.2, but they are so pricey that probably won't happen. Not matter what, it will be an injected motor with a vintage look. |
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the narrow band looks best to me....
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I think if I had a rear bumper on, it might give a better representation and favor the large band a bit more. Regardless, the Cheyenne band is clearly more popular. |
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thanks for the reply, I am at the same "low key" searching stage as well;) glad you are happy with the work of the conversion. about the "most anemic 454 GM ever made" you have to be talking about the 1990 454ss model motor!:lol: I agree that if you have a choice that I would go with the 6.2l injected as well;) my 0.02 worth on the tailgate band is the "narrow" one. it just screams "ol' school" classy to me - in a subtle way... :lol:. ok.. now the question that is on everyone's mind......... how do you find these great base trucks to begin your masterpieces with?:metal: :lol: |
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