97 CCLB 6.5L All purpose rig project

[Nyle]

Alright guys and gals, thought I'd share some pics and info on my most recent OBS project. My overall goal for this truck is to be an all purpose vehicle to do just about anything under the sun and then some while still being a reliable DD to move people around. But before I get into future plans, let's cover where the truck started and what I've gotten done so far.

What I started with was a 1997 CCLB SRW K3500 with a 6.5L under the hood, and full on Grandpa Package on the exterior.
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-08-07_170718.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-08-07_193519.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-08-07_191345.jpg

Exterior work started with removal of the running boards, topper, sun visor, and putting on the LED tail lights and front turn signals I had laying around from my previous OBS.
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-08-15_105250.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-08-21_143216.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-08-25_131102.jpg

Next up was a set of 305/70R16 Firstone Destination A/T's which required a small crank and bumper shaving.
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-08-25_174701.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-08-25_174638.jpg

Most recent addition was 20% tint on everything but the windsheild and a 2" block/crank combo.
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-01-02_124511.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-01-04_115220.jpg

Underhood work has simply been a #9 resistor, 2.5" crossover pipe, and 4" DiamondEye exhaust.

Future plans include all new lights(including installing cab lights and rear marker bar under tailgate), colormatching the grill with black billet inserts, GMT-800 style towing mirrors, bedliner, custom backrack with bedrails for cargo management, low profile toolbox, new wheels(either black D-window steelies or painted PYOs), on board air system, and multiple other little odds and ends.

Looking forward to any feedback or ideas you all may have.

[survivorcamaro]

my wife and i both think you need to put some chrome or black step bars on it. and mayne a headache rack to match with some work light pointing front and rear.

[Nyle]

A custom headache rack(for work lights and a few other things) with built in bed rails is already on the to-do list. If any steps get put on they will be black and incorporated into a set of rock sliders.

[mainechev]

Sweet rig. I've always loved the long wheelbase trucks. Any plans on lifting it more?

[Nyle]

For the time being it will just ride on the 2" block/crank, but a SAS is being considered for the future.

[squeaky3]

i saw the title and was like that sounds familiar...then i saw it was just you

but seriously...truck looks great for the amount of time you have owned it and what little you have done

[Nyle]

Thanks Adam, I brought the truck home 8-7-11, so I've only had the truck for about 5 months and have put less than $1400 worth of parts(rough estimate) so far to get it where it's at now. I'm very pleased with the results so far.

[bayko]

Dream truck... Looking good so far.

[FinalBreath]

Good looking truck.

[Nyle]

We can add recovery vehicle to the list of uses for the beast :aniteef:
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/20120116_151351.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/20120116_151410.jpg

Got it out and didn't even break a sweat.

[nick613]

Nice truck, really clean! I like the plans you have for it

[Nyle]

Thanks for the compliments guys, always nice to know that others appreciate my rig and what I have in mind for it.

[Nyle]

Made a few additions to the rig this weekend. New front lights and a set of GMT800 style towing mirrors.

http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/20120219_151426.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/20120220_164446.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/20120221_175612.jpg

Plus cab lights and rear ID marker should be installed by the end of next week.

[squeaky3]

those led lights do look good lit up at night i must say..or the pic just makes them look nice

now i need to wire up my mirrors.......

those new headlights and parking lights make a HUGE difference

need any clear side lights to match??

[Nyle]

I have a set of clear corners and a set of amber corners for it, but they aren't going on until I have my other grille painted.

[squeaky3]

ok just wasnt sure...i think i have the parking lights and the side lights in the garage someone if you need a spare set

[loki223]

looks almost like my truck when i firs got it. Same color and everything, you just got lucky you didn't get the tri-post mirrors that i did. nice looking truck, feel free to check out my build thread to get more ideas for yours. Our trucks came from the factory pretty much identical. I love these crew cabs, and i'm glad to know i'm not the only one stuck with our turn radius....lol

[mudking]

sweet.

cant wait to see more happening.

allot of people dont like those 6.5's. I hear they are no good, but you still have a nice looking truck!

[Nyle]

I should also be getting a cowl hood and a colormatched grill on the old girl some time soon. And the 6.5 is a fine motor for what it is, just has a few common problems, but then again, what motor doesn't have issues at some point? lol

[loki223]

Yeah, the 6.5 gets ripped on because of a couple common problems, but it is a very dependable motor. The biggest gripe is that its not a powerhouse, but considering the block was designed during the oil shortage, its no surprise GM decided to go for an economy motor with enough power to do what needs to be done. Not enough to do what needs to be done and do over 100 on the highway while towing with 10,000+ pounds behind you like the current theme seams to be... lol

[98BlackSierra]

Damn that is huge!! I love the look of a long wheel base truck cranked level. I think a cowl hood would look pretty good on there as well.

[SD95turbo]

Where did you buy your mirrors and what did they cost if i can ask?
Josh

[loki223]

those mirrors are all over eby, i've got the same ones. i paid $186 for mine, but they are the no frills one. no power options, no lights, and manual extensions. the only thing i wish they did was fold in, especially for the price i paid for them. But beyond that, i love them. Expect another $50-$100 if you want power and lights though. Unless their prices have come down...

[Nyle]

I paid around $220 for power mirrors with signals, and like loki said, they are all over eBay.

[SoSoFLY]

Cool truck, I always liked driving those long trucks at work even though the turn radius is horrible! That pewter color was prolly my favorite factory color in the 90s.

As for suggestions - I think some fatty bushwhacker flares and a BL (put the granpapy steps back to hide it) would look great as well, x2 on the headache rack and lighting! I dig the 20% tint all around, very european looking when guys use that shade on light vehicles.

I actually read the thread cause the title says "rig project" - Im from Alberta, here, a "rig project" has a 40 inch lift, 80" tires and 4500lbs of torque in front of the black cloud passing you... :p

[Nyle]

For anyone who may be waiting for updates, I don't really have anything to report. Money has been tight and plans for the truck have been on the backburner.

I did get a new set of 60G glow plugs installed, and plan to switch the trailer connector over to a flat 7 instead of the round 6 that it has. I should also have my high idle switches hooked up by the end of the week and I'll throw my front mount receiver on at some point too.

[Nyle]

This is why I can't have nice things:
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/20121206_132902.jpg

Looks like the old girl will be heading to the body shop soon.

[1988 GMC 355]

WHat happened???

[Nyle]

Not sure, all I know is that I left for work in the morning, ran some errands through the day, and when I got home, I saw that. Best guess is that someone backed a trailer into the bed and took off without a note or anything.

[Nyle]

Hopefully getting a new job soon, so upgrades may be getting more frequent. But in the mean time, here's my latest addition:

After days of chasing wires, I finally got my LED 3rd brake/Cargo light working.
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/20130221_190803_zpse707c7f0.jpg
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg442/Gearhead614/Mobile%20Uploads/20130221_190726_zps845a836d.jpg

[OffRoad]

I like your LED box lights. What are the common issues with 6.5 Diesels?

[OffRoad]

I like your LED box lights. What are the common issues with 6.5 Diesels?

[Nyle]

The most common 6.5 issues are overheating on pre-97 models and PMD failures.