New Daily Driver Project

[1badgmc]

I figured I'd start my own since this truck will be making a few changes.

So, I've missed having a truck for a driver over the last several years. I'm going to get rid of my Cadillac SLS, thus eliminating a car payment, which will more than make up for the lower fuel mileage of this truck.

My acquisition of the truck is a no money deal. Just doing a bit of trading. The truck is a '94 with a 350. It has just over 200,000 miles on it, but I know its entire history. My mom bought the truck new, so I know it's been maintained and fairly well taken care of. It's been a good, reliable truck since new. The interior is in excellent shape considering the miles. It mostly just needs a little bit of cleaning. The paint has a few dents and dings here and there, but for the most part a good wax job will get it looking good.

The Plans:

First things first. I have to get rid of all the excess stick-on, screw-on BS. Bug shield, Ventshades, extended cab flares, running boards...they all have to go. I've been working on that this weekend.

Suspension:
A 4/6 is the biggest thing on the list, but with life and the usual bills getting in the way, it'll be a while.

Wheels:
Obviously I'm missing center caps. That's a long story there. I have several wheel options. 1. The wheels that are on it, but I would like some '96-'98 smooth caps for them. 2. Chrome 454SS wheels that I had on my '99 Yukon. 3. I have a set of '80's model 15x8 steel rallys. 4. 17" Weld Tomahawks that I used to have on my '91. Option 4 is least likely right now because they need a lot of polishing to get them back into good shape, a couple of them look like they got curbed pretty bad (I had sold them to a friend and I bought them back from him) and they also need tires, which is an unnecessary expense right now. I'm thinking the 454SS wheels are my first choice right now.

Exterior:
I've cleaned the headlights and parking lamps up a bith with some Meguiar's PlastX, and it made a noticeable difference, but I'm sure I'll end up replacing them someday. I haven't decided if I want to go with some TYC diamond clears or just stick with stock.
I'd like to just paint the sidemarkers to match, but I have a set of the old style clears somewhere that I may just swap in.
I've already swapped in the HIDgate 5000K HID kit I had in my SLS, now I just need a hi-4 kit.
I want to get some LED taillights for it. I like the ones BHB has on his 'Burb.
I don't mind the factory molding for this truck, but the clear plastic over the chrome strip is turning yellow and flaking off of the entire length of the truck. I thought about pulling it and going with the '99+ GMC spear chrome strips, but I think the paint underneath probably won't match. So I may someday replace it with some stock molding that just doesn't have the chrome strip. All black.
I would like a painted smoothie front bumper.
I've thought about either a polished 30-bar billet grille insert or even a normal 16-bar insert powdercoated black with the chrome ring painted black too.
Rear rollpan.
I have some '95-'98 mirrors on order.
Maybe a shaved tailgate handle someday.

Interior:
The only working speaker is the driver's side dash speaker. So, I need to replace the speakers and get a CD player.
The tint job was done in '96, so I need to strip it and get it redone.
I wouldn't mind swapping in some buckets and a center console

Performance:
I'm content to leave well enough alone. It is just a driver after all, but the annoyingly loud, droning glasspack exhaust that got put on about 12 years ago has got to go! I just want to get a nice Magnaflow put on to quiet it down a bit.

But that's about it. Here are some pics of the starting point.

[fortplainman]

wow a big set of plans, but just make sure it doesnt turn into your plans that lead it to what you did with your other truck haha.

Cant wait to see the threads on it to see it get done.

[someotherguy]

Nice...looks like excellent base material for a project!

What color is the interior, tan? I've got a very sharp set of tan cloth buckets, with console... $$$

I vote absolutely on ditching all the stick-on stuff. I'd toss that lid, too, but that's just me. I never liked them. And usually, I'm carrying stuff around that's too big and the lid would just get in the way, every time.

I think the squarebody Rally's would look tough if they're the 8" version, but use the OBS trim rings for a cleaner look. 454SS wheels look good but I like squarebody Rally's better.

Ditto on the newer factory mirrors.

and...without doubt, no way around it, it MUST be dropped.

Richard

[1badgmc]

Originally Posted by fortplainman

wow a big set of plans, but just make sure it doesnt turn into your plans that lead it to what you did with your other truck haha.

I know. Must......Practice..........RESTRAINT!!!

[1badgmc]

Originally Posted by someotherguy

What color is the interior, tan? I've got a very sharp set of tan cloth buckets, with console... $$$

It's red, so no sale.

I vote absolutely on ditching all the stick-on stuff. I'd toss that lid, too, but that's just me. I never liked them. And usually, I'm carrying stuff around that's too big and the lid would just get in the way, every time.

The lid stays. Although I will admit it's not the best looking style for a lid, it has to stay out of necessity. This will be my truck for going to work with. I work out of my vehicles. My SLS trunk is packed full of my work supplies, which will be in the bed of this one.

I think the squarebody Rally's would look tough if they're the 8" version, but use the OBS trim rings for a cleaner look. 454SS wheels look good but I like squarebody Rally's better.

Yeah. We'll see. Decisions decisions.

Ditto on the newer factory mirrors.

As good as done.

and...without doubt, no way around it, it MUST be dropped.

I'm taking donations.

[BHB]

Use Astrovan trimrings. They're thinner, and make the wheels look deeper, If you go that route.
But use the SS wheels if you got 'em.

[White_Stealth]

Originally Posted by 1badgmc

I know. Must......Practice..........RESTRAINT!!!

it's hard and most likely won't be possible. I bought the S10 in my avy just to get it drivalbe for a daily, and it's turned into an all out show truck.

Sounds like a good project so far.

[1badgmc]

Yeah, I already have a few other more involved ideas that I'm having to toss aside in my head.

[1badgmc]

So, I put in the HIDs on Friday. Here is a comparison with stock bulbs. The HIDs are on the driver's side.

5000K HIDgate HIDs.

[1badgmc]

And this weekend I ditched the bigazz redneck exhaust tips, Ventshades, extended cab flares, running boards and bug shield and gave it a quick wash this afternoon.

I know they're quick, crappy driveway pics, but it's all I had the time or energy for.

[matt9052]

sweet, you can tell a major difference with just a washing

did you just replace the bulbs in your headlights?
which bulbs did you go with? and how much did you pay?

[1badgmc]

Originally Posted by matt9052

did you just replace the bulbs in your headlights?
which bulbs did you go with? and how much did you pay?

Sorry. I mentioned them briefly in the original post. They're 5000K HIDgate HIDs that I had originall bought for my SLS, but swapped them over into the truck. $56.99 shipped on eBay.

[96extcab]

You can see the 91 pouting in the corner of the last pic because its younger brother is getting more attention than it is.

[1badgmc]

Originally Posted by 96extcab

You can see the 91 pouting in the corner of the last pic because its younger brother is getting more attention than it is.

Nah, it knows it's got it good. It had its fair share of attention for several years. Now it gets to sit inside and relax and only come out on the best of days while the '94 just has a carport and has to deal with even the worst of days.

[1badgmc]

Got me some damn centercaps today!

[someotherguy]

Much better! Where'd you score them, used from a boneyard? Seems like they're out of stock at all the "still got 'em new" places.

Richard

[1badgmc]

I have a hookup at one of the dealerships I do work for. He snagged them from a trade-in.

[addiction2bass]

want to send me the running boards? ;) i can put them on my scooter i got that im going to be tinkering with eventually.

[joshj928]

Id say loose the chrome lip around the wheel wells and the tail light covers. Looks so much better

[F4MOU$]

Great improvements from when you originally got it!

You married? Just askin cuz that's crazy to have 4 vehicles for 1 person! lol.