85 K10

[bladerunner]

Been on the site now for over a year and never started a build thread.  I've finished many projects on my truck so far, but I did not take pictures. I am just finishing up the interior now so I figured I'd so the little progress I have made.

Here is the truck when I bought it last summer.





Interior was in bad shape. More on this later...





The radio area of the dash leaves much to be desired. Looks like the PO took a sawzall to it.



So far I have rebuilt the sloppy steering column, replaced the shocks, fixed electrical woes in my gas tanks, new filler necks, brakes, neutral safety switch, basic mundane stuff.

I recently bought a complete dash to replace my cracked old dash and fix the broken bezel/radio area.





I wasn't paying attention as this dash must have come from an 81-83 truck as the dash bezel is a little different (the location of the light knob in the left corner).  Plus the dash is from Dashes Direct, not an original.  It does not seem to fit right (note I dyed it black). See below:



I realize in the above picture the dash is not fully secured, but even with the bezel all screwed back in that left hand corner "pops up" like that. Plus the whole look to the dash is a little warped:



Compare to the original, which is very sturdy, but cracked:









Part of the issue with fitting the new dash maybe these cracks around where the gauges are:



Also got my seats and console in. I also ordered carpet from Chris and just need to install that as well.





So I need to figure if going back to the original dash with a cap is a better option. I really don't like the Dashes Direct dash. Just fits bad.  I need to try and trim the area around the gauge cluster first and see if I can get a better fit.

[sbx22]

sweet looking truck!

[87454westernhauler]

i had the exact same problem with my new dash pad also! i got it from classic industries, was suposed to be certified GM origional, but doesnt fit dash bezel and doesnt secure corect on the passenger side exactly like yours. have u figured outa way to make it fit better?

[bladerunner]

I think I am going to ditch the Dashes Direct dash, clean up my old dash and buy a dash cap from Chris.  Those look like they come out pretty good.  I will probably just sell the complete dash I have.

[81_Chevy]

i love the look of your truck. ever considered putting dual CB antennas on it?

[cvbear]

Very nice looking truck!  What are the seats out of?

[bladerunner]

i love the look of your truck. ever considered putting dual CB antennas on it?

Thats an interesting idea. I have thought of getting a CB.

Very nice looking truck!  What are the seats out of?

Seats and console came from a 90 Suburban.  Bolted in pretty easy. Just need to take a torch to the rear brackets to bend them just right.

So I ended up using my original dash. I SEM'd it black and I am going to put a cover on it.  The OEM dash fits so much nicer than the Dashes Direct one.

[Magic1]

I'm thinking of putting a cap on the dash in my 82 Sierra. Keep us updated on how it goes cause I'd love to see how it looks when it's done and how well it fits over your original one!

[bladerunner]

I'm thinking of putting a cap on the dash in my 82 Sierra. Keep us updated on how it goes cause I'd love to see how it looks when it's done and how well it fits over your original one!

Looks like the wife will be getting me a dash cap for Christmas. Once I install it, I will post.  Just finishing up the carpet now.