Work Truck Transformation

smiledr996s · November 28, 2009

I fiqured I would post my project here. Purchased the 2006 2500hd 6.O w/ 69k w/ aftermarket warrenty from dealership for a good price. So far I have had new transmission and new front steering components fixed under warrenty. I upgraded to Moog steering parts so I had to pay the difference and some of the parts not coverd by warrenty.

The truck was used by a well digging company, so it was caked w/ mud. It was probably half a foot deep in the driveway after my first pressure washing the undercarrage. When i pulled the skid plate there was a perfect impresssion of the transmission.

Today I pressure washed some more, as the frame rails were filled solid w/ mud. I had to keep moving from hole to hole.

I purchased 2009 17" wheels and tires that I will finish installing and PW the passenger side.

I plan to swap the interior from manual to full power. I will look for a donor truck and transfer complete interior and wire harness. As well as the bed, as mine is pretty banged up and has a hole where the gooseneck ball was removed and the tailgate does not open real easily.

I know it would have been easier to just buy a new truck. I purchased the truck strictly as a tow

vehicle for my track car. It is kept in a old hay barn,so I could not justify 25-35 on a new truck. But since I purchased the truck I just cant seem to just leave it the way it is.

Over the next year I will update the progress.

Steve

SeirraRR · November 28, 2009

Sounds like you have a good project going.

amtz.zero · November 28, 2009

Keep posting pictures along the way.

smiledr996s · November 28, 2009

Well power washed about 50lbs more mud, while I had the truck jacked up for putting on the new wheels. I need to paint the rails and different parts to keep the rust from getting worse.

Here is a shot of the takeoffs from an 09. I have some Dom 2 steps from N-fab. I will try to paint before putting them on. Guess that is my next project.

I would guess that I should pick up about 2mpg going down from the 285 off road tires to the 265 OEM wheels.

Steve

C. Charles Hahn · November 29, 2009

Looks like you'll have a nice rig once you get the bed and interior all fixed up. The wheels look great on that truck!

smiledr996s · December 26, 2009

Well hadn't posted in a while. I sprayed a rust inhibitor under the truck, it worked pretty good. I goes on like a white varnish, then turns clear or black on the rust, so it looks better. Then today I started to install some step bars. They came out pretty good, a bit more work then I thought.

Also, straightened the bumper up a bit

I hope to finish wiring in the foglights tommarrow. I ordered the GM kit.

Steve

KMGZ400 · December 26, 2009

looks like its coming along well so far.. you should definatey tint the windows and black out the front emblem

smiledr996s · January 23, 2010

Been a while, have some new projects so the interior will have to take a back seat for a while. I added towing mirrors, floor mats ( pain to keep from sliding), and Duha storage.

I agree W/ tinting. Unfortunately I need to wait till I swap the interior as I can see myself scratching the tent while moving stuff in and out.

I plan to debage the 2500hd emblems on the doors. What is the best method to remove. I see alot of diffent way when I search the archives.

Steve

Dooner · January 23, 2010

It's looking good! Love the mirrors, just ordered up a set for my HD, not that style though. Did you have to remove the door panels to access the wiring harness (assuming you have power mirrors) or is the plug right where the mirror mounts?

Although I've never debadged a vehicle, I've heard using a blow dryer to soften the adhesive is a good way to do it. Then maybe some glue be-gone...as long as it doesn't ruin the paint.

Zembonez · January 23, 2010

Looking really good. I like those Nfab steps. They are strong and look like they mean business!

smiledr996s · January 23, 2010

It's looking good! Love the mirrors, just ordered up a set for my HD, not that style though. Did you have to remove the door panels to access the wiring harness (assuming you have power mirrors) or is the plug right where the mirror mounts?
Although I've never debadged a vehicle, I've heard using a blow dryer to soften the adhesive is a good way to do it. Then maybe some glue be-gone...as long as it doesn't ruin the paint.

They are manual mirrors , but I did have to remove panel, when I let one of the mounting nuts fall inside the door.

Steve