Half way there

kenlacy · June 9, 2004

Everything is in motion on my little "project" except for two last details. The wood dash kit and the chrome Handles and buckets (full on replacement, not just covers).

Any reccomendations on Dash Kits - I am looking into Deco-Tek or Phoenix imaging as they are complete replacement parts, not just molded covers, plus they can do any part you send them. Around $315 for 6-7 pieces (with core replacement) and .40cents sq. inch on custom.

Replacement Chrome Buckets and Handles (set of 4 with from 2 sets having key holes) - $400 delivered.

IF anyone knows of better pricing, I'd love to hear about it.

I have done Stainless Brush Guard, Patriot Billot Grill, Projector headlights, diamond lower lamps, rear Alteezas, stainless rear covers, Baccarat Linc 20's with Goodyear Eagle II's (same height as stock tires), Stainless Nerf Bars replace Stock black z-71 nerfs, Gibson Dual exhaust.

Being installed on Friday - Pioneer AVIC-N1 In Dash NAV/DVD system with Rear view camera, XM and 12 disc Changer. 10.4" flip down rear DVD with DVD/TV tuner player also in front dash with output also to Pioneer NAV Screen (both can play on either screen. Also, Nu-Image Platinum guages with stainless steel flame bezel. Remote starter.

Dual scoop ram air hood (non-functional) will be here in two weeks - it will get painted to match with ghosted flames, maybe some slight glitter to the flames. At the same time all window deflectors, sunroof deflector and lower grey bodytrim will all be painted to match the Metallic Sport Red.

Anything I am missing? I have never had a new vehicle, so I figured I might as well do it right. Was gonna go with a Denali, but I can essentially do all this for about $3000 more than a Denali would have cost me.

When I am all done I will post some before and after Pics, along with price lists for everything and where I got it - I spent a lot of time - way too much time - researching where to get each item for the best price and best quality. I pretty much bought every item from a different place unless prices were close enough to offset any shipping costs.

Supurban · June 9, 2004

I like the look of the Interior chrome door levers on this thread:

Custom Interior for GMC Sierra

I have some less exciting suggestions based on my 3000 mile experience so far with my 2004 LT.

* Get a decent bottle jack - especially if you have bigger rims. Stock jack and stock wheels barely clear the ground. Got a flat at 2500 miles and really hated the jack.

* I'm big on 3M paint protection film. Door edges are a great place to start to keep dings to a minimum. Click on my link below too see this on the hood edge and mirrors. I have a chrome stock grill. But I know the Z71s have lots of paint to chip on the front end.

I think the Denalis are wicked rides. But for the price, I preferred a decked out LT. Z71 package was also very attractive, but the stiffer ride was not for me.

I love Subs and am finally a proud owner of one of these beasts. Enjoy your new ride!

AUTOGUY · June 10, 2004

I like the look of the Interior chrome door levers on this thread:
Custom Interior for GMC Sierra

They look like Escalade Interior Door Handles. I recently installed them in my 2003 SS. They were like $35-$40 per door through the local Caddy Dealer.

They are like a black chrome or black pearl. Nice classy addition to my Graphite Leather Interior.

What color is your truck? I would never pay $400.00 for door handles and buckets. My last truck(02 Sierra) I installed Escalade Exterior handles. Pewter buckets with chrome pulls. They were under $200.00 for the set of 4.

When I bought my 2004 Sierra I ordered the White Handles and buckets from a Tahoe Z71/Denali and added the Putco Door Handle Pull Covers in chrome. I love the look of the body color buckets with chrome pulls.

If you have a Z71 then your buckets and Pulls are already Red. Just buy the Putco Pull covers. They come with the bucket covers included. These cost less than $100.00 for the set of 4. They fit perfectly and are hard to tell they are added on. Then if you still want more bling...add the bucket covers later !!!!

Just my .02

kenlacy · June 10, 2004

I looked at the covers and talked to a few guys that do customs, I didn't care for them much and neither did they.

It is no problem gettting 4 chrome handles for $200, but if you want the chrome buckets its another 200.00. I definitely need to go all chrome and real (not covers).

I appreciate the info though.

June 10, 2004

kenlacy - I'm not a fan of stick on anything but you need to know that you are going to hate life before you get those handles replaced. Check other threads, this is a PAINFULL task. Emphasis on PAINFULL.

supurban - that 3M film looks good. I suspect you have to get a serious buff job before installing to prevent sealing in blemishes. Do you have any idea what the edges of that are going to look like in a few years? Will it start to lift or chip? If so, how do you get it all back off?