When you’re building a truck that you plan to drive a lot, it only makes sense to make the living quarters as comfy as possible. Although the images don’t do a great job of capturing the true color of the interior, it’s a great contrast with the OG red paint on the outside. Genuine Alcantara and Nappatek synthetic leather from Relicate work together to create a plush atmosphere and I can’t wait to enjoy it all. All plastics were color-matched with custom-mixed dye from A1 Auto Parts in Buckeye Lake, Ohio. Dark saddle ‘73-74 style ACC loop carpet from Classic Parts of America covers the floor and back wall, which are layered in Kilmat sound deadener. Precision Replacement door seals from AMD make this thing sound like a new Mercedes when you shut the door.
To keep the plush, yet functional, pro touring theme going, the grippy suede Sabelt steering wheel fits right in. It’s bolted to a restored and customized tilt steering column from T&M Steering Column Repair in Nashville, TN. A Holley 12.3” screen mounted in a Classic Dash bezel will provide more than enough data while the Vintage Air Surefit climate control system keeps the cabin temperature at a comfortable level.
The door panels, interior trim pieces, and headliner are all from our friends at Classic Parts of America and dyed by yours truly. Kick panels are from Retro Manufacturing and house a set of Morel 6-1/2” 2-way speakers, while 73-87.com mounting brackets hold Morel 6×9’s in the cab corners.
In the center console, an NVX Bluetooth control knob sends signal from my iPhone directly to a Clarion signal processor/equalizer and out to a Pioneer GM-D9705 5-channel amp mounted under the driver’s seat. The aforementioned Morel speakers, along with a JL Audio 8” Microsub enclosure tucked behind the driver’s seat should make for a great sounding setup.
Alongside the sound control knob, a USB charge port with digital volt meter adds convenience. Another USB port located lower, on the front side of the center console provides an input to plug in the Holley USB Link cable for tuning the Terminator X Max EFI system.
New door and wing vent glass along with new regulators and seals from AMD and door handles from Classic Parts were added to compete the assembly of the new doors. A few pieces of Kilmat were strategically stuck to the inner side of the door skins to add dampening to the typically “tinny” sounding sheetmetal.
SLOSH TUBZ FINAL FIT and AC/HEAT PLUMBING
I’ve had these mild/smooth Slosh Tubz and side filler panels for a while now, but it’s time to get down to the final fitment. I’ll admit, my OCD has kicked my butt on this task. I’ve gone through 4 different iterations of AC/heater hose routing, but finally settled on hiding everything inside the passenger fender. I used Eaton EZ-Clip AC hoses and fittings and they are worth every penny. Heater hoses use both Vintage Air crimp fittings and Gates Power Grip heat shrink clamps for a clean look. Inside the fender, you’ll find the Vintage Air heat valve along with a Vintage Air inline H-pipe coolant crossover between the water pump and heat valve. An LS motor needs constant coolant circulation through the heater hoses and this should do the trick.
The dotted lines on the Slosh Tubz are where the removable access panels will attach and cover the gaping holes around the shock towers. On race days, these panels can be pulled off to allow easy adjustment of the damping on the Viking coilovers.
NEW GLASS & RANDOM PROGRESS
New windshield glass can make an old clunker feel like a brand new gem. Getting rid of a road-rashed windshield is not only an improvement in vision and safety, but extremely satisfying once you see that crystal clear glass in front of your eyes. The windshield in this truck was in remarkable shape, but its age had taken its toll. It was a bit cloudy and had a couple small chips and the back window was an antiquated, sloppy old slider that the truck was born with. The local gurus from Richardson Glass Services in Newark, Ohio, have been handling all of my family’s glass needs for the past 30+ years, so it was a no-brainer to call them up to knock out the install. They brought a new windshield and in less than an hour, had it installed along with the rear glass that AMD sent me a couple months ago.
When pulling out old glass, there’s always a chance that the channels can be rotted under the seals. I’ve seen beautiful low mileage cars with rusted or perforated channels and it’s heartbreaking. Thankfully, this trucks bones are great and all of the hidden areas looked like new.