Project "Tasteful Mods"- Sonoma

[DMP]

I figured id just start a build thread instead of starting a new post after every mod I do. I dont think I can have my own "Project Thread" unless I become a VIP member or something. So im gonna post some pics of when I bought it, and then some of the mods that followed after. But ill continue to update as I make more progress, but dont expect an update every week since money can be tight and parts take some time to come in. Also, some mods might end up getting changed later on, but we will see. So sit back, read, and comment/ask questions if any. :)

Just a brief description. Its a '00 GMC Sonoma 2.2L, 5 speed, and original ZQ8.

Heres what it looked like when I bought it.
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/Junk/IMG_0347_1.jpg
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/Junk/IMG_0349_1.jpg

[Jongo88]

And now??

[DMP]

Replaced the "mesh" grill the last owner had with a billet grill.
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1570.jpg

Also, replaced the dull looking old headlights with new ones and replaced the damaged bumper (which will be changed to an Envoy one). And you can see I got some street scene mirrors.
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1620.jpg

Bought some Euro tails and sprayed them with Testors Candy Apple Red Paint.
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/tails4.jpg

http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1641.JPG

Got some Prothane sway bar bushings and gave the bar a few coats of paint.
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1637.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1643.JPG

Installed and also got a Trick Flow differential cover.
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1644.JPG

Also, did the front, but I got lazy and didnt paint the bar.
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1657.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1658.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1659.JPG

[DMP]

And now??

Give me some time to post the pics. lol

Some other goodies.

Plug wires, coils, and spark plugs. Just mainly for maintenance.
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1652.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1653.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1655.JPG

[Jongo88]

Lookin good!!

[Hammer Head]

Lookin good!!

x2

[DMP]

Replaced the OEM shocks with Belltech Nitro Drop 2 shocks (front & rear). Got 1" Belltech coils. And got rid of the lowering blocks the last owner had on there. Went from a 5/6 drop to 3/3 and now I dont bottom out. You can see the shock here and part of my Gibson stainless steel cat back exhaust.
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1646.JPG

Installed HID's. But I will be doing something with them later. (Secret project ;))
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1576.jpg

STS pulley, 200 amp alternator, Big 3 "upgrade", Taurus electric fan (not done yet)
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/parts.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1598.JPG

Kinetik lightweight battery (bought it to save some weight, but I might throw in a bigger battery instead)
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1619.JPG

White Herculiner (Looked good, but started to peel and got really dirty. Oh well...im gonna get a bed cover.)
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2644/dscf1457oa0.jpg

Goodmark 2" Cowl Hood (sorry for the camera pic)
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/0623082019-copy.jpg

I do have other mods, but no pics yet. Lots of parts piled up, but not ready to go in yet. I will update later.

[bespurcell]

Looks good.

[Zygoat]

dam dude! i got to say i am impressed. you have done a lot of good work! keep it up!


really excellent job on the tails! i am very hard to please with tails and wheels, and i like the tails.


(also are you on hidplanet.com, if not check it out!)

[Mikz86TA]

Lookin good

[spideyjected]

Looks good! Does it still have the steelie on the passenger side front? Those aluminum rims are nice looking!

[s10shop]

Tasteful Mods is definately the right thread title ....looks great!!!

[DMP]

Looks good! Does it still have the steelie on the passenger side front? Those aluminum rims are nice looking!

Nope. I was able to grab a ZQ8 wheel on Ebay for a good deal. I might even polish these wheels, but I dont know. I think these will end up being my winter wheels.

And thanks for all the compliments!

[spideyjected]

Thank you for giving us another nice truck to look at!

[12sws27]

What the old mesh grill look like? You got a pic of it?

[DMP]

What the old mesh grill look like? You got a pic of it?

Unfortunately no. The pics that were taken werent close and clear enough for it to be seen.

[chevybrat]

Tasteful Mods is definately the right thread title ....looks great!!!

X2. I was thinkin' the same thing long before I read this post, lol.

[Ronald_Reagan]

i really dig your truck man...alot of nice work done to it

[DMP]

Update:

White Face Gauges w/ black painted needles (I also removed the stock bulbs since this gauge lights up....ill have to take a pic of it lit up later)

Before- http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1433.JPG


After-
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1698.JPG

[Bootlegger's Deluxe]

Very Sharp man....

[Mikz86TA]

Hows the black needles show up at night?


If the idiot light area being white aggravates you, go to a tint shop and get a strip of 15% or so from their scraps and cut it to lay under there over that part.

[DMP]

Hows the black needles show up at night?


If the idiot light area being white aggravates you, go to a tint shop and get a strip of 15% or so from their scraps and cut it to lay under there over that part.

The needles actually show up pretty good at night. Yeah....I dont really like that idiot light area too much. Thats a good idea though. :cool: I had to modify the gauge face when I got it. The face blocked the odometer, so I had to trim it. Cheap China stuff..... :rolleyes: But I still like it.

[DMP]

Update-

Im working on the interior now. Its gonna be a big project. I just got a good deal on Cavalier seats for $75. They came from a 2-door so they fold unlike the ones from a 4-door. :D Right now I just have them "mocked" up....I need to make some brackets and drill new holes in the floor.

Before-
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1699.JPG

After (seats are not bolted down yet)-
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1704.JPG

Right now I have the panels, carpet, and seats back out. Gonna do alot of wiring, sound deadening, new shifter, new carpet....etc. Pics will come later when it gets done.

[jspear]

looks good

[keldoran23]

Wow! It really looks nice. You should like the nitro drop shocks. I have some on my truck and its a little stiffer than stock, but with the drop it kinda has to be. So, how much have you dumped into the project thus far.

[Mikz86TA]

rock on!

[DMP]

Wow! It really looks nice. You should like the nitro drop shocks. I have some on my truck and its a little stiffer than stock, but with the drop it kinda has to be. So, how much have you dumped into the project thus far.

Im not sure how much I spent so far. I still have alot of parts piled up for my truck and gonna keep buying more. Id have to sit down and figure out much I spent to even know. I definately spent more than what I paid for the truck. lol

[DMP]

Update- no pics

Just installed power windows and im currently sound deadening the doors, then moving on to the interior. I have Code Alarm door lock actuators, but I might end up selling them and buying AVS actuators with door poppers. :cool:

[DMP]

I decided against shaving the door handles. Ill either install crew cab or Jimmy/Blazer rear door handles....which ever one fits better.

Just some progress pics.

Door apart (factory power windows are in...no pics yet)
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1706.JPG

Interior torn apart
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1705.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1709.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1710.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1711.JPG

Code Alarm door lock actuators and relays (I already installed these...just no pics yet)
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1712.JPG

Fatmat (Did the door, back wall, some of the floor so far)
http://usera.imagecave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1708.JPG

More pics later.

[bespurcell]

Lookin' good.

[Mikz86TA]

Cool. Lemme know how you like that FatMat

[DMP]

Fatmat is a little thinner than the highly priced Dynamat Xtreme. Otherwise, it sticks on the same way. I heard Second Skin is the best for the price. Since Fatmat is thinner, I just doubled up on some areas like the backwall, doors...maybe some other areas. The real test will be once I install a system.

[holsinger17]

truck is lookn super sharp...can't wait to see what it looks like when your done

[stealthsuper]

Very nice work so far, I am wondering are u planning any motor work?

[LowSDime97]

sweeet man looking sharp indeed, nicely done on all the work so far, keep it up

[DMP]

Very nice work so far, I am wondering are u planning any motor work?

Yup eventually. Im hoping maybe this winter. And im doing body work last.

[DMP]

Ok another update. I honestly havent had much time to work on the truck because of my work schedule and other things. Im cleaning up my new garage, so ill be able to set everything up and ill be able to work on it longer (gets dark earlier now).

This is what I did since the last time I posted. I got the right seat brackets for my Cavalier seats. (Thanks Mike) Got a 5 speed center console (Thanks s10shop). I "fitted" in window switches into the center console. I installed a Hurst shifter. Started to do a little wiring for the window switches and door locks. Finished sound deadening. I double layered the backwall and somewhat double layered the floor. Doors might need more. The headliner will need some, but I havent pulled the headliner down yet.

So it currently looks like this. And FYI, this is just Phase I for the interior. I wanna actually be able to enjoy the truck a little. I hate downtime. I plan on removing the center console again and some other interior pieces to smooth and paint. It takes alot of time to smooth things and I honestly dont have the time for that now.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1721.JPG.jpg

[spideyjected]

Wow, serious sound deadening huh?

[DMP]

Wow, serious sound deadening huh?

lol. Yeah. I dont wanna hear any rattles at it once I install a system. When I close the doors it sounds alot more solid now too.

[Zygoat]

looks good

[Bozup]

good title for this thread

[DMP]

Im starting to get more work done, but I havent took many pics yet. Its been raining lately so I decided to "tweed" the door panels. Im gonna do the headliner and sunvisors in tweed too, but thats it. It took about 1 1/2-2 hours per door panel. It took longer to strip the old material off. Dont mind the tweed where the hole is...it gets covered up once you put the door handle shell in.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1744.JPG

[DMP]

Roof is done with Fatmat.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1748.JPG

Headliner covered in tweed. Took about 1 1/2 hours.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1745.JPG

Heres the delete panels I got. Im just showing them to anybody who never seen them before.

Outlet panel delete (on the bottom)
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1746.JPG

Ashtray delete (comes only in graphite or pewter)
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/DSCF1749.JPG

[Mikz86TA]

Ash tray deletes are hard to find in the junkyards. Im sure you can still buy it new tho.

You just used sprayglue and tweeded over the stock headliner material?

[DMP]

Ash tray deletes are hard to find in the junkyards. Im sure you can still buy it new tho.

You just used sprayglue and tweeded over the stock headliner material?

Yup...I bought my ashtray delete new from GM parts.

I actually ripped off the old material and then just used 3M spray adhesive. Then I hot glued the edges just in case.

[DMP]

Update- My truck has been on hold for awhile because its winter time and its too cold for me to work on it. Right now I have parts piled up, so when the weather gets nice....ill have alot of work to do. Im gonna post some pics of the latest parts I just got.

[DMP]

I just got this tonight. Envoy Bumper w/grill & foglights and a tailgate....all for $165. Definately a steal! Just gotta clean up the bumper a little and its white, which is another plus. But ill be getting everything repainted anyways. I needed the tailgate because I put a big dent in the one on the truck. Ill be shaving the handle on the new one.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/IMG_0042.jpg
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/IMG_0043.jpg

And some brand new Seeker floor mats I got for $10 plus shipping.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/IMG_0044.jpg

[BigMoney]

Nice. Gonna put that welder to use shaving that tailgate, eh.

Are you relocating the handle to the inside, or just getting rid of it all together?

[Mikz86TA]

Nice mats! LOL


The Envoy bumper is going to look sweet also!

['94 Big Blaze]

nice like the idea with all that sound proofing, every since i put a system in my truck not even a month later somethings rattling in my driver side door.

[DMP]

Nice. Gonna put that welder to use shaving that tailgate, eh.

Are you relocating the handle to the inside, or just getting rid of it all together?

Im gonna relocate it to the inside. And yeah it should be fun shaving. lol Ill practice on the dented tailgate first.



Nice mats! LOL


The Envoy bumper is going to look sweet also!

Yeah....I wonder where I got the idea for the mats. :p I wanna put the bumper on tomorrow, but I think its suppose to snow.....

[87wildside]

Do you have the part numbers for the delete panels?

Can't wait to see that bumper on the truck. That is a killer deal you got.

[ShowNgo4fun]

Your truck is looking clean. I like the subtle details that your putting into it. Nice!

[DMP]

Do you have the part numbers for the delete panels?

Can't wait to see that bumper on the truck. That is a killer deal you got.

Heres the part numbers for the ashtray delete. It comes in either graphite or pewter.

Pewter- 15105951
Graphite- 15105952

I dont know the part number for the power outlet delete panel. Ill have to remove the panel and look on the back of it.

[fl2tx-s10]

really nice work and attention to detail...
that bumper will look sharp on your sonoma
how much work do you think it would be to put an envoy bumper on my '96 s-10, or if possiable at all? as mine kissed a buick

[87wildside]

Thanks for the part #s.

It's supposed to warm up sunday, at least here, maybe you can get that bumper on :)

[DMP]

really nice work and attention to detail...
that bumper will look sharp on your sonoma
how much work do you think it would be to put an envoy bumper on my '96 s-10, or if possiable at all? as mine kissed a buick

Its possible, but I think you will have to do some mods for everything to fit. Its been done, but I dont know the details. Im sure its not too hard to do....just trial and error. Or you could just convert to '98+ Sonoma headlights, grill...etc. Then the bumper will fit without any problems.

[DMP]

Thanks for the part #s.

It's supposed to warm up sunday, at least here, maybe you can get that bumper on :)

I hope so. :D Just gotta get the wiring done for the foglights. I might just test fit it on and take a pic anyways.

[DMP]

Found out that the Envoy foglight housings take 880 bulbs. So I bought a pair of them ($16 each) and got AC Delco plug harnesses to go with them. Im just gonna run these lights for now until I get enough money for HID's.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0047.jpg

[87wildside]

Is the bumper on?

[DMP]

Not yet. I had to do some work to my daily driver (Cavalier) rotate tires and change the oil. And some other work. Im still waiting for Mike to answer me about the foglight switch harness. I gotta wire it up first.

The good news is I just installed the K&N CAI and my skidplate arrived today.

[87wildside]

Skidplate?

[Majormotion53]

Nice truck.Like the mods.Can't wait till it warms up,got to get back on mine.

[Bootlegger's Deluxe]

http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/IMG_0044.jpg

Note to all: I want a set of these!!!

[DMP]

Skidplate?

Yeah.....engine aluminum skidplate. Just bought it for extra protection. You never know when you might run something over....... I almost ran over a big chunk of a tire with the Cavalier this weekend. :mad: Truckers have "blow outs" and the tires just sit somewhere on the highway. Nobody bothers to move it out of the way.

[DMP]

Ok I finally got the foglights wired up. Now im waiting for some new HID's to come in before I put the bumper on. Also, got 1 Envoy headlight for $95. Ill need to find another one somewhere. I like the Sonoma headlights alot better, but the Envoy headlights are HID "ready" and will project the beams better. So thats the reason why I want them.

[87wildside]

Good call on the headlights.
I would like to do a HID swap but not sure if I like S10 projectors or not.

[DMP]

Good call on the headlights.
I would like to do a HID swap but not sure if I like S10 projectors or not.

What truck do you have? Is it the one you bought, but didnt pick up yet?

Yeah I think I only seen one pair of S10 projectors that I liked. The rest were halos or something like that.

[87wildside]

Yeah, the 2000.

These are the only ones I've found for the 98+ S10 that I like but they are home made. Can't figure out what the guy used. Oh, they are not projectors...lol
http://www.s-10crewcab.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6301

[DMP]

I was really thinking about doing custom projectors in my Sonoma headlights. I have an extra set to practice if I wanted to. This guy did to his Stang. Really good write-up. http://forums.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=809200&highlight

[DMP]

Finally got the bumper on permanently. (I hope) Atleast until I get the truck repainted. This it how it sits right now. Its very dirty too.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/01/IMG_0076.jpg

[droopy89]

tis sex:D

[neo71665]

I like it but that chrome trim on the bumper corners just doesn't look good IMO.

[DMP]

I like it but that chrome trim on the bumper corners just doesn't look good IMO.

I know. I wanna get rid of it, but I cant just simply remove it. I would have to get it filled it. So im not sure what im going to do with it yet. Probably let a body shop take care of it when I get it repainted.

[87wildside]

Wooo! Bumper is on!
Looks good.

[Big Mack Daddy]

Wooo! Bumper is on!
Looks good.
x2

[DMP]

Thanks! Ill post some other pics of the small little mods I did whenever I get time. I guess I should change the pic in my signature pretty soon. lol

[87wildside]

I guess I should change the pic in my signature pretty soon. lolI thought of that last night on the way to work :D

[DMP]

Heres another mod I did. Notice anything different?
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0079.jpg

Theres no key hole anymore. I swapped out the door handle with one from a crew cab. I was thinking it would be a direct fit, but I was wrong. It ended up turning into a project. But I finally got it working right. Im leaving the drivers side door handle the way it is just in case my power door locks fail.

[Big Mack Daddy]

best idea ive seen in awhile:p

[87wildside]

I'm doing the same handles, but on both sides. I hate those locks and they are so easy to get into.

[Jongo88]

Can't have mine...

[87wildside]

I have them from a 4 door blazer. They are leftovers from the 87.

[Big Mack Daddy]

:owned:

[DMP]

I'm doing the same handles, but on both sides. I hate those locks and they are so easy to get into.

Might as well shave 'em. How you gonna get in if the door locks fail or battery dies? Unless maybe you wire a hidden door popper type thing.....

[DMP]

Right now im moving on to the next mod. Im working on installing the Taurus E-fan. Should be done soon.

[DMP]

I made another thread for the 2.2 build. http://www.s10planet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18573

Taurus fan is done. Just gotta do a little adjusting here and there. Im also done with the poly body bushings.

[Mikz86TA]

Cool. Poly pics?

[87wildside]

Might as well shave 'em. How you gonna get in if the door locks fail or battery dies? Unless maybe you wire a hidden door popper type thing.....Run a cable release to the passenger side door. Not sure where to hide it yet. I would shave them but I can't buy an inspection sticker here....I miss NJ.

[DMP]

Got my tailgate handle relocator installed. Im eventually gonna remove the screws and weld in the bracket.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0085.jpg

Right now im trying to get good with my welder. I still need to set it up for MIG. Ill practice welding the filler plate on my dented tailgate before I weld the filler plater on the good one. I bought 2 tailgate filler plates just for that. Also, bought a 3rd brakelight and antenna filler plate.

Also, got an Optima Red Top battery coming tommorrow and im gonna order some new tires next week.

[droopy89]

im likin it:D

[Big Mack Daddy]

x2

[87wildside]

Don't weld it on. If you ever have a linkage problem you won't be able to fix it.

[BIG RYAN]

Also, bought a 3rd brakelight and antenna filler plate.


be careful with the third brake light. you have to take out your dome light too, its part of an assembly with the brake light (mine was), and you end up with a hole that will drop sparks and hot metal on to you carpet while you're welding... so put something inside to catch that crap or youll need a fire extinguisher(sp) too...

[Mikz86TA]

Don't weld it on. If you ever have a linkage problem you won't be able to fix it.

X2. Paint it with it as is and than later on go and buy some Button-Head Allen StainlessSteel screws from Lowes and replace them. They will look way nicer, you will have future access and they wont rust.;)

[DMP]

Don't weld it on. If you ever have a linkage problem you won't be able to fix it.

Good point. I didnt think about that. Less welding= less of a chance of me screwing up.


be careful with the third brake light. you have to take out your dome light too, its part of an assembly with the brake light (mine was), and you end up with a hole that will drop sparks and hot metal on to you carpet while you're welding... so put something inside to catch that crap or youll need a fire extinguisher(sp) too...

Hmm....I didnt know that. Thanks for the tip.

And thanks for the tip on the screws Mike. I welcome all the tips/suggestions. :)

[DMP]

Heres a couple pics I didnt get to show. The interior isnt all the way put back together yet and cleaned up.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0106.jpg

I installed Spal window switches for the factory window motors installed. I decided to mount them in the 5 speed center console I also bought. Im gonna eventually smooth and fiberglass the console, but not right now. I dont have time to spend too much time on one thing. Also, a nice Hurst shifter I installed.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0107.jpg

[ace2fine]

great build! keep it up!

[Big Mack Daddy]

looks good

[DMP]

This is whats next after I finish welding in the antenna filler. Grant Kustoms roll pan, 3rd brake light filler, and window brake light.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0108.jpg

[DMP]

Just a few more things.

Optima Red Top I bought not too long ago.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0111.jpg

Shaved antenna im working on. And no I didnt just fill it with body filler. A filler plate was welded in.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0110.jpg

When I test fitted the roll pan...there was a factory hole in the body. I guess maybe to send a harness for a trailer or something? I ended up welding in a filler plate and welded all the bolt holes that held in the factory roll pan. You can see all the work done in this pic. Just need primer and paint.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0109.jpg

[Jongo88]

I thought that hole was for the jack handle??

[DMP]

Hmm....I have no idea. My truck didnt come with a jack or anything when I bought it.

[Jongo88]

I have that hole too. I have to stick the jack handle in it to crank down the spare. It don't look like you have a spare under the bed.

[12sws27]

Thats the hole you still the factory jack handle in to lower the spare. It's not important.... :D

[DMP]

Oh ok...I know what you mean now. Yeah I removed the spare tire bracket assembly. Im gonna mount the tire in the bed. I guess you learn something new everyday. lol

[Jongo88]

Your good to go....

[DMP]

Ok im gonna list the all options I have in my truck now, but I did do a few things different.

Power Locks via Alarm Remote

Ignition Controlled Door Locks (Means that the doors will lock when I start the truck)

Power Windows (Wired them to the radio. So my windows will still work until I open a door)

Foglights (They work with the factory switch)

Alarm Features- Car Finder, Panic Mode...etc. Also, can lock/unlock the doors and use the car finder via a cell phone.

Only thing I dont have is power mirrors. I can live without them. I might install an outside temperature gauge, but im not sure.

[Jongo88]

Sounds good. Dan..

[DMP]

Thanks. :)

[Jongo88]

I have been watching this sence you started..lol..

[DMP]

Yeah I just noticed you were the first to comment on my thread. lol I gave you positive rep. for correcting me about the hole for the jack. :thumbup_1

Im trying to stay positive. I wanna finish a project for once, so theres definately more to come.

[Jongo88]

I seen that.. Back at you..lol.

[Jongo88]

How hard was to do this.
http://www.s10planet.com/forum/showpost.php?p=174652&postcount=19

[DMP]

How hard was to do this.
http://www.s10planet.com/forum/showpost.php?p=174652&postcount=19

It wasnt hard at all. First step is to start the truck when it is cold, and take a pic of your cluster. That way when you reinstall the needles back on, you will know where they go. And you reinstall the needles when the truck is started and cold. If you push the needles on too much, they might not work. So you gotta play with it. 2nd step is to remove the dash bezel to get to the cluster. (Not that hard...just a little time consuming) Theres a few bolts that hold the cluster in and then unplug it. The cluster prys apart, but be very careful not to break anything. I bought an EL gauge, so it lights up. I removed the stock bulbs and wired up the gauge. 1 wire went to the parking lights and the other ground. Painting the needles was easy. Overall, on a scale of installation....2/5, which is easy.

[DMP]

Just got this in the mail. Its gonna be my license plate light. The roll pan I got didnt have lights. Its a flush mount LED and got it in bright white. 1 is enough to light up the plate. Ill mount it on the top of the plate box.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0113.jpg

[Jongo88]

It wasnt hard at all. First step is to start the truck when it is cold, and take a pic of your cluster. That way when you reinstall the needles back on, you will know where they go. And you reinstall the needles when the truck is started and cold. If you push the needles on too much, they might not work. So you gotta play with it. 2nd step is to remove the dash bezel to get to the cluster. (Not that hard...just a little time consuming) Theres a few bolts that hold the cluster in and then unplug it. The cluster prys apart, but be very careful not to break anything. I bought an EL gauge, so it lights up. I removed the stock bulbs and wired up the gauge. 1 wire went to the parking lights and the other ground. Painting the needles was easy. Overall, on a scale of installation....2/5, which is easy.
Thanks, I was wondering how you got the needles in the right place..

[DMP]

Link to my audio build. http://www.s10planet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19556

Also...on a side note. I removed my bed and changed the fuel filter and fuel gauge level sensor. Hopefully it fixes my faulty gas gauge. And while the bed is off....im gonna redo my exhaust and paint the frame.

[DMP]

I got bored since im waiting for parts to come in. Decided to tweed the center console armrest. Its the last thing im putting tweed on in my truck. (I gotta fix that corner...I know).
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0123.jpg

['94 Big Blaze]

Cool, you know im thinking about covering my interior in tweed, instead of painting everything black.

[DMP]

Tweed is nice, but not when you go overboard with it. Just my opinion though.

[Jongo88]

Any updates??

[DMP]

Go back a page...if you havent seen it yet. Also, right now I have the bed off. I had to change the fuel sending unit. Hopefully it fixed my faulty gauge reading. And since I have the bed off....im gonna strip the rust off the frame and coat it with paint. Im gonna redo the exhaust at the same time too. Im waiting for parts to come in....

[Jongo88]

Cool. Good idea..

[TreasonAgainstCaesar]

The truck is looking really good.

did you ever gets pics of the gauges lit up? I'm curious to see that one. also, you should update your sig pic. i didn't realize how far your truck had come since then.

[DMP]

Thanks. No not yet...the dash is still torn apart. When I get it back together ill take a pic of it.

I know I gotta update my sig. lol Once the truck is put back together...im gonna do a little photo shoot and then update my sig.

[DMP]

Update- Just been working on the exhaust the past few days. Ive only been able to work on it a few hours a day and since it keeps raining...I cant get much done. Remind me never to do a custom exhaust again. lol Too much trial and error.

['94 Big Blaze]

but worth it in the long run.

[DMP]

Yeah youre right. And considering im using all stainless steel...I wont have to worry about it rusting. So far I mocked up the exhaust from the cat to the rear. Just gotta figure out what exhaust tips to buy. Ill eventually make a new downpipe and maybe replace the cat with a high flow one.

['94 Big Blaze]

i'd like to do all stainless, but not alot of exhaust shops do that around here.

[87wildside]

Remind me never to do a custom exhaust again. lol Too much trial and error.It will be embedded in your brain...believe me.

['94 Big Blaze]

updates ?

[DMP]

Ill have new updates w/pics in about a week or 2.

[jgx421]

WOW! I just read this whole thread and I've got to say what a fantastic job you've done on your truck. I can't even say which was my fav mod but if I had to choose, I'd say the guages and needles--->they turned out bad a55, as well as the rest of your interior. The envoy bumper, rollpan, hood, all nice touches. Props to you my man. Pat yourself on the back. I'll be checking back to see the finished project. good job.

[DMP]

WOW! I just read this whole thread and I've got to say what a fantastic job you've done on your truck. I can't even say which was my fav mod but if I had to choose, I'd say the guages and needles--->they turned out bad a55, as well as the rest of your interior. The envoy bumper, rollpan, hood, all nice touches. Props to you my man. Pat yourself on the back. I'll be checking back to see the finished project. good job.

Thanks alot man. :D

[DMP]

This is what ive been working on the the past week. I shaved the 3rd brake light and installed a LED brakelight behind the window. If you didnt hear about what happened....I shatted the rear window from welding in the filler plate. So take my advice, DONT weld near the window. Either remove the window or tape a piece of sheetmetal or something to cover the whole window. So I upgraded to a factory tinted window, so it kinda worked out for me. I gotta add some body filler and stuff to the shaved brake light...so im definately not done with it.

http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0155.jpg

Just showing this pic....I know some wanted to see this brake light mounted. It came with double sided tape, but I used 2 self tapping screws to secure it better. The light is adjustable (up and down).
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0156.jpg


And a pic of it lit up. I took the pic when the sun was going down. Its alot brighter at night and shines through the tint easily. Im really happy with it.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0157.jpg

[DMP]

I might have a pic of my exhaust setup that I finally finished soon....if it doesnt rain. I gotta relocate the charocoal canister because the exhaust runs pretty close to it. Im also thinking about raising the gas tank, just because im low and I hate the fact that the tank sits so low.

[BIG RYAN]

wheres that lights from? i could use a few of those...

[DMP]

http://www.rodworx.com/

[BIG RYAN]

cool thanks

[Jongo88]

Good job.. Lookin good...:D

[DMP]

So I took pics of the rear. Im obviously not done with it. I gotta finish welding up the roll pan. Im doing some of the body work to make it look decent, but it probably wont be perfect. Ill let a body shop handle it since ill have it all repainted someday. Right now im in a hurry to put the truck back together because I have to get it inspected this month. Once I get it inspected, ill go back to doing more mods and finish up the stuff.

http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0168.jpg

http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0169.jpg

[DMP]

Finally some more updates.

I bought a double DIN dash bezel. I originally was gonna try to fit some gauges underneath the head unit. I bought a 3 gauge single din pod, but there was no room for it. I guess maybe the double DIN dash bezel really isnt a real double DIN? :confused: So I threw the idea out the window and didnt want to the dash bezel go to waste. So I ended up getting a single DIN w/pocket to fit in there. Took some mods to make it work. And theres my white face gauge too.
http://jokerwebhosting.com/dmp/Sonoma%20Build%20Pics/IMG_0251.jpg


I was having cluster problems. So I bought one without a tach. My other one had a tach, but im gonna buy some gauges anyways. Now I finally have all working gauges. :) I bought nicer looking white face gauges this time too.
http://jokerwebhosting.com/dmp/Sonoma%20Build%20Pics/IMG_0252.jpg

One for the headlight switch too.
http://jokerwebhosting.com/dmp/Sonoma%20Build%20Pics/IMG_0253.jpg

[Big Mack Daddy]

looks good man

[Mikz86TA]

The dash kit for the DoubleDIN S10 is American International GMK420 (Bestkits BKGMK420). The corresponding D DIN kit that has no pocket, sits the DIN headunit higher and allows for a DIN product below it is Bestkits BKGM422 or AI GM422,
Thats the one you will need. There should be space for 2 1/16 gagues easy.
I have that kit in my truck. I placed a ABS sheet under the HU I got and made a blank panel. Which I have my Motorola HF850 Bluetooth button pad placed.
Im sure I have a pic of it on here somewhere....if you need to see one tho, I can upload it later on when I get home

[DMP]

The problem wasnt the opening behind the dash bezel. It was the dash bezel itself. I barely fit the head unit (length wise) in. And there was no chance of the gauge pod fitting in there either.

Id like to see a pic tho.

[DMP]

I havent really had many updates because of several reasons, but I figured id atleast post one now.

I ditched the lighted mirrors for just plain ones, and wrapped them with tweed.
http://jokerwebhosting.com/dmp/Sonoma%20Build%20Pics/IMG_0414.JPG

I did wrap my headliner in tweed (previous post), but now I gotta pick up a new one and do it again. When I installed my 3rd brake light inside the cab....the headliner needed to be trimmed to fit. So I gotta wrap another headliner in tweed and I might also look at installing a different domelight. Probably one out of a newer Silverado.

Im also thinking about ditching my rear view mirror w/map lights and just get a regular stock mirror w/o lights. I kinda wanna make my interior have a simple look.

[DMP]

Small update. Got some Energy Suspension bump stops (same as Mike's, but red). My truck didnt have bump stops at all. :rolleyes:

http://jokerwebhosting.com/dmp/Sonoma%20Build%20Pics/IMG_0471.JPG

Installed.
http://jokerwebhosting.com/dmp/Sonoma%20Build%20Pics/IMG_0472.JPG

Wish I had more updates, but I dont. Money is tight right now, but hopefully that will change soon.

[Mikz86TA]

Sweet. I still need to recheck mine and see if they hit. Yours is lower and if by springs, may hit. Those stops are trimmable tho

[DMP]

Finally got around to taking a pic of the HID's. They are 4300k. They look ALOT better in person. The camera blurred the lights.
http://usera.ImageCave.com/dmp23/IMG_0507.JPG

[droopy89]

BOUT TIME!

['94 Big Blaze]

looks good

[DMP]

Thanks.

[riverratt]

Sweet lookin truck

[droopy89]

Any more updates???

[DMP]

No, not yet. Im starting a new job on Monday, so ill be ordering parts again as soon as I get things straight again. Plus, its winter time so updates will be slow. First thing im going to do is finish off the system, so keep an eye out for that.

[DMP]

I pretty much finished installing my system. Just a few finishing touches to it. I bought a Curt hidden hitch and Curt hitch wiring harness. I also bought a flip down license plate from a Camaro. Im going to cut a hole behind the license plate for the hitch and when I need to use it, I can just flip down the plate. Im going to redo the exhaust for the last and final time too. Ill post pics when I get a chance.

[rentedmule]

Sounds good. I'm going to do a similar hitch setup with mine

[Mikz86TA]

I had a hidden hitch when I had the stock stepside bumper. I have yet to buy the hitch for stepshavers but want to