Project Stella: Part 2

GENERAL MAINTENANCE, FINAL STANCE AND INTERIOR UPDATES

General Maintenance, Final Stance and Interior Updates

ONE OF THE MANY REASONS THAT THESE ’88-’98 CHEVY TRUCKS ARE QUICKLY RE-RISING IN POPULARITY HAS A LOT TO DO WITH THEIR SERVICEABILITY. When Chevrolet designed these gems, it made it easy for the average person to swap out mechanical parts and didn’t over-complicate the drivetrain with confusing electronics. Plenty of room in the engine bay made parts exchanges simple, and since the company sold a record number of these trucks, the aftermarket was loaded with OEM replacement parts that were affordable and readily available. The problem is, most people would rather spend their extra cash on customizing their ride instead of some much-needed general maintenance.

Almost all of the available used C/K trucks on the marketplace are plagued the same old-age issues that will need to be addressed if you’re looking to buy and customize one. The steering will be loose and sloppy, the interior with be worn out and musty, and those small suspension parts and pieces will be squeaky and wobbly for sure.

This is the case with our project we refer to as “Stella.” Her steering wheel can turn about 20-degrees in both directions before controlling the frontend and even though we just installed a brand new Ridetech Suspension system, it still has a few shakes and shimmies along the way. So, before we move on to swapping the engine, paint and bodywork, or performance mods, we decided to knock out the things that most guys skip when upgrading this soon-to-be classic.

To get the parts we need for this part of the process, we turned to the professional crew over at Classic

Industries. With a high database of parts online and an easily navigable user interface for the consumer, it’s super simple to find the right parts for your truck. Most of the products are in stock at the company’s facility in Huntington Beach, California, and they ship fast. The items are labeled as well as could be expected, so you know you received the right parts. Plus, they are packed so well you would think you packed them yourself.

We are heading out to Classic Industries’ facility next month to take a tour, so stay tuned to see what this company is like behind the scenes. Until then, let’s break down the parts and plans for this simple yet strategic step in the path to pristine.

STARTING with the body mounts, we are swapping out the old, worn out rubber with all new polyurethane bushings from Energy Suspension. These body cab mounts maintain truck-cab-to-bed alignment as well as dampening the feel of the road in your seat. Energy’s specially designed Hyper-flex mounts are soft enough for a smooth ride yet rugged enough for the most demanding road or track.

Part #3.4123R MSRP: $84.18

PRODUCT FEATURES

Assures longer lasting cab-tobed alignment

Replace to restore ride height

Gain durability

Stronger than original rubber mounts

IF YOUR steering is loose or the frontend is out of alignment like ours, the parts in your steering system may be worn out or damaged. Now you can rebuild your truck’s steering linkage system with these Oer-authorized reproduction inner and outer tie rod ends.

The Oer-authorized logo represents products that meet or exceed stringent OER quality control standards. This item has been sanctioned and approved by OER.

Inner Part #ES2837

Outer Part #ES2836

Classic Industries price: $19.99 each

THE PITMAN arm is a steering component in your truck that is attached to the steering box. It converts the angular motion of the sector shaft into the linear motion needed to steer the wheels. It transmits the motion it receives from the steering box, so if yours is worn out, you will absolutely feel it. This new OEM piece includes an installation nut, cotter pin and grease fitting. Only one is required per vehicle.

Part #190121

Classic Industries price: $21.99

REPLACING a broken or worn out gearbox with this quality, remanufactured power steering gear box from Classic Industries is a no-brainer. Each gear box is completely tested for reliability and quality before leaving the factory. They also carry a 1-year limited warranty and are cosmetically correct so you can maintain complete originality.

FEATURES: 100% computerized hydraulic testing measures for proper flow, leakage and performance to ensure perfect fit and function New O-rings and lip seals ensure no leaking and long-lasting performance

Critical components (campacs, spool valves, etc.) are triple tested to ensure product reliability Rust-inhibitive “Cool Dip” finish is a penetrating dye that completely covers all exposed surfaces for a consistent, protective finish that will not crack, flake or peel

Shafts are surfaced to precise specifications to eliminate premature seal wear and extend gear life Supplied with 100% tested and calibrated pressure relief valves for guaranteed performance

Part #P27539

Classic Industries price: $299.99

IF YOU’RE in the market to replace the worn out, damaged or missing power steering pump, we recommend this replacement style power steering pump from Classic Industries. Thoroughly remanufactured, this pump is carefully inspected and remanufactured to provide years of trouble-free service.

FEATURES:

All critical components are triple tested to ensure product reliability

100% new O-rings and premium-grade seals to prevent leaks

Computer tested to measure pressure, bypass, fluid flow, valve operation, steering effort and noise Shafts are surfaced to precise specifications to eliminate premature seal wear

100% tested and calibrated pressure relief valves

Part #PS7828

Classic Industries price: $89.99

AFTER replacing all the mechanical steering parts, you will surely want to exchange that old, worn out steering wheel. Forever Sharps’ popular billet “Muscle” steering wheel offers flexibility unlike any other wheel on the market. Thanks to a clever design and its interchangeable half wraps, each wheel allows you to match or change your vehicle’s style at any time.

FEATURES:

Easy to install

Backside finger indentation for grip Powdercoated matte black finish

Forged from aircraft standard 6061 aluminum

13.75-inch diameter 1.75-inch dish depth Five-hole bolt pattern Interchangeable half wrap for quick and affordable customization

Part #FSV109908 Classic Industries price: $99.99

MOUNTING this new wheel to the factory column requires an adapter. This Gm/mopar black short hub adapter was designed specially so that an aftermarket steering wheel will install with a quick-release setup for added security. It’s manufactured from the highest quality aluminum.

Part #152780 Classic Industries price: $129.99

THIS Generation 2.0 quick release system features many options that conventional ball lock quick release systems do not offer, including specially designed raised sections to prevent the hub from stretches, a self-locking mechanism for ease of use and safety functions. Allows the use of a five-bolt steering wheel.

Part #152782BK Classic Industries price: $129.99

TO SWAP out the steering wheel, a universal steering wheel puller will be needed. This kit from Classic Industries comes complete with standard and machine threaded bolts. It includes the yoke, pressure screw, and three sets of pulling screws with washers and swivel. It’s heat treated for strength and small enough to fit great in a toolbox.

Part #SMP1

Classic Industries price: $11.99

KEEPING with the interior, we need to swap out the old dingy door handle bezels with new reproduction inner door handle bezel for 1995-02 C/K pickups. This is an easy update that is cheap and can be completed in no time.

Part #15708079

Classic Industries price: $7.99 each

REPRODUCTION inner door handles for 1995-02 C/K pickups are also readily available at Classic Industries. They are painted to match for Silverado and Sierra models, in stock and ready to ship. A few screws to remove and you have a new, clean looking interior.

Part #15708044

Classic Industries price: $12.99 each

Oer-authorized reproduction window crank handle for 1995-’02 GM trucks features a flat black finish as original. Classic Industries sells them individually, and they fit both left hand (driver side) or right hand (passenger side) doors.

Part #15692241

Classic Industries price: $12.99 each

IS your door panel loose and wobbly like ours? This special nylon clip is designed to attach to the cardboard backing on standard style interior door panel. Once installed, the panel is pushed directly into the door frame and the clips hold the panel to the door. The nylon clips will keep the door panel positioned properly after installed.

Part #R385

Classic Industries price: $7.99 each

EVERY old truck needs new carpet. This kit is manufactured to replicate the original style cut pile with premium, 100% nylon carpet made with 40% more top quality nylon than standard cut pile and 50% heavier in weight for greater durability and a more luxurious feel. Each set is molded to fit your floor pan just like the original. It simply looks better and lasts longer than the original.

CARPET FEATURES:

Color-matched binding attached to the rear edge of the front carpet (when applicable)

A color-keyed heel pad already dielectrically heat sealed onto the carpet

Original style 36-ounce jute padding attached to the underside of the carpet

Part #TK18101C1

Classic Industries price: $159.99

MOVING to the dash, we ordered this six-gauge, direct bolt-in replacement for 1995-’98 GM pickups complete with

dedicated solid state sending units. This kit requires hardwiring into the stock harness; it is not a direct plug-in. Now you can update the look of your OBS dash while adding compatibility to whatever engine and transmission you are running.

Fully lit needles, backlit faces and highly visible LCD message centers are a few of the things you can see that set the VHX Series apart from yesterday’s traditional approach to instrumentation. A few of the features that you don’t normally see are the micro-controlled precision stepper motors, solid state sensors for unparalleled accuracy and user-customizable display feedback, all supported by an unrivaled limited lifetime warranty, which has become the standard for Dakota Digital instrumentation systems. Completely engineered and manufactured at the company’s facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the VHX series has completely revolutionized the instrumentation industry.

This system replaces the entire factory instrument cluster and lens assembly, fully remade with a billet aluminum housing and optical grade polycarbonate lenses. Stay tuned for the step-bystep tech install in an upcoming issue.

Part #VHX-95C-PU-K-W MSRP: $755.25

FINALLY, we address the roof of the interior. This 1988-’98 cloth-covered ABS headliner board from Classic Industries is vacuum formed in rigid ABS plastic and covered in foam backed cloth. No special tools are required, and instructions are included with each headliner. This is a reproduction of your vehicles OE headliner utilizing factory attachment points.

Part #AH9225

Classic Industries price: $239.99

IF YOU’RE replacing the headliner, new sun visors are a must. Ours are torn, sagging and missing material, so we chose these quality reproductions from Classic Industries. Made with the finest quality Madrid grain vinyl or foam backed cloth, these sun visors will help to make your interior look like it just came out of the showroom.

Part #AH247

Classic Industries price: $99.99 per pair