My new GEM!!!

I fixed the broken glass. I found a NOS piece with the frame and everything. Only thing left to fix is driver side connector for the rear window defrost. Then everything should be working tip-top! Tailgate is another issue but it can wait cause it functions properly...

oldeerslayer said:

When you get to it have that tail gate repaired because you'll never find one in as good condition.
Since the truck is so pristine, if you have to drop a grand at a top notch body shop, it'll be worth it.
Don't you dare even think about driving that in the winter in NY. Put it up on blocks Nov 1st until May.
I grew up in western NY, the salt there is worse than here in the Frozen Tundra. I think the fact the
weather there is closer to freezing makes the salt more corrosive. Here they use a mostly sand mix
because salt stops working in sub zero temps.

Click to expand...

Yes most likely that's what I'm going to do is see if the tailgate can be repaired correctly. I hope so. This truck definately saw some salt in the 31 years in Mass but thankfully the guy knew how to clean it off. There are 4 spots I have to address. Bboth rear quarters, the very bottom the paint is bubbling so I know what that means. I've had this on some other trucks. Also right after the rocker panel ends (like where the cab corner extension would be on an extended cab pickup), on both sides paint is bubbling. So I have to attack these areas ASAP because it spreads fast. It didn't help sitting for almost a year in the guys damp, wet, no concrete floor barn. Other than that she's SOLID! I just replaced the totally broken and separated steering shaft! It was totally separated at the rag joint. Guy must have originally replaced the factory rag joint with an aftermarket bolt on that just totally disintegrated after the years. I put the new one I made for my '92 on it. It's all Borgeson stainless u joints with a collapsible shaft. On to the next...

Dude. . . .

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I decided to put my Zq8's on it for now. Need new front tires tho...

My trick didn't come with a center console from factory. So it had no cup holder. I picked up a light gray console, which was really dirty but cleaned up real good, and i painted it. My interior is dark carmine red and regular carmine red. I picked up some SEM vinyl & plastic prep and a can of Firethorn red. Came out petty good, little bit off colorwise but looks good in the truck. I might try to find some carmine or dark carmine red and spray it again. Here's some pics...

I wired up a rear window release switch. Couldn't stand having to always use my key to open it! Found a NOS switch on eBay, period correct!

Also got rid of that horrible aftermarket radio and put in a factory '92 & up CD player/radio.

Here's some pics...








Next I'm swapping in a tach cluster.