Thread: 2500HD Silverado Crew Restoration

We all know how we got here, this thread is about the repair. Getting this thread up now will make adding the updates later easier for me.



I'm a Port-A-Power short and the Camper is still around (new Dometic AC Blew all refrigerant out of the Condenser, at warranty service center. Dometic is replacing no charge and covering labor) so I have to wait till I get the camper back on The Rez to start taking this truck apart. Notice the body lines between Cab and Bed do not line up, I think it is the cab mount crushed or bent, no worries. Harbor Freight has their best Port-A-Power on sale to Inside Track Members this month. Needless to say next rainy day I will be loading one in the trunk of the Mercedes. This will be a continuous 2 Port-A-Power job to walk the cab back to where all doors close and are in proper alignment. That means all the gaps are perfect. This must be done perfectly the first time or I will be doing a Bubba job and have to fight the restoration the rest of the way.



Parts are starting to show up. I have to strip this door first (after using to align cab) then do a color change before re-assembling with my interior parts. Also will need to transfer the outer trim. Buying a used door gives me all the little parts as well as a glass. I got the whole door cheaper than the glass.



GM wants $720 just for the skin in the middle between the doors. I needed all the pillars too plus the inside roof reinforcement the skin sits on. Inside & out parts are needed on this job. Easiest way for me to fix is cut the roof off and weld this one on. I will update this thread when I start the disassembly.

On a different note this truck came with 4.10 rear axle gears. Pulling my camper 60mph the engine stays right below the cruising power-band of the engine. It lugs at 2000rpm. I have the Recycler looking for another AAM 10.5 Limited Slip rear end complete. I plugged in the numbers on several online calculators and if I drop down to 4.56 gears the engine will be turning 2200rpm @ 60mph which would be perfect. When I start the rear end it will be posted on this thread too since I will be doing the exchange while the truck bed is off. They are much easier to remove and install when hanging off the forks of my Bobcat.

I can feel for the feet, as well as the not mentioned knees John. I have about 2 months till knee surgery and just walking on level ground gets me hurting, let alone climbing up and down a ladder. Man I can understand the need and a rush, but you have got to take care of yourself too. I got my popcorn, and will be watching the progress.