So continuing to make progress on "finishing" this project, although I don't know if you can ever call a project "finished."
The exhaust was done at a local shop for $197. (True duals with same side exit) I didn't have them put tips on because i wanted to do something different. On my 97 i went through 3 sets of tips before I sold it. Chrome tips always seem to rust on me. (probably because I never ran mud flaps on my last truck allowing them to get constantly pelted with water, mud, and snow. Additionally I also had issues with the entire exhaust rusting out in general due to the same reasons. To solve this I'm kind of killing two birds with one stone by using hi-temp black paint to coat the exhaust, and Black rolled exhaust tips. Now I don't have pictures of the exhaust painted yet, (still have to cut back the exhaust), but here are the tips I have picked out.
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Also, after only running the dual bucket seats for a couple months, I found someone that had a bench seat in the mint condition I was after. Long story short, I worked out a deal for the bench. I didn't like the look of dual consoles, and honestly the former extended cab seat rattled a little due bit due to wear of the flip forward mechanism.. (You extended cab guys know what I'm talking about) Probably could've been fixed, but the Drivers arm rest was also starting to go, and it was just easier to replace them with what I originally wanted. A good quality bench since my last was coming apart.
Before:
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After:
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While buckets look unique and one of a kind, the bench just works better and is more practical. On the way to trade the seats, i stopped and got a few pictures.
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As of right now all that I need is to put some rubber mudflaps on to help protect the rockers and need to put the tips on. The exhaust has since been painted with hi-temp flat black. Also need to have a windshield tint strip put on and then the truck is completed per my original vision. I also plan to replace the Edelbrock carb with a Fi-Tech fuel injection system to improve fuel mileage and to maximize performance.
Potential Future Plans Include: (still considering)
Spray in Bed Liner
Fold up and removable tonneau cover
Clear headlights with 6k HID's
Smoked Corner Lenses (didn't like the clear)
New Cab Light Lenses
Sleek/Slim LED Fog lights below front bumper
Put PY0's and stock size 245/75R/16E's back on. (reduce accelerated front end component wear from larger size tires)
I've put quite a few miles on this truck the last couple weekends. Really looking forward to starting the next project. Although realistically I will probably wait until the white truck dies (ether engine or transmission failure) before I get a chance to re-do it. I'll have to sit tight and wait until I can find a good deal on a K3500 frame. I left the brake/fuel lines on this truck since it was a rust free southern truck. On the next project I'm going to want everything new. So it will be a longer/more drawn out build. Also need to spend some money on non-related vehicle items so for now, I'll enjoy these two trucks as is. (For now)