RyanMerrick's 1997 C2500 RCLB Build Thread

[RyanMerrick]

This is a build thread of my C2500 to chronicle the truck's progress over the years. Primarily I'm posting this for my own benefit, but I always appreciate feedback and ideas. The reason I purchased this truck was to retire my Mustang as my daily driver, my build thread is here is anyone is interested:

1995 Ford Mustang GT Convertible Build Thread

This first post will contain my ongoing plans as well as links to specific pages when the modifications have been completed:

BODY/EXTERIOR
- "Smoothie" Rear Chrome Bumper
- Diesel "Smoothie" Chrome Front Bumper
- Crossbed Toolbox
- Heated mirrors (Controlled by defrost button on SUV HVAC controls)
- Remove chrome trim around wheel wells
- 3" Body Lift
- Refinish frame

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN
- "Big 3" Engine Bay Wiring Upgrade 0ga.
- Upgrade Alternator to 140amp AD244
- Vortec Silencer Removal
- Front Coil Leveling Spacer or 3500 Coils
- New Class IV Hitch
- 33" Tires on 16" Wheels
- Delphi FJ10566 SCPI to MPFI Conversion

INTERIOR
- Temp/Compass mirror
- New Headunit & Shallow Mount Subwoofer under Driver's Seat
- Integrate Power Inverter into Dash
- Integrate Brake Booster into Dash
- Aux/Fog Light Switch
- Tahoe HVAC controls (for added defrost button, to control heated mirrors)
- USB Charging Ports in Dash

LIGHTING
- 4Hi Headlight Conversion
- Auxilary/Fog Lights
- LED Tail Lights
- LED Plate Lights
- Cargo Light - Increase lumen output
- Reverse Lights - Increase lumen output
- Upgrade engine bay lighting

 

[RyanMerrick]

New Truck!

I purchased the vehicle in Fall of 2012. I had been looking for a simple truck that I could use for work and personal use, a no frills truck that I could easily diagnose and fix myself when the time comes. An older friend of mine found out I was looking for a truck and pointed me in the right direction. I purchased the vehicle for $3,500. The truck had 39,500 miles on it, and was exactly the kind of truck I was looking for:

1997 Chevrolet C2500 Cheyenne
Regular Cab, Fleetside Long Bed
Toreador Red
5.7L Vortec V8
NV4500 Manual 5 Speed Transmission with 5.61 1st Gear
8,600 Lbs GVW Rating
14 Bolt, 10.5" Full Floating Rear Axle
3.73 Gear Ratio
Auxiliary Camper Battery
Air Conditioning
Smoke Gray Interior, Bench Seat, Vinyl Floors
34 Gallon Fuel Tank


Here's some pictures from the day I bought it.

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[RyanMerrick]

Removed Running Boards, Grille Inserts, Headache Rack

The first thing I did when I got the truck home was to remove the excess, give it a good wash, and remove the wasp nest from the passenger side mirror. Took off the grille inserts, the headache rack, and running boards, along with the deer whistle on the front bumper:

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[RyanMerrick]

Painted the Stock Wheels

The stock wheels that came with the truck didn't look too amazing to me, especially since they were beginning to rust. So I decided to sand them down and paint them gloss black.

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Wasn't a fan of the cop car look so I put the chrome rings back on.

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[95C1500]

Truck looks great! Love the Maroon/Black look. Take off the chrome wheel well trim... you won't be disappointed.

 

[RyanMerrick]

Truck looks great! Love the Maroon/Black look. Take off the chrome wheel well trim... you won't be disappointed.

Actually just did that last week haha, and I completely agree. The chrome trim around the wheel wells definitely dates the truck a bit.

 

[95C1500]

Looks so much cleaner

 

[dcZ71]

needs tint imo, good lookin truck dude.

 

[RyanMerrick]

needs tint imo, good lookin truck dude.

Yeah I've been considering it. Have you ever done the tint yourself?

 

[dcZ71]

No, I'd rather not deal with it. On a reg cab you can get done professionally pretty cheap.