1990 K5 Build Suggestions

[sdjohn99]

New to the site - thought I'd post some pictures and get some ideas. I live in southern Nevada and my plan is to use it as a daily driver and for weekend hunting, fishing, exploring. Not really into hardcore stuff like rocks and mud (not like we have much mud in the desert anyhow). The truck is rust free and I've already rebuilt the driveline and transmission (700), replaced rear diff w/ a 10 bolt posi-trac w/ 3.73, and replaced the doors and tailgate and repainted it. My initial thoughts are larger 33"-35" tires (currently running 265/75/16), air compressor, winch and lights. I'd like to keep the stock bumpers and mount the winch behind it if at all possible to keep the stock look. The carpet is not completely shot but could be replaced. I'm thinking about rhino lining the interior instead, however I'd like to hear others experiences with this as I'm concerned that it would be too noisy. Also thinking about a rear roll bar for added protection for rear passengers and a place to hang rear shoulder belts with the top removed. The rear seat is in good condition but both front seats sag (especially the driver side) and could be replaced. Thanks in advance for the tips and advice.
J

 

[sdjohn99]

Some Before Pictures

Here are some pictures of the truck before the body work and paint. It's hard to tell from the first picture, but the paint was pretty faded. There were a few "experience" marks throughout the body and the doors and tailgate were plain banged up. I found some doors and a tailgate from a 90 Jimmy that were in pretty good shape and installed them prior to taking it to the paint shop. The passenger side window was slow but I was able to swap out parts to get two fully functioning windows.

 

[BlazerFarm]

Welcome to CK5.

Very nice start. You have the luxury version of the fleet 1990 I have. Sometimes I'd love to have electric windows. I did 32" tires on mine with ORD zero rates. I don't do any real rocks or mud either and use mine for trail driving and backcountry exploring. I definitely agree with you on needing to do something about seatbelts when the top is off. That design is a pain in the azz where you lose your seatbelts by removing the top, which the truck is designed for.

 

[sdjohn99]

Roll Bar

Welcome to CK5.

Very nice start. You have the luxury version of the fleet 1990 I have. Sometimes I'd love to have electric windows. I did 32" tires on mine with ORD zero rates. I don't do any real rocks or mud either and use mine for trail driving and backcountry exploring. I definitely agree with you on needing to do something about seatbelts when the top is off. That design is a pain in the azz where you lose your seatbelts by removing the top, which the truck is designed for.

The lack of seat belts is the number one reason I haven't taken the top off yet. If anyone has a design they have used let me know.

 

[gotblazers]

add a brush guard/winch bumper on top of everything else you said. I went on some relatively unexplored local terrain yesterday where i had to make a trail and i smashed up the glass on my left front turn signal . So if you want to do that kind of exploring id definitley reccomend some protection if your sticking to trails then you wont need it likely.

 

[DK5]

These might give you some winch ideas:

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259985
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216383&highlight=winch+bumper+pics&page=2

I can't find the thread about installing a winch behind the stock bumper. Someone did that on a suburban and it looked pretty good.

 

[DK5]

Some pics I have of winches on stock bumpers

Might inspire some ideas

 

[496truck]

For seats, I ended up putting 01-newer Silverado seats in mine. Comfy as all hell and the arm rest is now up where it's supposed to be.
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267326

I did the DIY Herculiner on my floor. It's not bad as far as noise goes but you will feel some heat coming off the floor. Not bad but noticeable. If you went the extra mile and have it professionally sprayed with Rhinolining it would be a much better insulator for noise and heat.