New Restoration Project & New CK5 Member

[DaveBrown022062]

Hi truckers...... New member here, just beginning my first restoration project. I picked up a 1989 GMC Jimmy the other day that is generally very clean and in good shape with the exception of a few things. That's where you all come in.... I have a few questions:

1. Someone before me really messed up the removable fiberglass top by sanding it down, filling in the gaps between parts (that have since cracked), and did a hidious paint job on it. Does anyone have information on these tops like: do you know where I can find a replacement (don't see them on LMC.com)? Who made them originally so I might contact them?

2. I am thinking about getting a soft top so it will be easy to remove. I see companies that make full canvas "cap style" and another company that makes one that attaches behind the cab and is flush to belt line height. Do any of you have recommendations?

3. I have purchased $2,500 worth or replacement moldings, seals, etc. to be applied after the new paint job, from LMC. I tried to purchase the front bumper rub strip (the one with chrome accent in pictures), however, it is not available through them. Does anyone know where I might find these?

4. I am thinking about putting on a lift kit..... Not too high as I want to keep it below a standard garage door opening (it looks like 2" or 4" may fit). I am pretty fussy with appearance. I would like to have raised white letter tires still also. Does anyone have a recommendation on lift and tire combination?

5. I would like to add chrome, tubular, running board / steps on the side. Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide...... Dave

 

[Bent77]

I’m not much help on the top

A 2” or 4” on 33” tires looks very natural on this era. I very much recommend talking to someone from ORD about springs and shocks, even if you don’t want custom springs

Most important: you can’t buy too good of a shock. The off the shelf ProComps and Ranchos are trash compared to the premium brands like bilstein

 

[nvrenuf]

Welcome! Great looking truck.

On the top, what company did you find offering the flush type? I ask because I didn't think anyone made those anymore (but it's been a while since I looked). As far as I know, softopper.com is the only company currently producing soft tops.

On the tube step bars look at diy4x.com, they offer very nice "sliders". They aren't cheap but are strong and can be ordered in various rotations that will allow for flat or even tilted down step bars. Personally, I'm not a fan of the big 3" step bars as they aren't' very strong and, IMO, look outdated.

 

[dyeager535]

FYI, my personal preference, if you don't wheel it much, 33x10.5R15 will fit with no lift, and even if you decide to lift later, won't look ridiculous IMO. BFG AT/KO2's are good tires, and there are one or two more companies making that size. I can't recall who they are though. I'm guessing the BFG's still have white lettering on one side.

Can't help with the other stuff, I'm not one to drill holes in my rigs, that truck looks pretty damn straight to be putting a bunch of connectors for a soft top on. IMO. You are in Michigan, not sure how much better the hard top helps in cold weather, but I'm guessing a soft top would be pretty frigid in a cold area.

 

[DaveBrown022062]

I’m not much help on the top

A 2” or 4” on 33” tires looks very natural on this era. I very much recommend talking to someone from ORD about springs and shocks, even if you don’t want custom springs

Most important: you can’t buy too good of a shock. The off the shelf ProComps and Ranchos are trash compared to the premium brands like bilstein

I didn’t think about the shocks.... thanks for the advice.... I will definitely use that one

 

[DaveBrown022062]

Welcome! Great looking truck.

On the top, what company did you find offering the flush type? I ask because I didn't think anyone made those anymore (but it's been a while since I looked). As far as I know, softopper.com is the only company currently producing soft tops.

On the tube step bars look at diy4x.com, they offer very nice "sliders". They aren't cheap but are strong and can be ordered in various rotations that will allow for flat or even tilted down step bars. Personally, I'm not a fan of the big 3" step bars as they aren't' very strong and, IMO, look outdated.

I was looking at a website “skylercorp.com” for the flush style soft top. I have not contacted them yet, I have to admit..... also, all I see is an e-mail address, no phone number. I saw the one offered by softopper.com and it seems ok, I just liked the look of the other one a little better.

I checked out the sliders on diy4x and they seem a little more rugged than what I am looking for. Thanks for the suggestion though

 

[DaveBrown022062]

FYI, my personal preference, if you don't wheel it much, 33x10.5R15 will fit with no lift, and even if you decide to lift later, won't look ridiculous IMO. BFG AT/KO2's are good tires, and there are one or two more companies making that size. I can't recall who they are though. I'm guessing the BFG's still have white lettering on one side.

Can't help with the other stuff, I'm not one to drill holes in my rigs, that truck looks pretty damn straight to be putting a bunch of connectors for a soft top on. IMO. You are in Michigan, not sure how much better the hard top helps in cold weather, but I'm guessing a soft top would be pretty frigid in a cold area.

Thanks for the tire suggestions.... also, I am with you 100% to avoid drilling. I would rather not. As for the cold Michigan winters.... they can be brutal, however, I will be storing this in the winter, so it will never see snow or salt.

 

[rampage]

The removable top should be easy to locate on Craigslist. You can usually find people that are trying to give them away. No one makes new ones.

 

[dyeager535]

If you can store it, take the top off in summer and leave it where you store the truck. People have made overhead pulley storage systems in their garage. I do feel it's a pain, but how often would you monkey with the soft top?

 

[nvrenuf]

I could be wrong but I think Skyler is out of business.

With respect to drilling, check the installation instructions before buying. My old STC soft top required an aluminum track be screwed to the back of the cab (22 small screws).

 

[RivMan]

Great looking truck! Hard to find a clean one here in MI!

My truck has a 2.5" BDS lift on 33/12.5/15 Goodyear Duratracs, easily fits into a normal garage.



BTW, I grew up in Highland, went to high school in White Lake (Lakeland). I live in Pinckney now, not too far down the road.

-Rob

 

[Truckman4life]

I would either recommend new factory height springs and 32/11.5 tires on 8" wide wheels or for a little lift about 2"-3" with 33/12.5 on an 8" wide wheel looks great in my opinion. N-fab and Westin make quality stuff if you just want a standard nerf bar and not an off road style slider. Go Rhino has some neat stuff too but I am not sure on any of that for the squarebody.

 

[RubberFloorMat]

Any accessories like the tube style steps etc are going to be hard to find due to the dead stock. It’s a 89, the aftermarket started to dry up awhile back. There’s probably plenty that can be adapted or are universal fit.

Tires I’d recommend a BFG Or Goodyear duratrac, both have white letter.

A small 3” and some 33” tires will be your best bet, I’d be surprised if anything else fits in the garage. 33” will fit stock normally.

As has been said, spend your money on the best shocks you can find, well worth it.

Have the body shop look at the top, many have been painted and filled like you mention. Any body man worth his salt can sand it all down and recreate that texture. Another used one will be cheap, 300 at best for a super clean one.

Top wise, I doubt you’d like it if you plan to drive when it’s below about 50 degrees, I like in a much warmer climate and have a full top. I haven’t bought one because I just don’t see myself using one.

Try USA-1 for the bumper strip.

 

[H20 Toie]

If your still looking i have a brand new set of chrome tube side bars, still in the box, that i bought for my 91 k5 and never used.