Wanting an Upgrade

bshipley08 · Dec 7, 2024

I have a 83 K10 ScottsDale that did not come with headliner. I am wanting to add a headliner and the trim pieces for all the posts in the truck. I did not come with any of this. I would like to have a cargo light switch since the cargo light is currently missing and I will be rewiring the entire truck to replace broken wires. Now seems like a good opportunity for this and I was wondering if it's possible.

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CalSgt · Dec 7, 2024

bshipley08 said:
I have a 83 K10 ScottsDale that did not come with headliner. I am wanting to add a headliner and the trim pieces for all the posts in the truck. I did not come with any of this. I would like to have a cargo light switch since the cargo light is currently missing and I will be rewiring the entire truck to replace broken wires. Now seems like a good opportunity for this and I was wondering if it's possible.
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My truck didn’t come with a headliner or trim. I bought the LMC headliner “kit” and the headliner itself wasn’t bad but the rest of the kit was cheesy upholstered cardboard. I ended up buying all of the trim pieces separately and spending a bunch more money. It’s a fairly simple process just difficult to hold everything in place to get the holes drilled and screws installed.

Honestly I’d put a cargo lamp switch somewhere in the dash or at least somewhere accessible from the driver’s seat instead of on the B pillar. I’d bet GM put it there for cost savings instead of convenience/ease of use.

I’ll add: if your stock wiring isn’t totally trashed it’s worth repairing instead of replacing. The factory wiring is actually high quality stuff compared to aftermarket harnesses.

Grit dog · Dec 7, 2024

It’s totally possible, just have to buy the pieces and like @CalSgt said, get them mocked up right and holes drilled.
Idk if any of the classic parts suppliers sells a whole trim kit or if you have to scrounge for used pieces. There’s plenty of used pieces out there in old squares. Note the A and B pillar pieces and kick panels are plastic. The roof surround that holds up the headliner is metal. Used plastic pieces may be pretty crispy.
And drilling the lower holes for the A pillar may need to be done with the windshield removed. However the front roof piece I think fits over the windshield gasket so plan accordingly when you’re mocking it up to layout the holes to drill.

bshipley08 · Dec 7, 2024

CalSgt said:
My truck didn’t come with a headliner or trim. I bought the LMC headliner “kit” and the headliner itself wasn’t bad but the rest of the kit was cheesy upholstered cardboard. I ended up buying all of the trim pieces separately and spending a bunch more money. It’s a fairly simple process just difficult to hold everything in place to get the holes drilled and screws installed.

Honestly I’d put a cargo lamp switch somewhere in the dash or at least somewhere accessible from the driver’s seat instead of on the B pillar. I’d bet GM put it there for cost savings instead of convenience/ease of use.

I’ll add: if your stock wiring isn’t totally trashed it’s worth repairing instead of replacing. The factory wiring is actually high quality stuff compared to aftermarket harnesses.

I think GM out the switch there so you don't have to get into the truck to turn on the switch, since I doubt most people are using it while sitting in the truck.

bshipley08 · Dec 7, 2024

bshipley08 said:
I think GM out the switch there so you don't have to get into the truck to turn on the switch, since I doubt most people are using it while sitting in the truck.

I should also add that the wiring on this truck is a massive fire hazard. It was a snow plow trucj owned by a farmer, so wiring is everywhere all willy nilly and cut for who know what. I plan on using American Autowire for this.

Steelbuddha · Dec 9, 2024

I have (no financial interest) only good things to say about the big (27 circuit) Painless harness. Totally straightforward replacement, everything is labeled, all the color codes are right. Since my truck is a "Custom Deluxe" (meaning stripped but with power steering and brakes), that gave me several extra circuits for accessories.

It's worth it to pop for their Kevlar/Aramid braided wire wrap package as well. The stuff is heat and abrasion-proof. Also rodent-proof. Looks good in an installation, too, if that matters.

I also upgraded to a 140-amp alternator and 2/0 copper battery cables. And extra grounds. Definitely worthwhile.

duece1951 · Dec 10, 2024

CalSgt said:
My truck didn’t come with a headliner or trim. I bought the LMC headliner “kit” and the headliner itself wasn’t bad but the rest of the kit was cheesy upholstered cardboard. I ended up buying all of the trim pieces separately and spending a bunch more money. It’s a fairly simple process just difficult to hold everything in place to get the holes drilled and screws installed.

Honestly I’d put a cargo lamp switch somewhere in the dash or at least somewhere accessible from the driver’s seat instead of on the B pillar. I’d bet GM put it there for cost savings instead of convenience/ease of use.

I’ll add: if your stock wiring isn’t totally trashed it’s worth repairing instead of replacing. The factory wiring is actually high quality stuff compared to aftermarket harnesses.

I would also go with LMC. I had to replace a few of my interior parts that were broken. Fit was good and not too expensive. They are easy to work with as a company.

Old Guy Bill · Dec 10, 2024

My ‘78 Scottsdale had no headliner, but does have the Cargo light option.
I had to replace the light as it was damaged, installing the wiring between the switch and light can be difficult to deal with, the cab is doubled walled there.
LMC offers a one piece headliner that doesn’t require all the trim, it isn’t an exact factory look though.

Bloodhound1981 · Dec 10, 2024

I had no headliner or trim in my 1981 Custom Deluxe, I got the ABS backed headliner covered in perforated black vinyl from LMC, along with all the headliner trim and visors. I was very happy with the quality. It was definitely no fun to install by myself, if you have a helper it will be a much better time. Drilling all the holes is nerve wracking but it all came out awesome. I added an LED interior light to the middle of the headliner. This is the only pic I have, I had just put in the headliner but not the rest of the trim.

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Wanting an Upgrade

bshipley08

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CalSgt

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Grit dog

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bshipley08

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bshipley08

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Steelbuddha

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duece1951

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Old Guy Bill

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