83

It was already stripped off a bit, and when I dropped the transmission out a couple weeks ago, it got really torn up, so I pulled the rest off. Now I'm just figuring I'll rattle can it black, but...is that rubbery coating a heat insulator? Will it be an issue at all to just paint it or will it get pretty hot? Thanks.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

It probably helps with the heat a little, the shifter does get fairly warm with high speed driving. Paint is probably OK, or pick up a foot or so of heat shrink tubing and slide that over the shifter and shrink it in place. That is what I use on my shifter extensions.

83

Ah, shrink tubing. Where is it sold? Thank you!

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Electronics or electrical supply stores.

Could also try some of that brush or spray on insulation or tool grip stuff, sort of a heavy vinyl paint.

eighty5yota

if you want a real trick and protective look, get some hot melt vinyl and tape the threads up a bit.

the stuff is used for making the rubber coating on hand tools.
any color you want also

83

Ok great, thanks a lot. I'll look around and see what I can find.

dirtoyboy

just slap some paint on it and call it good! thats what i would do

83

It may come to that. I'm finally really starting to get impatient here and just want to drive my truck again!!
Get my check yet? I think it went out Friday. Hopefully you'll get it today. Interiors coming along!! Just wish I could find a full instrument cluster for it.

dirtoyboy

nope not yet! I might have some clusters laying around too if you're interested ....looking sharp so far!

83

I am interested. They've got to be for what I'm guessing is a late model '83. I want one with a tach and trip meter. I got an 82 cluster with this dash pad and steering wheel, but it doesn't plug in to my truck...they changed the connections. Talked with a guy on this site who says he has a cluster that came from an '83 and it doesn't work with mine either...So if you've got one, let me know. Here's a photo. Top is mine, bottom is all other '79-82, and possibly a bit into 83.



I'd love it if the older ones worked in my truck, I like they way they look better than mine...



Thanks! I like the way it's looking too. I like the shade contrast with the lighter dash pad. My old one was the same dark brown as the bottom end of the dash. And I had the lame (in my opinion) looking stock base model steering wheel. Plus no fake woody stuff on my original dash. : )