lightningdaily
New member
UPDATE: Changing this to a build thread so y'all can see the journey of a 28 year old daily driven Lightning. I would love expert input if you wish to chime in. My only knowledge prior to owning a L in trucks was sitting for 4 hours in traffic daily for the past 20+ years of my life in one. Welcome to my restoration/memorial build. I will be attempting to repair this truck by myself to the best of my ability, unless it deals with fluids - I do not have a safe way of disposing of waste materials.
Folder containing all of my Lightning photos
Photos I put in my posts will be all contained in this Link
1994 White #2640 05/02/94
Mods when I bought the truck:
Center console to Jumpseat
Scytek alarm($20 on amazon!)
Blaupunkt head unit ($20 on amazon!)
Tweeters
Kicker aftermarket speakers
2 Pod Gauage (Oil Pressure & Water Temp)
Redneck EGR Delete
Wicked Time Exhaust Tips
Cervini Ram Air Hood
Cervini Rear Roll Pan
Fiberglass Tonneau Cover
Mostly Stock Besides random screws and zip ties in lieu of screws.
Personal Mods so far:
Atoto S8 head unit & back up camera
Baja HID retrofits - 35W Hylux Ballast, Morimoto H1 Bulbs, Mini X5-R switchback shroud
C Bar LED tail lights
Full LED interior/Exterior bulbs
Viper Alarm
Not a real fan of the switchbacks but they are to serve a purpose. There are tons of drivers here maybe they will see 3 turn signals and be reminded that they also own a set.
Only focused on my visibility so far.
Issues Experienced 5 weeks into ownership:
Cooling/Air system was failing - Replaced radiator, thermostat, A/C service ports, Recharge.
Aftermarket Oil gauge sending unit failure - Part replaced.
Power Steering pump leak - Replaced all Upper and Lower hoses and replaced fittings.
EGR check engine code 332(?) - EGR was caked and position sensor was seized, vacuum line was severed - Replaced with new EGR valve and position sensor and resealed vacuum line tube.
Electrical surging, needle hops, AMP & Low Battery light - not consistent, Low Power at times.
Gauge Cluster bulbs out, E Brake light does not turn on.
Shifting hard out of 2nd, wheel hop sporadically - Cannot recreate, some runs have multiple occurrences and some none.
Non functioning Wiper/High beam stalk - Part ordered.
Non functioning cigarette lighter.
Broken seat recliner lever.
Broken Pas Fog light
Tonneau cover lock broken & Rubber mounts worn - Lock & Handle replaced, Still cannot figure out the proper name for the bolts with rubber mounts..will get a pic up soon.
Key Falls out of ignition - New Keys, Door locks, and Ignition planned but not a priority
Window Motor/Actuator Failed - Replaced and Installed but switch is backwards, have not had time to switch polarities.
Issues to be addressed soon:
Needs Tires
Needs complete Brake kit - suggestions?
Needs Shocks/Struts (any air guys here? )
Needs a rear end rebuild - leaking from numerous points - E150 conversion?
Found a small split from welds in the engine bay near where the passengers foot is.
Passenger window switch broken
Speaker upgrades
Future plans:
E150 bracket/Saginaw pump
Re-Tint Windows
Star Headliner
Door panel brackets
Waterproof door seals
Sound dampen interior
Replace seat lever
--- --- ---
The reman stock 95amp alternator in my L was feeling and looking gnarly when I got it but with additions of a new head unit and HIDs it’s telling me to upgrade.
I have a 200amp Powermaster coming in but while I’m waiting I am upgrading the power cables as per the big 3/4 but could use some expert advice.
The what I think is the engine to body ground strap is melted a little but still intact. Should I replace OEM and add another ground on it? I am running 1/0, its a little overkill but could be useful for a future upgrade. I also cannot see the connection behind the motor, anybody know where I should be looking? The OEM battery to chassis ground has seen some weathering so Im thinking of upgrading that one as well.
I have planned:
Ground
Chassis to Battery
Battery to Body (x2) (1)4g and (1)1/0
Engine to Body (If I can access it)
Thinking of adding a additional ground from Alternator body to Battery perhaps...
Power
Alternator to Battery - Do I run Stock from Alternator to Solenoid?, Alternator to Mega Fuse to Solenoid?, or Alternator to Mega fuse to Battery?
Folder containing all of my Lightning photos
Photos I put in my posts will be all contained in this Link
1994 White #2640 05/02/94
Mods when I bought the truck:
Center console to Jumpseat
Scytek alarm($20 on amazon!)
Blaupunkt head unit ($20 on amazon!)
Tweeters
Kicker aftermarket speakers
2 Pod Gauage (Oil Pressure & Water Temp)
Redneck EGR Delete
Wicked Time Exhaust Tips
Cervini Ram Air Hood
Cervini Rear Roll Pan
Fiberglass Tonneau Cover
Mostly Stock Besides random screws and zip ties in lieu of screws.
Personal Mods so far:
Atoto S8 head unit & back up camera
Baja HID retrofits - 35W Hylux Ballast, Morimoto H1 Bulbs, Mini X5-R switchback shroud
C Bar LED tail lights
Full LED interior/Exterior bulbs
Viper Alarm
Headlights.jpg
drive.google.com
Only focused on my visibility so far.
Issues Experienced 5 weeks into ownership:
Cooling/Air system was failing - Replaced radiator, thermostat, A/C service ports, Recharge.
Aftermarket Oil gauge sending unit failure - Part replaced.
Power Steering pump leak - Replaced all Upper and Lower hoses and replaced fittings.
EGR check engine code 332(?) - EGR was caked and position sensor was seized, vacuum line was severed - Replaced with new EGR valve and position sensor and resealed vacuum line tube.
Electrical surging, needle hops, AMP & Low Battery light - not consistent, Low Power at times.
Gauge Cluster bulbs out, E Brake light does not turn on.
Shifting hard out of 2nd, wheel hop sporadically - Cannot recreate, some runs have multiple occurrences and some none.
Non functioning Wiper/High beam stalk - Part ordered.
Non functioning cigarette lighter.
Broken seat recliner lever.
Broken Pas Fog light
Tonneau cover lock broken & Rubber mounts worn - Lock & Handle replaced, Still cannot figure out the proper name for the bolts with rubber mounts..will get a pic up soon.
Key Falls out of ignition - New Keys, Door locks, and Ignition planned but not a priority
Window Motor/Actuator Failed - Replaced and Installed but switch is backwards, have not had time to switch polarities.
Issues to be addressed soon:
Needs Tires
Needs complete Brake kit - suggestions?
Needs Shocks/Struts (any air guys here? )
Needs a rear end rebuild - leaking from numerous points - E150 conversion?
Found a small split from welds in the engine bay near where the passengers foot is.
Passenger window switch broken
Speaker upgrades
Future plans:
E150 bracket/Saginaw pump
Re-Tint Windows
Star Headliner
Door panel brackets
Waterproof door seals
Sound dampen interior
Replace seat lever
--- --- ---
The reman stock 95amp alternator in my L was feeling and looking gnarly when I got it but with additions of a new head unit and HIDs it’s telling me to upgrade.
I have a 200amp Powermaster coming in but while I’m waiting I am upgrading the power cables as per the big 3/4 but could use some expert advice.
The what I think is the engine to body ground strap is melted a little but still intact. Should I replace OEM and add another ground on it? I am running 1/0, its a little overkill but could be useful for a future upgrade. I also cannot see the connection behind the motor, anybody know where I should be looking? The OEM battery to chassis ground has seen some weathering so Im thinking of upgrading that one as well.
I have planned:
Ground
Chassis to Battery
Battery to Body (x2) (1)4g and (1)1/0
Engine to Body (If I can access it)
Thinking of adding a additional ground from Alternator body to Battery perhaps...
Power
Alternator to Battery - Do I run Stock from Alternator to Solenoid?, Alternator to Mega Fuse to Solenoid?, or Alternator to Mega fuse to Battery?
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