Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bruno13 · 11-10-2015, 12:55 PM

Hello Folks,
Just picked up another truck. This one is a 1985 GMC shortbed with a 383 stroker. House of Colors paint (I love). Still not in love with the Phantom grill though. I'm also think the wheels are ok, but kind of dated. I want to have the truck look more modern, and not old school. Any thoughts from your pros? I've been looking at a stock 85 grill, but the silver is kind of boring. Do other years fit, say a 83-84? I'm so so on the wheels as they have that 90s look to them. I'm thinking 20s, possibly Vision Gray wheels, maybe chrome, but again, they have that Cragar old school look, except the gray ones.https://www.raceimage.com/1985-GMC-1...er_p_12316.htm
Looking for suggestions, and photos if you have them.
Thanks!
Bruno13

Kaysen · 11-10-2015, 01:54 PM

Sharp truck! If it was mine I'd be tempted to have the lower 1/4 painted the same color as the top half, then put the factory side trim on it. Any size traditional polished/gray/chrome 5 spoke would look good on it in my opinion if it has the trim. I agree with you on the 83-84 grill, I think on that truck it'd look better than the 85-87 style and mucho better than the full phantom it's got now. Looks good tho man, congrats!

riz · 11-10-2015, 02:34 PM

Personally not a fan of the rims or the grille. That's just me though and you asked.

I prefer the stock grilles over phantoms and some sort of modern rims would make the paint pop over the old school look of those.

RIZ

**1774btcrew** · 11-10-2015, 04:06 PM

I don't like the phantom grille either, I like the stock grilles and have no problem with the 85-87 grilles. The wheels aren't my style but still not horrible. I would make the grille your priority and see how you feel after changing it

Robert8096 · 11-10-2015, 04:16 PM

Do the 90's Suburban conversion on it.

**Joesjunk** · 11-10-2015, 07:34 PM

The colors look great together. I agree with others, factory stock 85-87 grill, and some updated wheels would make a nice improvement. I think even just adding the lower factory moldings might look good too.

mcmlxix · 11-12-2015, 02:50 AM

I would get a factory grill. Probably Black it out. Maybe replace the slats with some mesh, but not the cheap stuff...
LMC Trucks shows two grilles, one with the GMC logo and one without. I would buy from a board vendor, there are many here to choose from.

http://www.metalsdepot.com/products/...steel%20sheet&

Bruno13 · 11-12-2015, 09:05 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I've gone ahead and ordered a stock replacement grill and headlight bezels. Didn't opt to pay 8x the price to have those 3 red letters on the grill (that is ridiculous), so got the one that just has the black background of GMC on it and will figure out how to cover it. If it doesn't look good, I may opt to use the headlight bezels and see if I can trim the ugly Phantom grill down to fit between the bezels. Not sure. Still looking for some different wheels that will modernize the truck. Keep those cards and letters coming

Zach079xxx · 11-12-2015, 10:51 AM

There is 2 phantom grilles, one covers the lights one doesn't. I have the one that doesn't cover my headlights and its flush with the bezels. If you trim your phantom it'll stick out further than your bezels. My grille was 50 bucks on eBay. You can install gmc / whatever you want onto it as well. I have a 350 logo one mine, just add a washer to each stud on the back of the emblem

original-71 · 11-12-2015, 12:35 PM

my buddies old gmc from old to modern

**1774btcrew** · 11-12-2015, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zach079xxx

There is 2 phantom grilles, one covers the lights one doesn't. I have the one that doesn't cover my headlights and its flush with the bezels. If you trim your phantom it'll stick out further than your bezels. My grille was 50 bucks on eBay. You can install gmc / whatever you want onto it as well. I have a 350 logo one mine, just add a washer to each stud on the back of the emblem

There is only one Phantom grille. The one that covers the headlights. The other one you are talking about is just a Billet replacement for the stock grille. They called them Phantom because they were supposed to look sinister and hide headlights(make look like they weren't really there like a Phantom)

HotRod C/10 · 11-12-2015, 07:04 PM

Theres a set of modern wheels for sale in the classifieds.

Malo83 · 11-13-2015, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert8096

Do the 90's Suburban conversion on it.

The 91 conversions are getting long on the tooth, never cared for the look

mcmlxix · 11-13-2015, 06:58 AM

You can also upgrade your existing headlights to LED headlights. Safety improvement as well as a modern look...

http://www.headlightrevolution.com/4...hts_s/1899.htm

http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/...ht-system.aspx

sethv · 11-13-2015, 02:45 PM

Not really a huge fan of the phantom grilles. I only like stock grilles on these trucks! I think your truck would look slick with some stock Rally wheels too, btw! That's just my opinion though

ultrahd4me · 11-13-2015, 03:20 PM

Here is a couple of my GMC trucks with a bit more modern feel with a classic look. Killer truck by the way.

Zach079xxx · 11-13-2015, 03:24 PM

Sorry, I shouldn't have said 2 phantom. I have a regular billet(not the phantom style that covers the headlights) in my truck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1774btcrew

There is only one Phantom grille. The one that covers the headlights. The other one you are talking about is just a Billet replacement for the stock grille. They called them Phantom because they were supposed to look sinister and hide headlights(make look like they weren't really there like a Phantom)

Bruno13 · 11-16-2015, 12:20 PM

Thanks again everyone. I like the pictures, and there are some damn nice trucks there. I've ordered the OEM repo grill, and have already received, and installed the headlight bezels (big improvement already). Should have the insert today and we'll see what she looks like. I got the center section from Summit Racing for $23!!, so don't have much to lose if I don't like it. Still back and forth on wheels. I have rallys on my 65, so don't need another set of those. Leaning towards the 20" Vision, or Ridler Chrome 5 spokes right now. Was pretty hot on the gray 5 spokes, but as I look at more pictures, the chrome seems to make the blue pop better, and also compliments the chrome front and rear bumpers. The wheels I am looking at have a 4.5" offset in the front, and 5.5" in the rear. That should fit, right?
I've also posted some pics of my other toys. 88 Suburban K20, lowered, and my 65 C10. It now has rallys on it instead of the dog dishes.
Thanks again everyone!

Bruno13 · 11-20-2015, 09:48 AM

Hello all,
Just installed the stock grill on this truck. Waiting for the overpriced used impossible to get GMC letters to arrive from ebay. Any thoughts from you vs the Phantom grill?

mcmlxix · 11-20-2015, 10:06 AM

I think it looks better and not so out dated. I do think its a little bright. It needs to be a darker argent grey or maybe black. I would love to see some of the blue that's on the side of the truck in the main bar running across the center of the grille. Maybe just black out the headlight surrounds and not the grille?

As far as wheels... what about US Mags Rambler wheels. I see it as a modern classic. They have a less expensive cast wheel or a forged version. 20x8 and 20x9.5 or 18x8 and 18x9.5 if you dont want to go that large... I like that the state Made in USA.

Bruno13 · 11-20-2015, 10:32 AM

mcmlx
Thanks for the reply. I see what you're saying about the grill. I like the idea of the blue stripe running through it. May be tough to match that House of Colors metallic paint thought.
Funny you mentioned those Rambler wheels. Really like them. Vision makes something similar, but they are from China. I was concerned whether the grey would not pop against the blue, but I think I'm going to take a chance. They are modern and as much as I like 5 spoke wheels, I want something different.
Thanks again.

Bruno13 · 11-20-2015, 10:34 AM

US Mags also makes a chrome version

carboncrew · 11-20-2015, 10:39 AM

grill looks WAY better....a new, modern wheel and that thing will be sweet!

Zach079xxx · 11-20-2015, 11:45 AM

How much we talking for the letters?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruno13

Hello all,
Just installed the stock grill on this truck. Waiting for the overpriced used impossible to get GMC letters to arrive from ebay. Any thoughts from you vs the Phantom grill?

Bruno13 · 11-20-2015, 12:00 PM

Had to beat the guy on ebay down to $38 shipped, from 55. Used, but he repainted the red section, with a brush, so they are only so so. Hard to find the single letters like this. Plenty of single unit GMC emblems out there. You can find letter G and letter M, on ebay and GM truck places, but there are no "C"s to be had. Stupid! Apparently, this truck isn't old enough, or popular enough for someone to reproduce them yet.

11-10-2015, 12:55 PM	#1
Bruno13 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 20	Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Hello Folks, Just picked up another truck. This one is a 1985 GMC shortbed with a 383 stroker. House of Colors paint (I love). Still not in love with the Phantom grill though. I'm also think the wheels are ok, but kind of dated. I want to have the truck look more modern, and not old school. Any thoughts from your pros? I've been looking at a stock 85 grill, but the silver is kind of boring. Do other years fit, say a 83-84? I'm so so on the wheels as they have that 90s look to them. I'm thinking 20s, possibly Vision Gray wheels, maybe chrome, but again, they have that Cragar old school look, except the gray ones.https://www.raceimage.com/1985-GMC-1...er_p_12316.htm Looking for suggestions, and photos if you have them. Thanks! Bruno13 Attached Images

11-10-2015, 01:54 PM	#2
Kaysen Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Marietta, OK Posts: 277	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Sharp truck! If it was mine I'd be tempted to have the lower 1/4 painted the same color as the top half, then put the factory side trim on it. Any size traditional polished/gray/chrome 5 spoke would look good on it in my opinion if it has the trim. I agree with you on the 83-84 grill, I think on that truck it'd look better than the 85-87 style and mucho better than the full phantom it's got now. Looks good tho man, congrats!

11-10-2015, 02:34 PM	#3
riz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: hudson,wi Posts: 805	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Personally not a fan of the rims or the grille. That's just me though and you asked. I prefer the stock grilles over phantoms and some sort of modern rims would make the paint pop over the old school look of those. RIZ

11-10-2015, 04:06 PM	#4
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,602	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels I don't like the phantom grille either, I like the stock grilles and have no problem with the 85-87 grilles. The wheels aren't my style but still not horrible. I would make the grille your priority and see how you feel after changing it __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

11-10-2015, 04:16 PM	#5
Robert8096 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Goose Creek SC Posts: 161	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Do the 90's Suburban conversion on it.

11-10-2015, 07:34 PM	#6
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,710	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels The colors look great together. I agree with others, factory stock 85-87 grill, and some updated wheels would make a nice improvement. I think even just adding the lower factory moldings might look good too. __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

11-12-2015, 02:50 AM	#7
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels I would get a factory grill. Probably Black it out. Maybe replace the slats with some mesh, but not the cheap stuff... LMC Trucks shows two grilles, one with the GMC logo and one without. I would buy from a board vendor, there are many here to choose from. http://www.metalsdepot.com/products/...steel%20sheet& __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

11-12-2015, 09:05 AM	#8
Bruno13 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 20	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Thanks for all the replies. I've gone ahead and ordered a stock replacement grill and headlight bezels. Didn't opt to pay 8x the price to have those 3 red letters on the grill (that is ridiculous), so got the one that just has the black background of GMC on it and will figure out how to cover it. If it doesn't look good, I may opt to use the headlight bezels and see if I can trim the ugly Phantom grill down to fit between the bezels. Not sure. Still looking for some different wheels that will modernize the truck. Keep those cards and letters coming

11-12-2015, 10:51 AM	#9
Zach079xxx Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Posts: 332	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels There is 2 phantom grilles, one covers the lights one doesn't. I have the one that doesn't cover my headlights and its flush with the bezels. If you trim your phantom it'll stick out further than your bezels. My grille was 50 bucks on eBay. You can install gmc / whatever you want onto it as well. I have a 350 logo one mine, just add a washer to each stud on the back of the emblem __________________ 85' GMC Sierra Classic Built 350; Weiand intake, Holley 600, Thumpr Cam Built 350 turbo with shift kit & 2500 Stall Thumpin' away

11-12-2015, 12:35 PM	#10
original-71 ///Relaxed Atmosphere Join Date: May 2010 Location: Houston,Tx Posts: 1,266	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels my buddies old gmc from old to modern Attached Images __________________ 71-Cheyenne Super (E.C.E Static Drop 4.5/7". Intro Rally's 20X8.5 5" B.S 255/35/20 (F) 20X10 5.25 B.S 275/35/20 (R) 87-Silverado Static Drop 5/7" Raceline Explosion 5 22X8.5 (F) 22X10 (R) hector _________________________________ 1971 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 2006 Ford Mustang GT 2012 Toyota 4-Runner 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Crew Cab

11-12-2015, 07:04 PM	#12
HotRod C/10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 3,054	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Theres a set of modern wheels for sale in the classifieds. __________________ SOLD -77 CHEYENNE SWB, LS SWAPPED -1976 SILVERADO YUBA GOLD/NEUTRAL (2-TONE)

11-13-2015, 06:58 AM	#14
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels You can also upgrade your existing headlights to LED headlights. Safety improvement as well as a modern look... http://www.headlightrevolution.com/4...hts_s/1899.htm http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/...ht-system.aspx __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

11-13-2015, 02:45 PM	#15
sethv Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Bradford, PA Posts: 395	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Not really a huge fan of the phantom grilles. I only like stock grilles on these trucks! I think your truck would look slick with some stock Rally wheels too, btw! That's just my opinion though __________________ 1981 K10 Scottsdale 305 ci \| TH350 \| NP208 \| 60k miles

11-13-2015, 03:20 PM	#16
ultrahd4me Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gallatin, Tn Posts: 676	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Here is a couple of my GMC trucks with a bit more modern feel with a classic look. Killer truck by the way. Attached Images

11-16-2015, 12:20 PM	#18
Bruno13 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 20	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Thanks again everyone. I like the pictures, and there are some damn nice trucks there. I've ordered the OEM repo grill, and have already received, and installed the headlight bezels (big improvement already). Should have the insert today and we'll see what she looks like. I got the center section from Summit Racing for $23!!, so don't have much to lose if I don't like it. Still back and forth on wheels. I have rallys on my 65, so don't need another set of those. Leaning towards the 20" Vision, or Ridler Chrome 5 spokes right now. Was pretty hot on the gray 5 spokes, but as I look at more pictures, the chrome seems to make the blue pop better, and also compliments the chrome front and rear bumpers. The wheels I am looking at have a 4.5" offset in the front, and 5.5" in the rear. That should fit, right? I've also posted some pics of my other toys. 88 Suburban K20, lowered, and my 65 C10. It now has rallys on it instead of the dog dishes. Thanks again everyone! Attached Images



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11-20-2015, 09:48 AM	#19
Bruno13 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 20	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Hello all, Just installed the stock grill on this truck. Waiting for the overpriced used impossible to get GMC letters to arrive from ebay. Any thoughts from you vs the Phantom grill? Attached Images

11-20-2015, 10:06 AM	#20
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels I think it looks better and not so out dated. I do think its a little bright. It needs to be a darker argent grey or maybe black. I would love to see some of the blue that's on the side of the truck in the main bar running across the center of the grille. Maybe just black out the headlight surrounds and not the grille? As far as wheels... what about US Mags Rambler wheels. I see it as a modern classic. They have a less expensive cast wheel or a forged version. 20x8 and 20x9.5 or 18x8 and 18x9.5 if you dont want to go that large... I like that the state Made in USA. __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

11-20-2015, 10:32 AM	#21
Bruno13 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 20	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels mcmlx Thanks for the reply. I see what you're saying about the grill. I like the idea of the blue stripe running through it. May be tough to match that House of Colors metallic paint thought. Funny you mentioned those Rambler wheels. Really like them. Vision makes something similar, but they are from China. I was concerned whether the grey would not pop against the blue, but I think I'm going to take a chance. They are modern and as much as I like 5 spoke wheels, I want something different. Thanks again. Attached Images

11-20-2015, 10:34 AM	#22
Bruno13 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 20	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels US Mags also makes a chrome version Attached Images

11-20-2015, 10:39 AM	#23
carboncrew Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 446	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels grill looks WAY better....a new, modern wheel and that thing will be sweet! __________________ ________________ My very own build My tailgating ambulance

11-20-2015, 12:00 PM	#25
Bruno13 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 20	Re: Need your input on my 85 GMC Grill and Wheels Had to beat the guy on ebay down to $38 shipped, from 55. Used, but he repainted the red section, with a brush, so they are only so so. Hard to find the single letters like this. Plenty of single unit GMC emblems out there. You can find letter G and letter M, on ebay and GM truck places, but there are no "C"s to be had. Stupid! Apparently, this truck isn't old enough, or popular enough for someone to reproduce them yet.

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