Project: Sonoma GT

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Sonoma GT in for some work.

This is going to be a team effort between us and the owner, while we are working on the body he is going to be working on the chassis.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/11140224_10205066147192986_7656930135854-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/11140224_10205066147192986_7656930135854190924_n_z psl3nshizq.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_20151117_144633192_HDR_zpspga0rbs9-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/IMG_20151117_144633192_HDR_zpspga0rbs9.jpg.html)

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Customer wanted a tail gate skin installed, and after spending some time looking it over I decided that I really didn't like the fitment that it had, and that I could do a bit better.
This snow balled quite a bit on me but I think the results are going to be worth it. I am still doing some final detail work on it and am making a few extras but here's a few pics of what is done so far.

First pic is of the rusty gate skin he brought, and you can see it was fairly rusty but it just didn't fit well.

This is just a fraction of what I am doing to the gate but you can see the better fitment of my skin panel, trying to fine tune the lines until I am happy with the fitment. I have become rather picky on stuff like this.



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_20151117_180404266_zpsbxtjnf17-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/IMG_20151117_180404266_zpsbxtjnf17.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_20151117_180446040_zps9m8znsq7-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/IMG_20151117_180446040_zps9m8znsq7.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_20151117_202911974_zpslvavusdz-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/IMG_20151117_202911974_zpslvavusdz.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_20151117_204310349_zpslbx7uznp-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/IMG_20151117_204310349_zpslbx7uznp.jpg.html)


This picture here is the first prototype skin. I am not 100% happy with this one but it was close enough to know that I could get a final product.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_20151119_174444688_HDR_zpsiq4hv7fc-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/IMG_20151119_174444688_HDR_zpsiq4hv7fc.jpg.html)

[Auto Rod Technologies]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC07990_zpsqihp2ccd-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC07990_zpsqihp2ccd.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC07991_zpsbc0tjtmz-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC07991_zpsbc0tjtmz.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC07993_zpslli5g1nf-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC07993_zpslli5g1nf.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC07996_zpsqxsuvuds-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC07996_zpsqxsuvuds.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08005_zpswzb1i9q4-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08005_zpswzb1i9q4.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08007_zpslv6ajgy8-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08007_zpslv6ajgy8.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08008_zpsgm71jqum-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08008_zpsgm71jqum.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08009_zpsbd6zbsrp-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08009_zpsbd6zbsrp.jpg.html)

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Onto the other side of the hood.. Pretty much went through the same procedure. This side was stamped completely different than the other side, it was lower than the first side we worked at. I gradually raised the skin by stretching the sheet metal until it matched the other side, one coat of glazing was applied over a epoxy primer to blend it all together but the extra metal work was well worth it because both sides now match.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08011_zpszrekwsib-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08011_zpszrekwsib.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08012_zpszb14sdnj-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08012_zpszb14sdnj.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08014_zpsvyn9vmjd-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08014_zpsvyn9vmjd.jpg.html)



This was a picture after some more metal work.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08017_zpsssknkqph-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08017_zpsssknkqph.jpg.html)



Fenders were in exceptional shape.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08018_zpseghss18c-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08018_zpseghss18c.jpg.html)


Even the bottom side is getting addressed, you know a guy is serious when you start getting into a project this deep.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/11207349_10205956647654941_6942980794591-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/11207349_10205956647654941_6942980794591696825_n_z psn4f1cml9.jpg.html)



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08025_zpspbwvecfl-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08025_zpspbwvecfl.jpg.html)


DENTS!!! Dents everywhere!! It's almost as if it's a truck!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08028_zpsomab61v8-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08028_zpsomab61v8.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08034_zpsez8xpxee-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08034_zpsez8xpxee.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08035_zpsqnbtwkqw-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08035_zpsqnbtwkqw.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08043_zps61kwkcd9-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08043_zps61kwkcd9.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08044_zpsc7s1mjbb-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08044_zpsc7s1mjbb.jpg.html)

[rentedmule]

Looking forward to seeing how it turns out! That's a super rare truck and it sounds like the owner appreciates it.

[chevymike]

Tell me he is keeping the original paint scheme? I love that teal and grey combo!!!

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Looking forward to seeing how it turns out! That's a super rare truck and it sounds like the owner appreciates it.

Yes he does, he has a collection of S-10's. I didn't realize how rare it really was.. Pretty cool. This may be the nicest one in existence after he is done with it.




Tell me he is keeping the original paint scheme? I love that teal and grey combo!!!

Yes, he is going to use the original colors.

[JayinMI]

I have a pretty nice Chevrolet-stamped tailgate, and I want the smooth tailgate like that. Think he'd trade? lol
Nice work. I'm trying to get things sorted out so I can start my 86 S-10/6.0LS/4l80E project going soon. I'll be watching this.
I've enjoyed your work over on S-10 Forums for a while now.

Jay

[Auto Rod Technologies]

I have a pretty nice Chevrolet-stamped tailgate, and I want the smooth tailgate like that. Think he'd trade? lol
Nice work. I'm trying to get things sorted out so I can start my 86 S-10/6.0LS/4l80E project going soon. I'll be watching this.
I've enjoyed your work over on S-10 Forums for a while now.

Jay

Lol.. I don't think he'd trade.. This skin has been a fight, finally got it how I wanted it today.. Now I can move forward and finish it. He decided he wanted to keep the inner skin original so that way the inside of the bed would look stock.. So hopefully wrap that up over the next week or so.

I haven't been on S-10 Forum for quite a while. Is much going on over there anymore?

Sounds like you have a cool project in the works.

Where are you at in Michigan?

[Brwnelky]

Sounds like I'm late on the tailgate but from what I have read a blazer tailgate skin accomplishes what you were trying to do.



Its just a blazer skin except the top inch who is from the original gate. You'd have to do some filling on the inside edges to make it look right and flip the handle to the inside. We used a 1st gen Dodge Dakota tailgate handle for mine.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/D8DE1852CAEE4BA7BFC6CE25BEC2A37E30900000-1.jpg

Thank you for taking care of the dents in the bed! I've seen so many freshly painted trucks with the bed floor all beat up. Work looks great, I'll definitely be watching this thread

[JayinMI]

Not a lot going on over there. A couple of interesting projects, but it's kinda slow. I'm over in Flint area, east/mid Michigan.

Jay

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Sounds like I'm late on the tailgate but from what I have read a blazer tailgate skin accomplishes what you were trying to do.



Thank you for taking care of the dents in the bed! I've seen so many freshly painted trucks with the bed floor all beat up. Work looks great, I'll definitely be watching this thread


Sorta.. I don't like how the top of the gate is rounded as the bed sides have two body lines, I am also curious what they did to the side pieces. I made my own so it doesn't have that flat filler piece installed. Does look like a good option though. Bob grant also makes a tailgate skin as well.

Doing a bed floor like that is quite the task.. should look really good when finished though.. I have a few other threads going as well, feel free to join in. lol.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Not a lot going on over there. A couple of interesting projects, but it's kinda slow. I'm over in Flint area, east/mid Michigan.

Jay

I can't keep up with all of the forums anymore.. I tend to stick to the one that cover a few different things instead of one specific model.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

We just finished sanding the first round of primer.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08091_zpsay6nl9cd-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08091_zpsay6nl9cd.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08092_zpsfyppmxzp-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08092_zpsfyppmxzp.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08093_zpsfgkgt2k5-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08093_zpsfgkgt2k5.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08094_zpswkk4m0mz-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08094_zpswkk4m0mz.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08096_zpsvcpnmdw1-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08096_zpsvcpnmdw1.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08097_zpsd2ogmieg-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08097_zpsd2ogmieg.jpg.html)

[Auto Rod Technologies]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08099_zpsh8g9z85w-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08099_zpsh8g9z85w.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08100_zpsddkwkszi-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08100_zpsddkwkszi.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08101_zpswxicgkgt-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08101_zpswxicgkgt.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08102_zpsu4hnqeqh-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08102_zpsu4hnqeqh.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC08104_zpsgu7e2llf-1.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/DSC08104_zpsgu7e2llf.jpg.html)

[trevor572]

Hi Chad, looking good mate, I see you're using the many hands make light work theory on the sanding. lol. Going to be a nice looking truck when you're done. Keep up the good work mate. Cheers Trevor.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

At some point I had to, Dave got the grunt of the bed floor repairs and after days of sanding I felt like he needed bailed out.

This bed floor was a larger task than any of us ever anticipated. I sure hope it will be worth the effort when we finish it.

[rentedmule]

Yes he does, he has a collection of S-10's. I didn't realize how rare it really was.. Pretty cool. This may be the nicest one in existence after he is done with it.

Good to hear. The bar (and budget) is set pretty high for the nicest one in existence!

http://www.trucktrend.com/cool-trucks/1205tr-twin-turbo-syborg-1992-gmc-sonoma-gt/

[Protour_Pinto]

It looks like you started with a pretty clean truck being in Michigan. Cant wait to see it finished.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Good to hear. The bar (and budget) is set pretty high for the nicest one in existence!

http://www.trucktrend.com/cool-trucks/1205tr-twin-turbo-syborg-1992-gmc-sonoma-gt/


Yea that is a very nice truck. I should say nicest towards the stock side, however he has another truck that will be in the works that will give that truck a run for the money.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

It looks like you started with a pretty clean truck being in Michigan. Cant wait to see it finished.

I'm not sure where this truck originally came from, but he's from Indiana, and I know he is willing to travel to get a truck if he wants it, he just went out to Texas to pick up a truck.

[Clutch93]

Very cool truck! They are crazy rare as was already mentioned, in fact the Syborg Gt build was the reason I found this website a few years ago. I'm glad the owner is willing to put the money and time into keeping a truck like this on the road. Keep up the good work!

[HotRodV6]

As the owner of one of these awesome and super rare trucks, i like this project and wanted to know if you had any idea what the guy has planned for the chassis and drivetrain?

Mine has been in moth balls since 2003, and will be coming out real soon for a custom truck arm/coil over rear suspension and tubular front/coil over suspension up front with Lsx/80e 8.5 axle and big disk brakes all around. has 58K original miles, i bought it out of Boston in 2002 and drove it home to Houston, got an avg of 24-25MPG too. Dynoed 158RWHP/208RWTQ bone stock. then i took it apart...LOL

Heres a pic of my truck when i bought it.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

On this one he wants to keep the drivetrain pretty much stock, He want's to make everything really nice and clean but mostly stock..
He does plan to do some mild suspension upgrades, and he is going to upgrade the brakes.

He was originally planning to powder coat the frame but now I believe he is going to paint it matte black I believe.

[RBEAST]

any updates lately?

[Auto Rod Technologies]

any updates lately?

Yes/No

The body kit pieces are repaired and in epoxy primer, and also sanded. Which means they will get primed on Monday if things go as planned with other projects.

Also we are not going to get the cab as soon as we expected because he may be doing something different than originally planned with the drive train. As of now I'm not 100% sure where things stand with that even..

This should all work out well for me time wise as we are finishing up the LeMans over the next few weeks with preparation for taking it to Detroit Auto-Rama. And we are also going to bring the Impala back into the shop.. We will be ready for the cab by the time he gets it to us and we are hoping that work on the cab goes smooth.
Overall this project shouldn't be to long and drawn out like some of the others we have done.. Should be on the road this summer.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/untitled_zpsjnnndrqe-1.png (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/projectpages001/media/Sonoma%20GT/untitled_zpsjnnndrqe.png.html)

[AutoX_D21Hardbody]

https://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/5387262825.html
Clapped out Sonoma GT if anyone is looking.

[JayinMI]

https://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/5387262825.html
Clapped out Sonoma GT if anyone is looking.

That's a Sonoma ST, not a GT. Whole other animal.

Jay

[Auto Rod Technologies]

That's a Sonoma ST, not a GT. Whole other animal.

Jay

Agreed.. And it sounds like we may be seeing the cab in the next few weeks..

[FirstGenZq8]

updates?