2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Interior Problems

[TGaines]

Question for you guys with older trucks. I have a 96 which isn't that old I know, but I do have some issues with the interior. The door locks don't work worth a darn and the buttons have started to fall into the doors. I read a post that mentioned clips that could break but I haven't been into the doors yet. My radio buttons work inconsistently at best, and the carpet is stained pretty badly. Any suggestions on where I can find replacement door locks without buying from the dealer? How about JC Whitney? I am thinking about keeping the truck but I want to upgrade the interior. My wife wants to sell it. I'm not sure what to do yet. I don't think it's worth much where I live because it's 2wd. It is paid for though.



Travis

 

[Mike Ellis]

Hi Travis,



The radio might need repair (probably just the contacts on the buttons need cleaning), but the radios for the older trucks are pretty easy to get and are EASY to replace so repairing the existing one might be more trouble than it's worth. My tape player went out last year, and a fellow on TDR actually gave me his old radio for free. I thought it would be to change out the radio, but the dash design is pretty clever - the edge molding pops off easily, you remove a couple of screws, and the radio changes out no muss, no fuss. Took me less than 15 minutes.



The door panels can probably be popped off, and if the retainers for the door lock switches are broken you can probably put in new switches or epoxy the retainers without much trouble, bet somebody on here has done it already.



The carpet can be steam cleaned pretty cheaply at a detail shop, mine is dirty now because of plugged-up AC evaporator (grrrr) so I am going to spend a Saturday this fall when it cools off, taking everything apart and replacing the evap. Will probably put in new carpet because the old carpet will inevitably start to smell horrible after having been moist so long.



If you do decide to get rid of it, watch out for lowball offers. The engine and transmission alone are worth several thousand $$$. You could always send it down here to Texas for retirement - we'll take good care of it for you