Project Ridge Runner - 70 Blazer 4x4

[BOHICA]

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v3...1970%20Blazer/

Yay, I finally get to do one of these.

There were wasps swarming around it all summer, so Thursday was the first time I've gotten to spend a lot of time underneath my Blazer checking out what needs to be done. The rust is a little bit worse than I had hoped, but about what I anticipated and still way better than what a lot of people get to start with. Because I can't dedicate all of my income towards it and I don't have access to a welder, I highly doubt the rust will be patched by the end of spring, but with a little luck and a lot of elbow grease I think it can be roadworthy by then. As far as previous owners go, so far it looks like whoever worked on it last could have been a lot worse. They patched a few spots, but the welds don't look like bubblegum and I'll be able to either dress them or remove and properly fix the panel relatively easy. When I was crawling around underneath it, I saw where GM originally welded the firewall and floorpan bracing together. I started freaking out that it was a hackjob until I saw it was the same on the other side. The lift must not have been put on that long ago since the u bolts are still shiny. Too bad the PO put '73-'91 springs on the front. I'm not planning on running bigger than 33" tires, so I may just sell what's under it right now and go to a 2". It would ride better and probably get a little bit better mileage. We'll see.

Do the panels on the back of the rocker boxes just bolt on? If I can get the bolts out without destroying the panels, I'd like to inspect inside the rocker boxes and clean all of the crud out. I'd like to get the frame and axles powdercoated, but it'll run about $1000.

My ultimate goal with this truck is to have it completed in two years with a 5.3/6.0 and 4L60/6L80. After that and I've got a good sum of money saved up, I'm going to quit my job and drive around the US with my dog. We'll sleep in the back or a tent and explore every backroad and trail we see. A 4Runner or Land Cruiser would be a lot more practical and I wouldn't care if I damaged it, but I've pretty much decided screw it, you only live once.

To do list: *=must have

Stage 1: Driver
1)* R&R engine
2)* R&R transmission
3) rebuild axles
4)* rebuild steering components
5a)* replace '73+ front springs for 4" lift OR
5b)* replace all springs for 2" lift
6)* cheap windshield
7) steering wheel
8)* install seat
9)* install old wiring harness
10)* attach doghouse
11)* tires
12)* shocks
13)* battery tray
14)* R&R brakes
15)* fix or buy new gas tank
16)* radiator
17)* fuel filler
18) brake lines
19) fuel lines
20) trans cooler lines


Stage 2: Body Work & Necessities
21)* Remove diamond plate from bed
22)* patch rust - bed floor, rockers, rocker box
23)* repair windshield frame - PO welded plate over where the weatherstrip screws in
24) install power disc brakes
25) Warn hubs
26) top
27)* Vintage Air A/C
28) body mounts
29) rear bumper
30)* weatherstripping
31) door mirrors


Stage 3: Creature Comforts
32) Sound deadener and carpet
33) install/hookup Cadillac power seats
34) build console to house inverter
35) Painless wiring kit
36) restore gauges
37) fix cut dash
38) install radio/GPS
39) slotted wheels
40) powdercoat frame and axles
41) build storage boxes for bed
42)* rollcage
43) folding and removable rear seat
44) side trim
45) nice 69/70 grille
46) 5.3/6.0 & 4L60E/6L80E swap
47) posi/locker
48) fog lights in ’72 bumper
49) paint
50)* spare tire rack
51) decent audio system
52)* HO alternator
53) tilt column


The double wall I'm looking at here is in pretty rough shape. If I can find a boat repair shop who can fix it, and it's not irreparably warped, I've got a lot of stuff planned for it.

Top Modifications:
1) cut away roof to install insulation
2) install modern dome lights and maybe extra wires for future modifications
3) hatch ajar switch for lights/alarm
4) replace missing hatch arms with modern struts
5) 15% tinted windows
6) if possible add handle on inside of hatch for interior operation of latch
7) fabric headliner
8)* fix multiple cracks and likely warpage

[Chevy4lifee]

Looks like you have your work cut out for you. Should be nice when finished, look forward to seeing it. Good luck.
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[BOHICA]

Thanks. I forgot to mention that the gentleman I got it from (Ron586) gave me a tach dash and pretty much the whole interior from a '71 truck. I also have the front end for it, it's just disassembled. I will eventually need to get some inner fenders and a core support, though. So, you're right that I've got my work cut out for me, but it's not quite as bad as it looks in the pics.

[Chevy4lifee]

Ya pictures are always deceiving in my opinion but at least the whole truck is there. Now it's just all the fun work.
Posted via Mobile Device

[DustinU]

Originally Posted by BOHICA

After that and I've got a good sum of money saved up, I'm going to quit my job and drive around the US with my dog. We'll sleep in the back or a tent and explore every backroad and trail we see. A 4Runner or Land Cruiser would be a lot more practical and I wouldn't care if I damaged it, but I've pretty much decided screw it, you only live once.

That sounds like a great time.

Your build plans sound awesome, gave me some things to think about also.

[BOHICA]

Yeah, I really hope it works out. I realized I can just spraypaint the truck after I get it shot in primer and then have a real paint job laid down after I get back. Worrying about a new paint job would have kept me off some trails, and this way I get to try out some colors before committing.

[BOHICA]

Picked up a 69/70 grille today and a couple other parts.

What do you guys think, at 4" of lift and 33"/35" tires, would I be able to tell a big difference with crossover steering?

[BOHICA]

Originally Posted by BOHICA

What do you guys think, at 4" of lift and 33"/35" tires, would I be able to tell a big difference with crossover steering?

Anybody?

[BOHICA]

Decided to skip getting it running for the summer and dive in on the engine swap. Will save about $400, give or take. Not to mention have it running sooner so I can get the bugs worked out.

Called Advance Adapters on Thursday evening. Second gentleman I spoke to, Vic, was super helpful. AA is getting away from the 205 and concentrating on the Atlas t-case, so they won't be making any 6L80/205 adapters in the foreseeable future. However, he told me that the GM 1 tons from ~'84-'90 ran the circle pattern NP205, and it should bolt right up to the 6L80. Even though it means I'll have to buy another t-case, the best part is it's still going to be cheaper than a $600+ adapter from AA.

Got the front end mocked up last week just to see how it looks. I was given a '71 grille with the truck, but I was able to find a correct, driver-condition '70 grille at the local yard. It's not as rough as it looks in the picture. There are a couple of dings and it's oxidized, but otherwise it's in great shape.



And my dog that I'll be taking. Best part about the lift and 35s is there's plenty of room under the truck for both of us.

[BOHICA]

What I'm thinking for the front (if I have the time and money) bumper and rear carrier. These are just rough drafts = they'll obviously have to be tweaked.

Tubes will definitely be thicker, but that's as big as MS Paint lets you draw. Drivings lights will likely be moved outboard underneath the parking lights to make room for a recessed area to mount a winch. Again, if I have the money to spare I'll make some cutouts and mount for lights in the bumper.


Boxes on the side are gas/water cans. There will be a hi-lift jack mount and small basket on top, I just got lazy and didn't draw them. If the carrier's sturdy enough, I'll make it so the upper half (jack and basket) unbolt.

[DustinU]

I like the mock up's. Are you planning on cutting the fenders for the 35's so the don't rub when your wheeling or just dealing with it? On the road/fire roads they would be fine. I would like the look of mine with 35" but I don't see it happening for off road use. I am thinking of a light bar as well, but that will be down the line due to funds.

[BOHICA]

It's got a four inch lift, so the 35s should be fine on it. That said, I'll be running 33s on the trip. They'll help on gas mileage while minimally impacting my ground clearance. A light bar would be cool. I thought about it on mine, but I'm wanting to keep my top smooth for mileage and looks.