71' K5 - Rear Qtr Panel

[newBlood]

I understand what I am trying to accomplish is somewhat sacrilegious to many members of the chevy rebuild community. But the ultimate goal for me is to get my 1971 K5 Blazer inspected and on the road by mid/late April so I can enjoy it before my first child is born in July.

Personally I do not have time to do the rehab on my own. So I am having a local auto body shop do it for me. They are very good at what they do. But they are very expensive (labor). So I am attempting to make this as easy as possible for them so the rehab goes quick, thus less labor hours.

They are doing almost the entire drivers side. Front Qtr Panel, full rocker rebuild, floor pan, door, complete rear panel, and probably both wheel wells on that side too. To make it easy on them, I purchased almost all the parts from a dealer/manufacturer (I know, probably sacrilegious). BUT, I was unable to purchase the complete rear panel (6' long). The dealer said they didnt make it for the K5... The one that they sell only fits the truck not the K5.

SO MY QUESTION IS: Is there a dealer/manufacturer that makes the full complete rear 6' panel? Or another question is, Does the rear panel that fits the truck so similar that it can easily be fabricated to fit the K5?

They lady at the dealer told me she didnt think so but I should ask my forum about it.

I really appreciate the insight.

- Matt

[Firebirdjones]

This question has come up alot lately,,,where's that sticky?

What you have found is correct, no quarter panels are made for the blazers.

What others have done is to buy the shortbed quarter panel and then section it to fit. Give it a little time and others should chime in with links to how they did it.

[newBlood]

Thanks for the reply Firebirdjones. Although I was hoping/praying for a response that there is a full 6' rear bedside quarter panel I could buy for the K5.

But I would love to hear other ideas about what I should do. Should I buy the 6' rear bedside panel and just fabricate it to fit?

Thanks again!

[2003 silverado]

They have been buying the short bed panel and I think have cut 6-inches from the front

[Bentblazer]

Originally Posted by 2003 silverado

They have been buying the short bed panel and I think have cut 6-inches from the front

Thats what I did, best way to go. Not really that bad to do! (Don't rely on it being a perfect 6" though) Measure 4 times cut once. FYI: I tacked mine set the top on and had to redo

[newBlood]

thanks for the reply guys.

Hey Rsavage - great thread. The pics are great in that thread. Tells a million words.

I'm going to order the short bed panel.

Let me know if there is anything else I should keep my eyes open for behind that short bed panel.

thanks

[rsavage]

Here is a thread by Turp McSpray who is rebuiding a Blazer in his shop
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=505987&page=3

[turp mcspray]

Pieces in the front lower area, will more than likely need attention as well. It was a busy weekend, so I didn't get time to post some bedside replacement info. I will get some info posted. For starters, don't trim off a full 6". It will be easier to do if the seam falls on the inner pillar support. I think I cut 5 1/2". I will double check to be sure.

[newBlood]

Thanks Turp Mcspray. Excellent info.
If you have anymore info I am all ears.