The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1969 - 1972 Blazers and Jimmys Message Board > 1969 - 1972 Blazers and Jimmys Projects and Builds

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-23-2017, 07:42 PM   #1
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Crossbreed

Picked this up around March 2016. I've made a few posts in the "what did you do to you blazer today" thread and decided to start a build thread to share all the progress.

Let's start with the purchase. I found it on Craigslist within an hour drive from me. Guy was moving and getting rid of some of his projects. This was listed as a package deal. Two 4x4 blazers and a 2wd C10 long bed for $6500. I wish i could have taken them all but I don't have the space for two extra junkers (they were both really rough). Ended up walking away with this 72 blazer for $5500 which was fair but damn I wish I the space for all three.

I've wanted a convertible 4x4 for a while and when I found this in my price range I jumped on it.

A year worth of progress will follow shortly. Looking back through my photos I didn't do a great job documenting up to this point but there's still lots more to come. Below is how it looked right after I bought it.

7" lift (4" suspension 3" body), worn out Mickey Thompson 36x14.50s on 16.5" rims, supposed fresh rebuilt 350 with 400HP (yeah right) and 3/4 ton axles (14 bolt rear and 8 lug 10 bolt up front)
Attached Images
   
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2017, 08:22 PM   #2
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

So the intention when I purchased this was to build a cheap truck for a 4x4 challenge between a few of my friends...

When I bought the truck the guy fired it right up but after I had it towed home I tried to get it started several times over the course of three days and just​ couldn't​ make it happen. I guess he knew the trick..

I pulled the carb and rebuilt it. First time rebuilding a carb so I was a bit apprehensive at first but it's really not that complicated so away I went. Got it all cleaned up and put back together. Popped it back on and....... Woohoo success.. fired right up...

At this point I'm thinking hell yeah, I'll be driving this around in no time (hah).... That thought was quickly remedied just minutes later when I started seeing oil dripping under the truck. It was running down the transmission. Let it run for a bit while I figured out where it was coming from and finally tracked it down. Oil was just pumping out between the intake and block in the valley behind the distributor.

So now I'm pulling the intake... Turns out whoever installed it didn't use enough rtv across the valley and there was a spot where the intake never made contact.
Attached Images
     
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2017, 08:38 PM   #3
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Well hell you pulled the intake... why not pull the whole motor and pretty it up real quick? Ok we'll do that. And in the process found some stripped threads in the intake so replace it and the water pump just because it's cheap and I had it off anyway. Frame off restoration still isn't on my mind... Just want to get it driving.
Attached Images
    
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2017, 08:57 PM   #4
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Next up... transmission and transfer case we're a bit leaky so rebuilt those too... another first for me. They have yet to make it back in.

If you're like me you scrolled to see the photos before reading. If you noticed the bell housing change between pictures 3 and 4 congrats, you spotted my first f*** up. Had the trans all back together after the rebuild and rolled it off my work bench. Landed right on the peak of the bell housing and cracked it. So had to choose on replacing the trans or cut off the bell housing and install one of the bolt on bell housings... Obviously I chose the latter.
Attached Images
    
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2017, 09:00 PM   #5
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Well that's all the drivetrain work... We'll talk about rust next.... Still not planning a frame off resto. (Spoiler frame is off)
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2017, 10:19 AM   #6
hemi43
Registered User
 
hemi43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,526
Re: Crossbreed

I didn't even know they sold a bellhousing like that ! How was the old one machined off? How is the new one mounted?
Goof-off by the gallon ? HAHA, all I've ever seen here in Canada is those tiny little metal cans. Something else we can't get north of the border.
hemi43 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2017, 11:34 AM   #7
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

The old bell housing was cut off with a sawzall and cleaned up with a grinder. The new one bolts on over top of the pump using the same bolt holes. These bell housings are made for drag racing and what not to act as a scatter shield in case your fly wheel flies apart. These are thick enough to a stop it unlike the paper thin stock bell housing.
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2017, 10:50 PM   #8
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

So about that rust.... Rocker boxes were practically falling out but the truck did come with a new set. Floor needed the outers patched which became obvious after removing the nice new rockers someone slapped on to cover it up. Here is some of the carnage.
Attached Images
     
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2017, 10:57 PM   #9
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

And repairs... Welded the floor patch right below the first bend and after grinding the weld you can barely tell it's a patch.
Attached Images
   
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2017, 09:00 AM   #10
jaros44sr
Senior Member
 
jaros44sr's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454
Posts: 9,762
Re: Crossbreed

very nice work, you're right, can't see the seam. the only thing that might cause you problems is the worm drive clamp on the fuel filter, being plastic you might collapse the inlet, they were designed for a spring clamp

Keep up the good work!!!!

Are your tetanus shots up to date?
__________________
Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man

All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted

Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training
SAFETY FIRST

AS usual, off topic

They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first


Jim
jaros44sr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2017, 10:42 PM   #11
raggedjim
Senior Member
 
raggedjim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Murray, Kentucky
Posts: 3,475
Re: Crossbreed

Nice work on the blazer, you're doing some good work. I need to start a build thread, but I work so slow it would drag on for years, and I hate to rush!

As far as the tool box, things like that happen. I was using the grinder with a cutoff wheel and set it down on my drop light cord before it stopped... threw a few sparks and kicked the breaker.

Keep it up, Rg
__________________
Roger

'68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675
'69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer
'70 GMC Jimmy 2wd
'73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203
raggedjim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2017, 10:56 PM   #12
DeadheadNM
Carpe manana

 
DeadheadNM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Posts: 12,446
Re: Crossbreed

Strong work. I'm on board.
__________________
1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547
1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308

Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland
DeadheadNM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2017, 09:04 AM   #13
Tom Vogel
2WD Jimmy
 
Tom Vogel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Davis County, Utah
Posts: 2,565
Re: Crossbreed

Re tool box. Man, I thought that stuff only happened to me.
Tom Vogel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2017, 12:01 AM   #14
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Almost caught up with the present.. body did finally come off the frame. Built a wood jig to tip it on its side.

Underside was blasted, epoxy primed and coated with raptor liner. Still need to put the rocker boxes back on, probably get to that this weekend.

Inside floor has also been blasted and primed with epoxy.
Attached Images
     
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2017, 12:10 AM   #15
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Frame also got some love. Was tough dragging it from the driveway out back onto the deck but managed to get it up there on my own. Didn't want to get liner overspray on the neighbors vehicles.

Blasted, epoxy primer and raptor liner just like the body but I shot the raptor with an hvlp gun instead of the shutz gun supplied with the kit. Really like the way the texture turned out.
Attached Images
    
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2017, 12:26 AM   #16
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Currently working on converting the 14 bolt over to disc brakes. Grinded down the OD of the stock hubs to allow rotors to slide on rather than be staked to the back like most conversion kits. Did this so I could use stock rear brakes from a late model gm. Had to use rotors from a dually to get the backing plate to set far enough inboard to land on the axle tube.

I need to have some flanges made so I can weld them on and get everything bolted up. Anyone know a friendly machinist willing to do such a small job without charging a fortune? Tried several of those eBay machine shops that say no job is too small and can't even get a response for a so I assume it's not worth their time. I could probably get by with just a 1/2" plate plasma cut and not have the raised part.
Attached Images
   
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2017, 12:35 AM   #17
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Almost forgot about these pieces... Bent up using a vise, hammer, dolly and whatever was laying around I could pound on.
Attached Images
    
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-17-2017, 10:06 AM   #18
tomtuna1978
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bend,Oregon
Posts: 225
Re: Crossbreed

I'm hooked ... I need to do the same thing... I like the way you write ... I totally scrolled down and looked at that bell housing photo ... lol
tomtuna1978 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2017, 07:29 PM   #19
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Thanks for the compliments.

I set out to paint and rebuild the drive/axle shafts. Got everything apart blasted and primed. Just orders all new u joints to put them back together.

I got the u joint out of one of the front axle shafts using a hammer and socket... Set out to do the other side and couldn't get it to budge. Starting hitting harder and harder and I finally missed and caught my finger. After that I bought one of those tiger tools u joint presses. Should have bought it before I started.
Attached Images
   
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2017, 07:34 PM   #20
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Making a little more progress. Took the front axle apart and stripped and painted it. Same for the springs and shackles and I replaced the bushings with some red poly ones from
prothane. I also started mocking up the rear axle. Almost have a rolling chassis again.
Attached Images
   
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2017, 04:53 PM   #21
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

Finished putting the front axle back together. Had a rolling chassis for one day before getting impatient and putting the tub back on. Probably have quite a few things left to do that would be easier with the body off but the ole lady and neighbors will be happy its not all torn apart in the driveway anymore.
Attached Images
  
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-28-2017, 05:52 AM   #22
guynamedloren
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 8
Re: Crossbreed

Quote:
Originally Posted by stangtjk View Post
Making a little more progress. Took the front axle apart and stripped and painted it. Same for the springs and shackles and I replaced the bushings with some red poly ones from
prothane. I also started mocking up the rear axle. Almost have a rolling chassis again.
What kind of paint did you use on the front axle, shafts, etc? Looks great and nice build.
guynamedloren is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-28-2017, 12:24 PM   #23
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

The axles and shafts never actually got "paint". I liked the flat black look of the epoxy primer so I stopped right there.
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-01-2017, 12:48 AM   #24
NorCal
Registered User
 
NorCal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: intərwebz
Posts: 155
Re: Crossbreed

Looking good!
__________________
▀▄▀▄▀▄ __www.c10crew.com__ ▄▀▄▀▄▀
▀▄▀▄▀▄ C10CREW on Instagram ▄▀▄▀▄▀
▀▄▀▄▀▄ The 1971 Blazer Project ▄▀▄▀▄▀
NorCal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2017, 08:58 PM   #25
stangtjk
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Newport News
Posts: 249
Re: Crossbreed

I call this shot the "illusion of progress" because it will all come back apart. Just needed to mock up the doors and fenders so I could line up and weld the rocker panels on.

Pay no attention to the door being tucked in too far, no latch or striker plate to hold it out at the moment. I will have to put shims under the hinges, both doors lack about 1/16" from lining up with the fenders.

I'm also contemplating re skinning the doors. I fixed the rust in the corners but lost a little bit of that subtle contour below the lower body line. I got some warpage when I welded the patches so i hit it with a shrinking disc to straighten it out... Got it a bit too straight as it appears I took out some of the curve. Wouldn't​ take that much filler to get it right so I'm undecided. The advantage to putting a new skin on is I'd be able to spray the inside of the door. There's also a few dents in the middle of the door that a new skin would eliminate.
Attached Images
 
stangtjk is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:30 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com