Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

65sublime · 01-17-2009, 08:21 PM

I bought the ’65 suburban 3 years ago. It came from Texas but still had some rust issues to deal with. A ’86 305 tpi and 700r4 were setting under the hood, however not complete enough to run.

I saw this blue photochopped blazer and new immediately I found the inspiration for my build. From the photo I decided to remove 12” from the wheel base and 8” from behind the wheel. I had rusty areas to deal with before the fun part of shortening the body and frame.

The first step of the build was to repair the floors and rockers. Both sides had damage to the toe boards and kick panels. The patch panels for the floor did not fit at the body mount recess and had to be modified. At the time I attacked the area, I wasn’t aware that a-pillar bottoms and kick panels for the 60-66 models and fab’d mine as well as I could. The subs are different than the pickup on the right side of the front seat. There is a step area that had to be scratch built also. I bought the dvds from ebfabman which gave me added confidence I could handle this part. 3/4“ thinwall conduit was an inexpensive material for me to use as reinforcing the body while sections were removed.

right side:

left side:

toomanytoyz · 01-17-2009, 08:33 PM

That will be A Sweet Truck , Signing up for the Build.................

Good Luck with the Project, Rick

**Corts60** · 01-17-2009, 09:02 PM

Great work so far! I can't wait to see more pics...

*LILRED66* · 01-17-2009, 09:20 PM

Welcome to the forums from Kansas City, KS. It appears you do excellent work. Please keep us posted with lots of photos and keep up the good work.

62 short step · 01-17-2009, 09:35 PM

Floors look great! Good work!

65sublime · 01-17-2009, 09:40 PM

More pictures:

I added a box section of 14 gage sheet steel at the base of the b-pillar, similar to the blazer floor. This also makes room for the soon to be shortened frame kickup.

Next the rear plywood floor and inner metal panels of the rear quarters were removed. This would allow me to work the outer sheet metal from both sides. The driver’s side had the gas filler door and tunnel to contend with. I removed the inner panel tunnel and door assembly as one piece.

65sublime · 01-17-2009, 09:42 PM

Frizzle Fry’s tahoe build helped in coming up with a scheme to attack the body, With the inner panels removed, the next step was to cut out the wheel wells. The remainder of the body could get a 20” cut. The assembly manual indicated the roof was bolted on along the side rails. I cut through the welds at the rear hatch opening and cut across the top near the kick up body line. With the sides unbolted the roof came off. At that point, I wondered if I had done the right thing.

65sublime · 01-17-2009, 09:49 PM

The roof joint and panel alignment:

I'll add more photos when I get a chance. This stage was done in June of 2008. I've been able to work on it fairly regularly, a couple nights a week and a few saturdays thrown in, and have a lot more photos.

Here is a sneek peak from a few days ago:

sick69 · 01-17-2009, 09:54 PM

This is bad a$$!! Subscribed. Something similar may be in my future,,,, after I finish the 70. Which means I'll be 70 before I can even think about it,,,,,lol

Looks like great work so far.

Frank

Alan's Classic · 01-17-2009, 10:01 PM

Maaaaaaan.....That's some saweeeeeeeet work. Welcome aboard. Can't wait for more pix.

toomanytoyz · 01-17-2009, 10:19 PM

X-cellent Work, Sure Glad i signed on for the Build...............

Thanks, Rick

TimE · 01-17-2009, 10:44 PM

Nice job so far! Looking forward to progress updates.

4dranch · 01-18-2009, 01:24 AM

Very slick build,

Super Nice 65sublime.

joe231 · 01-18-2009, 02:43 AM

wow you do fantastic work!!!

Tx Firefighter · 01-18-2009, 07:31 AM

Subscribed

jonzcustomshop · 01-18-2009, 08:20 AM

nice loking build!

**Palf70Step** · 01-18-2009, 10:20 AM

Oh yeah, I am here too. Your project is looking awesome!

Frizzle Fry · 01-18-2009, 11:12 AM

Hell YA!!! I've wanted to build one on these for years! Looking awesome!!!

502tripower · 01-18-2009, 01:40 PM

Very nice... I'll be watching this one....

**Captainfab** · 01-21-2009, 02:17 AM

Awesome job

looks like you have some fab skills. I wanted to do this years ago as well but never got around to it. I'm really glad to see someone doing it. I'll be anxiously awaiting updates.....subscribed!

Hickup pickup · 01-21-2009, 04:04 AM

Verry cool !!!!!!!!!

*LILRED66* · 01-21-2009, 06:51 AM

Very interesting build. I am impressed with the process and quality of the work. I am at the edge of my seat waiting for the next round of photos. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to following along and seeing your progress. Nice job.

72BlckButy · 01-21-2009, 07:57 AM

This is such a sweet looking rig, nice work on the body!

jason65 · 01-21-2009, 09:00 AM

Wow! Those are some crazy skills.

71swb4x4 · 01-21-2009, 09:12 AM

Wow!

01-17-2009, 08:21 PM	#1
65sublime Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pendleton, NY Posts: 64	Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer I bought the ’65 suburban 3 years ago. It came from Texas but still had some rust issues to deal with. A ’86 305 tpi and 700r4 were setting under the hood, however not complete enough to run. I saw this blue photochopped blazer and new immediately I found the inspiration for my build. From the photo I decided to remove 12” from the wheel base and 8” from behind the wheel. I had rusty areas to deal with before the fun part of shortening the body and frame. The first step of the build was to repair the floors and rockers. Both sides had damage to the toe boards and kick panels. The patch panels for the floor did not fit at the body mount recess and had to be modified. At the time I attacked the area, I wasn’t aware that a-pillar bottoms and kick panels for the 60-66 models and fab’d mine as well as I could. The subs are different than the pickup on the right side of the front seat. There is a step area that had to be scratch built also. I bought the dvds from ebfabman which gave me added confidence I could handle this part. 3/4“ thinwall conduit was an inexpensive material for me to use as reinforcing the body while sections were removed. right side: left side:

01-17-2009, 08:33 PM	#2
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer That will be A Sweet Truck , Signing up for the Build................. Good Luck with the Project, Rick __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

01-17-2009, 09:02 PM	#3
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Great work so far! I can't wait to see more pics... __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

01-17-2009, 09:20 PM	#4
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Welcome to the forums from Kansas City, KS. It appears you do excellent work. Please keep us posted with lots of photos and keep up the good work.

01-17-2009, 09:35 PM	#5
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Floors look great! Good work! __________________ www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com 1965 c-10 86 chevy c/k 20

01-17-2009, 09:40 PM	#6
65sublime Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pendleton, NY Posts: 64	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer More pictures: I added a box section of 14 gage sheet steel at the base of the b-pillar, similar to the blazer floor. This also makes room for the soon to be shortened frame kickup. Next the rear plywood floor and inner metal panels of the rear quarters were removed. This would allow me to work the outer sheet metal from both sides. The driver’s side had the gas filler door and tunnel to contend with. I removed the inner panel tunnel and door assembly as one piece.

01-17-2009, 09:42 PM	#7
65sublime Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pendleton, NY Posts: 64	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Frizzle Fry’s tahoe build helped in coming up with a scheme to attack the body, With the inner panels removed, the next step was to cut out the wheel wells. The remainder of the body could get a 20” cut. The assembly manual indicated the roof was bolted on along the side rails. I cut through the welds at the rear hatch opening and cut across the top near the kick up body line. With the sides unbolted the roof came off. At that point, I wondered if I had done the right thing.

01-17-2009, 09:49 PM	#8
65sublime Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pendleton, NY Posts: 64	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer The roof joint and panel alignment: I'll add more photos when I get a chance. This stage was done in June of 2008. I've been able to work on it fairly regularly, a couple nights a week and a few saturdays thrown in, and have a lot more photos. Here is a sneek peak from a few days ago:

01-17-2009, 09:54 PM	#9
sick69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: colorado springs colorado Posts: 737	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer This is bad a$$!! Subscribed. Something similar may be in my future,,,, after I finish the 70. Which means I'll be 70 before I can even think about it,,,,,lol Looks like great work so far. Frank __________________ 70 chevy lwb c10 454/th400 and a 9" rearend suicide doors, marker light fuel fill, 4" cowl , mini tub Last edited by sick69; 01-17-2009 at 09:56 PM.

01-17-2009, 10:01 PM	#10
Alan's Classic 1 thing at a time is progress. Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ball Ground GA Posts: 5,511	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Maaaaaaan.....That's some saweeeeeeeet work. Welcome aboard. Can't wait for more pix. __________________ Alan Philippians 2:14-16 Alan's Classic Facebook page. North Georgia Group Project 1965 Vitamin C-10 1995 GMC Sierra K1500 The "Wrecker"

01-17-2009, 10:19 PM	#11
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer X-cellent Work, Sure Glad i signed on for the Build............... Thanks, Rick __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

01-17-2009, 10:44 PM	#12
TimE Hey Y'all!! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bay Minette, Alabama Posts: 1,755	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Nice job so far! Looking forward to progress updates. __________________ Just hopin' I live long enough to finish something!!!

01-18-2009, 01:24 AM	#13
4dranch Shloooooong bed member #2 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Millington Tn. Posts: 1,864	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Very slick build, Super Nice 65sublime. __________________ *David,* Daughters 66 truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=484601 Learning to drive a 3 on the tree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcCMvRgBo1Q

01-18-2009, 02:43 AM	#14
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer wow you do fantastic work!!! __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

01-18-2009, 07:31 AM	#15
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Subscribed __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

01-18-2009, 08:20 AM	#16
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer nice loking build!

01-18-2009, 10:20 AM	#17
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,225	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Oh yeah, I am here too. Your project is looking awesome! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

01-18-2009, 11:12 AM	#18
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Hell YA!!! I've wanted to build one on these for years! Looking awesome!!!

01-18-2009, 01:40 PM	#19
502tripower Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Satsop, WA Posts: 606	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Very nice... I'll be watching this one.... __________________ 1963' Chev Custom Cab 502, 67' 435hp 3X2 intake, 9" 4:30 Posi 1961 Impala SS 348/350 4-speed 3:70 Posi 1961 Bel-Air Bubble Top 283 Turboglide soon to have a 348 3X2 4-speed 1950 17' Fairliner twin cockpit barrel stern 312 Y block 1X1 intake Borg Warner 1:1 gear 1957 Fleetform 14' twin cockpit barrel stern 1969 BP-125 Merc 1949 Transitier 3-wheel forklift Crosley 4-Banger 98' FXD 2002 2500HD

01-21-2009, 02:17 AM	#20
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Awesome job looks like you have some fab skills. I wanted to do this years ago as well but never got around to it. I'm really glad to see someone doing it. I'll be anxiously awaiting updates.....subscribed! __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

01-21-2009, 04:04 AM	#21
Hickup pickup Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Gilbert , Az Posts: 369	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Verry cool !!!!!!!!! __________________ 2-20, 2-21 whatever it takes!

01-21-2009, 06:51 AM	#22
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Very interesting build. I am impressed with the process and quality of the work. I am at the edge of my seat waiting for the next round of photos. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to following along and seeing your progress. Nice job.

01-21-2009, 07:57 AM	#23
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer This is such a sweet looking rig, nice work on the body! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

01-21-2009, 09:00 AM	#24
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Wow! Those are some crazy skills.

01-21-2009, 09:12 AM	#25
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Short Stuff building a '65 Blazer Wow! __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode