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