Frame question.

[Jeff1971]

I’m looking at a frame that the guy says is a 72 blazer. The wheelbase is 104 and all of the mounting points looks right. The only thing that is weird is the rear end of the frame rails is about 10 inches too long. Right where the 168.86 frame is supposed to end this one has a big steel diamond plate bumper that looks stock. Did Chevy make a blazer with rear extended frame rails?

Thanks

Jeff

[Jeff1971]

The Bumper is a 1972 Sierra Grande diamond plate bumper. It is a GMC bumper. Also, the frame partial vin starts with a "2" then "F" so it's a 1972 Flint chassis. the 104 wheelbase tells me it's a Jimmy chassis. The weird part is still the frame extension in the rear. Cut it off and your there. But, it may be something unusual that was not very common. It has not been modified.

Still have not seen any photos of a 72 Jimmy with a big utility bumper on it.

???

Jeff

[DeadheadNM]

In 72 the rear bumpers for K5s bolted directly to the frame horns and only the two outer support brackets were used (as opposed to four). Thus, the 72 frames are different from other years and why the gravel shields are a one year only application. In 69 you could get a K5 with a factory rear step bumper but not other MYs to my knowledge and definitely not in 72. I suspect the frame you mention has been modified - pics would help to confirm this.

[Jeff1971]

I'll try to get more pictures of the frame at the rear. I did check for any signs of modifications and couldn't see any. The frame rails appear unmodified.

The bumper is bolted directly to the end of the longer frame rail with two side supports outboard of the frame. Looks stock.

I'm so surprised how loose GM's system was back then. They really had what looks like a weak accounting of what was going out the door.



Jeff

[Jeff1971]

Rear of the frame. Best picture for now.



Jeff

[cleszkie]

Don't think that is a factory bumper. Looks like an aftermarket unit to me.

[DeadheadNM]

It's close to an OEM step bumper for a pickup. Here are some borrowed (from uncle) pics of what's likely an OEM step bumper.

[litebulblsc]

Looks like a 72 frame with a different bumper attached

[Jeff1971]

Better picture of the underside of the bumper.



Jeff

[litebulblsc]

Again, standard 72 Blazer frame with different bumper added. Looks like they used a factory hole for the rear bolt and drilled a hole for the front bolt. The hole at the very end is suppose to be at the rear plane, or bent 90 degrees from the side of the frame. The sport bumper would bolt right up to it.

[Jeff1971]

Originally Posted by litebulblsc

Again, standard 72 Blazer frame with different bumper added. Looks like they used a factory hole for the rear bolt and drilled a hole for the front bolt. The hole at the very end is suppose to be at the rear plane, or bent 90 degrees from the side of the frame. The sport bumper would bolt right up to it.

Thanks for the confirmation.

Jeff

[simicrintz]

It's "funny" the things we did to these rigs "back in the day", thinking they were plentiful and would never be of any value stock (I can't tell you how many Datsun trucks I ruined putting in sunroofs!). Never would think twice about ditching a stock bumper and drilling/fabbing on something "cooler". Fast forward to today and we get stuff like this where we scratch our head and wonder WTH was someone thinking back then?

[simicrintz]

And yes I am admitting that I had a lot of Datsun trucks! Would love to have another single cab, standard bed and another King Cab again