71 AZ Rust Free CST Blazer Frame Off

[JackB]

Something of a milestone today. It was a little over a year ago that I drove the Blazer into the garage. Today it moved out of the garage under its own power. It grew a couple of inches and turned blue. Working on aligning the doors before I put the front clip on.

[JackB]

Racking up the miles 1/10 already. Drove the Blazer on the trailer today and took it to the AC shop and got it charged up. Ended up going with R12 as it seems that was working best for most . Of course the AC effectiveness is somewhat limited by the lack of a windshield. One note on the AC, the reman A6 compressor came with the electrical connection at about the 2 O'clock position whereas the originals are more like 11 O'clock. I was able to make it work there but later discovered that it can be reclocked. At some point it will probably bug me enough that I'll get it fixed but it involves removing the compressor so it wont be anytime soon. Just a few more small items and the engine compartment will be finished and then I'm going to see about aligning the doors and getting the fenders and hood on. And remember how I said I didnt have any brake line leaks? Well I did, I just couldnt see it until it leaked enough to drip on the ground. Its a union on the inside of the frame rail thats leaking so add that to the list of things to sort out.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by JackB

Today it moved out of the garage under its own power. It grew a couple of inches and turned blue.

Lol! Congrats. Major milestone - looks like you'll be cruising here very soon.

You noticed the difference in clockface for the compressor harness connection also? My reman compressor that we repositioned the connection on blew a seal during charge and had to be removed and replaced. I have an original A6 compressor that I will send out for a rebuild.

Try shims to get the door aligned. Who knows maybe the new mounts differ enough from OEM that the alignment is slightly off.

[lks dcvn]

I have to say that this things looks incredible and just over a year to do this type of transformation is awesome!

[JackB]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Lol! Congrats. Major milestone - looks like you'll be cruising here very soon.

Originally Posted by lks dcvn

I have to say that this things looks incredible and just over a year to do this type of transformation is awesome!

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I hope its together soon but as I'm sure you guys know the little details just take forever. Seems like everything has to go together at least twice before it stays for good. It cracks me up when I watch the car shows on TV where they always seem to have a deadline and they work all night to finish the build just in time for some event. Sorry I aint buying it. lol

[JackB]

Another 2 steps forward and 1 back day. Got the front fenders on but decided to take off the top and have it repainted. The top is not original to this Blazer and had been repainted at some point.I thought it was good to go but after getting it mounted and looking at it for a few days I noticed enough little things that needed to be touched up that I decided just to bite the bullet and have the whole thing repainted.

[DeadheadNM]

You'll be glad you redid the top. Good decision.

[JackB]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

You'll be glad you redid the top. Good decision.

I'm sure I will. I picked up some of the Napa stoneguard as there is one area that would benefit from some texture touch up. From what I've read it appears the correct color is GM 521 White. Cant seem to get a handle on the correct sheen. Is it satin, semi gloss or somewhere in between?

[JackB]

Some progress to report. Front fenders and grill are on and the interior is mostly installed.

[IronCanine]

This is just a very solid build.

[JackB]

Really close now. I changed my mind several times about the wheels and tires I wanted. In the end I went with the ralley wheels with 33 x 10.5 tires. Im happy with it. Too bad the blue will have to come off the lettering, it kinda goes with the truck.

[JackB]

Pretty much wrapped up under the hood. I confirmed what I already knew from my Camaro days that repop tower clamps suck. I'm getting better though I've learned that if you lube them up good and run them in once outside the car the failure rate is much lower. Only lost a couple this time around. Next up alignment and exhaust.

[DeadheadNM]

That all looks OUTSTANDING! The tower clamps can be a real pita. Don't forget the hose clamp on the hot water bypass valve...

[1972CST]

Awesome build! Mine will resemble yours very closely.
I would like to get the details on your seat covers if I could- brand, where you got them, quality,...?

[JackB]

Originally Posted by 1972CST

Awesome build! Mine will resemble yours very closely.
I would like to get the details on your seat covers if I could- brand, where you got them, quality,...?

About the seats..Good news and bad. Quality is great, the vendor (Truck World) not so much. My purchase went OK with them (long wait time but that didnt matter to me as I was many months from needing them when I ordered). Read this http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=740358

[1972CST]

Thanks for the seat info, have some decisions to make now.

[jaros44sr]

Very nice build!!!

[DBear]

very nice rig....curious to what lift and size you are running. thanks in advance

[JackB]

Originally Posted by DBear

very nice rig....curious to what lift and size you are running. thanks in advance

The lift is 2 inch Tuff Country EZ ride (12612K). Tires are 33 x 10.5

[DBear]

Originally Posted by JackB

The lift is 2 inch Tuff Country EZ ride (12612K). Tires are 33 x 10.5

Awesome, I thought it was a 4"....I like the ride height....thinking of going to 2" from my 4" lift. I hear skyjacker add-a-leafs will give these k5's about 2". Do you have a measurement from ground to top of fenderwell? Thanks again for the info

[f.flujan]

hey nice truck neighbor. I'm in menifee as well working on a 68 c10. Who painted the blazer? gotta have a beer one day and talk trucks

[JackB]

Hey guys its been a few years but Im back. Ive put a whopping 290 miles on the Blazer since I finished it. Ive decided its time to let it go and Im putting it in the Mecum auction Mar 31 in Glendale AZ. Heres the link if you know anyone who might be interested in bidding. https://www.mecum.com/lots/AZ0323-55...vrolet-blazer/

[yote1234]

Beautifull blazer !!!

[1970cstblazer]

Someone will be a happy camper owning that one!

[LT7A]

I guess it's long gone by now. I hope it went well for you Jack. I'd have a hard time letting go of one like that. Too bad we never got to see it out and about, but 290 miles isn't much out-and-about-ness ; ) It was really cool to see the work you did on this one. Have you got another project you're working on now?