Tub bracing question

[99-LS1-SS]

I'm slowly amassing enough parts to start cutting my Blazer tub up and replacing parts and panels on it. I have a few questions though.

I still have the top on so that isn't an issue. I have taken the doors off though.

1. Should I mount the doors before bracing?

2. Should I brace the door opening at the top and bottom since I'm going to cut the rockers and some of the floor pan out?

3. Should I replace the body mount bushings before bracing?

4. I also have all of the front body panels and radiator support removed. I don't think that will affect the doors shutting but I thought I should ask first. Will affect the door alignment?

5. I have a new tailgate that I'm going to put on the truck. Should I put the new tailgate on before I brace it or does it matter?

I apologize if these are dumb questions but this is my first time doing a "restore" on this scale.

Thanks.

[99-LS1-SS]

Maybe the after work crowd will chime in.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by 99-LS1-SS

I'm slowly amassing enough parts to start cutting my Blazer tub up and replacing parts and panels on it. I have a few questions though.

I still have the top on so that isn't an issue. I have taken the doors off though.

1. Should I mount the doors before bracing?

yes

2. Should I brace the door opening at the top and bottom since I'm going to cut the rockers and some of the floor pan out?

do one side at a time, top should be enough, but, do it in a way so you can mount and dismount door to check alignment. Tack it first, after it fits final weld

3. Should I replace the body mount bushings before bracing?

yes, do this first

4. I also have all of the front body panels and radiator support removed. I don't think that will affect the doors shutting but I thought I should ask first. Will affect the door alignment?

yes, the back of the fenders are a critical gap to the door

5. I have a new tailgate that I'm going to put on the truck. Should I put the new tailgate on before I brace it or does it matter?

are you working on the bedfloor?

I apologize if these are dumb questions but this is my first time doing a "restore" on this scale.

there are no dumb questions on this forum, we are here to help ya

Thanks.

hope this helps, if not ask more

[99-LS1-SS]

My bed floor is in good shape. Based on your question, I'm assuming the tailgate isn't necessary.

I will have to put the radiator support back on once I get the body mounts and re-mount the fenders. I'm glad I asked because I didn't think they would have an effect.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by 99-LS1-SS

My bed floor is in good shape. Based on your question, I'm assuming the tailgate isn't necessary.


I will have to put the radiator support back on once I get the body mounts and re-mount the fenders. I'm glad I asked because I didn't think they would have an effect.

correct

everything has an effect, if you put an elephant in your passenger seat the door gaps are going to change...