1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build

[72truckman]

Neglected the Blazer since summer, finally had some time for much needed maintenance and upgrades!!

New Soft Topper:



Working on rear side panels (one side housing a 12" subwoofer, the being lockable storage):







More to come!

[jstplyn331]

Gotta say I have been watching your thread for a while and it is very impressive. I love seeing people go outside the box and make it happen.

Nice Build. Hope mine comes out as nice.

[Classic383]

WOW, Great Build man!

[ner0]

Hey man where did you get yuor soft topper?

[mcbassin]

It just keeps getting better!

[72truckman]

Thanks everyone! The soft top is from Softopper out of Boulder, CO.

This is from a surprise party in late April for one of my good Marine buddies homecoming from Afghanistan- complete with new hidden flag mounts behind the rear bumper and soft top sides rolled up for keg access...

[fxdxharley]

Great build. What are you getting for mpg on the E85? also what did you use for a gas filler door? i like the small size of it, blends in nice.

[72truckman]

Originally Posted by fxdxharley

Great build. What are you getting for mpg on the E85? also what did you use for a gas filler door? i like the small size of it, blends in nice.

Well I've actually never run E85, I haven't found it anywhere locally. Im getting around 14, and thats not trying to get good mileage. If i was light with my right, i think i could get 16-17.

Gas door: http://www.haganauto.com/product_p/45rq.htm

[fxdxharley]

haha, i hear ha. my foot is heavy too. im getting around 14 with my 6.0L extra cab.

[71blazervt]

what size lift and tires are on her?

[DustinU]

Great job, looks amazing 72truckman!

[72truckman]

Originally Posted by 71blazervt

what size lift and tires are on her?

4" front, 6" rear with 1 leaf removed from the spring pack, 1" ORD aluminum bodylift... 35" tires!

Originally Posted by DustinU

Great job, looks amazing 72truckman!

Thanks!!

[71blazervt]

I just bought 35" tires on 15" rims that are 12.5 wide and 6 1/4" out from brake disc for mine. Mine has a 4" suspention lift all around (blocks in the back). Do yours fit with room to spare? Do you think mine will be alright?
By the way, your truck looks awsome. A lot more money than I had to put into mine.

[hilljob26]

any chance you have a detailed spec sheet of EVERYTHING you did...lol...this is definetly my inspriration

[72truckman]

Originally Posted by hilljob26

any chance you have a detailed spec sheet of EVERYTHING you did...lol...this is definetly my inspriration

Actually yes, here is my insurance write up. Hope this helps!:

Restoration of 1972 Chevrolet Blazer CKE182F18XXXX

I have done a nut and bolt, frame off modified restoration of this 1972 Blazer. Almost every part, other than the frame, floor, quarter panels and roof has been replaced. No expense was spared.

The frame was completely stripped and powder coated, along with every other part in the suspension and underbody. The entire underside of the vehicle was undercoated with top quality products.

Every brake line, brake system part, fuel line and parking brake cables were replaced. A 4” Soft Ride Skyjacker full suspension lift (no rear lift blocks) was installed, along with polyurethane mounts wherever there was rubber from the factory. Both axles were rebuilt. All shocks were replaced with Rancho 9000’s.
A custom built aluminum radiator with dual electric fans cool the 2006 Chevy Silverado 5.3 Vortec engine, which required a complete redesign of the fuel system using a 1981 Blazer tank with an aftermarket in tank pump and a corvette fuel regulator. The engine is coupled to a rare 1992 Chevy Silverado NV4500 transmission with a 6.34 1st gear with the stock, but rebuilt, NP205 transfer case. We also upgraded to a full hydraulic clutch system. A Magna flow true dual exhaust with H-pipe sends the fumes straight out the rear through 4” stainless tips.

For bodywork and rust repair: floorboards, partial quarter panels, inner and outer rocker panels, tail light housings, inner fenders, doors, fenders and hood were all replaced. The fender wells were re-radiused to accommodate the new tires. The firewall was completely shaven and smoothed, along with the interior dashboard. All was coated in top quality paint products.
There is ZERO rust left on this vehicle.

We replaced the entire chassis wiring harness with a Classic Update kit (makes use of new blade style OEM fuses). The original Gauge cluster was rebuilt and fully functional. For stereo, we have installed a Sony head unit with kicker speakers all around.

The driver and passenger bucket seats are fully powered and heated, out of a 2006 Chevy Silverado. The rear removable bench seat is from a 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

A brand new PPG windshield was installed with rare stainless steel trim in perfect condition.

It is rolling on 35” Pro Comp Xtreme AT tires around 17” KMC XD Addict wheels. We have vehicle specific locking lug nuts for the wheel/ tire combo.

Additionally, the vehicle has many hidden security features such as power cut off and full alarm system.

[hilljob26]

that is so sweet,,that will help me out a bunch..just to give me an idea

[jonesky2]

still liking/driving the blazer?

[72truckman]

Originally Posted by jonesky2

still liking/driving the blazer?

Love it. I drive it every day. It's so different than any other vehicle experience out there. It's violent & obnoxiously fast for a '72 thats lifted. I'm avoiding putting in a roll cage because that would 'force' me to put the new 6.2 liter in it. Which would then blow the axles which would justify an 8 lug swap. With the ORD front coil over/ crossover steering conversion. And lockers. And bumpers with winches. And a custom interior/sound system. Wait forget all that i'm ruining the surprises to come.

[Alberto]

Nice truck bro I'm doing the same conversion on my 79 k5 2008 5.3 nv4500 what flywheel and clutch parts did you use?

[hilljob26]

has that soft top seen any weather yet,,just wondering if it seals pretty good or if it leaks in some rain..i really like it,

[72truckman]

Originally Posted by hilljob26

has that soft top seen any weather yet,,just wondering if it seals pretty good or if it leaks in some rain..i really like it,

I've driven it in rain and sleet... Fairly waterproof. IF i took the time i could make it almost completely waterproof. I think simply laying a piece of weather-stripping across the top of the window would help a bunch. Also included in the kit from Softopper is some rubber cement-ish seam sealer which was needed on a few of the sewn seams.

[hilljob26]

sweet,,whatever happened with the bestop that you got

[ckato4477]

I missed where you redid the wheel arches to fit the tires. I read that you did them but no pictures of it.
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[IwantaK5]

Hello, Awesome blazer! I'm sorry if you have answered this question already, i didn't see it on your thread but, What adapter did you use to mate the nv4500 to the np205? I know advanced adapters makes one but it is pricey. Just wondering if you did it another way.

[MrGraySay]

That is an amazing build, well done!!! I am looking at Blazers and Jimmy's, but am 6'5" & am wondering if the seats you installed provide extra leg room?