70 Blazer Frame Off

[JJH Jimmy]

Real nice! I love the color!

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by JJH Jimmy

Real nice! I love the color!

Thanks...it's what all the cool kids are doing

[IronCanine]

OK...so as you know the inner "factory appearance" 1970 reproduction inner grille that is available is not factory correct. It is a hodge podge that is sold to replace both 69 and 70 inner grilles, both very different grilles. You all know that the inner grille for the 69 is egg crate and all silver, while the 70 is often described as having "Seven black vertical stripes". In actuality the 70 grille is a black "egg crate" with six columns of raised horizontal ribs that are painted silver...I'm assuming the silver is screened on at the factory. (I've seen one that looked like it had little silver runs at one end where the excess dripped a little...more experienced members chime in). Pending my internet connection tonight I'm going to post a few pics on how I painted my inner grille...since I haven't seen a whole lot on here about the 70 version...maybe I missed it.

[IronCanine]

Between the raised columns there obviously ends up being a black notch (which are the "seven black vertical stripes"). The reproduction inner grille has all of these except the ones that separate the outermost vertical columns and their immediate inner neighbors.

First pic is a factory notch.
Second pic is a reproduction notch.
Third pic compares the area where the repro piece lacks a notch.

[DeadheadNM]

As an aside, aren't the headlight bezels originally black for 1970?

[IronCanine]

My original inner grille was obviously trashed (multiple breaks). NOS grilles are hard to come by, are very expensive, and can still have issues of their own. While you all aware of my repro fitment issues...the grille CPP makes is the only "factory" option we have right now and still makes sense for me. Since the inner "crate" is already silver, I elected to mask that and respray everything black. I initially started masking with pin striping tape, thinking that would be quick and sized appropriately...but it was actually a pain and took much longer than regular masking/trimming. What's more, after more time than I'd care to admit masking the lower section...this is what it looked like when I returned to it in the morning.

[IronCanine]

So with just some 3M tape and a few razor blades, I masked everything I wanted to stay silver.

[IronCanine]

Since almost all the notches are on the reproduction piece, the masking is pretty straight forward. The notch that you have to measure to cut is between columns that are different widths. All the columns except for the outermost columns are 7 inches wide. The outermost columns are 7-1/8 inches wide.

[IronCanine]

Then it was just a little satin black plastic/trim paint. Hopefully I'll have a pic of it on the truck soon. She's buffing out very nicely. Hopefully some assembly next week.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

As an aside, aren't the headlight bezels originally black for 1970?

Yep. They're raccoons.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Awesome work, Brad! Masking is definitely a PITA.. I remember it took me almost 3 hours to mask my engine to touch up parts that didn't get good coverage from the company that built the motor. Can't wait to see if all put together.

Side note - The first Blazer I owned was a 70.. This was before cell phones had cameras but, I might be able to dig up some pictures of the inner grille if it's any help. Looks like you have it figured out, though.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

Awesome work, Brad! Masking is definitely a PITA.. I remember it took me almost 3 hours to mask my engine to touch up parts that didn't get good coverage from the company that built the motor. Can't wait to see if all put together.

Side note - The first Blazer I owned was a 70.. This was before cell phones had cameras but, I might be able to dig up some pictures of the inner grille if it's any help. Looks like you have it figured out, though.

Thanks Mike. I can't wait either. Hopefully a big week of assembly ahead. Post whatever you've got of that Blazer, especially if it was an original truck. The site always needs more reference pics. You're making great progress too. Hope the header situation works out easily.

[IronCanine]

A few quick pics. Didn't get to spend as much time putting shiny stuff on this afternoon as I would have liked. Heading out of town tomorrow. Hopefully some real exciting progress pics this weekend.

[IronCanine]

Few more.

[IronCanine]

Just for fun....

[TBONE1964]

Wow, it is really looking good Brad. That color with black interior is just amazing.

Keep up the great work there.

Take care,
Tom

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

Wow, it is really looking good Brad. That color with black interior is just amazing.

Keep up the great work there.

Take care,
Tom

Thanks Tom...I like it too. Gonna leave the fender wells bare, just like they would've come from the factory.

[Advanced Design]

Looks spectacular! Where did the rear side trim come from?

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Looks spectacular! Where did the rear side trim come from?

Thanks. TruckWorld via member Truckseats (Tim).

[IronCanine]

Almost time to change the avatar.

[IronCanine]

Couple more.

[swyfor5]

Wow, really nice!

[TBONE1964]

If I did not like Blazers, this one would change my mind. Absolutely beautiful work.

Keep it up Brad, you will be putting miles on it soon,

Take care,
Tom

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

Just for fun....

Looks great, Brad. I just ordered a set from Tim.. Good to see they fit really.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by swyfor5

Wow, really nice!

Thanks.

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

If I did not like Blazers, this one would change my mind. Absolutely beautiful work.

Keep it up Brad, you will be putting miles on it soon,

Take care,
Tom

Thanks Tom...It's funny how the progress can really seem downhill at the end. Even if it's just perception, I like the feeling.

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

Looks great, Brad. I just ordered a set from Tim.. Good to see they fit really.

Thanks Mike....we haven't put in our panel bracketry yet, but the side panels look nice just holding them up there. I hope you have a quick turn around on yours.