Little Body Work on the Blazer/Tub - Page 3 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71jimmy · 07-04-2005, 07:01 PM

Look good!

vtblazer · 07-04-2005, 09:20 PM

I unexpectedly got more time today to play with the blazer. (4th)
In the a.m. my wife agreed to help put the hard top on.

It's missing the side glass and has no hatch so it's alot lighter than one that's complete.

Flopped the firewall into place and put on the top.
Almost looks like it'll work.

Some strategic cutting/grinding and it should drop into place.

I'm getting pretty excited to see it truely whole. This is to

71RestoRod · 07-05-2005, 07:51 PM

Very cool, VT. You're awfully brave to execute that windshield splice. Looks good! How did you measure to make sure the windshield would fit well? I'd have been tempted to tack it in place with the windshield and gasket installed. Curious!

vtblazer · 07-06-2005, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71RestoRod

Very cool, VT. You're awfully brave to execute that windshield splice.How did you measure to make sure the windshield would fit well?

Not brave, it's what "had" to be done to save the blazer, no choice in the matter.
I had my 70 swb truck with the windshield already out to measure against so it wasn't all that bad.
Just used a tape believe it or not.

Must of measured at least 1K times though.

I'm at the point of final fit now. Got the floor seams all lined up, tops bolted in place and will put the doors on next trip up there.

orangeuavol · 07-09-2005, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

...Just used a tape believe it or not.

Must of measured at least 1K times though.

...

I think I measured once and cut at least 1000 times

vtblazer · 07-10-2005, 01:00 PM

Got the passengers side front lower pillar tacked where it needs to be.

Couple pics of how well the floor seams came together too. (at least one is working for me)

When I separated both parts (tub/cab) I saved as much good metal as possible, the sections that have big gaps are the places where rust was living.
To be filled in/repaired at a later date when it's all lined up and done.

Hung the pass side door but it won't line up for crap.

When I line up the lower body line where it needs to be, the top of the wing window is smashed against the top of the windshield frame.
Anybody have some good tips?

In my own defence, I did go measure a cab every which way possible and then crossed it over to the blazer tub before getting out the welder.
To my amazement, everything was right on the money...every measurement was the same as the truck cab.

So in the beginning I figured, 'heck this will be quick and easy'...NOT

Still trying to get it to fit correctly.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 07-10-2005, 02:04 PM

It is hard to tell by the pictures but it looks to me like the whole firewall needs to be tipped forward. It looks like the top needs to come forward to me also. If thats true, that would fix the alighnment problems. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

71jimmy · 07-10-2005, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WES

It is hard to tell by the pictures but it looks to me like the whole firewall needs to be tipped forward. It looks like the top needs to come forward to me also. If thats true, that would fix the alighnment problems. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

I was thinking the same thing. But, assuming, that the top is bolted to the sides and the top of the windshield frame then it should be sitting correct. With the assumed bolts in the top, can you "adjust" the top to to slide it forward any? Even a millimeter or two may give you the adjustment you need for the door. Another thought I had, maybe now you need to readjust any spacers in the body mounts.

Awesome work VT!!!!!

vtblazer · 07-10-2005, 03:38 PM

Thanks for the input and yes your correct.

If everything was tipped forward it would go along way to taking care of the alignment issues with the door, although then the top wouldn't reach the frame.

I did unbolt the top and try to shove it forward but it hit the back of the door. Can't go any further.

The biggest problem/issue/confusion...

is, as it sits right now, it has EXACTLY the same demensions as a truck cab door opening. I even checked my green blazer against it...yep, all three are the same!
Not a 1/16th different here or there but right on the money. That's the whacky thing.
I even measured point to point on an X and even that agrees.

vtblazer · 07-10-2005, 06:30 PM

Went back to the shop cause this was buggin' me.

Decided to hang the other door and see if the issue's were the same on both sides and it turned out they were.

So that got me thinking "body mounts" or lack of anyway. (tubs just sitting on the frame)(cept for the small wood shim I had put in) DOHH!

Turns out once I removed the block of wood under the rear door pillar body mount and moved it up to the mount under the firewall...thing's magically changed.

Didn't have time to line everything up but the gaps now look alot better.

LUV2XCLR8 · 07-10-2005, 08:43 PM

I wish you would make another trip down here to help me fix all my gaps
and issues with my body panels and doors, it's been driving me freak'n

**Yukon Jack** · 07-11-2005, 02:17 PM

Well, that is a good deal that the gaps are looking better - what a project!

*FormerMember* · 07-16-2005, 01:15 PM

So, when you coming to help me with mine? :p

I just posted some pics and information.

vtblazer · 07-17-2005, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grendel

So, when you coming to help me with mine?

I guess when I help you bring the big block truck to your place.

*FormerMember* · 07-17-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

I guess when I help you bring the big block truck to your place.

Touche!

How much time do you have? I found a boatload of bondo on my windshield frame.

vtblazer · 07-17-2005, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grendel

How much time do you have? I found a boatload of bondo on my windshield frame.

I just happen to have parts/pieces of one that's solid, I'm sure we can save it.

DEFIANT NCC-74205 · 04-24-2006, 01:58 PM

Any recent pics on that project? Looks great so far!!

pound41 · 04-24-2006, 04:03 PM

Body mounts would be my thought on your door problems. I have a lot of the floor pan rockers etc. Cut out of mine. My doors close fine but I had windshield frame sag eventhough I had braced prior to cutting. I shimmed the old body mounts eventhough I know when I put the new mounts in it will change again. But it helped me with my alignment Seems like you got a pretty good handle on it

LUV2XCLR8 · 04-24-2006, 04:13 PM

Looking good Kurt

Trifelynn · 04-24-2006, 06:38 PM

So, you decided to keep it huh? My loss...

Wish things would have worked out...although, the blazer I had got sold anyways (double

)

Wish I one again! Will shortly...hopefully...shoot, I wish you still had those two trucks that you were selling!

vtblazer · 04-24-2006, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEFIANT NCC-74205

Any recent pics on that project? Looks great so far!!

No, nothing new.

Had to get it out of the shop for the winter, it's still sitting outside under cover.

The only thing I did prior to the cover up was to prime the bare metal areas to protect against rust.

There's currently way to many iron's in the fire and this one doesn't really need to be done for 5/6 years anyway.
It's for my daughter when she's 16 and right now she's only 10.

DEFIANT NCC-74205 · 04-25-2006, 04:50 PM

Know the feeling. Too many projects. Doing the same job on my K-5. Started jacking the body around when I saw things not lining up and found that it makes a big diference. I got a new body kit I had found in a truck in the yard. (abandoned project). I am gonna stop everything and put the new mounts in before trying to line anything up. Also getting the frame checked at a frame shop is a good idea if you got the bucks. We do frame off restos at my shop and even if the vehicle has not been hit it is a good idea. (we learned this the hard way).
Right now i'm trying to get a header in any condition as long as it's straight. I can have fresh metal fabricated and welded. Mine was rusted and rolled, so there isn't enough there to work with. Also do you know if the pickup pillars are the same length as the Blazer ones? The Blazer ones appear to be taller than the pickup ones to accomodate the roof fit. Something you might want to take note of when you resume your project. Thanks for your time, Jon.

Tynee · 04-25-2006, 06:11 PM

Holy time-warp.

vtblazer · 04-25-2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEFIANT NCC-74205

Also do you know if the pickup pillars are the same length as the Blazer ones? The Blazer ones appear to be taller than the pickup ones to accomodate the roof fit. Something you might want to take note of when you resume your project.

According to the crash book, trucks and blazers share the same windshield.
Going by that alone would make me say 'yes' they are.

I went around my junk and measured everything I could, both blazer and truck windshield frames and thay all measured the same for me.

Thanks for the input, noted.

*72CSTC5* · 04-26-2006, 01:04 AM

Hey VT you would be surprised how quickly that 5-6 years will creep up on you. Better get going on that project. Glad to hear the mounts worked out for you. If I were you, I would bolt down the entire tub tight, just like it would be when finished and then brace everything again before you start welding. Maybe a port-o-power to brace the windshield frame from the floor to the frame would work. I did the same thing but on the rear of my 66 fastback Mustang. The top also sagging without the windows in there could lead to a potential problem. Just having mine off of the frame so much changes because the sag so much. Good luck with this one.

07-04-2005, 07:01 PM	#51
71jimmy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,083	Look good! __________________ '71 Jimmy, 350, SM465, NP205, 2in Tuff Country lift, 33s on rallies, TBI, softtop and hardtop "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all."

07-04-2005, 09:20 PM	#52
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Good Day I unexpectedly got more time today to play with the blazer. (4th) In the a.m. my wife agreed to help put the hard top on. It's missing the side glass and has no hatch so it's alot lighter than one that's complete. Flopped the firewall into place and put on the top. Almost looks like it'll work. Some strategic cutting/grinding and it should drop into place. I'm getting pretty excited to see it truely whole. This is to Attached Images Last edited by vtblazer; 10-16-2006 at 07:42 AM.

07-05-2005, 07:51 PM	#53
71RestoRod Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Evergreen, CO Posts: 492	Very cool, VT. You're awfully brave to execute that windshield splice. Looks good! How did you measure to make sure the windshield would fit well? I'd have been tempted to tack it in place with the windshield and gasket installed. Curious! __________________ 71 Blazer / GMPP ZZ383 / MPFI / 700R4 / 4-Wheel Disk / Ground-up frame off almost completed resto-mod

07-10-2005, 01:00 PM	#56
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Installed door - Sorta Got the passengers side front lower pillar tacked where it needs to be. Couple pics of how well the floor seams came together too. (at least one is working for me) When I separated both parts (tub/cab) I saved as much good metal as possible, the sections that have big gaps are the places where rust was living. To be filled in/repaired at a later date when it's all lined up and done. Hung the pass side door but it won't line up for crap. When I line up the lower body line where it needs to be, the top of the wing window is smashed against the top of the windshield frame. Anybody have some good tips? In my own defence, I did go measure a cab every which way possible and then crossed it over to the blazer tub before getting out the welder. To my amazement, everything was right on the money...every measurement was the same as the truck cab. So in the beginning I figured, 'heck this will be quick and easy'...NOT Still trying to get it to fit correctly. Attached Images

07-10-2005, 02:04 PM	#57
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	It is hard to tell by the pictures but it looks to me like the whole firewall needs to be tipped forward. It looks like the top needs to come forward to me also. If thats true, that would fix the alighnment problems. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

07-10-2005, 03:38 PM	#59
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Thanks for the input and yes your correct. If everything was tipped forward it would go along way to taking care of the alignment issues with the door, although then the top wouldn't reach the frame. I did unbolt the top and try to shove it forward but it hit the back of the door. Can't go any further. The biggest problem/issue/confusion... is, as it sits right now, it has EXACTLY the same demensions as a truck cab door opening. I even checked my green blazer against it...yep, all three are the same! Not a 1/16th different here or there but right on the money. That's the whacky thing. I even measured point to point on an X and even that agrees. Last edited by vtblazer; 10-16-2006 at 07:45 AM.

07-10-2005, 06:30 PM	#60
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Update Went back to the shop cause this was buggin' me. Decided to hang the other door and see if the issue's were the same on both sides and it turned out they were. So that got me thinking "body mounts" or lack of anyway. (tubs just sitting on the frame)(cept for the small wood shim I had put in) DOHH! Turns out once I removed the block of wood under the rear door pillar body mount and moved it up to the mount under the firewall...thing's magically changed. Didn't have time to line everything up but the gaps now look alot better.

07-10-2005, 08:43 PM	#61
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,474	I wish you would make another trip down here to help me fix all my gaps and issues with my body panels and doors, it's been driving me freak'n __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

07-11-2005, 02:17 PM	#62
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,689	Well, that is a good deal that the gaps are looking better - what a project! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

07-16-2005, 01:15 PM	#63
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	So, when you coming to help me with mine? :p I just posted some pics and information. Last edited by FormerMember; 07-16-2005 at 02:53 PM.

04-24-2006, 01:58 PM	#67
DEFIANT NCC-74205 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: POCONO MTS PA Posts: 64	Re: Little Body Work on the Blazer/Tub Any recent pics on that project? Looks great so far!!

04-24-2006, 04:03 PM	#68
pound41 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,268	Re: Little Body Work on the Blazer/Tub Body mounts would be my thought on your door problems. I have a lot of the floor pan rockers etc. Cut out of mine. My doors close fine but I had windshield frame sag eventhough I had braced prior to cutting. I shimmed the old body mounts eventhough I know when I put the new mounts in it will change again. But it helped me with my alignment Seems like you got a pretty good handle on it

04-24-2006, 04:13 PM	#69
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,474	Re: Little Body Work on the Blazer/Tub Looking good Kurt __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

04-24-2006, 06:38 PM	#70
Trifelynn Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Williston, North Dakota Posts: 469	Re: Little Body Work on the Blazer/Tub So, you decided to keep it huh? My loss... Wish things would have worked out...although, the blazer I had got sold anyways (double ) Wish I one again! Will shortly...hopefully...shoot, I wish you still had those two trucks that you were selling! __________________ Always looking for a 2wd blazer

04-25-2006, 04:50 PM	#72
DEFIANT NCC-74205 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: POCONO MTS PA Posts: 64	Re: Little Body Work on the Blazer/Tub Know the feeling. Too many projects. Doing the same job on my K-5. Started jacking the body around when I saw things not lining up and found that it makes a big diference. I got a new body kit I had found in a truck in the yard. (abandoned project). I am gonna stop everything and put the new mounts in before trying to line anything up. Also getting the frame checked at a frame shop is a good idea if you got the bucks. We do frame off restos at my shop and even if the vehicle has not been hit it is a good idea. (we learned this the hard way). Right now i'm trying to get a header in any condition as long as it's straight. I can have fresh metal fabricated and welded. Mine was rusted and rolled, so there isn't enough there to work with. Also do you know if the pickup pillars are the same length as the Blazer ones? The Blazer ones appear to be taller than the pickup ones to accomodate the roof fit. Something you might want to take note of when you resume your project. Thanks for your time, Jon.



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04-25-2006, 06:11 PM	#73
Tynee I miss this truck. Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Lexington, KY U.S.A. Posts: 2,863	Re: Little Body Work on the Blazer/Tub Holy time-warp. __________________ '07 GMC Acadia SLT. Sweet ride. '08 Crew Cab Z-71 short bed. Really like this truck A LOT. Last edited by Tynee; 04-26-2006 at 08:02 AM.

04-26-2006, 01:04 AM	#75
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	Re: Little Body Work on the Blazer/Tub Hey VT you would be surprised how quickly that 5-6 years will creep up on you. Better get going on that project. Glad to hear the mounts worked out for you. If I were you, I would bolt down the entire tub tight, just like it would be when finished and then brace everything again before you start welding. Maybe a port-o-power to brace the windshield frame from the floor to the frame would work. I did the same thing but on the rear of my 66 fastback Mustang. The top also sagging without the windows in there could lead to a potential problem. Just having mine off of the frame so much changes because the sag so much. Good luck with this one.

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