1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72truckman · 05-13-2008, 01:13 AM

Bought on my 14th b-day... Our original plan of making it a cool driver- has changed to a fully modernized powertrain which will eventually be my daily driver

The first day home

Starting the teardown

Original 350

72truckman · 05-13-2008, 01:16 AM

Stripping the paint (found some unfortunate things under some thick bondo

)

72truckman · 05-13-2008, 01:21 AM

Began the rust repair- needed inner and outer rockers, floorboards, kick panels, and some pillar patching.....

72truckman · 05-13-2008, 01:31 AM

More rockers

Once the drivetrain was out and sold, and all of the rust repair was finished, it was time to take the body off... I threw around some ideas about how i can do this in a 2 car garage space.... so i built this.

Then started goin at the frame...

72truckman · 05-13-2008, 01:42 AM

Preppin for powdercoat...used my front axle as a dolly to get it on the trailer...

Back From Powdercoat-more pics coming

Got my 2006 5.3 and 1992 NV4500 5spd- Had great luck on ebay! -more pics soon

Critter · 05-13-2008, 01:58 AM

Awesome project! Lots of great pictures! Keep us updated!

bouncytruck · 05-13-2008, 02:03 AM

Wow, great pics!

LUV2XCLR8 · 05-13-2008, 02:22 AM

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet, and I luv the homemade lift rack thingy

BLUE THUNDER · 05-13-2008, 02:23 AM

Keep us posted how you get all the drivetrain to match up. I've been kicking that same idea around myself. sweet build, Mario

Long Roof · 05-13-2008, 03:30 AM

Father, Son projects. I love them. Keep us posted as you go further.

vtblazer · 05-13-2008, 01:33 PM

Great work, we're hooked already so keep em coming!

Looking at the first pic date, all this in two years?

Body lift is way cool, must be heavy.
What are you going to do with it now?

Chevyman63 · 05-13-2008, 02:15 PM

Way to get after it!

Nice work! What's your target date to have her on the road?

sandking · 05-13-2008, 03:28 PM

Looks great. I like the lifts you made, wanna rent them out?

**Yukon Jack** · 05-13-2008, 05:22 PM

Great project - very cool that you and your father are tackling this together!

72truckman · 05-14-2008, 01:22 AM

We bought the Blazer in March of '06 but really actually started working on it when football ended in late December... The body rack works great, it separates into 3 different pieces so it easily fits in a 6 foot bed, and can easily be adapted to use on any car.. I built this one so that i can use it on my Dad's 1955 Bel Air 2 door hard top when we are done with the blazer... This lift makes it a piece of cake to scrape undercoating off and do the work on the undercarriage, even putting the body on a rotisserie...I've had a few people interested in buying/ renting it, but i would want to build another one to keep this around for my projects... PM me if you are really interested in buying/renting one....

72truckman · 05-15-2008, 04:17 AM

Pics of the powdercoated frame (after a couple good rainstorms while sitting in the driveway

)

Burt4x4 · 05-15-2008, 07:46 PM

Cool Project!
Get that thing done by July and drive it to Blazer Fest in Hollister!
Duno if you know about us but we are Nor Cal Off Road and every summer we have a 3 day camping & wheeling party at Hollister Hills. On Saturday night we have a big raffel and give away some pretty cool stuff. One year I won a soft top for my 72K5, that was a good year for me

Anyway keep up the good work!
Burt

FRENCHBLUE72 · 05-18-2008, 06:25 PM

Sweet looking build you have going...

72truckman · 05-30-2008, 05:39 AM

Finally got the lift installed and the axles painted.. Used Eastwood Extreme Chassis Black it is an excellent product.... The neighbors and people driving down the street loooooove looking at it!!!!

Calitruckgrl1 · 06-06-2008, 11:09 AM

...thanks to your sister for the help assembling the chassis!! Nice documentation of the project so far. Keep up the good work, bro!

Calitruckgrl1 · 06-06-2008, 01:33 PM

I forgot how badly your rockers used to look!!

Critter · 06-06-2008, 07:00 PM

What's the status on the body work? Any progress? Great job so far!!!

DURRTY · 06-07-2008, 03:17 AM

smart, and looks like a real nice start

72truckman · 06-08-2008, 02:10 AM

I am working on getting the whole drivetrain together (my excuse for avoiding body work)

Drivetrain is painted and ready to go its just havin the time to do so... ill post pics of that soon..

I found some old pics of what i built to store my top when i started the build.. It cost $50 at harbor freight for the 1000 lb hoist, scrap tube from the pile, and some welding.. To keep mom happy we reinforced the roof a lil so the roof wouldnt sag on the outside

BLUE THUNDER · 06-08-2008, 01:46 PM

Great work. The lift you made is awesome. i like the height of the garage and the storage for the topper. Keep up the good work and keep posting pics. Later mario.

05-13-2008, 01:13 AM	#1
72truckman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Ramon, California Posts: 276	1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Bought on my 14th b-day... Our original plan of making it a cool driver- has changed to a fully modernized powertrain which will eventually be my daily driver The first day home Starting the teardown Original 350 Last edited by 72truckman; 06-06-2008 at 01:02 AM.

05-13-2008, 01:16 AM	#2
72truckman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Ramon, California Posts: 276	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Stripping the paint (found some unfortunate things under some thick bondo)

05-13-2008, 01:21 AM	#3
72truckman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Ramon, California Posts: 276	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Began the rust repair- needed inner and outer rockers, floorboards, kick panels, and some pillar patching.....

05-13-2008, 01:31 AM	#4
72truckman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Ramon, California Posts: 276	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build More rockers Once the drivetrain was out and sold, and all of the rust repair was finished, it was time to take the body off... I threw around some ideas about how i can do this in a 2 car garage space.... so i built this. Then started goin at the frame... Last edited by 72truckman; 05-13-2008 at 01:33 AM.

05-13-2008, 01:42 AM	#5
72truckman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Ramon, California Posts: 276	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Preppin for powdercoat...used my front axle as a dolly to get it on the trailer... Back From Powdercoat-more pics coming Got my 2006 5.3 and 1992 NV4500 5spd- Had great luck on ebay! -more pics soon

05-13-2008, 01:58 AM	#6
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Awesome project! Lots of great pictures! Keep us updated! __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

05-13-2008, 02:03 AM	#7
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Wow, great pics! __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

05-13-2008, 02:22 AM	#8
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet, and I luv the homemade lift rack thingy __________________ 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

05-13-2008, 02:23 AM	#9
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Keep us posted how you get all the drivetrain to match up. I've been kicking that same idea around myself. sweet build, Mario

05-13-2008, 03:30 AM	#10
Long Roof Old School, New Style Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monroeville, Ohio Posts: 790	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Father, Son projects. I love them. Keep us posted as you go further. __________________ The Good: - 72 GMC Jimmy 4x4 - 307 cid / 350 th - 70 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - 454 cid /400 th - 96 Chevy Impala SS - mainly stock - 98 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4 - all stock The Bad: - 86 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 4x4 - winter beater The Ugly: - 72 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - parts truck

05-13-2008, 01:33 PM	#11
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Great work, we're hooked already so keep em coming! Looking at the first pic date, all this in two years? Body lift is way cool, must be heavy. What are you going to do with it now?

05-13-2008, 02:15 PM	#12
Chevyman63 Can't wait to retire!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Corunna, MI Posts: 1,575	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Way to get after it! Nice work! What's your target date to have her on the road? __________________ 2009 4x4 Chevy Crew Cab 6.0 1989 4x4 Siverado (270,000 miles) 1972 4x4 Blazer 2007 Chevy Cutaway 1 ton 1970 Corvette (sons project) RIP - CLR 10/11/09

05-13-2008, 03:28 PM	#13
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Looks great. I like the lifts you made, wanna rent them out?

05-13-2008, 05:22 PM	#14
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Great project - very cool that you and your father are tackling this together! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

05-14-2008, 01:22 AM	#15
72truckman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Ramon, California Posts: 276	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build We bought the Blazer in March of '06 but really actually started working on it when football ended in late December... The body rack works great, it separates into 3 different pieces so it easily fits in a 6 foot bed, and can easily be adapted to use on any car.. I built this one so that i can use it on my Dad's 1955 Bel Air 2 door hard top when we are done with the blazer... This lift makes it a piece of cake to scrape undercoating off and do the work on the undercarriage, even putting the body on a rotisserie...I've had a few people interested in buying/ renting it, but i would want to build another one to keep this around for my projects... PM me if you are really interested in buying/renting one.... __________________ My 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Work in Progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=291482 **SOLD!!!!!** 1965 GMC 4X4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=294727



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05-15-2008, 04:17 AM	#16
72truckman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Ramon, California Posts: 276	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Pics of the powdercoated frame (after a couple good rainstorms while sitting in the driveway) __________________ My 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Work in Progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=291482 **SOLD!!!!!** 1965 GMC 4X4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=294727

05-15-2008, 07:46 PM	#17
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Cool Project! Get that thing done by July and drive it to Blazer Fest in Hollister! Duno if you know about us but we are Nor Cal Off Road and every summer we have a 3 day camping & wheeling party at Hollister Hills. On Saturday night we have a big raffel and give away some pretty cool stuff. One year I won a soft top for my 72K5, that was a good year for me Anyway keep up the good work! Burt __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

05-18-2008, 06:25 PM	#18
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Sweet looking build you have going... __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

05-30-2008, 05:39 AM	#19
72truckman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Ramon, California Posts: 276	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Finally got the lift installed and the axles painted.. Used Eastwood Extreme Chassis Black it is an excellent product.... The neighbors and people driving down the street loooooove looking at it!!!! __________________ My 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Work in Progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=291482 **SOLD!!!!!** 1965 GMC 4X4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=294727 Last edited by 72truckman; 05-30-2008 at 06:38 AM.

06-06-2008, 11:09 AM	#20
Calitruckgrl1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA Posts: 27	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build ...thanks to your sister for the help assembling the chassis!! Nice documentation of the project so far. Keep up the good work, bro! Last edited by Calitruckgrl1; 06-06-2008 at 01:30 PM.

06-06-2008, 01:33 PM	#21
Calitruckgrl1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA Posts: 27	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build I forgot how badly your rockers used to look!! Last edited by Calitruckgrl1; 06-06-2008 at 01:36 PM.

06-06-2008, 07:00 PM	#22
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build What's the status on the body work? Any progress? Great job so far!!! __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

06-07-2008, 03:17 AM	#23
DURRTY USMC Join Date: May 2007 Location: SLc,UT Posts: 300	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build smart, and looks like a real nice start __________________ Semper Fi

06-08-2008, 02:10 AM	#24
72truckman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Ramon, California Posts: 276	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build I am working on getting the whole drivetrain together (my excuse for avoiding body work) Drivetrain is painted and ready to go its just havin the time to do so... ill post pics of that soon.. I found some old pics of what i built to store my top when i started the build.. It cost $50 at harbor freight for the 1000 lb hoist, scrap tube from the pile, and some welding.. To keep mom happy we reinforced the roof a lil so the roof wouldnt sag on the outside __________________ My 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Work in Progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=291482 **SOLD!!!!!** 1965 GMC 4X4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=294727

06-08-2008, 01:46 PM	#25
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: 1972 Blazer 5.3 E85/ NV4500 5spd 4x4 Build Great work. The lift you made is awesome. i like the height of the garage and the storage for the topper. Keep up the good work and keep posting pics. Later mario.

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