Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Glad your nearing the debt free goal. Not something I will be able to brag about any time soon. In fact I will be adding substantially to my debt load next week, but it has to be done in order for me to move on to my next chapter in life.

As for your engine, I'm not the expert but I can't think of any reason it wouldn't work. They typically added more options for attaching stuff to the engines in the later years and you may need to block off things you won't use for the older style emissions of the blazer compared to the smog motor stuff of the late 70s and throttle body EFI that came later. When you say you want it to look stock does that mean back to factory fresh show room restoration style? That can be a headache to accomplish.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Yeah the engine will be fine. Just use everything off your old engine. I think Jegs puts one on sale on ebay for $1299 free shipping. Can't beat it. Rebuild your carb and get a new HEI or points conversion to electronic if you want to keep it stock looking.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Thanks for the information guys! That's what I was thinking but wasn't sure. I guess I wanted someone else to reassure me of my assumptions.

hgs_notes, Sorry to hear about that. Hopefully it will be for the best and I wish you luck on your next chapter. I am not necessarily trying to go back to factory fresh, but I would like to use as many 1972 components as possible (except I do want an HEI the points have gone bad on my suburban 3-4 times in 7 years).

jjzepplin, Thanks for the information. I haven't seen the jegs prices on ebay but they sound like they might be even better than what is in the catalog. The deal I am thinking of getting is the brand new 350 engine long block with rebuilt 350 auto transmission, with torque converter, flywheel, and maybe a few other small items for $2,600 with free shipping. I will look on ebay and see if it is even cheaper on there.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

So I have another technical question that I am hoping someone can help me with. While working underneath my blazer I noticed that one of the previous owners took out the transmission cross member. No problem I thought, I have a parts truck with one in it I will just take it out of there. So I unbolted the transmission cross member from the parts trucks frame. Unfortunately all I am able to do is slide the cross member forward or backwards about 1 foot. I am have no clue how to actually get it out from between the frame rails without cutting something up (which I refuse to do). Does anyone know how to take the cross member out without cutting something up? I see cross members for sale on the forum all of the time so I know it can be done.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Big hammer. Bang away at one side. It will force the frame rails to spread and come out. But getting it back in the other frame isn't easy either. You can grind the corners down to help it slide in better. Maybe a bottle jack putting some outward pressure on the frame rails will help too.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

I had a similar problem when I tried to put my trans crossmember back in, the frame rails were too tight - too narrow.

I took a regular scissor jack from any car and a 4x4 piece of wood. use the jack on the inside of the frame rail, open it up using the 4x4 to span the distance and it will spread the rails with little effort.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Thanks for the information guys. I guess I have nothing to lose trying those strategies on the parts truck. Depending on how well that goes I can do the same thing during the installation. I really wish they wouldn't have removed the cross member. Pooching the frame out has me nervous. I guess if they got my old cross member out I can get the new one in.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

I don t remember having that hard of time getting it out....i ll have to look tomorrow and see. Are we talking transfer case crossmember?

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

No. Just a standard 2wd cross member. My blazer was originally a 350 v8 truck with a turbo 350 automatic transmission; that is what I am planning on going back with. One detail though is that the parts truck was a 3/4 ton big block truck with a turbo 400 automatic transmission. Not sure if that makes a difference or not on the cross members?

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

OK, that makes sense, i was thinking 4X4....good luck

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Thanks! I might need it.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

I was thinking 4x4 too - no experience w/ 2wd...Good luck!

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Paint turned out great..love the color

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

SeventyOne, I might ask this question in the trucks section. More people on there are used to dealing with 2wd trucks than there are in the Blazer section.

Justin, Thanks! Now if I can keep from scratching it up during the reassembly process I will be set.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

I took a grinder and rounded the corners of my cross member a bit and that made it much easier to install. Keep in mind you may never remove it again though. The one I put in my 2wd is actually made from a 4wd member and is 3 pieces. The center section is removable. I did this because I'm cheap and it will make future clutch changes much easier.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

jjzepplin, Okay. I might try to find a 4wd cross member if it comes in 3 pieces. Did you need to do any modifications to make it fit up properly to a 2wd set up?

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Yeah it's pretty modified. I used the two top braces as the side and then cut the center section out of the other piece and drilled some holes in it to mount to the sides. A little cutting reliefs and bending on the two sides. They still need the reliefs welded back up.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Are we talking about the auto trans (@ the tailshaft) x-member or the manual (@ bellhousing) x-member?

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

jjzepplin, Okay. I might see about getting an aftermarket trans member if the transfer of the stock member doesn't work out.

smbrouss70, 350 Automatic Transmission (At the Tailshaft).

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

just wrap it in masking film or paper to help reduce body damage

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Thanks for the advice Justin. It will definitely be taped up once I start bolting everything back on.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Well, I don't have much progress to show but I figure that it is time I gave you guys something. First, I moved the blazer from my Dad's shop to my house about an hour away. The walls have closed in on the blazer since these photos were taken. A lot more parts in the garage right now along with a 1957 Chevy Truck that one of my neighbors gave me.
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc822462f.jpg

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps59f0a58c.jpg

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps43cc445b.jpg


With my wife and I rounding 3rd on this debt free plan my interest in working on the Blazer has risen sharply. I have started making lists of parts needed to finish the truck, and I have also been picking up used parts from a few local sources. I also re wired, painted, and installed my tilt column that I bought off of the parts board a few years ago. The steering wheel is a $15 swap meet special.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps25087765.jpg

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

The only other thing that I have to show for now is an authentic 1972 Texas license plate that says Blazer. I figure there can't be more than one more of these floating around! Right now I am not sure if I want to go ahead and use it on the Blazer or just put it on the wall with the rest of my collection. Currently my plate collection is around 1,000 plates. I have all the states a few times over, most of Canada, and a lot of Mexico. Old plates from the teens-forties, an almost complete collection of U.S. Bicentennial plates, and now I am trying to get a complete U.S. and Canada set of 1972 Plates.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps31c86ed2.jpg


The wall next to my Suburban.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps236b749b.jpg


The wall behind my Suburban. Not filled up yet.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps2423cb6c.jpg

The wall of old timers. Pre 1955.
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse33b8040.jpg


Crates of plates that I haven't put up yet or am selling at swap meets.

http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps30d21943.jpg

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Blazer looks good and that plate is awesome, I say run it!

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

I would DEFINATELY run that plate if I was lucky enough to find that in a Louisiana plate. Can you run it in Texas if you don't have the matching plate? Can you have another one made, if you need to?

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

bk04z66, Thanks! It has been a lot of work but it should start taking shape pretty soon. The plate was definitely one of my coolest swap meet finds yet. Some lady had a table full of old Personalized Texas plates from the 70's and I about fell over when I saw it. When I asked how much the plate was and she said $20 I couldn't pull the money out fast enough.


smbrouss70, I want to run it but if I go antique plates (which in TX is just one plate on the back) I could run this or whatever plate I wanted on the front. Just don't know if I want such a cool plate catching all the road rash. If I had the matching pair and they were both in the same shape as this one (not torn up) I could do a normal registration and run with both of them. I will probably use the plate. Whats the point of having it if I don't!

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

should the rockerbox be the last thing you replace? my rockerbox is toast and I need to replace the inner and outer rockers and kickplate.
Thanks.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

what a great job on the blazer. like all your plates iam a collector too.

my 1968 Gmc: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=659403

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

i noticed a lot of old trucks and sub's in the pic's do you have another 2 wheel drive suspension and frame for a blazer? I know this is a build thread but just thought I would ask? by the way looks great and you have done a lot of the hard part!

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

I just went through this entire build in one shot, I just couldn't believe all the carnage.
You did some very solid repair work and I gotta say man great job, that's how you do it!
You resurrected a Blazer that had 2 wheels in the grave and turned it into a real beauty and on the cheap too what a transformation, in my opinion this is one of the best builds on the board.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. I have been saving up money for the blazer but with a new baby it has been a bit slow. I have a decent amount saved up and should be making a big purchase soon so more progress is not far away. I appreciate everyone's patience.


Houses28, It would be a good idea to replace the rocker boxes first if you have enough solid floor and rocker metal to weld it to. If your Blazer is rusty like mine was you have no choice but to weld some braces in and replace all of the floor, rocker, and door jamb metal first and then weld the new rocker box into all of the new solid metal. If anyone that has more experience or if someone has a different perspective feel free to chime in, but that's how I would do it again.

tim's68gmc, It is always great to meet someone else who is into old plates. It started off just being a little side hobby to give me something to look for besides truck parts and now it has spiraled into a serious collection. I will check out your link.

twp1, Thanks! I thought I was thru the hard part, but I found out that now I am in the hard part; coming up with the money to buy all the new parts for it!! To answer your question, no I don't have any extra 2wd frames. Unfortunately before I knew that 2wd blazers were desirable I gave a 2wd chassis and body to my buddy for scrap metal. I regret it now but I just didn't know. Back then I thought if it wasn't 4wd no one would have a use for it.

Xeen, Wow! Thanks for the huge compliment! I am glad people are liking it. I have seen some phenomenal builds on this forum and to be ranked in the top echelon in some readers opinions is truly a great feeling! If you liked how I brought this one back wait a few more months. I am going to be starting on a 1969 factory short fleet big block truck that is going to make the blazer project look like child's play.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

You're gonna have to change your signature line to:
I don't always restore trucks; but when I do I prefer rusty basket cases. Stay rusty my friends.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

hgs_notes, Exactly! I don't know why I do this to myself. I can drive 4 hours south, west, or north and get all the solid projects that I want and somehow I always end up working on the "junk! I guess that's what I get for wanting factory original stuff. The sad part is I usually part out pretty solid vehicles that are low factory original options for the junked out projects that had a lot of factory options.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

I will be tuned in for your pickup build.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Wow great build bud!! I'm building up my 2wd blazer and it has almost the same rust but a little less severe. I'm working around the panels that need patching.. gotta be done soon though. Love your rig!

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Xeen and Jakesblazer, Thanks for the comments! I am hoping to significantly pick up the pace of this project very soon. Maybe even have it running and driving by the end of this year. Most likely I will wait until after the Pate swap meet and then start making parts orders with the money leftover from Pate.

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Well it's time to revive this project and thread. Over the last two months I have been acquiring thousands of dollars worth of parts, and I am hoping to get a lot more at the Pate swap meet next week. If all goes as planned I should have the Blazer running by the end of summer!

The first order of business was to get a new windshield installed.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...psguxpyn6c.jpg[/IMG]

We tried about half a dozen times with around 4 different types of weatherstripping but we could just never get the trim to stay in the weatherstripping. I did a bunch of research and found that this is a common problem with reinstalling the stainless trim windshield weatherstripping. I tried OEM trim, repop trim, and I tried weatherstripping from all the companies that people on the forum swore would work but every time the trim would pop out in the corners. Finally we gave up and just installed the non stainless trim weatherstripping. It killed me to do it but I was running out of time and options.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...psxil788f1.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

The dash during installation of windshield.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...psgfoktd0l.jpg[/IMG]

It is hard to tell in the picture but I have now installed the jute padding, inner firewall pads, the dash pad, the ignition, the main wiring harness, and a few smaller wiring harness.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...psgmtp52mz.jpg[/IMG]

I installed a tilt steering column. I am not sure if I will put a tilt column in my other projects because the best position for me it when the column is straight just like on a regular column.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps25087765.jpg[/IMG]

I bought a brand new gauge cluster with tachometer. Unfortunately when I went to install it I found out that I need to drop the recently installed steering column to put it in. So for now it sits in the box.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...pswhvzxsp0.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

Glad your getting back at it. Looks good

Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
 

I have also started rebuilding the front suspension. I have never really rebuilt suspension before so this is new territory for me. Fortunately for me my neighbor has a press that he is letting me use.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...pswz8pkitj.jpg[/IMG]


The tear down went much easier than I had thought. When the spring released it took a little chunk out of the garage floor.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...psils5gddp.jpg[/IMG]

Everything went back on as easy as it came off.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps0h4ldesu.jpg[/IMG]

I was really worried that it would be hard to get the spindle back on and compress the spring, but I simply placed the spring into position and jacked up the lower A arm and it compressed without a problem.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...pswiutsysb.jpg[/IMG]

Now I am about halfway thru the suspension rebuild on the drivers side.
[IMG]http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps0e1cczqr.jpg[/IMG]