Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

When I was thinking about going that route for my gauges I was going to put a remote mount shift light in the glove box lock location.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Thanks guys! Looks like the button is may become the "tow/haul azz" button because the trip/reset is located in the speedo.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060876.jpg

Cut some holes for the exhaust.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060875.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060874.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060873.jpg

I'm going to be doing my own exhaust work now due to shops wanting $700+ for it when they saw the truck. Ordered Flowmaster 815936 2.5" mandrel bend Stainless U-fit kit.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060878.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060879.jpg

Mufflers are going to be MagnaFlow 11266's 4x9 Oval 18" , not here yet.

Have the bed off now and just got done with the wire wheel......rust, dirt and dust everywhere:lol: Hopefully have the frame painted this weekend.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060880.jpg

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Nice progress! Exhaust cutouts look good and I like how you kept them in place with the wood. Frame is looking good too. That's a dirty job. Watch out for the wires that become inbedded as the tool wears down :D

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

x2 on imbeded wires lol

looks good

wow you cut the holes with cordless drill and hole saw!!! How long did that take?!! lookin' good

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Nice trick to keep the hole saw in place.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

looking good, u should try and run a pipe or brace after making the crossmember cut before you paint, I didn't on mine and a lot of people say it causes a weak point, I have seen many with and without though, hard to say. Great idea on the cutting though, I torched mine into ovals by hand, not near as clean as yours.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

VA and oldblue,

Oh the wires.....there was still one imbeded in my shin after I took a shower:lol:

I did use a corded drill, but cordless easily could have done it. Took less than 5 mins per side with a few cool down breaks.

Thanks, I think the idea came from someone on here. I sprayed the inside of the hole saw with chain wax to keep the heat down.


Right now I'm not planning on bracing it. I honestly don't think its necessary, but if I had a welder that could weld metal this thick I would be bracing it.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

What size hole did you cut?

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

4" Hole saw was $16 from Lowes.

Edit: If you do it make sure you wear heavy leather gloves and have a very good hold on the drill....It hurts when the drill gets away from you:lol:

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Great work man! It's looking awesome. I also found out the hard way the other day how high exhaust shops are etting to be. They won't get my money if I can help it. :lol:

Great advise on the drill. Also try to keep the drill speed low if your drill is a high speed drill.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Nice work on the crossmember mod. I like the backup board idea.....may have to steal that one in good time. Sorry if you said, where did you pick up your stainless exhaust kit? Are you going to tig it all up? Are you going to have to clamp it in a few places to get it welded up and mounted? and dang $700 is a little steep.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Thanks guys. Just got the garage cleaned up and the frame primed. Oh and one muffler showed up.

The kit came from Street side auto:
http://www.streetsideauto.com/p/flow...t-dual-815936/
Looks like the price went up a little, it was $242 and then found a code for $15 off so $227 with free shipping.
A nice tig welded exhaust would be nice, but I'm just going to mig it.....The exhaust can't be the nicest part of the truck:lol: As for making it removable, I'm going to order 4 band clamps, just not quite sure where they are going to go yet. Maybe one set at the back of the mufflers and the other set under the cab behind the H pipe?

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

No kidding. I about had a heart attack when they gave me the estimate to replace the muffler & tail pipe on my Blazer. I ended up doing it myself for less than 1/4 the price.

I will be building all my exhaust systems from now on. It's not that hard and I have the tools on hand to do it right.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

I like to put them at the back of the muffler. It allows a little tweaking of the tail pipe location and the muffler can stay level.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

I have had good luck with those guys and they ship quickly. No handling fees like some of the other guys with the free shipping too. Lots of online discount codes you can find & use too.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Thanks for the link on the exhaust. I need to put new exhaust on the 40 some time and that is affordable. :lol:

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

The kit was here 2 days after I ordered it and I had no problems so I will definitely use them again.

No problem, might want to look at the 3" SS kit, its cheaper than the 2.5 SS kit now:crazy:

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Hey thanks for the link to the kit. I may go that route myself. About the tig no big deal there. I was just curious since it's stainless. You know how tricky that can be no matter what welder you use.
I can't wait till I get to the point of laying out the exhaust on mine. I have been at a dead stop for the last few weeks. We have had 32 straight days of 100+ temps here. No a/c in my shop. Hope to change that by next summer season:) Let's see some more pics:chevy:

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Looking good man!
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Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

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Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

I'm right there with you. I was so peeved when I was sanding the areas of my doors that weren't sand blasted and the sweat was rolling off of me and getting on my nice bare metal. What can you do though? I want to get my turd back together before it snows. :lol:

I can't believe the 3" kit is cheaper. They must sell more of those kits.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Better buy one now before they figure that out and jack up the cost.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Thanks again guys.

Painted, trailing arms, shocks and dif cover were left unpainted because they all need to come off for one reason or another. They will be painted while off the truck.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060887.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060888.jpg

Both mufflers made it here.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060890.jpg

The kit.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060891.jpg

Started fitting it up, nothing permanent yet.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m...y/P1060932.jpg

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Good idea with the blocks of wood for where the bed rails are.

Don't forget to put about 400 pounds on the rear frame area to compress the suspension to where it will be with the bed, tailgate & rear bumper on. That little bit of movement can make a big difference in pipe placement around the trailing arms.

Re: '72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver
 

Hey nice work on the frame. Looks like you have a plan for making the exhaust too.

Couple of questions. Will you need to cut clearence in your bed for the Blazer tank? I just picked one up myself. I am gonna set my fuel system like yours too.
Did you use a Corvette regulator/filter? How do you know if you need one? I don't think my engine has a return at the fuel rail. Does that mean I need one of these style regulators? thanks