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-   -   GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project~” (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=774451)

Grizz1963 12-16-2019 06:12 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Took the Galaxy in for a service today.

Remember when I bought the car, I was told the brakes were in desperate need of a service.

They were.having done about 250 miles since then they went very bad last weekend when I fetched the furniture for Sally.

Weirdly, I never noticed till I got home that there was a message on the dash “Service Now”

So I told the mechanic to run through it and address everything that needed doing.

A few pics.....

Dirty underside.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pstdehbdnl.jpg

Rear brakes

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psjuibujv3.jpg

Not good

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psnji26zut.jpg

Front end

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psju7vlhgv.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pseetfpgvf.jpg

Front pads.....

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pszav08qjb.jpg

So new discs, pads fitted all the way around.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psi7cudaje.jpg


Digging around further, Ivan came up with some interesting surprises.....

Shock retaining washers and nuts......

Old and new.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshzwukr0n.jpg

Yup, it is dead alright.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psfddc3fox.jpg


Replaced and serviced parts have made the drive feel much smoother.

Not cheap, and actually more than I would have liked to spend, but now I seem to have a decent car again.

Oh, and lastly....

Dennis in St Louis sent through a pic of his service station.

Almost a Christmas card pic for men.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psv5xosw4e.jpg


.

68Timber 12-18-2019 02:40 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Surprised to see that. Don't you have to get yearly MOT inspections? I thought those were somewhat thorough. Sorry about Harley. I missed where you mentioned he's 15.

Grizz1963 12-19-2019 04:41 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Timber (Post 8644815)
Surprised to see that. Don't you have to get yearly MOT inspections? I thought those were somewhat thorough. Sorry about Harley. I missed where you mentioned he's 15.

Morning.

Yes, the inspections should be thorough, but there are still friendships, relationships etc that exist where a friend may pass a car on stuff for a friend to go repair at home etc.

Not much one can do about that, and in my case, I am certainly not clever enough to do a full inspection to get that kind of reassurance, looking at its history, it was very clean and seemed to be well maintained over the years.......

Buyer Beware springs to mind.



Thank you regarding Harley.

She was certainly part of my life and made sure anyone who visited here was given the security check over and then welcomed as family.

Some animals just fit in well.

And she was part of the forums, often by her own insistence, to be in cars, the wood shop, garage etc.

The house is certainly quiet without her being around me, talking, to me constantly, waking me at 5.30 for her breakfast etc.

And it will be quiet going forward.

But we get over this sort of thing.

The memories and many moments of laughter she induced will stay.




Interesting to see Photophukit has killed a bunch of recent photos again.

Not sure if anyone else has experienced that.




Almost the weekend.

Grizz1963 12-21-2019 12:44 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Photophukit seems to have a mind of its own right now.

Nicola sent a few more pics of Harley that I suspect many of you will enjoy too.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psbxjwchqc.jpg

Loved a fire, also fearless of them, like with power tools.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psk2s1ilcv.jpg

Surfing the web.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psbqwh3ngs.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pskzlfx2m0.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psjhzhqozh.jpg

Sweet innocent cat.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pssnfycehb.jpg


And where this story really started

December 2010 when I moved to this house and bought the Sachs Madass.

Security checked by her.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psde5tn81t.jpg


And a final good bye from Harley the Fearless.

Set up in her new job now........

A happy girl.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslqogznen.jpg

The house has been empty for sure, and one sees her and looks for her in all the places she should be.

She will be missed,

Grizz1963 12-21-2019 03:04 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Earlier this week a big or important part of the “build” arrived in the post.

Microphone for the Bluetooth telephone system and radio.

Will get fitted as soon as there is a bit of decent weather and time.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4calij6z.jpg

More than to happen.


Been a bit of a hectic week.

But at least today, despite a load of stuff to get done at home, also delivered a bit of action in the Galaxy.

Took it in to Just Tyres to see if the Mercedes Benz wheels would fit, using the longer Vito van bolts.

Before

Really tall.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psh5dql86s.jpg

Fitted, and though not settled once off the jack, it is still too high.

I think some lowering is in order.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9stn2xlw.jpg

Tyres then removed from the wheels and tossed in the rear.

I will go back for some new tyres to be fitted once I have refurbished the wheels.

Sally took a pic facing rearward.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psl2b2egv6.jpg

Went home via some shops and then to Tool Station to pick up two cans each of Etch primer, silver paint and clear lacquer

All for £33.00

As this quote from a friend in the USA reads.

I started with a $750.00 banger and spent $1000’s on it.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psngzt37ar.jpg

And the wheels with some of the damage visible.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pstnnzeics.jpg

Looking forward to this.


Rain just needs to stop.

Greasey Harley 12-22-2019 04:49 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
I love your "It's not a project" decal. I kinda wanna put one of those on my '68, so people quit asking me what I'm "going to do with it?".
WTF? I'M DOING IT! I'm driving it.
I hope to keep driving it till it's a hundred years old.

Anyways, you got one cool Blazer. I dig those 70's stripes.
-Russ

Grizz1963 12-22-2019 11:15 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Greasey Harley (Post 8646781)
I love your "It's not a project" decal. I kinda wanna put one of those on my '68, so people quit asking me what I'm "going to do with it?".
WTF? I'M DOING IT! I'm driving it.
I hope to keep driving it till it's a hundred years old.

Anyways, you got one cool Blazer. I dig those 70's stripes.
-Russ

I loved the way the stripes came out.

Of course now it has been repainted and got lights etc to create a Law Enforcement replica and is being filmed for Television


Have sent you a couple of PM’s



Had the most amazing nights sleep.....


About 9 hours in total, not even what I get after jet lag.

Then an extremely slow start, Some laundry, clearing the house a bit and lazy breakfast.

And eventually carried loads of stuff to the garage.

Started on removing the Galaxy’s wing mirror.

The cold does not help, and neither does the fact that I have no idea how it’s all put together.

So rather than break clips or panel parts, I reassembled after a few minutes, and Torx suxx.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pstvmo3xto.jpg

And started moving the Mercedes Benz wheels into the little caravan workshop, along with an electric oil finned heater and some small sanders.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psdgyma9bd.jpg

More later.

Grizz1963 12-22-2019 05:37 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Feeling pretty chuffed tonight.

Started with refurbishing the wheels for the Galaxy today.

Using the free two berth caravan I got and prepared in October, I have managed to prep, prime, paint and clear lacquer the wheels obverse 8 hours, which included paint drying time, and a run to go fetch another can of etch primer.

Work table.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxfzgee6g.jpg

Hand held orbital sander made life easier.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshuugfzmg.jpg

All the damage sanded back

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psl3zdnmgv.jpg

Four wheels done.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psdnlno4o8.jpg

Ready for etch primer.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psfb6njtqv.jpg

Typically, the etch primer I had was not as much as I thought there was, so Sally and I had to run down to Chatham to get some.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslkifquyk.jpg

Got it.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psjisxlmdu.jpg

Primer going down.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psdx2nvrxp.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3ovqis8t.jpg

And done.

Oil heater doing it’s thing...... drying the primer while I went to make us dinner.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psqm0brpwg.jpg

Decided to give it 90 minute to dry before going back to paint the silver on.

Grizz1963 12-23-2019 03:53 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Part two.....

Paint and clear lacquer

Before and after primer.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psmmsfntkq.jpg

Four painted.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pselwldcw7.jpg


Clear coated

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrqq7jnpa.jpg

Rear 8.5 J’s clear coated

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1rmbfotk.jpg

Front 7.5J’s after three coats of clear.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psr453rxyy.jpg

I will try leave them alone for a day or two to harden before taking them back for the tyres to be fitted and then fitted to the car.

Have to consider these too.......

EBay item number 163342504162


Lo Suspension - Make driving more fun!


Set of 4 Sports Lowering Springs for: FORD GALAXY 2.0, 2.3 & 1.9 TDi 1995>2006 Lowers by 35mm - a new & unused Lo Suspension branded product from losuspension.com

Are you looking for a lower ride?

Key Features
LO springs are designed specifically for your car
Your mechanic will have no trouble fitting LO springs
Compatable with your original shock absorbers
Your car will have a much sportier stance
Your car will have more responsive handling
You will have more confidence when cornering
Your car will have less body roll
LO springs are TUV approved
LO springs have a 12 month warranty

68Timber 12-23-2019 02:10 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Wheels turned out great!

Grizz1963 12-23-2019 05:49 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Timber (Post 8647741)
Wheels turned out great!

Thanks a lot John.

I am pretty pleased.

They are far from perfect, but are better than the start.



Got some pics from my friend Stanislav in Siberia, including this one.

Feels like spring he said.

Not yet the -38’C that they had last year.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psytuqmk5y.jpg

Back to lowering the Galaxy.

Friend Bill posted this up.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psaxduuoax.jpg

Maybe not that hardcore.

Had some feedback on these lowering springs, seems they may not quite deliver as advertised.

Anyone else got experience with them?

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6kp0vhhm.jpg

Wheels finally put the “workshop” and into the back of the Galaxy.

Final finish.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pskrgkqne1.jpg

Looking forward to getting these fitted up with tyres and on the van.

68Timber 12-23-2019 05:55 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
If you don't lower it, you have plenty of clearance for mud tires. ;)

Grizz1963 12-23-2019 05:58 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Timber (Post 8647841)
If you don't lower it, you have plenty of clearance for mud tires. ;)

Very true.

It’s another good idea.

Errrmm.. nahhh. ;)

Grizz1963 12-26-2019 04:21 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Ahhhh Christmas break. Many parts blasted and etch primed.

Plus Photophukit playing up continually

So not much to show.

On Friday I realised that Murphy’s law meant one would run out of gas on a Saturday evening or some similar inconvenient time.

So I called to order in a spare bottle of 5% Argon/CO2

Paying a bottle deposit and gas content came to £94.00 and included home delivery on Saturday morning

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbxvnaxpj.jpg

Service worth paying for.

Grizz1963 12-26-2019 05:04 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Last bit about Christmas

I prefer a BBQ to Turkey at Christmas

Thankfully Sally and her son Ryan agreed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjuepajje.jpg

So.... only coleslaw as token vegetable

The rest: Lamb Kofte Kebabs, lamb ribs, pork belly, Sweet Tai Chilli Chicken thighs, German Bratwurst, glazed Texas Pork Chops.

Yup.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psva402lja.jpg

Merry Christmas it certainly was.

Grizz1963 12-27-2019 06:36 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Christmas Eve Day.

Good time as any to start with the smallest Cut and Weld job identified so far.

I will be over describing for many of you.
But if like me, you have not done this before it may be helpful or not?

So off to the “caraworkshop”

Move tools into the “shed” and find some donor steel.

Built this 100kg plus mobile work station in 2015. So moved it closer.

Used it a few times since.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psz0evxsz4.jpg

Straight in with my trusty cardboard template and scissors

Donor steel. 1965 C10 cab.

As @PaulY said, if I use enough off this one I may need to add a new V5c registration document

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxhis5o2j.jpg

Piece is bigger than just the holes. Loads of old dents to cut out as well.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psukm7rfub.jpg

First fold to 90’ then back to lay the base crease.
Followed by opposite bend to complete the peak.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslhzgzd1u.jpg

Top and bottom curves added, they do differ a lot.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjpn2kohg.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrb9sfpbb.jpg


Next up would be tracing the replacement panel onto the front panel

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu1c84tvg.jpg

Followed by cutting the bad metal out.

Coffee break first.

Grizz1963 12-27-2019 07:09 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
At this point I thought it wise to clean up my welding mask in preparation for the bit of welding coming up.

Pooop.

Auto dimming non functional despite this mask having had very little use to date.

Tried the various setting buttons to no avail.

Then tried opening it to see if batteries can be replaced as I always keep a large selection of batteries

Nope.

Sealed unit.

Youtube.... ??

Success !!

But pretty clear that its a difficult task to try work around the sealed unit etc.

So I tried....... FAILED.

REASSEMBLED and graffitied it as a POS.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psctccaqwg.jpg

But would have to use it anyway as shops were shutting etc.

Have to wait for Saturday as shops are shut.

Burger !!!

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4dst4bn1.jpg

Have pencilled in getting one of these

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszjv9hnpi.jpg


Later.

Grizz1963 12-27-2019 11:37 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
So.........

Cat Stevens sang “The first cut is the deepest”

Not sure if its that relevant to this truck, but once marked out, I fitted a new cutting disc and set to work cautiously

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxgeewbnc.jpg

Cut through.

Then used a file to tidy up the corners and a flap disc to clean the etch primer away.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2hosdjvg.jpg

More fettling and fine tuning needed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslfrtcfoc.jpg

Everything takes time.

But got it done.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psv9mhcih1.jpg

Then earthed up the front panel after practicing and lowering the power feed but increasing wire speed on some of the scrap metal.
Started tacking one spot at a time to prevent warping.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqdkfkmxd.jpg

Ground back.

Holes filled, dents mostly gone, needs a skim of filler eventually

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psl9j6gv6l.jpg

Etch primer both sides.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psubjbsbah.jpg

And all of this just to remove this bit of mess.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbfrhue0q.jpg

So that was day one.

Two hours in total, start to finish.

Grizz1963 12-28-2019 09:36 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
So we were out early-ish to go swap some Christmas presents for the correct size.

And to pick up a new welding helmet at Tool Station.

I had previously read up on specifications and found that the £10.00 difference between two lower price helmets equated to one sensor vs four. Quicker response time. Exchangeable batteries etc.

So you get what you pay for in this game.

I bought the SiP welding mask without stickers. (Watch this space)

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psq0m09qpd.jpg

Spec sheet.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjrvlhbwe.jpg

I guess the next step is going to be gingerly making my way toward the garage and choosing what repair to start on next.

It may be partly dictated by the repair steel availability

More later.

Grizz1963 12-28-2019 03:21 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Spent less than two hours down in the shop today.

Had some stuff to deal with.

First job was to correct part of yesterday’s front panel repair, adding about 15mm weld from behind on the crest.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psroqrrwy0.jpg

Dressed back.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psx2thb9fx.jpg

Primed.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psizgwuyon.jpg

Packed away, along with the radiator panel and inner fenders.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psqsu6l2mx.jpg

.

Grizz1963 12-28-2019 05:20 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Despite all sorts of good intentions, I managed less than 2 hours in the shed today.

Part was correcting my previous weld.

Then on to a few holes in the drivers side door.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrga2vi49.jpg

Looking at the original drivers side door, specifically where the mirror was mounted, vs the new passenger door I got, that obviously used to have convoy mirrors

So I needed to ensure I welded up all the right holes.

Using both the new mirror stalk and measurements from my old door.

It has some work to do too.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pswuzjvtrg.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psro80htvj.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pskw4eemmu.jpg

Of course it has some interesting inverse dents, but nothing a hammer and dolly could not sort, with caution.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7zois2th.jpg

Convoy mirror mounting points.

Prepped.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psqlo2dcwr.jpg

Adjustable heat sink tool.

Copper pipe.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pstnc2a6dt.jpg

Holes plugged.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psf9dalwn5.jpg

Worked back.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pszyzvsvp0.jpg

Etch Primer added.

. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psh74poj08.jpg

At this point I closed shop.

Next job will be cutting some rust from the door skin and replacing with fresh metal.

Done.

Grizz1963 12-29-2019 06:18 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Another copy and paste on here with a couple of video clip links around metal working.

I was asked the question by a mate, and am pretty certain I have not covered it fully, so happy for anyone else to add in more to enhance the response as a resource for anyone else, who like me learns as they go along.




Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkplug (Post 5561854)
So good to see truck time again :thumb2

As a complete novice welder - could you explain what the heatsink copper pipe was for?

I understand that it absorbs heat, but I don't understand why...


OK. So half your reply lies in this video.

https://youtu.be/0Iik1ftVGXI


And then some more here.


https://youtu.be/qBJwngEimZU


Half or more than half the holes and repairs on this truck will be to older holes that may have been worked before, leaving the metal thin and tired.

The copper is essentially a non stick surface where the new weld (molten steel) is laid down in order to either fill, or repair, join fresh metal.

Sheet metal is actually quite thin and the first thing that happens is that you blow holes through it, making the hole bigger when a welders amps, wire feed is not set up right. Different jobs take different settings, like most things in life.

Where old rust has eaten at the steel, it becomes fragile, like lace, with holes mixed in with thin, compromised steel in between which mostly cannot be welded up.

So you cut away the dead metal, and make and shape up a patch and weld it back in.

When heated to melting point by the weld, the metal expands and pushes (WARPS) surrounding metal.

The copper removes some of the heat fast.

I also have a copper plate, 120mm X 50mm X 6mm used for larger flat sections. As well as some bronze “round bar” part of an old shaft.

The flattened copper pipe can be shaped and bent to fit in spaces like a door window frame etc as shown.

Many places (because rust happens in tight spots often as slow evaporation and crud collection ) you cannot get in with a heat sink, so a wet rag can work, or small repeated spot welds work better.

Hence it often taking time, a lot of time to do what seems like a small job.

Practice helps with speed too. But making a shaped panel or patch adds time.

Once welded, you need to grind back, inspect, and weld again if holes appear where you did not quite get penetration or filling.

Grizz1963 12-29-2019 11:30 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Another typical holiday start,

Only got out the house by about 11.15 or so.

No regrets though.

So this was today’s task.......

Weld up the small hole to the left once it stopped running away from me, as it was going to be paper thin up to a point.....

Where the point ended up being, that was the question.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps36iebayj.jpg


Thought I would also just for the sake of illustration for those unfamiliar or not initiated in Mig welding, share a few of my heat sink tools.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshcal0sbe.jpg

And another important tool(s)

The grinder.

I keep three on standby, all differently set up, one with a 1mm cutting disc, one with a 5mm grinding disc, and a flap disc for finishing off.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslcnx1kbr.jpg

So back to the patch, I calculated that a 50mm X 50mm patch would cover the weakness and holes.

Keep in mind, this is my very good California door for the passenger side.

It still has work on the inside too, dents and a lace finish of rust on the bottom cup.

So patch ready with a very gentle curve bent into it.

The door bottom corner has sustained some damage before at some point, resulting in a somewhat bent corner, and also some very mild extended dents on the door skin, shown later.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psanswjyzl.jpg

Marked out for cutting, xx and x marks to maintain correct orientation on gentle curve. Note existing dents next to previous weld.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psd6afw0fc.jpg

And CUT !!!

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psexwsiwfd.jpg

Lift

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pswgeju5w9.jpg

Contrast

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psyhego0fv.jpg

Result.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxhtborkm.jpg

It’s a Boy !!

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pszou32axx.jpg

Part one done,

Coffee time.

Grizz1963 12-29-2019 01:38 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Just to illustrate how time slips between your fingers like sand on a hot summers day on the beach the next step was to go dig out the garage vacuum cleaner.

Residual grit from the media blasting down in the bottom seam of the door plus grinder dust needed to be removed.

Followed by fine tuning the fit of the patch into the now gaping hole in my door.

Nice and it actually was.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxhtborkm.jpg

Using my magical welding magnets, I tacked the corners and then centres.

In order to prevent warping I carried on slowly, allowing it to cool between sessions.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pspjjyeu6i.jpg

During this time my long suffering photographer got in from work.

So I gave her a POS mask to wear while trying to get a pic of me striking an arc.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psgizrma2o.jpg

Success.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psmhjkcsxu.jpg

After all the welding, I ground the welds flatter, then proceeded with a hammer and dolly, trying to reshape the corner which had been damaged at some point in the past.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslfhc3gii.jpg

Eventually, etch primer and done.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psznwfu2tb.jpg

Hardly visible, and I suspect it will be a skim of filler job eventually, but two long skinny dents from the past.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1egi19hr.jpg


That concludes the welding on the outside of the passenger door.

Next job will be the rust on the insides of the door.

Time for a rum and Pepsi Max now.

Grizz1963 12-30-2019 11:26 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Been over to mate Martins today to collect the Chevy cab lifter for mate @Pauly in Essex and some more steel from him for my rust repairs.

Amazed at the size of the cab lifter in the rear.

https://youtu.be/vfTC9wyQKK0

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxdjqlt0l.jpg

Next up back to Just Tyres to collect the wheels and new tyres.

Gone a bit wider.

Fitting will be once the springs are cut down on the suspension to fill the arches a bit more with the 17” wheels and tyres.

Almost Happy New Year time.

68Timber 12-30-2019 12:32 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Spot by spot. Nice work!

Grizz1963 12-30-2019 01:08 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Timber (Post 8651241)
Spot by spot. Nice work!

Only way to go I guess.

And will only do a bit at a time, allowing life to carry on too.



Back to the evolution of the Galaxy.

On the way home I stopped at Just Tyres.....

The name says it all.

What it does not say, is super service, and watching the guys work with other customers made me feel good.

Service is still king.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshjnwsmcf.jpg

So......

Remember they removed and disposed of the other tyres for me, so that I could refurb and paint the wheels.

Decent new tyres fitted.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pstpunpjgk.jpg

Happy with the price too.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0ik3i5yx.jpg

I chose not to have the the wheels fitted to,the car, as I have an appointment with @PaulY and Dr Grinder to lower the Galaxy.

This will happen another day.

So back home these will be waiting for attention.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psc32ywkzq.jpg

Can’t wait to get this lot wrapped up.

.

Grizz1963 01-01-2020 04:12 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
So it is Happy New Year day.

Last year on the 1st of January I changed the look of my 79 Blazer (now sold and in a film role)

Catscan Approved

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psg7uwspum.jpg

So today I went to the garage just before 12.00 after a slow start.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5cbfnv4r.jpg

After powering everything up, I added a sticker to my new mask, sent by mate Gary in Florida.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1cdbllsu.jpg

Swapped my new to me, California door for the trucks original, from California door that is so damaged.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psevlssgpl.jpg

Today’s first job was just to check out all the drilled holes from years past, mark them, weld them up.

These trucks were fixed real old Skool way, so pulling dents included holes, screws and pullers.

And after the media blasting the dents really still are there. So loads of work still to be done.

Some of the holes are quite large, and having been worked before, a lot of the steel is thin, stretched and the edges really are very thin.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pstrv8qgrg.jpg

So how do you fix these bloody holes ??

In my case the solution seemed obvious , thread through some 4” nails from behind, either by hand if you can find a place to get your hand and a nail in, or feed some thread, or string into the door though said hole, then attach firmly to the point of the nail and pull through and secure.

Then weld the nail in place using the head as a place to lay metal onto, and build up.

Finally, cut off the nail as flush as possible and grind back.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psffifpbhh.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psbxb0l1dj.jpg

The track of the original dent still runs diagonally up the door and hopefully a puller and a final skim of filler would be enough there.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psadadhtny.jpg

Finally I got all the holes in the area done.

More dents lover down, and of course a load of rust to get to next time around.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2hiscgva.jpg

Next up would be the mirror mounting point and it’s stuck in drilled out studs and a bunch of holes on the door frame and to present it.

Seems it has convoy mirrors fitted and then they got broken off at some point, leaving more dents and holes.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psl39bz3ck.jpg

But coffee, and a sandwich first, plus hand over all of Harleys stuff that was still in the house to Kevin for their cats or a cat charity.

More in a bit.

Grizz1963 01-01-2020 04:59 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
A few years ago when I stripped the doors down, the drivers side mirror stalk screws were so tightly rusted in place that I was forced to drill out the heads, and to commit to later on adding Riv Nuts to fix the new rear view mirrors

Today I thought I would try to ease the left over studs out, using a vice grip or is that vise grip?


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxsuxgans.jpg

Success !!!

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslxaiwpjx.jpg

Then screwed them back in to protect the threads.

And prepped the holes to be welded.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslnrpbqda.jpg

Welded

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8so2pgp7.jpg

Ground back.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psdadatzrc.jpg

Etch primer.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psiap3r9e8.jpg

And done for the day.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps95un4scb.jpg

I decided to do the door skin rust repairs another day but rather to spend time with Sally who has been good as gold.

Dinner, medium cream sherry and a fire in the lounge.

Perfect.

Grizz1963 01-02-2020 05:45 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Had a question from a guy on Wilddogs forum.

[quote author=Welsh link=topic=127490.msg4371185#msg4371185 date=1577951521]
Grizz, did you get any pictures of the Blazer, after it was prepped for its movie role? :sip:
[/quote]

Unfortunately my word is my bond.

The buyer asked me to sit on the photos he sent till end February

So I need to keep it that way.

Interestingly while in the USA in Hannibal with Craig last year we were looking for a very specific toy truck for him in Walmart. Five different stores in over 150km with no success. But Craig found me a Die Cast 1:24 model of the Blazer painted up in the colours in which it has now been painted and accessorised

Pure luck.

Bought it for $20.00 and brought home.

You can come take a look.


I also have a similar 1:24 model of my 66 C10 with great detail gifted to me years ago by a friend in America

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3gfsyv7r.jpg


May be a while before the C10 looks like this tough.


.

Grizz1963 01-05-2020 05:14 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Started very late today around 13.30 as my day was filled with stuff.

Also my last day of vacation. Back to work tomorrow, and start the year with my year end performance review at 3.30 Absolutely not looking forward to that to be honest. It was not a great year in my opinion.

Anyway, my intent was to complete door no 2’s outer door shin rust after doing all the holes before.

I am amazed at the amount of damage that has been exposed by the media blasting, dents, rust obviously and a lot more work once the new metal has been let in.

Measured, made patch no 1 and cut out the rusty part.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psfzmtpgmh.jpg

Fitted, magnets, welded.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psjqepcjt4.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psna6ebjwm.jpg

Ground back.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psmheqan6o.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psgaupfg4e.jpg

Both doors have weird damage from below, like they have been hammered with a rock or similar tool.

A bit more hammer and dolly work needed.

But happy so far.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psf6uwereh.jpg

Then the next corner. It is the worst corner of the four in fact.

The inside is completely rotten too.

Patch ready cut, skin marked out.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5csrxyrr.jpg

Cutting out.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psne2yazas.jpg

Nightmare.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pswkciq0ni.jpg

Welded. Ground back. Not impressed.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxtwu8fdx.jpg

Etch Primer done, started to pack tools back in the garage as I don’t know when next I Will get in there.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pseewawy34.jpg

Done less than planned during my vacation, but no regrets.

As Sally said tonight when I came indoors, is there a deadline?

Nope.

Thanks for checking in.

68Timber 01-05-2020 05:21 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Progress is progress.

Grizz1963 01-05-2020 06:22 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Timber (Post 8655031)
Progress is progress.

Certainly is sir, certainly is.



Just to change pace a bit, and to bring you all up to date with Dennis’ NASCAR based 1966 Chevy C10 build.

He has been busy the last few weeks.

Ultimately it will be 800+ BHP of pure Hendricks Racing motor propelling this beast down the road.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps06myqtmw.jpg

Serious stopping power.

Typical of these builds, you dream it, you build it, you tear it down, you paint it you build it and hopefully you get to drive it.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8abmx33i.jpg

So stripping back more paint, after media blasting

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrcsk4k6q.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pskxpq1orq.jpg

On your own ??

Easy, flip it with a tractor bucket.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psv0keqlnt.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrpnt1k1n.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psuymkdb6i.jpg

Progress.

Man alone, painting.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psr88pf1ur.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psyiob6cav.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psr88pf1ur.jpg


More in a bit.

Internet is not cooperating tonight

Grizz1963 01-06-2020 03:30 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Back to the rest of Dennis’ update pics.

NASCAR brakes on all four corners.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psx6uk9qj2.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psuxcpbz6r.jpg

Typical of this sort of build, loads of parts, not one the right one.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps10dsugli.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxpyasdfm.jpg

Hand made parts too...

Turned out on the lathe.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psuw0k0xtq.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4j8lpa0n.jpg

Motor in place.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psalq6e3oq.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psqswhgf2f.jpg

Grizz1963 01-08-2020 12:59 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Some more from Andy’s road trip.

Last night.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrrbbylqo.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbbwgltdh.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswtucsjpx.jpg

Dinner diner

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7zcf1ebc.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmsuxifuv.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspkeal9mn.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psutsdt3ut.jpg

68Timber 01-08-2020 04:40 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Dennis' truck... Wow.

Grizz1963 01-08-2020 06:27 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Timber (Post 8656638)
Dennis' truck... Wow.

It will also be more than the sum of it’s parts.






So got home and found two Post Office and courier service delivery cards.

One piece next door, one next door but one.

So I fetched the etch primer from Stuart’s place.

Later just after dinner, doorbell rings madly, I know it’s Mickey.

Parcel no 2 Hand delivered.

From America, from Dennis. Sent Priority Mail, Postage $76.00

Ouch !!! And WTF??

Description is sweatshirts, but it’s a large box and it’s certainly heavier than a couple of hoodies.

So I wonder..... “Has my crazy friend Dennis rushed the lower door repair panels over to me as a random act of kindness?”

Opening the box, yup, two hoodies and some boxes wrapped inside them......l

Unpack, and it turns out to be two large boxes of my favourite Oatmeal cookies, only $1.99 a box (think postage)

Christmas card included.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psjdphtkmp.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pspdfeufiq.jpgP

Contents.

Red for Sally, Grey for me.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psymzpwnck.jpg


Once again gobsmacked by people’s generosity, and can only hope my pay it forward bucket is full enough to deserve this.

Life is certainly good.


PS. Had my yearly Performance Review with two managers via Skype call today.

Seems like I still have a job, and they are happy with whatever it is that I do.

It was stressing me by the way. A lot.

Grizz1963 01-11-2020 07:26 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Ran the Galaxy up to the farm quickly this morning thinking there was a chance of delivery of the lowering springs today as Sally checked online.
But it seems it will be Monday as the card suggested next working day.

Took a quick side shot and 1/4 front pic so there is a baseline to compare to.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswxkf1bi5.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstic2zowz.jpg

Looking forward to lowered and bigger wheels.

Grizz1963 01-11-2020 02:52 PM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Andy’s ongoing road trip.....


Early morning.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjncrms7v.jpg


Remember this song??


https://youtu.be/trNW-GAClUM



.



Yup.



Guess who is there


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psymn6oyky.jpg



Note the Yellow Peril hidden in the background


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2ephul4l.jpg


So the road trip continues


Unabated.

Grizz1963 01-12-2020 08:52 AM

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 
Just been digging around on Rock Auto website.

One reproduction fender costing £90.00 or $122.00

Delivered to the UK for £281.00 or $368.00

I want to replace both the fenders outright as they are so damaged, but looking at these prices, it almost makes sense to fly out and bring them back as baggage.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pselyiukz4.jpg

They said it would be interesting.

Certainly is getting that way now.


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