Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Hey! I'm not dead! ;-)

Update 3/10/2012 "Finger Tight"

Ok...So I haven't posted since July. Ya my bad. Been busy I guess.

Vacation in Belize, wedding anniversary, Holidays Holidays Holidays, started new hobby brewing my own beer (so fun!), running a 5k three times a week to keep the beer weight off ;), hanging out with my Brother who joined the Marine corps about 1.5 years ago and JUST made it to Afghanistan on Monday...I miss him a lot.

I had to make an effort to get back into the Blazer game. WTF? I'm so glad to be back! :devil:

What's good is I know what needs to be done - throw $ at it!

Carb, Air cleaner (though I want to get a taller element...5 or 6"?), HEI, Fuel lines, fuel pump, Corvette manifolds, plugs and wires.

Here's some pics of progress...

Corvette Ram Horns with the "generator bracket" cut off. High temp (1700*) Paint drying here.
Attachment 887984

Engine as it sits now...
Attachment 887983

Manifold fitment. Corvette ram horns will fit on a 4x4 w/ a 700r4 with the engine shifted forward some 1.75"
Attachment 887985

Should flow well w/o the headaches of a header. Plug wire fitment is awesome.
Attachment 887986

Please take a seconds to remember our Military Forces overseas...
Attachment 887987
Kick some ass Brother.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Trucks lookin good:metal: Message me if you ever need a couple extra hands, only 5 minutes away!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

I just might need some soon. Trying to figure out my next moves regarding the body, how to clean, paint, coat the underside. Also paint the firewall...

Then get it back on the frame and keep chugging.

I'll post up some pics and ideas tomorrow.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Got out into the garage - did some general clean up, tinkering, thinking. I apologize in advance for the long post.

I think I have a plan for next steps - please let me know what you think - as you know I am in over my head and need second opinions! :lol:

As it sits:
Chassis is more or less done and ready to accept the body. Need to run fuel and brake lines, instal mech. fuel pump, and do misc tasks.

Body is on a wooden cart I build when I took the body of the frame. My attention needs to shift to the body and how to get it ready to mate to the frame once again.

There are some rust areas that I don't know if they need of should be addressed before moving the body back over. See pics below.

But what really seems to by tying my brain up is how to clean/prep/finish the underbody and firewall before putting the body back on the frame - once it's on the frame those areas are more or less inaccessible.

So I am thinking of I need to build some kind of rotisserie or better yet just a simple "tub tipper". I think I can leverage the rear seat mounting bolts (4) and the front most body mounts. Build it out of steel w/ casters and then tip it when I need to get to the underside.

The questions/concerns I have:
What is the correct order of things? Once I have it on the tipper, I would like to send it to a media-blaster to have the whole thing blasted & primed. Then I can "undercoat" the bottom & paint the firewall. Do I then tackle the remaining rust while its on the tipper on do I do that with the body back on the frame?

I also think I should redo the rockers (PO installed). I would assume this should be done with the body back on the frame. I have new body mounts to install, and I would do it with the doors and top installed to ensure straightness.

So does this sound right:
Build tipper cart
Put body on cart
Have body blasted and primed (I would like to do this with the rocker panels removed and major rust areas exposed to clean out better - this ok?)
Repair all non-structural rust (rear tailgate areas, rear wheel tub area)
Undercoat and paint firewall area
Install body on frame
Install Doors and Top
Repair structural rust (rockers, torsion boxes, footwells, B-Pillar)
Body work & Paint

Attachment 904310

Attachment 904311

Attachment 904312

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Just my two cents. Several of my brothers do bodywork/paint for a living and in most cases if they are given the opportunity to remove the body they will. Especially since you have the frame pretty much completed. So perhaps you should get a bodyshop to media blast the entire tub. As you may have read on here, once you get into the body channels- there might be more rust issues than you see on the surface. I am on my 3rd , this one a Blazer and as i suspected...more issues.
media blast
fix all rust issues
under coat
body work, then put it back on frame....then paint. Trust me...you don't want to manuver a freshly painted body onto a frame...
Nice work so far!

mondo

btw...I am active duty Army, 20+ years and counting...Godspeed for your brother!!!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Thanks for your service, Mondo.

I agree and I do want to blast the whole rig.

My only concern I have is completing the panel/rust replacement with the body off the frame. Something tells me I need to do this with the body on the frame with the doors and top on to make sure everything is straight.

But maybe being on a cart with the top and doors on will be good enough?

Never done this before so I don't want to screw something up and regret it later.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

me and dad had a conversation about the hitch on mine not to long ago when i replaced the tank.it was welded in just like yours and back is 72 my dad had bought a brand new cst blazer he said his was welded in as well..what an awesome job your doing keep the pics coming!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Are you saying that was stock?? It sure wasn't pretty looking... :lol:

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

My .03 cents....

I would brace the tub with alot of X members. Bolt in to the door jambs side to side, same for tailagate openiing. Also from door jamb to A pillar, door hinge area. Once its fully braced, then you can cut the rockers without too much worries and have it media blasted. Dont remove the braces till the body is back on the frame. Once its on the frame, install and align doors, then fenders and hood. Once its all straight, repair the structural rust at the rockers...

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Ok thanks MCM. I like that plan.

So rather than buying a rotisserie, I'm going to attempt to build one from two engine stands. I'll post pics along the way... :ito:

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

You could have mine for say $500. Worked great on my tub. You would have to come down here with a trailer, but I dont think you could buy the metal for that.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Tom V. you're getting a PM...

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Heres a couple more pics... The rack, which is the largest part, measures 11 1/2' X 4'. I suppose that part could be taken apart further, like the rotating part and the body cart part, but I wouldnt because its already set up for the first gen Blazer tub.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Seventyone....2 more cents....Just get that rotisserie from Vogel...save your self the headache with all that bracing and x member stuff.....lol

Then when your done, you can sell it. I am sure a body shop around there could probably use it. I am guessing it would be like a car dolly...i have bought 2 and sold them for just as much as i paid for it when i was done using it.


Mondo

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Pretty much what was thinking. Though I might hang on to the rotisserie for future builds....

Yes, that's proof that the K5 disease has now made it to the brain....:waah:

Tom V.: consider the rotisserie bought. Just need to figure out how to get it home.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Wow, this si a cool build. Anything new in the last month?

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Thanks, NH!

Aside from driving down the coast to pick up Tom's rotisserie, The body is now completely stripped of extra parts (radio, steering column, real wheel tubs, basically anything that can be unbolted) and I am sourcing a media blaster. I have a few I need to give a call to.

Soon as I have it blasted and primed I will get new pics up.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

This is almost as fun as reading a good book... keep it up (with photos too)... can't wait for the final chapter!

Motivation!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

where did you get the bushings that go in the frame for the front shackle. Cant find them anywhere. I went to the ORD website because they have the front shackle kit but all i need is the bushings. Thanks in advance. Your build looks great, hope to get mine looking that good one day ha

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

You should be able to buy a kit from Prothane. I think that's the manufacturer.

Hell I may even have an extra set...let me look.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Dang it's been another long time since posted! :waah:

Guess I was getting burned out and needed to step back a bit...

I was getting hung up on starting the body work and rust repair. I called a media blaster who wanted $3000 to blast and prime the truck - this seemed ridiculous to me. I contemplated saving the cash to have this done or upgrading to a nice 2-stage compressor and buying a blaster and doing it myself. In any event it was demoralizing and rather than worry about the project I just let it sit...

Good new is since Christmas I've refocused and have been making more progress on the build. Just for the sake of moving forward I am continuing with finishing up the chassis and will deal with the body later.

Work done since my last post:

• stainless brake and fuel lines ran
• Fuel pump installed
• Braided pump to carb fuel line installed
• GM serpentine setup installed
• Cleaned and painted the hubs and rotors (which were starting to acquire surface rust)
• Installed brake calipers and pads
• Removed 3 row radiator brackets from core support and bolted in 4 row saddles

Pics coming of all this I promise...

But my latest issue is with the power steering pressure hose. I wonder if the metal line is too close to the engine block? There is probably 1/16" to 3/32" gap between them now.

The line is new from Napa made for a 71 Blazer...but then again 71 Blazers didn't have serpentine setups. I had to mildly tweak/bend the Napa line to get it to install at all. So is it too close? Should I bend the line a little more? Is there something I can place between the block and line? Is it fine, move on?

Here's some pics...
Attachment 1062936

Attachment 1062937

The hose looks close to the belt in this pic but I'd say there's an inch or so of clearance.
Attachment 1062938

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Mods,
This should probably be moved to the build section.
Thanks.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

I spent alot of money on body and paint, But... it cost 400$ to blast mine, and Im sure the epoxy sealer did not come to $2600. Check around. just sayin

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

And I do expect to pay a good amount for paint - but I am glad you agree the blasting/priming cost was excessive. Also I think he was quoting me for some 12 hours of labor also at around $720. Does ~$1900 sound right for primer?

I have another lead on a shop that only blasts but need to figure out where to take it to get primed afterwards.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

1900 still seems way high to me. 400 is about right for the blasting then i would guess around 600 to prime. thats including the materials. so $1000 total would be my guess. but things are alot more out west then on the east.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Yeah - between $1000 to 1500 was more what I was expecting to pay. I'll do more digging locally to see what I can find.

Back to my power steering line problem - I did more searching on the board (love this site!) and found a guy using a '75 C-10 line. I'll pick one up and see if that solves my clearance issue.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Ok I think I found a solution I like for the power steering lines.

Pressure line is from Napa for a '75 C-10. Clears the block and frame as well as any moving parts. So if anyone is running a SBC, w/ a serpentine setup, with the engine moved forward 1.75" to fit a 700r4 - this is your hose! :smoke:

Return line is also from Napa for a '71 K5. It looks nothing like my original hose/line and more like a universal fit but it should do the trick. you'll notice in the picks I haven't cut the hose to length or slide it onto the return port on the pump yet. Just mocking it up for now.

How important is it to get a frame clamp to hold the line to the frame?

Attachment 1063763

Attachment 1063764

Attachment 1063765

Attachment 1063766

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

That will work just fine.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

great looking build, 71! Sent you a PM about the upholstery guy here in Tracy.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Thanks. Had to stop work on it for a bit. Back on track now to start metal work on the body. Amassing some new tools and doing a TON of reading.

Hope to have the body back on the frame by summer (if not sooner!)

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Been keeping busy on some small tasks with the end goal of undercoating and getting the body back on the frame by Spring.

So with that in mind I started finishing things off on the Chassis that is essentially 95% done. I had my stock tank boiled out and lined because I was not happy at all with poly plastic tank - it's for sale if anyone is interested :rolleyes:

Also no one reproduces the rubber isolators that go under the tank straps and the tank flange so I've got some 1/8" sheet rubber coming and I will copy the original rubbers.

Then I need to get the fuel lines finished off. Hard lines are in, just the rubber hose connections need to be put on.

Then I turned back to getting the body ready for undercoating. I cut out the all the rust spots on the bed floor and will be patching in scavenged '68 long bed patches soon.

Pics of the holes I cut in the floor - 5 spots in total were cut out. This is my first attempt at rust repair but I'm excited to learn. What's the worst that can happen?

Rear tail gate area - both sides are like this.
Attachment 1350940

Attachment 1350943

Crossmember was toast also but I will patch that also.
Attachment 1350942

3 of the 4 wheel tub corners look like this, but this one was the worst one.
Attachment 1350941

Attachment 1350944

I'll prep the patches soon and get these checked off my list.

I am also stealing this "punch list" idea from the infamous "Low Buck Junkyard Build" - So here goes:

TUB WORK

• Repair wheel tub / bed floor rust
• Repair drilled hole in firewall by PO
• Cut larger firewall fuse panel hole for AAW kit
• Dress body bolt areas (Left over tack welds)
• Clean & Prep underside of Tub
• Spray some kind of rust converter in areas not accessible to be prep'd and primed
• Spray Epoxy Primer/Undercoat/Bedline

CHASSIS WORK

• Cut and install tank rubber isolators
• Hook up all gas lines
• Install Transmission cooler lines
• Install new starter bolts
• Torque engine mount bolts
• Install front axle breather
• Install Thermostat
• Install Radiator hose clamps
• Install BTO TV cable setup

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Thanks for your help today.. I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy a welder now even though I'm not quite sure how much I'll actually use it

Love the title of your build thread.. I believe I'm right there with you:crazy:

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Will hopefully get more time tomorrow to work on the K5.

Last few weekends I got a bit further on the bed patching. I also re-installed my original gas tank after the radiator shop was done with it. I made a set of 1/8" rubber isolators for the tank flange and straps using the originals as templates. Turned out really nice I think.

Found starter bolts that were the correct 4 5/16" length for my starter, got radiator hoses and clamps installed, the BTO TV Made EZ kit installed, transmission cooler lines are almost in...lots more to do though.

Here's an updated punch list:


TUB WORK

• Repair wheel tub / bed floor rust
• Patch PO drilled hole in firewall
• Cut firewall fuse panel hole for AAW kit
• Oven cleaner underside of Tub
• Pressure wash tub
• Spray some kind of rust converter in areas not accessible to be prep'd and primed
• Prep underside bare metal
• Paint/Undercoat/bedline
• Dress body bolt areas

CHASSIS WORK

• Finish install of transmission cooler lines
• Torque engine mount bolts
• Install front axle breather
• Install Thermostat (I read I should drill small holes)
• Cut down and Install power steering return line hose
• Test starter engagement and shim as needed and torque bolts
• Intall plug wire loom and cut down plug wires for cleaner look
• Modify old distributor into oil priming tool
• Modify Holley throttle return bracket to fit on Edelbrock Carb
• Clean up and paint orig. distributor hold down
• Install distributor stud and hold down
• Install oil dipstick
• Install transmission dipstick
• Install PVC valve and hose to carb

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Did a little work saturday on the plug wiring. Got these brackets from R&S. I think they'll work just fine.

Attachment 1358512

Also been doing a bunch of research on SBC timing and decided to change out the springs, vacuum canister, and vacuum limit plate on my GM HEI distributor. Not much to look at it but it should help me get somewhere close to 14 deg. initial timing, 20 mechanical advance all in at 3200 rpm, then 12 degrees of vacuum advance. Then I can adjust from there.

Attachment 1358513

Attachment 1358514

That's it for now. Will try to get the plug wires shortened soon since some are way too long for a clean look. Then off to all other little tasks left for the engine.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

8.7.17 - Turning the page

Hey everyone! After a long hiatus :whine: and a big life change I'm happy to say i'm moving forward with the K5 build.

This was my view on Saturday as the body was picked up and taken to be worked on. Same shop that Mike (@72K5CSTDarkOlive) used in his build.

Attachment 1678194

Attachment 1678195

Attachment 1678196

I'll be sure and update with pics and progress along the way.

Stay tuned!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

That rotisserie looks familiar!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Just a little update showing some rust repair:

Attachment 1742800

Attachment 1742798

Attachment 1742797

Attachment 1742799

At least the tailgate was nice :waah:

Attachment 1742801

Underside is now lined and they're prepping to paint the firewall and jams before mounting back on the frame!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

That shop looks awfully familiar ;)

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Yeah man they pumped out this killer dark olive K5 recently. I'm just riding the wake.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Thanks, For the pictures. I need all the help I could get.