|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
jstplyn331, The book that I look at doesn't give any numbers for Jimmy productions; however out of the 47,623 Chevy blazers built in 72' only 3,357 were 2 wheel drive. The only thing I can tell you is they made alot fewer GMC's than Chevys so it is even rarer.
red71cheyenne, Thanks! Hopefully any further projects beyond what I have now won't need too many patches. This blazer has pretty much depleted my parts trucks of their good panels. jaros44sr, Thanks for the encouragement! It has definately been alot of work, but I see a light at the end of the metal working tunnel! |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
I don't have alot to report but I did make a little more progress today. It took the whole day but I replaced the rotten middle cowl section that was hidded by the wire loom.
A picture showing the rot that was along the entire length of the lower part of the cowl. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4116.jpg After looking at everything I decided the best method would be to remove the entire panel. That way I would have easy access if any metal need to be replaced on the upper firewall. It also allowed me to brush rust killer throughout the entire opened cowl section. I drilled out the spot welds along the bottom, and cut the top along the thin cross pieces. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4117.jpg The donor cowl welded into place. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4119.jpg I would of liked to get more metal replaced today but the weather wasn't cooperating. The last thing I wanted to do was stand out in the freezing cold rain trying to cut off donor panels, so this is all the progress I have to show for now. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4118.jpg |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
nice job! keep at it. little by little it will get done.
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
You would have to be the worlds most interesting man take on that project? The two day floor board repair on my 72 K-5 I thought was major for a SO NV blazer? It looks like it comming together, Keep us all posted with new pictures and Info. "GOD SPEED MY FREIND"
CORSAIR |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
VA72C10, Thanks again for the encouragement!
CORSAIR, Thanks! I will definately keep everyone posted. By the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY Muleman100!! I just want to give you a HUGE thank you for all the work you have done with me on this project this year! It may not be finished but maybe I can take you to your birthday dinner in this blazer next year. |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Hello Cameo!
This has been an interesting and educational experience to watch the progress on your build. Fastastic work! I am fairly new to this website and I own a '69 GMC longhorn and '69 C10. Both of these trucks have some minor rust issues, the worst being the fresh air boxes that you worked at the beginning of your project. Both trucks came from the upper midwest and the rust was caused by dirt packing in the boxes and starting the rust process. I never imagined a repair was even feasable in these areas, but you have show it is possible. Keep up the great work and I look forward to the completed project! Al '69 GMC Longhorn "69 Chevy C10 396 |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Thanks for the comments Al! Send me the pics of your rust issues and I will see what I can do to help you out. If your rust isn't too bad then there is a good possibility I can help. I think you can send the pics thru PM, if not you can post them on here.
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Quote:
:gi: |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Muleman, July 4th sounds reasonable. That is if you don't mind me leaving you lenghty lists of tasks to do between my visits! Of course with the eye trauma I am facing my funds might be more limiting on the progress than labor.
I was able to work on the Blazer this Saturday. Unfortunately I injured myself while I was out there. Even though I was wearing safety glasses with side shields I had some metal slag imbed itself into the cornea of my right eye while I was removing panels. At first it didn't seem too bad but as the day went on the eye got more agitated. By the time I went to bed the pain was incredible. My wife suggested that I go to the emergency room but I was foolish and simply took pain killers and sleeping pills. When I woke up this morning the pain was still there, so it was time to go to the emergency clinic. They flushed the eye and got out what they could. Unfortunately there is metal imbedded down in the cornea that will have to be removed by surgery Monday morning. The doctor said that they possibly could have gotten it out yesterday but since I waited so long the eye has already formed a catarac over the metal slag. Right now I am feeling fine because I am on Vicatin and eyen numbing cream but even with that I am uncomfortable. I wanted to tell everyone about this to warn them about the importance of safety gear. I always do metal work with ear plugs and safety glasses. It just happens that a fugitive piece of slag flew at the right angle to get between my glasses and face and into my eye. Without my safety gear I am sure my current situation could be much worse than it is. I will propably start wearing monogoggles when cutting and grinding metal from now on. Hopefully everyone takes all the safety measures they can when working on their projects; you never know when something can go wrong. It just isn't worth the risk to not be safe; between the pain, discomfort, medical bills, and lost work; all of which I am facing right now. |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
I am sorry to hear about your injury. Be assured, your situation is in our thoughts and prayers. Keep everyone up to date on your healing progress.
Take care, Al '69 GMC Longhorn 2500 '69 Chevy CST 396 |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Thanks for the thoughts Al. The worst of it is over, right now I am just taking it easy. The worst part (pain wise) was after the doctor got finished pulling the metal out. Now I know what it feels like when someone digs around in your eye with a scalpel and tweezers. Hopefully I will be back to work tomorrow.
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Glad to hear it's out and sounds like your vision was unaffected. Take it easy and hope you feel better soon!
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
VA72C10, Thanks! I do have temporarily blurred vision, due to the doctor leaving a divet in my eye. They said that will heal over and my vision should be back to normal by the end of the week. I have slept 40 of the last 48 hours, which is the best thing for my eye right now. It is funny thru all of this the only thing I can think of is getting back to the shop to work on the blazer. I am so close to bieng done with the metal work I might go out and buy the bodywork supplies today!
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Glad to hear your eye sight will be ok. I had the same thing metal stuck in the eye dug it out at the ER and two days later better than new. The human eye is the fastest healing organ in the human body. You remember your
wood/metal shop teacher (Mr Stubs) always saying SAFETY FIRST while looking at you with one Eye and 8 Fingers. GET WELL MY FRIEND you have a Blazer we are all waiting to see completed!! CORSAIR |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Hope you heal fast!
I'm about 75% right eye dominant, if i ever loose it life as i know it would flat out suck! |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
CORSAIR, I work for a large chemical manufacturer and safety is their top priority both on and off the jobsite. I have already been asked by supervision if I could make a presentation over what happened and how to prevent it from happening again in front of my co workers.
Swamp Rat, That does suck! Thanks for the well wishes, the eye is feeling alot better. |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
I am all healed up, so I was able to make a little more progress this week. I started by eliminating the pitted and crusty top inner bed panel. For some reason it was all along the passenger side bed rail but non existant on the drivers side.
Picture of the pitting along the top inner framerail. I am glad I replaced this. There was alot of loose rust in between the outer panel and the inner panel. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4128.jpg The finished result. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4133.jpg Next I focused my attention on the drivers side top rear bed panel. It was very obvious that all this metal was thin. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4134.jpg It was so rusty that even the inner panel, and top of the bed panel brace was gone. I was hoping this would be a couple hour fix but it at this point it was starting to look like this part of the truck was going to need about a day to fix. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4135.jpg |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
I started looking at the rest of the bed panel brace and realized that not only was the top in desperate need of repairs but also the bottom.
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4137.jpg At first I thought I would just put a top and bottom patch on the panel brace and call it good. Then I noticed that there was also rot right where the drivers side of the tailgate bolts to the bed. It was at this point I decided to replace the whole panel. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4138.jpg I finished out the day working on the removal of the rear inner panel support. I found out that this is a very complex panel to work on. To finish this entire section of the body properly it looks like I will be on this project for 2-3 work days. Right now I am the most nervous I have been so far on this build, worrying about getting everything back together properly. I didn't take a picture of the mangled panel half removed although I wish I would have now. Either way the pictures of next weeks progress should be intersting. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4139.jpg |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
I know I've said it before, but I've tossed out better metal than what you're repairing there. Yikes! You had rust I never even thought to look at. (firewall wire run, in the cowl) Best of luck on the repair.
I gotta say though, I like seeing the pictures with grass in the background. We are months away from seeing our yards again. It was about -20 F this morning here, but thay are predicting +9 today and up into the 20's this week. How sad is it that we think of 20's as pretty warm. |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
hgs_notes, I think most people would have tossed this old tub too. Thats the good part of working on a completely stripped body, you can find, and repair rust that usually gets overlooked. We never completely go into winter mode down here. There is always some grass and trees with leaves at all times. Right now the clover is so bad in my front yard I will have to mow before February. I feel for you up there. I was watching the games this weekend and they said during the Steelers/Jets game the temp was 8 with a wind chill of -4!
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
You've definitely got your work cut out for you, literally! But you've done a great job so far and I sure you will continue. When you mention that you are replacing the "whole panel" do you mean the entire bedside?
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Hey Critter! No not the whole bedside (although that is propably what I should have done). The panel I am referring to is the inner support panel that is in the back corner of the bed. I should have taken a picture of it half removed before I left for the day. Anyways it goes behind the inner bed panel on the front and wraps down to the tailgate hinge on the back. It will be fun to replace!
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Ahh, that's kinda what I was guessing just wasn't sure. From what I can see and hear from your posts I have a feeling your/your dads parts truck collection is pretty impressive! It sounds like if you need a part you just go out, find the best one, and pull it off the parts truck. I'M JEALOUS! :metal:
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Critter, If it werent for the parts trucks I would definately be SCREWED!! Right now we only have about 5 67-72 style parts trucks, but hopefully I will get some more. As it stands I have enough donor panels left on our current parts trucks that I can finish the blazer, my suburban, and my 69 shortbed truck. If I end up getting another project vehicle that needs panels I will need to start finding more parts trucks with good panels. I guess sane people would restore the trucks with good panels and not cut them up to fix up rusty trucks but I guess that is what makes me special!:metal:
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
wow you surely have alot of hard work going into this project, Much respect to you and digging so far into this project to find all the spots to be repaired. not many others would go through what you are. Great job for sure.
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
I am proud of the work and progress. I think this one will probably get finished.
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Jeffs70, Thanks!
Muleman100, Thanks! There is a first time for everything!! |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
1956cameo you wouldnt have a spare cab layin around would u?
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Wholio, Unfortunately I don't. All the cabs to my parts trucks are either already planned to be cut up for future projects or or are junk. What are you needing?
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Quote:
Quote:
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
:lol: Think of it as a really cool 3-D puzzle!
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Quote:
Take care. Al '69 GMC 2500 Custom Camper '69 Chevy C10 396 |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
alsriv2, I am glad you were able to find the parts you needed. Good luck with the build!
So I took a little time away from all the SuperBowl Sunday pre game action and worked on the blazer up until game time. By the way congratulations to any Packers fans! It was a perfect day to work on a blazer, it was 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I started by finishing the removal of the rotten rear bed pillar. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4147.jpg I thought I was going to use the rear inner part of the pillar that you see in this picture, but when I inspected it closely I found that the entire bottom of this pillar was thin and rotten as well. Fortunately it simply bolted to the bed floor so it was a breeze to remove. It is a good thing I went as far as I did on this rear pillar section, it was basically holding on by a thread. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4148.jpg The next step was to remove the donor pillar. This pillar was extremely solid, however it was a little more banged up since it was from a truck bed. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4149.jpg I was able to remove the pillar and part of the inner bed (top and bottom of inner bed on blazer was rotten) as one big patch panel. I was afraid I would have to cut it into a couple of smaller pieces to get it removed but the only thing I had to do was scalp the top part off (which will be welded back on later). http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4152.jpg |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
If this panel wasn't beyond repair before, it is now!
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4153.jpg Heres the blazer rear pillar section after the inner and outer parts of the pillar have been completely removed. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4154.jpg All of the rotten metal that was removed from this section of the blazer alone! http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4155.jpg Things don't look very different on the outside. I am not sure why the pillar was so rough, but the outer bed panel, bed floor (around the pillar), and the bed floor brace were all very solid. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4156.jpg To my suprise the donor pillar pretty much slid right into place! I wouldn't say it fits like a glove just yet, but it will when I get done. It was sitting a little high, but after I installed the six factory bolts that hold the pillar down to the bed floor it lined up almost perfectly. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4157.jpg I will admit I thought this patch replacement was going to be alot harder than it has turned out to be. Hopefully I will wrap this project up next time I work on the blazer, then it will be time to remove the back half of the bed floor! |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
That looks good!!! Nice job!
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
With all of the other rust on that pillar, I'm amazed the floor under it and the area under the tail lights wasn't just as bad. The fact you think of it as easier than expected is partly from doing some nasty rust repairs already. Looking good, but if I were you, I'd just stop looking for rust, because you seem to find it everywhere you look. ;)
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
VA72C10, Thanks! I appreciate the encouragement.
hgs_notes, It is amazing because all the surrounding metal didn't even have a single rust pit or bubble. I was thinking about all the hidden rust that I have found and replaced and was wondering; "Is my truck really that much worse than everyone elses or are everyone elses rides still hiding that much rust?". If I had to guess I would think a combination of both. |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
Quote:
But you are doing a heck of a job on this. In the end, you'll either decide that it wasn't so bad and be willing to take on a very rough project, or you'll say, that's enough of that, I'll never do that again. I tend to be a bit lazy and look for short cuts. It's my nature. It's why I swapped bodies on my Jimmy and swapped cabs on my truck. It didn't eliminate all of the work, but it definitely made it more manageable. Too many people get into a project and find themselves overwhelmed by how much work it really takes. They don't realize that it can be broken down into a lot of little jobs, like you have done here, and give up in frustration. Your doing great though. Time for me to get my lazy butt out to the garage and sand some more.:uhmk: |
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
hgs_notes, You are propably right, but I hope it will be better than average when I am done. As far as future rough projects, I am ready for them! I love a good challenge.
|
Re: Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build
The wife gave me a "Hall Pass" to do whatever I wanted for the afternoon yesterday; so naturally I worked on the blazer. The good news is I made more progress, the bad news is I found even MORE rust!!
As alway we pick up where I last left off. I got the replacement bed pillar trimmed up and tacked in. I had to make a simple home made patch to fill in the stake pocket since the rear pillar/bed patch was from a truck and blazers don't have stake pockets. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4159.jpg I don't know why but I could get the donor top bed panel to fit up to the original outer bed panel except on the rear curve. I thought that I had just cut the donor piece out too short, but when I put the original blazer top bed piece on it fit even worse. So I slit both panels and made them line up to each other. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4158.jpg So while my Muleman100 was welding in the donor bed pillar I was grabbing the top of the drivers side bed panel right behind the door. I felt something very familiar under there; MORE RUST! I looked solid from the top. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4168.jpg However from the bottom you can see a different story. I checked the complete underside of both the drivers and passengers side bed rails after this discovery and this is the last of the crusty rust hiding under the top bed rails. http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG_4170.jpg |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:42 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com