76 Blazer / 77 shortbox build
 

Hi, this is my 76 blazer project that I bought for $400 bucks. A few pictures have already been floating around here from previous questions that I have had in the past but, I figure its time for a build thread.
Stats: 350, factory 4 speed, trailering Special, Glenwood green with green interior, 85,000 miles, I purchased from the original owner who special ordered it. It is also rough and had not been registered since 85. It also sports a heavy duty suspension, factory locker, factory tach and gauges.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

now the good

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

more

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

And now the drivers side

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

More of the drivers side. Also my 68 step that has been waiting for me

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

This is where we are currently as of 9-25-09

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Where did you buy the repair panels from? It looks like they fit really well.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

The parts came from a variety of suppliers; the rear skins, pans, rockers, and inner rockers, were lmc, the doors and fenders were from certifit, and the outer wheel house and a part of the inner rockers were from 73-87 chevy trucks. For the most part, everything fit pretty good, but we also spent a lot of time fitting and tweaking. The inner rockers and supports may have taken the most work, mostly because my blazer was so bad.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

wow you did some work

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Looks good. You spent alot of time and patience on that blazer. I like it. What are your plans besides the bodywork?

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

The plan is to make a clean, stock appearing blazer except I am removing the emblems and trim. Also, it will get a 4 inch lift and 35's, although I doubt it will see much off road action because of how it is turning out. I am working on a set of 3/4 ton axles right now with 4.10 gears (14 bolt, factory locker, and a gm 10 bolt) to replace the 3.08s that are currently in it. Also the interior is changing to black, but I have to find some high back buckets for it.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Sounds great! I've been wanting to do a blazer for a while now. Maybe after the GMC is done. Keep up the good work.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Your GMC hits close to home, my wife and her father restored a 85 Gmc shortbox when she was in high school. She sold it to pay for college and really regrets it.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

nice work

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Here are some pics of things that we had to make.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

A few more

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Your Blazer looks like it is really progressing well. While you have the quarter cut off, you might want to hit the backside of the inner panels with a rust encapsulator and some paint while you can get to them.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Yes, we have been using eastwoods rust encapsulator on many parts of the truck. I did get the inner areas on both sides of the truck, it was just after I took the photo. Great tip to point out though.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Here's a little update on where we are at.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

I had to take a break for deer hunting.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

I am thinking about doing 1 piece windows, any thoughts?

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

hmmmm NICE!

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Nice jod as always!:metal:

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

nice to see i wont be the only one fixin a northern rot box.... I get the extra task of keepin the door openings square since mine is a full removeable top unit... and your truck is the first ive seen with the pea green interior besides mine...nice!

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Wow, that was a lot of work. Glad to see you chose to save it instead of parting it out. Good job, and keep the updates and pics coming!!

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

were the 2 large 1/4 sections butt welded? the pass side looks as if you panel bonded it Overlapped new under old and the driver side looks but welded... it looks good ...i think im goin full quarters to save the effort.... hmmm howd ya do it???

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

On the passenger side we cut tabs into the panel to hold it in place and then used the panel clamps (like what we used by the gas cap) to align the panels. once the panel was tacked in place we cut the tabs off with a cut off wheel. For the drivers side, we did something similar but purchased some klecos to use instead. I really had to search to find the photo of the skin before we put it on. I do agree that a full quarter would have been a better way to go, but for the budget that I am on, I could not afford the cost and the shipping. Lmc sent these skins oversize ($20) instead of truck freight ($100 something). I think that if my order was over $1000 I could have gotten free shipping? not sure

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

ahhh i see said the blind man...LOL mine isnt quite as crusty as your (so far) but the front cab support area is toast! i like the back floor support panel you made and the floor brace mine are a little different(floor brace but i think im gonna use your idea...
that thing looks good IMO

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Just picked up 86 high back adjustable buckets, a nice clean 77 core support, an NOS tailgate with new lift motor, and also got another top for it that has already been smoothed. all for a great price

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

sweet.... you are getting rid of the lovely avacado interior i take it? LOL
Im keepin mine... to me i have to its too retro to pass up..

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

yeah, its going to black, but the steel in the cab will be the color of the truck.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Man I like it so far, you have done one heck of a job on the body work.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

I started working on the pan in the tailgate area. I wish I had more money so that I could replace more, but patching will have to do.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

my father in laws numbers matching 70ss nova that he did a frame off on about 14 years ago.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

looks Good Russ...
i located a NOS rt quarter last sat $100 and got a left thats very solid today off an 85 $30... NICE!

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

nice, that I think that is a better way to go than skins, i havent forgot about you and I will try to get that info to you.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

cool..im gonna need that plate design soon.. i gotta get some info updated on my build soon

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Great job on the metal work. Looks really good.

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

Nice work. I see what I have to look forward to once I start work on my 77' K5 2wd

Re: 76 Blazer build
 

A few updates