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Originally Posted by c10Dream'n
It's always fun reading through members build threads, but I have yet subscribed to one from the beginning. Look forward on seeing your progress.
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This one may go pretty slow! I'm still looking for a good candidate to cut up. Everyone is asking inflated prices for trucks in my area, right now. I'm looking for a cheap runner or at least one that is capable of running. I'm thinking this is gonna be a somewhat low budget build with the plans of upgrades after its driveable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Low Elco
The bigger question- welding the quarters on at the rear doorjamb? Leaving cab top and back on? Building a removable? If so, Cab top or full length? Engineering rockerboxes or tubing the bejeebers out if it? I miss my 71 2wd Blazer. Gawd, what a pile. But a ton of fun in the open air! This looks like fun. Welderman's gonna need AA from all the beer this little experiment's gonna cost you. It's great that your work's so hip, especially being a Bimmer store. Good luck!
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Current plans are to build a Blazer tub so the quarters will be stitched in just behind the jambs. I am in no way breaking any new ground so there are projects out there for me to reference. I thought about keeping the roof and shortening the bed or losing the roof, shortening the bed and pulling it up real tight to the back of the cab but I've seen pics of them and am not completely sold on the look. I like the open air concept so the roof gets the boot.
I've though about trying to find a basket case blazer roof to hack up and put back together. Of course the windshield frame will be laid back (full frame) So the lower roof line and changes to the upper windshield frame will dictate that. I think the header to windshield frame would be the hard part sooo...current plans call for it to be full time open air.
As for strengthing for torsional rigidity, I've been thinking about that too. Since the trailing arm crossmember is in the middle of the frame and the plates are welded in I'm thinking of upgrading the T/A crossmember to a Porterbuilt unit as well as using their other tubular crossmembers. They look to be much stronger than the stock stuff and will help to minimize movement. I'm thinking if I stiffen the chassis I won't have to worry so much about the body but thats a lot of open area to trust not to have a lot of flex. The research continues on that. If I have to add something I'll want it to be unobtrusive.
My Welder is pretty much done with his work. The rest of the work is up to me!
If I need to do any fabrication that requires TIGing he is more than willing to help out. My workplace is very laid back. Guys do Side Work all the time and managment has no problem with it. I think making extra cash keeps people from asking for more money so they think its good for business. Several people have built budget racecars in the shop over the years but nothing like this. The only problem is storage. Your mess can't be in the way.