Side panels

[monypit]

I have a '73 and need to build interior side panels. I will probably do them out of sheet metal (steel or aluminum) I have never seen a blazer intact and was wondering if anyone could help me out with some pics of how they came from Chevy? Thanks for your help

[tvblazer78]

Here is the stock side panels, but they have been covered.

[Jonboy]

The 73-77 panels are slightly different than the 78-later panels. The 73-77 panels do not have the additional seperate piece that follows the floor down in front of the seat, as the floor was changed in 78 to allow for more foot room. Also, the 73-75 side panels have a metal strip along the front edge that holds the front out somewhat. Also, they usually have two attaching strips about 3/4 inch wide each that go along the top. They really aren't necessary.

[monypit]

Thanks for the quick pics. when the tailgate is down do the door panels follow the body all the way around?? and up front behind the seat is the panel built out at all or is that what you were reffering to as different in the early models? Thanks again

[Jonboy]

Yes, that it what is different on the early models. I don't think it is really needed, though. On the rear, they follow the pillar up, and cut out around the striker.

[Zoomad75]

I've seen factory panels at one time or another at the boneyard for 73-75's. I think mine even came with them too, but were yanked a long time ago. Still got the mounting brackets though as they were spot welded to the body. The mounting brackets make the panels fit out from the actual interior sheetmetal by 2-3 inches.

If you want to look at a MINT example of 73-75 side panels (or just drool over a very nice original K5) check out the gallery on CK5 for this guy's truck. http://coloradok5.com/photos/showgal.../36103/cat/500 He's got some decent shots of the interior with the side panels in place.

The K5 is a time warp to when the truck was new.