Building a K5 Blazer with a C10 SWB Frame

[dec010974]

Hello my fellow Trucksters. As the title reads, I am attempting to build a K5 Blazer with a 1970 C10 SWB frame. My research states that if I remove 11 inches from the frame and modify/fabricate the rear tub mounts, I should be fine. Please chime in. Any information on this subject is greatly appreciated.

[dagnabbitt]

As far as I know, that is right. 115 inch frame cut to 104.

I hate it when I ask a question on here and people try to deter me from what I plan to do, so forgive me: why not take a LWB and cut it down instead?

I don't know about your neck of the woods but I would think that a SWB is pretty valuable.

If you already have it you could probably trade it for things you need.

[dec010974]

@dagnabitt, as with life, I approach everything with a grain of salt. I hear you loud and clear but the SWB fell in my lap. I know the condition of what I have so I thought that would be the best start for me. I also own a 1968 c10, a running/driving truck, LS2/TR6060, Dakota digital gauges, 4 wheel disc brakes, but it’s just a shop truck. It’s not the prettiest but it works. A Midlife crisis kicked and now I want to build a K5 Blazer. So as I narrow down my plan of attack, I am taking notes and gathering parts. So far, I have replaced all the cross members and all the body mounts on this frame. My goal is to build the rolling chassis and buy the K5 tub. In preparation to building the chassis, I want to cut/weld, sand blast/paint the frame but a buddy said he would only cut the frame if he had in his possession the K5 Tub. As I understand his point, I am ready to cut/weld and move forward. Hopefully others will chime in with advice. Thanks for chiming in @dagnabbitt

[dagnabbitt]

I totally get it! Please post pics!

I have a cut down 67 K20 and have been kicking the idea around myself.

[dec010974]

The Parts that I have collected so far are Gen 4 LS 6.0L engine, C10 rear differential with 3.73 positive traction, 4L60E transmission, C10 SWB frame. I have replaced the core support mounts and cross member, Cab mounts, rear frame cross mount, Trailing Arm cross member, Added C-Notch, and frame stiffener. The next step is to cut or not to cut. I have been looking at Blazer tubs to purchase but I want to stay away from body work and rust repair

[jerry moss]

sounds like a cool project, you've got the know how and ambition, I say go for it. please post some pics as you go.

[406Weiand142t56ina65]

Originally Posted by dec010974

@dagnabitt, as with life, I approach everything with a grain of salt. I hear you loud and clear but the SWB fell in my lap. I know the condition of what I have so I thought that would be the best start for me. I also own a 1968 c10, a running/driving truck, LS2/TR6060, Dakota digital gauges, 4 wheel disc brakes, but it’s just a shop truck. It’s not the prettiest but it works. A Midlife crisis kicked and now I want to build a K5 Blazer. So as I narrow down my plan of attack, I am taking notes and gathering parts. So far, I have replaced all the cross members and all the body mounts on this frame. My goal is to build the rolling chassis and buy the K5 tub. In preparation to building the chassis, I want to cut/weld, sand blast/paint the frame but a buddy said he would only cut the frame if he had in his possession the K5 Tub. As I understand his point, I am ready to cut/weld and move forward. Hopefully others will chime in with advice. Thanks for chiming in @dagnabbitt

Following as I'd like to do the same thing. Good on you for this endeavor. G

[dec010974]

I used this document to check the frame measurements, for K5 Blazer Tub mounts, 1969-1972(2WD)? Does anyone have this type of frame dimensions for a true blazer frame, 2WD and 4WD? I would also like to know if all 4x4/4WD frame are straight. Is this a true statement? Are the 2WD frames curved like the C10 truck frames. Any help with is information would appreciated.

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by dec010974

I used this document to check the frame measurements, for K5 Blazer Tub mounts, 1969-1972(2WD)? Does anyone have this type of frame dimensions for a true blazer frame, 2WD and 4WD? I would also like to know if all 4x4/4WD frame are straight. Is this a true statement? Are the 2WD frames curved like the C10 truck frames. Any help with is information would appreciated.

Yes the 4wd frames run straight back and don't curve out like the C10 frames. The 2wd ones curve out and are done to accommodate the upper coil mount for a trailing arm set up

[truckster]

I'm sorry. The correct configuration for any Blazer, whether 2 or 4 wheel drive, is topless...

[MS66]

Sounds like it's going to be a great project. I'm starting with a lwb 2wd frame to put my K5 body on. I don't do much 4wd stuff anymore, so I thought about a street K5 down in the weeds. Buddy has the lwb donor already stripped to the frame.

[dec010974]

@Truckster Awesome.

[1970cstblazer]

Originally Posted by truckster

I'm sorry. The correct configuration for any Blazer, whether 2 or 4 wheel drive, is topless...

They do look better topless, and are more fun. HOWEVER, those tops are so fragile and bulky that I have decided to leave mine on because unless I can devise a pulley system in my garage to properly support and lift the top off, it will get destroyed.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

They do look better topless, and are more fun. HOWEVER, those tops are so fragile and bulky that I have decided to leave mine on because unless I can devise a pulley system in my garage to properly support and lift the top off, it will get destroyed.

Mine has been permanently stored since I got my Softopper.

[dec010974]

Hello to all. It’s an official, I am the proud owner of a C10 SWB to K5 Blazer frame. The frame hasn’t made it to the baptism because the tub hasn’t been ordered. I’m contemplating the purchase of a repop blazer tub or possibly using an original. It’s hard to find a descent tub. I see a lot of rust buckets that they want top dollar. My thoughts are to start with fresh tub.

[dec010974]

Pics

[dec010974]

Parts to go with the frame, C10 rear differential w/3.73 posi traction, refurbished 4L60E, and Gen 4 6.0L LY6. The AFM and DOD have been removed. Like I stated earlier to make this frame a complete roller chassis I need a set wheels, the front Coil-OverKit from PBFab, and the wilwood brake kit.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by dec010974

Hello to all. It’s an official, I am the proud owner of a C10 SWB to K5 Blazer frame. The frame hasn’t made it to the baptism because the tub hasn’t been ordered. I’m contemplating the purchase of a repop blazer tub or possibly using an original. It’s hard to find a descent tub. I see a lot of rust buckets that they want top dollar. My thoughts are to start with fresh tub.

.

Here's an option. Ran across this at the Texas 10 Nationals back in May.

http://lonestarcarparts.com -- curious I wasn't able to find this on their web site.

email:
LCP@lonestarcarparts.com

-Kevin

[dec010974]

If anybody has this info on this subject please share. I started this thread to share with other enthusiasts that may want to attempt what I am doing. I would like some frame measurements, from mount to mount, to compare with the swb c10, blazer frame. I visited Dino’s Git Down and saw a few blazer tubs. My c10 swb frame, 11 inches removed, measurements and the repop k5 tub seems to be off. Any help would be appreciated. I’m trying to get the math right before I order the tub.

[dec010974]

Pics

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

If you want to build a K/5 Blazer, you will need a Dana 44 Front axle, NP205 Transfer case, and a Kay 5, 10 or 20 frame.

Unless your project is a C/5 Blazer, which is what I think you want.

[Without the Four Wheel Drive parts, it's not a KAY/FIVE].


Hey Moderators, do You think this thread should be moved to the Blazer/Jimmy Forum?

Even the 2wd Blazer had K5 fender emblems. I'm not sure how the vin was arranged.

[dec010974]

This K5 Blazer will be a lowered 2WD Truck. The plan is to have front/rear
coil-overs with the trailing arms, wildwood spindles with big brakes, disc/disc brakes. At this point in collecting parts. The front control will be sourced by PBFab. PBFab makes control arms that centers the wheel in the front wheel. In stock form, the wheels are not centered in the wheel well. I’m thinking a 10 inch cut rather than a 11 inch cut. Like they say measure 10x and cut once.

[dec010974]

Midlife crisis build. This the look I am trying to achieve. I want to start with a K5 Blazer Tub.