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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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The "In over my head" build thread
A little story to start things off...
I always liked the look of these 4x4 blazers and when I finally decided it was time to buy one I jumped in and bought the first one I saw.......not too smart in the long run ![]() Had all sorts of issues once I started to tinker with it and see what shape it was really in. Started checking out craigslist for parts and I was so mad at myself for missing a cheaply priced cherry set of seats that I told myself "you need to keep checking in case other deals pop up". What ended up happening just two days later was a whole blazer for sale popped up with NONE of the issues my current blazer had (and for almost half the price of the first blazer). My wife told me I was crazy and thought going to look at it was making the same mistake all over again. Went and checked it out and bought it in Oct. '08....I couldn't help myself ![]() The obligatory before pictures Here is where the truck was as of sunday. Toughest part was getting a few of the body bolts to separate since the were rust-fused together - thanks to my brother for figuring out how to pop those loose. Once it was free my crew of ten "Blazer slaves" (8 lifters, 1 frame roller-outer, and 1 dolly roller-inner) helped with the heavy lifting ![]() Big thanks to Classic383 for the inspiration and dimensions for the dolly to get me here. Last edited by SeventyOne; 02-05-2010 at 12:49 AM. Reason: spelling |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Along the way, in keeping with the "keep checking for good deals", I found a new set of 37" MTRs for sale with free shipping on ebay for $1000. Seeing as how I wanted 37s and a set of 4 would normally cost me 1300+ I jumped all over it!
![]() Plans also include a 383, 6-7" lift to clear the tires, 700r4, 14bolt with disc brakes, and an 8 lug swap up front. Well that's about it for now - will get back out there this weekend to keep the progress moving... |
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#3 |
Its lookin' like a Blazer!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Gods Country, KY
Posts: 1,773
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
That looks like a great start, keep the progress up. Along with pics, lol. Nice score on the rubber. Whats the plan for body color and wheels? All that sheet metal looks sweet btw, pretty rust free lookin'.
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 4,339
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Always nice to begin with a decent starting point...keep up updated with pix and progress - it will help with motivation - ask me how I know -
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#5 | ||
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Quote:
Previous owner replaced the rocker panels and patched the front quaters. Torsion boxes are 90% solid. Not sure If I will patch those or replace the entire box - is there a problem with just cutting out the badly rusted parts? There is minor rust on the floor pan but kinda hate to see what may be underneath. I've been looking all the sheetmetal/rust repair threads I can on this site and its given me some confidence that I can do it with some patience and luck ![]() Quote:
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#6 | |
Its lookin' like a Blazer!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Gods Country, KY
Posts: 1,773
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Quote:
Theres not a problem at all with patching the rocker boxes. I did. A PO had cut a portion of the bottom out on both sides to hang some steps, lol. To each his own I guess. If the rust really is minor as in surface rust then I'd leave well enough alone and use some rust inhibitor on like Por15. You should be able to see the underside pretty well if your going to cut out and patch the rocker boxes. I too have learned that a build thread helps keep ya going. Keep up the work. And yes you may as well take a couple pics of those new wheels and toss'em on here for all to see. |
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#7 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2006
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454
Posts: 9,504
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Quote:
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__________________
Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 02-06-2010 at 01:43 AM. |
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#8 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA
Posts: 12,684
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Sounds like a great project - major steal on those MTR's. Was that an ebay vendor or just a private seller?
__________________
1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Livermore,Ca.
Posts: 114
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
That looks like a good start, keep us posted with alot of pics..!! It keeps me motivated on my project, when I see progress on everybody elses..!! Hey seventyone, I'm local bay area also, maybe one day I could stop by and get to see first hand how your build is coming along...?
Last edited by burbguy; 02-06-2010 at 01:11 AM. |
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#11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Quote:
Ill try to get pics up this weekend of the wheels and whatever other progress I make. |
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#12 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Nice looking project!
__________________
-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
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#13 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Gulfport, Ms
Posts: 833
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
another one to watch!!
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: el sobrante CA 94803
Posts: 284
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
70-1 whats up!
what size are those stock tires? the ones on the k5 now..... im local about 40 minutes from you.... need some help, info, ideas.....---duceduce9--- |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Update 2.7.10
Got a few hours in the garage Sat and Sun and managed to make a dent in the the frame stripping process. Transfer case came out with relative ease once the drive shafts were removed. Notice the stock orange color. Decided to remove the transmission while I was at it Here today's parts pile My brother is getting a free engine stand from his high school auto shop, and we will be borrowing a cherry picker soon to remove the engine. Then it's on to axles, and frame clean up/paint. Also here are the wheels that I chose and a shot of the wheels that are on the truck now. I am not crazy about the center caps but I think the new ones have similar styling while being more modern and rugged which should go well with the lift and tires. Please let's hear your opinions. |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: CASA GRANDE AZ
Posts: 4,276
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Really clean looking blazer
__________________
70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Mini update
Got a barely used engine stand and 4 2-ton jack stands for cheap from a guy selling of stuff he didn't use anymore. Going to see if I can source a used cherry picker or borrow one tomorrow and get the engine out. Will also try to remove the axles and get the gas tank out. Will post up pics later in the weekend. |
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#19 |
Its lookin' like a Blazer!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Gods Country, KY
Posts: 1,773
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Those wheels will look great. Check your local tool supply store for your cherry picker. I picked mine up on sale at Bargain Supply in Louisville KY for 125.00 on sale, the legs fold up too. Its a nice heavy one, had no problems picking up the engine or tub.
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#20 |
I Love Rusty Chevys
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 617
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
Rims look good. They will look even better on the 37's!
__________________
1969 K5 Blazer 1997 1500 Silverado Ext Cab Z71 2010 1500 Silverado Ext Cab Z71 |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
More Progress...
Didn't get quite as far as I wanted to but nevertheless I made some headway getting down to a bare frame... Gas tank lines for reference Previous owner welded in a ton of steel for a custom hitch that didn't allow me to drop the gas tank so out it came.... Gas tank out Anyone know how to dispose of gas? Maybe I can just put "old gas" for free on craigslist and someone will take it? Tires mounted and balanced Try to get a cherry picker this next week sometime and once the engine is out I can remove the axles and suspension. ![]() |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lake County, ca
Posts: 74
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
maann that tire and wheel combo looks kick ass. keep up the work and pics
__________________
this is the apex of the vortex: This is what u do, u lite all 3 ends at the same time, then the smoke converges, creating a trifecta of joint smoking power... ![]() I pitty the fool with only two headlights ![]() ![]() |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Burleson Tx
Posts: 110
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
I like those wheels. the only thing is there 8 lug not 6..are you planing on changing it to 8 lug?
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 1,382
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bend,Oregon
Posts: 225
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Re: The "In over my head" build thread
your not gonna use it rite ? ... cut it out !
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