Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RunTMCfan · 05-03-2006, 06:15 PM

These are popular out here. While they may not be the best looking I think they work pretty well. These are used on the prerunner trucks out at that sand dunes. I have my top off and I'm sure the tub could use some stiffening. Since I'm not doing 50mph on sand dunes I bet I could get away with a not so aggressive angle. The 45degree angle really takes up a ton of space.

I tried checking the search and couldn't find what some of you have done before. I remember you guys building boxes or something like that. They only extended into the bed about 6in or so.

Name: stiffener.jpg
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Name: stiffener.jpg
Views: 352
Size: 24.2 KB

hotrodhomi · 05-03-2006, 09:40 PM

doesn't the tail gate keep the side together at the latches?

671blazer · 05-03-2006, 09:50 PM

the ones ive seen were all tied into roll bars or roll cages. ive never seen em in the tail gate. are you planning on running with out your tail gate?

RunTMCfan · 05-03-2006, 09:53 PM

I'm not planning on running with out the tailgate. These are what's used out here at the tailgate for prerunner trucks. They do run with out the tailgait. I'm just wondering if you guys think this would work for the front corners. Or something similar.

I need to find a OE rollbar before I do something permenant.

More importantly, I would like to see or hear about other options. I can how the roll bar would work. You could even do a couple of brackets if your welding skills were ZERO like mine.

671blazer · 05-03-2006, 10:09 PM

theres a truck on this forum with stiffeners in the front right behind the seats didnt take up too much space. looked good too. im gonna try to find it.

hotrodhomi · 05-03-2006, 10:07 PM

what are you trying to accomplish? Why do you need the body to be stiffer?

RunTMCfan · 05-03-2006, 11:34 PM

Thanks for looking 671...

When I'm driving with the top off the tub corners in the front are moving just enough to rattle at the door strikes. This is what I'm trying to fix. Secondly the additional support is probably needed anyway. Also, I believe my left rear corner is taporing away (out) as it gets to the top. My goal/intention to to square up the tub and keep it that way. And by doing this I may be able to have a more rigid tub that will not rattle against the door stikes.

The shot of the stiffener is more of a concept photo. I do not want to use an exact duplicate of that. It would be a bit too much.

hotrodhomi · 05-03-2006, 11:38 PM

I think that stiffening the frame might work for your problem. It would require more work but you would have ugly bars in the back either. What do you body mounts look like? If they are worn it could cause this problem.

RunTMCfan · 05-04-2006, 12:02 AM

I am replacing the body mounts. I put 1 in this afternoon and have all the rest loosened up. Even with the tub bolted down properly in my head I still see the top corners of the tub, where it meets the doors still needing some support.

I will see if there is a difference when I'm done with the mounts.

blazerparts · 05-04-2006, 10:18 AM

New body mounts will probably take care of your problem. Take a look at your rocker boxes too. I had a door that rattled and found that when the previous owner replaced a bedside, 5 bolts were cut and never replaced.

**raggedjim** · 05-04-2006, 10:45 AM

I've never seen a Blazer that didn't rattle with the top off...

I never run a top and mine rattles like crazy, good thing the exhaust is so loud!

You could bolt in a bulkhead (kinda like the ones used with the half cabs) It would certainly stiffen everything up...

Rg

2wdBlazer · 05-04-2006, 11:02 AM

On my old 4x4 Blazer the Spare tire carrier swung open with a 33 in tire and the tailgate down, these would have came in handy. It always looked like that carrier was gonna rip off the Quarter panel cause it was so heavy.

bouncytruck · 05-04-2006, 11:20 AM

I don't see any real point unless you are going to be running across the desert at 100 miles per hour.

Replace your body mounts and see how that works.

*Medicanman71* · 05-04-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

running across the desert at 100 miles per hour.

Like this is what most "pre-runners" we see on the roads do anyways

haha

jhow66 · 05-04-2006, 11:33 AM

This what you are looking for? (doors shut with a solid feel now) (also roll cage is tied into windshield frame-nothing moves with top off)

jhow66 · 05-04-2006, 11:42 AM

Complete buildup here:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jason_burkhart/my_photos

Blizz · 05-24-2006, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhow66

This what you are looking for? (doors shut with a solid feel now) (also roll cage is tied into windshield frame-nothing moves with top off)

What an AWESOME Blazer. What color is that orange? Do you have the specs on that cage? I'd love to have something similar to it on mine. Does the hard top fit on it ok with the cage? Can you post pics of where it's tied into the windshield frame?

jhow66 · 05-24-2006, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blizz

What an AWESOME Blazer. What color is that orange? Do you have the specs on that cage? I'd love to have something similar to it on mine. Does the hard top fit on it ok with the cage? Can you post pics of where it's tied into the windshield frame?

The orange color is TENN VOLS ORANGE--Pantone Matching System # PMS151 (Dupont). Give me a day or two and I will get you a close up picture of the tie in to windshield. and how we done it. Have not had the top on yet but everything will clear. We bought the cage kit but did not use it all. (will get you the name and part # when I post the other.)

jhow66 · 05-25-2006, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blizz

What an AWESOME Blazer. What color is that orange? Do you have the specs on that cage? I'd love to have something similar to it on mine. Does the hard top fit on it ok with the cage? Can you post pics of where it's tied into the windshield frame?

Found the roll cage info--S&W Race Cars--Part # 11-1590
http://www.swracecars.com/index.asp
Did not use all the cage and moved it around to suit our needs. Installed the cage after all body work was done (new rocker boxes, rocker panels, floor parts, doors hung with new hinge pins and aligned, new windshield and all new tub poly mounts with new hardware.) (Will try to get photos tomorrow)

RunTMCfan · 05-04-2006, 12:23 PM

There we go! Pretty much the same thing but yours is custom and much nicer. Thank you. I will check out your build photos.

Most of the prerunner guys out here are posers. But if you go to the desert and watch the guys at the dunes you will regularly see $100k+ rigs of all types.

671blazer · 05-04-2006, 03:08 PM

thats the truck i was talking about!!! nice job jhow66!!!

jhow66 · 05-04-2006, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 671blazer

thats the truck i was talking about!!! nice job jhow66!!!

Thanks-it's my son's (orangeuavol) Blazer-I just helped build it.

Jimmy72custom · 05-24-2006, 11:05 PM

Those tailgate bars would work well with a lumber rack. I have over loaded the rack on my pickup to the point of flexing the bedsides,

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 05-25-2006, 12:07 AM

IIRC that was a s@w cage???

vtblazer · 05-25-2006, 07:06 AM

I'd say, look deeper.
A stiffener will just be a temporary band aid for what's really going on.
JMO.

As far as tying a roll cage into the windshield frame & body that's also tied into the chassis, there's two definite camps on the theory.
Do some research, what works for some may not be the answer for your K5.

Disclaimer:

Not making a 'right' or 'wrong' statement, just saying there's two distinctly different ways to installing a cage and how it gets tied into the vehicle.

05-03-2006, 06:15 PM	#1
RunTMCfan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 251	Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think These are popular out here. While they may not be the best looking I think they work pretty well. These are used on the prerunner trucks out at that sand dunes. I have my top off and I'm sure the tub could use some stiffening. Since I'm not doing 50mph on sand dunes I bet I could get away with a not so aggressive angle. The 45degree angle really takes up a ton of space. I tried checking the search and couldn't find what some of you have done before. I remember you guys building boxes or something like that. They only extended into the bed about 6in or so. __________________ Rob "RunTMCfan"

05-03-2006, 09:40 PM	#2
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think doesn't the tail gate keep the side together at the latches? __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

05-03-2006, 09:50 PM	#3
671blazer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: hayward ca Posts: 68	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think the ones ive seen were all tied into roll bars or roll cages. ive never seen em in the tail gate. are you planning on running with out your tail gate? __________________ 72k5 4wd 04 Tahoe 02 Roadstar Warrior 2000 Buick Lesabre on 20's

05-03-2006, 09:53 PM	#4
RunTMCfan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 251	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think I'm not planning on running with out the tailgate. These are what's used out here at the tailgate for prerunner trucks. They do run with out the tailgait. I'm just wondering if you guys think this would work for the front corners. Or something similar. I need to find a OE rollbar before I do something permenant. More importantly, I would like to see or hear about other options. I can how the roll bar would work. You could even do a couple of brackets if your welding skills were ZERO like mine. __________________ Rob "RunTMCfan" Last edited by RunTMCfan; 05-03-2006 at 10:06 PM.

05-03-2006, 10:09 PM	#5
671blazer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: hayward ca Posts: 68	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think theres a truck on this forum with stiffeners in the front right behind the seats didnt take up too much space. looked good too. im gonna try to find it. __________________ 72k5 4wd 04 Tahoe 02 Roadstar Warrior 2000 Buick Lesabre on 20's

05-03-2006, 10:07 PM	#6
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think what are you trying to accomplish? Why do you need the body to be stiffer? __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

05-03-2006, 11:34 PM	#7
RunTMCfan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 251	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think Thanks for looking 671... When I'm driving with the top off the tub corners in the front are moving just enough to rattle at the door strikes. This is what I'm trying to fix. Secondly the additional support is probably needed anyway. Also, I believe my left rear corner is taporing away (out) as it gets to the top. My goal/intention to to square up the tub and keep it that way. And by doing this I may be able to have a more rigid tub that will not rattle against the door stikes. The shot of the stiffener is more of a concept photo. I do not want to use an exact duplicate of that. It would be a bit too much. __________________ Rob "RunTMCfan" Last edited by RunTMCfan; 05-03-2006 at 11:35 PM.

05-03-2006, 11:38 PM	#8
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think I think that stiffening the frame might work for your problem. It would require more work but you would have ugly bars in the back either. What do you body mounts look like? If they are worn it could cause this problem. __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

05-04-2006, 12:02 AM	#9
RunTMCfan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 251	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think I am replacing the body mounts. I put 1 in this afternoon and have all the rest loosened up. Even with the tub bolted down properly in my head I still see the top corners of the tub, where it meets the doors still needing some support. I will see if there is a difference when I'm done with the mounts. __________________ Rob "RunTMCfan"

05-04-2006, 10:18 AM	#10
blazerparts No,I DON'T have Tourett's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 556	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think New body mounts will probably take care of your problem. Take a look at your rocker boxes too. I had a door that rattled and found that when the previous owner replaced a bedside, 5 bolts were cut and never replaced. __________________ '72 K5 CST 350/350 Daily Driver '69 GMC3500 Camper Special CST Flatbed 396/400 Upgraded to show truck '69 GMC 2500 L6292, 3spd beater

05-04-2006, 10:45 AM	#11
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,521	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think I've never seen a Blazer that didn't rattle with the top off... I never run a top and mine rattles like crazy, good thing the exhaust is so loud! You could bolt in a bulkhead (kinda like the ones used with the half cabs) It would certainly stiffen everything up... Rg __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203

05-04-2006, 11:02 AM	#12
2wdBlazer The Blazer King Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Valrico, Fl (Tampa) Posts: 1,213	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think On my old 4x4 Blazer the Spare tire carrier swung open with a 33 in tire and the tailgate down, these would have came in handy. It always looked like that carrier was gonna rip off the Quarter panel cause it was so heavy. __________________ 72 2wd Blazer. Its the superbichinest, megacoolinest, superflowinest.

05-04-2006, 11:20 AM	#13
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think I don't see any real point unless you are going to be running across the desert at 100 miles per hour. Replace your body mounts and see how that works. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

05-04-2006, 11:33 AM	#15
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think This what you are looking for? (doors shut with a solid feel now) (also roll cage is tied into windshield frame-nothing moves with top off) Attached Images __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer Last edited by jhow66; 05-04-2006 at 11:37 AM.

05-04-2006, 11:42 AM	#16
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think Complete buildup here: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jason_burkhart/my_photos __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer



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05-04-2006, 12:23 PM	#20
RunTMCfan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 251	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think There we go! Pretty much the same thing but yours is custom and much nicer. Thank you. I will check out your build photos. Most of the prerunner guys out here are posers. But if you go to the desert and watch the guys at the dunes you will regularly see $100k+ rigs of all types. __________________ Rob "RunTMCfan"

05-04-2006, 03:08 PM	#21
671blazer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: hayward ca Posts: 68	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think thats the truck i was talking about!!! nice job jhow66!!! __________________ 72k5 4wd 04 Tahoe 02 Roadstar Warrior 2000 Buick Lesabre on 20's Last edited by 671blazer; 05-04-2006 at 03:09 PM.

05-24-2006, 11:05 PM	#23
Jimmy72custom Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Willits Ca Posts: 261	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think Those tailgate bars would work well with a lumber rack. I have over loaded the rack on my pickup to the point of flexing the bedsides,

05-25-2006, 12:07 AM	#24
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think IIRC that was a s@w cage??? __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

05-25-2006, 07:06 AM	#25
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Tub Stiffeners, what do you guys think I'd say, look deeper. A stiffener will just be a temporary band aid for what's really going on. JMO. As far as tying a roll cage into the windshield frame & body that's also tied into the chassis, there's two definite camps on the theory. Do some research, what works for some may not be the answer for your K5. Disclaimer: Not making a 'right' or 'wrong' statement, just saying there's two distinctly different ways to installing a cage and how it gets tied into the vehicle.

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