looking at a blazer... need some input - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

proboner · 09-17-2006, 05:22 PM

im looking at purchasing a 72 blazer that has some rust issues. ad says it has rust in floor, rockers, front of rear quarters and doors. it comes with new rockers and floor pans to replace the rusted out ones, but how hard will all this be. im very new to working with rust, but somewhat experienced with bodywork. also wondering about products like POR15 and the like, where and how to use them. sounds like its sort of a bandaid, wondering if it can be used as a quality fix for certain spots?

krue · 09-17-2006, 09:16 PM

I could move this to the blazer board if you'd like?

71swb4x4 · 09-17-2006, 09:45 PM

A good rule of thumb is that if you can see rust on a Blazer, there is more that you can't see. You will probably have to replace more than the patch panels that come with it. The good thing is that there are some vendors that have been working hard on producing some vital patch panels that weren't produced previously. You should be able to get patched up.

qksilver · 09-17-2006, 10:08 PM

rust starts from the inside out.........you can patch anything but be honest with yourself about your ability. Spending more money up front would probably save you down the road plus you might actually finish it and be able to drive it way sooner.

proboner · 09-18-2006, 01:47 AM

thankyou for the words of wisdom, ill have to go see this thing in person and decide. and yes, please move this thread to the blazer forum, sorry about the mixup

junkyardjohn · 09-18-2006, 01:53 AM

ASK ANYONE WHOS DONE ONE. BLAZERS ARE JUST PLAIN EXPENSIVE TO RESTORE COMPARED TO A PICKUP TRUCK. DON'T GET ME WRONG... THEY ARE GREAT TRUCKS & I'VE OWNED A FEW. I THINK YOU WOULD BE WAY HAPPIER & MONEY AHEAD TO SPEND AN EXTRA $4OOO OR $5000 $ FIND A WESTERN TRUCK WITHOUT THE SHEETMETAL PROBLEMS. JOHN

LUV2XCLR8 · 09-18-2006, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junkyardjohn

ASK ANYONE WHOS DONE ONE. BLAZERS ARE JUST PLAIN
EXPENSIVE TO RESTORE COMPARED TO A PICKUP TRUCK.

Then why do trucks seem to be worth more? (Restored ones that is)

Huck · 09-18-2006, 07:39 AM

HEED THE ADVICE OF EXPERIENCE----A BLAZER WITH ''SOME RUST'' IS A BLAZER NEEDING LOTS OF WORK. YOU WILL NEED TO CUT OUT STUFF, FABRICATE STUFF (NOT EVERYTHING IS REPORDUCED!!!!!!) AND WELD IN A LOT OF STUFF. POR15 is nice but doesn't add strength or rigidity to anything.
If you live west of the mississippi, keep looking---you will be much better off.

**N2TRUX** · 09-18-2006, 07:57 AM

One are to be very cautious of is the windshield frame. If there is lots of rust this area it could cause major expense or work to replace.

junkyardjohn · 09-18-2006, 09:20 AM

ALSO LOOK AT THE ROCKER BOXES. JOHN

earl87gta · 09-18-2006, 02:06 PM

the good thing is you can buy the rocker boxes now. but the window frame thats the big trouble if its rusted out you its almost inpossible to find a replacment. every thing else can be replaced from a truck or sheet metal. when I re did my 72 the floors and cargo area were completly rust out I used a bed from an 80s modle truck and cut it down to fit for the cargo area and at the time youcouldnt buy new rocker boxes so I used 1/8 dimond plate steel to make new boxes with. I welded up the window frame but when it was done you couldnt use the fiber glass top any more so I always had a soft top on it.
Earl

Huck · 09-20-2006, 11:15 AM

Trucks are just more practical, parts are much more available, and it's relatively easy to replace major body sections --cabs, beds, etc.
The windshield is one issue but so is the "b" pillar as it is way different then a cab "b" pillar. The cab floor sections are different too. You have major alignment issues when replacing the torque boxes, ----just a whole lot more work and expense compared to trucks. The easy stuff is the front clip, driveline and tailgate areas~~~ which is usually not the headache!!

vtblazer · 09-20-2006, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proboner

im looking at purchasing a 72 blazer that has some rust issues. ad says it has rust in floor, rockers, front of rear quarters and doors. it comes with new rockers and floor pans to replace the rusted out ones, but how hard will all this be. im very new to working with rust, but somewhat experienced with bodywork. also wondering about products like POR15 and the like, where and how to use them. sounds like its sort of a bandaid, wondering if it can be used as a quality fix for certain spots?

Think about that old adage..."can of worms" and you'll be on the right track towards restoring a blazer.

It can be done and in the end will have one cool convertible.

pharcyde05 · 09-20-2006, 06:57 PM

well i guess i dont have much to add i prety much agree with every one else it just depends on how long and how much of a project you want even though you have experiance with body work you are going to have a lot more involved with cutting out and welding in new parts
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN WITH IT
cant wait to see the updates

09-17-2006, 05:22 PM	#1
proboner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: mountain view, ca Posts: 28	looking at a blazer... need some input im looking at purchasing a 72 blazer that has some rust issues. ad says it has rust in floor, rockers, front of rear quarters and doors. it comes with new rockers and floor pans to replace the rusted out ones, but how hard will all this be. im very new to working with rust, but somewhat experienced with bodywork. also wondering about products like POR15 and the like, where and how to use them. sounds like its sort of a bandaid, wondering if it can be used as a quality fix for certain spots? __________________ 1993 ford probe gt- 15.2@90.7 http://www.cardomain.com/id/pr0b0ner 1969 chevy c10 pickup- bought for $100 at an impound lot... always wanted a 1972 blazer cst, but this will do for now!

09-17-2006, 09:16 PM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input I could move this to the blazer board if you'd like? __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

09-17-2006, 09:45 PM	#3
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input A good rule of thumb is that if you can see rust on a Blazer, there is more that you can't see. You will probably have to replace more than the patch panels that come with it. The good thing is that there are some vendors that have been working hard on producing some vital patch panels that weren't produced previously. You should be able to get patched up. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

09-17-2006, 10:08 PM	#4
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input rust starts from the inside out.........you can patch anything but be honest with yourself about your ability. Spending more money up front would probably save you down the road plus you might actually finish it and be able to drive it way sooner.

09-18-2006, 01:47 AM	#5
proboner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: mountain view, ca Posts: 28	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input thankyou for the words of wisdom, ill have to go see this thing in person and decide. and yes, please move this thread to the blazer forum, sorry about the mixup __________________ 1993 ford probe gt- 15.2@90.7 http://www.cardomain.com/id/pr0b0ner 1969 chevy c10 pickup- bought for $100 at an impound lot... always wanted a 1972 blazer cst, but this will do for now!

09-18-2006, 01:53 AM	#6
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input ASK ANYONE WHOS DONE ONE. BLAZERS ARE JUST PLAIN EXPENSIVE TO RESTORE COMPARED TO A PICKUP TRUCK. DON'T GET ME WRONG... THEY ARE GREAT TRUCKS & I'VE OWNED A FEW. I THINK YOU WOULD BE WAY HAPPIER & MONEY AHEAD TO SPEND AN EXTRA $4OOO OR $5000 $ FIND A WESTERN TRUCK WITHOUT THE SHEETMETAL PROBLEMS. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

09-18-2006, 07:39 AM	#8
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input HEED THE ADVICE OF EXPERIENCE----A BLAZER WITH ''SOME RUST'' IS A BLAZER NEEDING LOTS OF WORK. YOU WILL NEED TO CUT OUT STUFF, FABRICATE STUFF (NOT EVERYTHING IS REPORDUCED!!!!!!) AND WELD IN A LOT OF STUFF. POR15 is nice but doesn't add strength or rigidity to anything. If you live west of the mississippi, keep looking---you will be much better off.

09-18-2006, 07:57 AM	#9
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input One are to be very cautious of is the windshield frame. If there is lots of rust this area it could cause major expense or work to replace. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" Last edited by N2TRUX; 09-18-2006 at 09:36 AM.

09-18-2006, 09:20 AM	#10
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input ALSO LOOK AT THE ROCKER BOXES. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

09-18-2006, 02:06 PM	#11
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input the good thing is you can buy the rocker boxes now. but the window frame thats the big trouble if its rusted out you its almost inpossible to find a replacment. every thing else can be replaced from a truck or sheet metal. when I re did my 72 the floors and cargo area were completly rust out I used a bed from an 80s modle truck and cut it down to fit for the cargo area and at the time youcouldnt buy new rocker boxes so I used 1/8 dimond plate steel to make new boxes with. I welded up the window frame but when it was done you couldnt use the fiber glass top any more so I always had a soft top on it. Earl __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

09-20-2006, 11:15 AM	#12
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input Trucks are just more practical, parts are much more available, and it's relatively easy to replace major body sections --cabs, beds, etc. The windshield is one issue but so is the "b" pillar as it is way different then a cab "b" pillar. The cab floor sections are different too. You have major alignment issues when replacing the torque boxes, ----just a whole lot more work and expense compared to trucks. The easy stuff is the front clip, driveline and tailgate areas~~~ which is usually not the headache!!

09-20-2006, 06:57 PM	#14
pharcyde05 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: modesto CA Posts: 239	Re: looking at a blazer... need some input well i guess i dont have much to add i prety much agree with every one else it just depends on how long and how much of a project you want even though you have experiance with body work you are going to have a lot more involved with cutting out and welding in new parts GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN WITH IT cant wait to see the updates __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2461088



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