New Blazer - New Member - New Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DreamBlaze · 03-21-2008, 06:08 PM

Hello all, I finally bought my dream truck...a 1972 blazer 350 auto 4x4. Price $1000. It was running in about 5 hours.

Non stock items:
1. 4" lift
2. 33" Dunlop "Dry rots"
3. custom steel 40 gallon fuel tank

What I know it needs:

1. Rocker Boxes
2. Rocker Box caps
3. Inner rockers
4. Outer rockers
5. tailgate sheet metal
6. lower A pillar work
7. outer floor board driver and passenger
8. Passenger door lower inner and outer skin
9. new exhaust
10. Air injection tubes on Passenger side

I will post some pictures later, but I am wondering what you all do if the rear sides of the blazer bow out just enough to where the tailgate won't latch? I am trying to figure out what structural components of the tub are supposed to reinforce this area.

I also want to take the top off, but I am not sure if the dash and windshield will sag back. What I am planning on doing since it has a roll bar is to run two tubes from the top bar on the roll cage to the two attachment points on the top of the windshield frame where the hard top bolts on.

How heavy is the hard top? is it a two/three person job?

Does anyone ride with the doors off?

I am not planning on building a monster truck, just a nice blazer that can take most of what the offroad can throw at it.

My vision is a pastel light green with a white top, 33" tires, rhino lined interior, and my hot girlfriend in a bikini.

Here are some pictures of the blazer the day I brought it home...
http://picasaweb.google.com/mcsartin...wOld1972Blazer

bouncytruck · 03-21-2008, 06:58 PM

Welcome to the board from the Seattle area. Looks like you made a good purchase and got a great price!

The hard top is around 300 pounds. I'd suggest getting help so you don't drop it. I built a system like this

so I could remove the top myself - it works great.

Before you pull the top, you may want to consider some of the rust repairs. As soon as you pull the top, you may get some body sag, especially if you have rotted out rocker boxes, worn body mounts or rust in the windshield frame. If things are solid, and your body mounts aren't rotted out, you probably won't see much shifting.

There are a few guys who have tied the roll cage into the windshield frame, but don't think it's really necessary. It would be better to tie it into the frame. Do a search for "roll cage" or "family cage" to get some ideas of what others have done.

Oh, and while your taking more pictures, be sure to get that "bikini" shot...

**Classic Heartbeat** · 03-21-2008, 07:09 PM

I agree with the Bikini shots.

on your purchace. By the way we stock just about all of the parts you are or will be looking for. I agree with bouncytruck, You will want to do your rockerboxes and rocker repair befor you remove your top. Not that it can't be done after, as many here can attest to, but it sure makes it easier to maintain your door openings... WES

DreamBlaze · 03-21-2008, 07:30 PM

Thanks for the welcome.

Bikini pics pending warm weather and top removed.

The main problem i have with the tailgate is that the latching mechanism doesn't work. I need to free it up to be able to determine if it is actually bowed.

Right now I am replacing the valve cover gaskets and exhaust manifold gaskets.

Here in Maryland the Blazer is tagged as historic currently, I want to get it sound enough so it will pass the state inspection so it can be a daily driver behind my Goldwing.

I am estimating that I will need about 500-700 in sheet metal if I buy it Repro but some stuff can be fixed by some sheet stock.

I also recieved a soft top and an A/C system in the deal.

I will be looking for a spare tire rack for the back because of the large fuel tank I have.

Does anyone have an tips on adjusting the front wheel bearings? or where to get a new set?

Thanks.

**Yukon Jack** · 03-21-2008, 07:06 PM

Good looking K5 and it looks like you got a good deal on it. Blazers with minimal rust are hard to come by and your rust issues look about normal.

In relation to the rear bed sides bowing out, take a look at the rubber body mounts and see how worn they are and how the metal is in those areas. Seems they would have to be pretty bad to let the bed bow out.

Good luck, welcome to the board and keep us posted as you move forward!

DreamBlaze · 01-13-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

Good looking K5 and it looks like you got a good deal on it. Blazers with minimal rust are hard to come by and your rust issues look about normal.

In relation to the rear bed sides bowing out, take a look at the rubber body mounts and see how worn they are and how the metal is in those areas. Seems they would have to be pretty bad to let the bed bow out.

Good luck, welcome to the board and keep us posted as you move forward!

Pictures for everyone viewing pleasure (there are sub-folders):

http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/mcsartin/Blazer/

Passenger side

Drivers Side

Here is the best I can do for topless...Sorry for getting your hopes up guys

I need to tackle the front Hub bearings in the next two weeks or so. Anyone have a good source? Tips or tricks are appreciated.

Cheers

**jaros44sr** · 01-13-2009, 11:09 AM

I just had flash backs, good idea on the crash sheets.

bouncytruck · 03-21-2008, 08:33 PM

Did I just see the words "bikini" and "top removed" in the same sentence?

You can get the wheel bearings from your local real parts store (not a schucks type store). You'll need a special socket to remove the front hubs, but you can pick them up at the store too.

If you go with a stock (dealer installed) swing away spare, make sure you get the brackets that go inside the bed wall too. You'll have a hard time mounting it without them.

BLUE THUNDER · 03-22-2008, 04:17 AM

Welcome to board from San Antonio. nice find. Hope to see more pics. Mario.

Chevyman63 · 03-22-2008, 05:42 AM

Welcome from Michigan, this is a great place with tons of very well informed truck guys and gals to learn from.

**lolife99** · 03-22-2008, 06:29 AM

Welcome from central Missouri!

Long Roof · 03-23-2008, 02:09 AM

Welcome to the club. NOW POST SOME PICS (please)

Big J · 03-23-2008, 02:49 AM

Welcome from KY! Yep ya gotta post some pics

DANTES JIMMY · 03-23-2008, 03:48 AM

from looks of the rear pics i would say your tailgate just needs cleaned up and lubed up
doesnt look bowed at all but i could be wrong
is that a sunroof cut into that top??

1tonblaze · 03-23-2008, 06:05 AM

welcome from maryland also . looks like you got the same red as my other blazer has .

DreamBlaze · 01-13-2009, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1tonblaze

welcome from maryland also . looks like you got the same red as my other blazer has .

Thanks, the red is actually painted over the light green paint which I believe was factory. Where are you at in MD? I live in St. Mary's but work near Baltimore.

DreamBlaze · 01-13-2009, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DANTES JIMMY

from looks of the rear pics i would say your tailgate just needs cleaned up and lubed up
doesnt look bowed at all but i could be wrong
is that a sunroof cut into that top??

Sorry for the Delay...a couple months. I am about ready to get into the blazer work now. Yes that is a sun roof cut into the top by PO...Ironc...a sun roof on a convertible?

72BlckButy · 03-23-2008, 09:17 AM

to the board from Mid-MO!!!

Big J · 03-23-2008, 03:55 PM

Just looked at your pic link.... Looks like a nice start. How bad are your rocker boxes. Mine had some big holes cut out of them and some rust. For the most part they were solid so I just repaired and por15'd. They are solid as can be. Might save you some money if theres enough left to repair, lol.

Long Roof · 03-23-2008, 05:40 PM

Whats with the rear floor? The seats don't look too bad. The rest of the truck looks pretty typical of this vintage.

JayDubBlazer · 03-23-2008, 06:18 PM

Nice find, welcome from chicago and central PA

**lks dcvn** · 03-23-2008, 06:54 PM

Welcome to the group (and a new addiction) -

Looks like a nice truck.

Huck · 03-24-2008, 04:33 PM

Your rear quarters do not appear out of alignment with the tailgate as the edges line up. Just pull, free up, lube and reinstall the tailgate latching mechanism of the tailgate. Setting up a rollbar with front windshield frame support is a common setup as Blazers tend to flex quite a bit even when they were new. You have to really support the body under the front floor --ie strong torque/rocker boxes, correct rubber shims etc. ensuring proper door alignment. The 300lb roof is structurally one of the better parts of the blazers but ----most guys prefer it topless (blazer or no blazer!hehehe). Soft tops are for the most part crap with poor fitting, junk plastic windows, and poor frames. Bikini tops from the windshield frame to the top of the roll bar seems to work except in winter. From the seat forward--just about everything is the same as the trucks. good luck--Huck

crzngmychvy · 03-25-2008, 09:28 PM

Welcome from socal!

DreamBlaze · 01-13-2009, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck

Your rear quarters do not appear out of alignment with the tailgate as the edges line up. Just pull, free up, lube and reinstall the tailgate latching mechanism of the tailgate. Setting up a rollbar with front windshield frame support is a common setup as Blazers tend to flex quite a bit even when they were new. You have to really support the body under the front floor --ie strong torque/rocker boxes, correct rubber shims etc. ensuring proper door alignment. The 300lb roof is structurally one of the better parts of the blazers but ----most guys prefer it topless (blazer or no blazer!hehehe). Soft tops are for the most part crap with poor fitting, junk plastic windows, and poor frames. Bikini tops from the windshield frame to the top of the roll bar seems to work except in winter. From the seat forward--just about everything is the same as the trucks. good luck--Huck

I am wondering where I can get the factory body dimensions? I think they are called crash sheets or something similar. If I have the top on is that "good enough" for body and door alignment. The only flex I notice at the moment with the top off is the passenger kick panel and the passenger door bangs against the B-pillar when going over bumps. I think if I can brace that up enough to where the door is easier to open.

Do the doors have shims to adjust the gap at the top and bottom of the B pillar?

I am working on some more detailed pictures so you can see what I am really working with.

Cheers

03-21-2008, 06:08 PM	#1
DreamBlaze Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Great Mills, MD Posts: 10	New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Hello all, I finally bought my dream truck...a 1972 blazer 350 auto 4x4. Price $1000. It was running in about 5 hours. Non stock items: 1. 4" lift 2. 33" Dunlop "Dry rots" 3. custom steel 40 gallon fuel tank What I know it needs: 1. Rocker Boxes 2. Rocker Box caps 3. Inner rockers 4. Outer rockers 5. tailgate sheet metal 6. lower A pillar work 7. outer floor board driver and passenger 8. Passenger door lower inner and outer skin 9. new exhaust 10. Air injection tubes on Passenger side I will post some pictures later, but I am wondering what you all do if the rear sides of the blazer bow out just enough to where the tailgate won't latch? I am trying to figure out what structural components of the tub are supposed to reinforce this area. I also want to take the top off, but I am not sure if the dash and windshield will sag back. What I am planning on doing since it has a roll bar is to run two tubes from the top bar on the roll cage to the two attachment points on the top of the windshield frame where the hard top bolts on. How heavy is the hard top? is it a two/three person job? Does anyone ride with the doors off? I am not planning on building a monster truck, just a nice blazer that can take most of what the offroad can throw at it. My vision is a pastel light green with a white top, 33" tires, rhino lined interior, and my hot girlfriend in a bikini. Here are some pictures of the blazer the day I brought it home... http://picasaweb.google.com/mcsartin...wOld1972Blazer

03-21-2008, 06:58 PM	#2
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Welcome to the board from the Seattle area. Looks like you made a good purchase and got a great price! The hard top is around 300 pounds. I'd suggest getting help so you don't drop it. I built a system like this so I could remove the top myself - it works great. Before you pull the top, you may want to consider some of the rust repairs. As soon as you pull the top, you may get some body sag, especially if you have rotted out rocker boxes, worn body mounts or rust in the windshield frame. If things are solid, and your body mounts aren't rotted out, you probably won't see much shifting. There are a few guys who have tied the roll cage into the windshield frame, but don't think it's really necessary. It would be better to tie it into the frame. Do a search for "roll cage" or "family cage" to get some ideas of what others have done. Oh, and while your taking more pictures, be sure to get that "bikini" shot... __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

03-21-2008, 07:09 PM	#3
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions I agree with the Bikini shots. on your purchace. By the way we stock just about all of the parts you are or will be looking for. I agree with bouncytruck, You will want to do your rockerboxes and rocker repair befor you remove your top. Not that it can't be done after, as many here can attest to, but it sure makes it easier to maintain your door openings... WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

03-21-2008, 07:30 PM	#4
DreamBlaze Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Great Mills, MD Posts: 10	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Thanks for the welcome. Bikini pics pending warm weather and top removed. The main problem i have with the tailgate is that the latching mechanism doesn't work. I need to free it up to be able to determine if it is actually bowed. Right now I am replacing the valve cover gaskets and exhaust manifold gaskets. Here in Maryland the Blazer is tagged as historic currently, I want to get it sound enough so it will pass the state inspection so it can be a daily driver behind my Goldwing. I am estimating that I will need about 500-700 in sheet metal if I buy it Repro but some stuff can be fixed by some sheet stock. I also recieved a soft top and an A/C system in the deal. I will be looking for a spare tire rack for the back because of the large fuel tank I have. Does anyone have an tips on adjusting the front wheel bearings? or where to get a new set? Thanks.

03-21-2008, 07:06 PM	#5
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Good looking K5 and it looks like you got a good deal on it. Blazers with minimal rust are hard to come by and your rust issues look about normal. In relation to the rear bed sides bowing out, take a look at the rubber body mounts and see how worn they are and how the metal is in those areas. Seems they would have to be pretty bad to let the bed bow out. Good luck, welcome to the board and keep us posted as you move forward! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

01-13-2009, 11:09 AM	#7
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,774	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions I just had flash backs, good idea on the crash sheets. __________________ 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

03-21-2008, 08:33 PM	#8
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Did I just see the words "bikini" and "top removed" in the same sentence? You can get the wheel bearings from your local real parts store (not a schucks type store). You'll need a special socket to remove the front hubs, but you can pick them up at the store too. If you go with a stock (dealer installed) swing away spare, make sure you get the brackets that go inside the bed wall too. You'll have a hard time mounting it without them. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

03-22-2008, 04:17 AM	#9
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Welcome to board from San Antonio. nice find. Hope to see more pics. Mario.

03-22-2008, 05:42 AM	#10
Chevyman63 Can't wait to retire!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Corunna, MI Posts: 1,575	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Welcome from Michigan, this is a great place with tons of very well informed truck guys and gals to learn from. __________________ 2009 4x4 Chevy Crew Cab 6.0 1989 4x4 Siverado (270,000 miles) 1972 4x4 Blazer 2007 Chevy Cutaway 1 ton 1970 Corvette (sons project) RIP - CLR 10/11/09

03-22-2008, 06:29 AM	#11
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,702	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Welcome from central Missouri! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

03-23-2008, 02:09 AM	#12
Long Roof Old School, New Style Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monroeville, Ohio Posts: 790	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Welcome to the club. NOW POST SOME PICS (please) __________________ The Good: - 72 GMC Jimmy 4x4 - 307 cid / 350 th - 70 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - 454 cid /400 th - 96 Chevy Impala SS - mainly stock - 98 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4 - all stock The Bad: - 86 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 4x4 - winter beater The Ugly: - 72 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - parts truck

03-23-2008, 02:49 AM	#13
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,772	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Welcome from KY! Yep ya gotta post some pics __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

03-23-2008, 03:48 AM	#14
DANTES JIMMY Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PENDLETON,INDIANA Posts: 271	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions from looks of the rear pics i would say your tailgate just needs cleaned up and lubed up doesnt look bowed at all but i could be wrong is that a sunroof cut into that top??

03-23-2008, 06:05 AM	#15
1tonblaze Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Carroll County Maryland , Posts: 828	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions welcome from maryland also . looks like you got the same red as my other blazer has . __________________ 1970 k/5 blazer--> money pit - 14bolt dana 44 350 sm465/205 36 14.50 16 tires 1972 nova plane jane 6 clyinder might sell might keep dont know 2004 chevy s-10 crewcab zr5 sold 1985 c20 chevy long bed , beater , on its way to a better place in pa from what the dmv told me 2010 kia forte koup 2.4 sx -over the river and threw the woods to the total lot it went . 1999 k1500 suburban 350 vortec 4l60e leather land yacht .

03-23-2008, 09:17 AM	#18
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions to the board from Mid-MO!!! __________________ -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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03-23-2008, 03:55 PM	#19
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,772	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Just looked at your pic link.... Looks like a nice start. How bad are your rocker boxes. Mine had some big holes cut out of them and some rust. For the most part they were solid so I just repaired and por15'd. They are solid as can be. Might save you some money if theres enough left to repair, lol. __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

03-23-2008, 05:40 PM	#20
Long Roof Old School, New Style Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monroeville, Ohio Posts: 790	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Whats with the rear floor? The seats don't look too bad. The rest of the truck looks pretty typical of this vintage. __________________ The Good: - 72 GMC Jimmy 4x4 - 307 cid / 350 th - 70 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - 454 cid /400 th - 96 Chevy Impala SS - mainly stock - 98 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4 - all stock The Bad: - 86 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 4x4 - winter beater The Ugly: - 72 Chevy Suburban 1/2T 2wd - parts truck

03-23-2008, 06:18 PM	#21
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,883	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Nice find, welcome from chicago and central PA __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

03-23-2008, 06:54 PM	#22
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,349	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Welcome to the group (and a new addiction) - Looks like a nice truck.

03-24-2008, 04:33 PM	#23
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Your rear quarters do not appear out of alignment with the tailgate as the edges line up. Just pull, free up, lube and reinstall the tailgate latching mechanism of the tailgate. Setting up a rollbar with front windshield frame support is a common setup as Blazers tend to flex quite a bit even when they were new. You have to really support the body under the front floor --ie strong torque/rocker boxes, correct rubber shims etc. ensuring proper door alignment. The 300lb roof is structurally one of the better parts of the blazers but ----most guys prefer it topless (blazer or no blazer!hehehe). Soft tops are for the most part crap with poor fitting, junk plastic windows, and poor frames. Bikini tops from the windshield frame to the top of the roll bar seems to work except in winter. From the seat forward--just about everything is the same as the trucks. good luck--Huck

03-25-2008, 09:28 PM	#24
crzngmychvy "1972 C5" Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 729	Re: New Blazer - New Member - New Questions Welcome from socal! __________________ - 72 2wd Blazer ...sold... 2wd Blazer Page

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