![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
View Poll Results: Which way is better | |||
Lengthen the body |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
1 | 3.45% |
Shorten the chassis |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
18 | 62.07% |
What, are you nuts? |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
9 | 31.03% |
Other (please post) |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
1 | 3.45% |
Voters: 29. You may not vote on this poll |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
|
Looking for comments on an idea
I've always wanted a 1st gen Blazer, but I want something 100% reliable and well mannered on the road. I've been toying with the idea of doing a late model chassis swap into the old body style, but was at a loss as to how to compensate for the difference in wheelbase. Cut down the chassis, or extend the body?
The image is to scale, so I've added the 16" needed to the wheelbase ahead of the rear wheel. Oddly enough, an '09 Silverado has almost the same overhang on the chassis as the old blazers do. Original: ![]() Lengthened: ![]() (and yes, the pics came from ebay). Tell me what you think.
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: CASA GRANDE AZ
Posts: 4,276
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
Actually looks decent why not cut down the burb BUT I LIKE THE STOCK LENGTH BLAZERS BETTER SO CUT THE FRAME OR SWAP EVERYTHING TO YOUR FRAME
__________________
70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger Last edited by OARNGESI; 01-14-2009 at 12:57 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Central Vermont
Posts: 8,538
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
May as well get a truck and throw a top on the bed, it would look about the same as the 2nd pic in the end.
What's the wheelbase your shooting for? Where do your skills lie? Are you a body-man, glass worker, welder? All the above? It would be fairly simple to lengthen the body by just adding/grafting a truck bed onto the 'B' pillar & floor area of the blazer tub but the hard top would be the issue there. Might make it look 'station wagon-ish' IMO going that route. Shortening the frame would be very doable too but then your changing the ride characteristics of the later model chassis and the ride your looking to achieve. How about a third option? Build the truck your hoping for from an existing 1st gen. ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
VTBlazer -
The stock wheelbase on the newer chassis is 120", according to information I've seen the stock blazer is 104" (correct me if I'm wrong). As for skill level... I think I would be more comfortable with chassis work, but I can do sheet metal fabrication and I do my own prep/paint work. The glassing involved with the top doesn't daunt me, either, although It seems it would be easiest to just mate two tops together, vice extending one. Part of the reason I'd had the idea in the first place, was keeping all the newer mechanical components for driveability/comfort, but also for serviceability. To that end, I thought of lengthening the body just to avoid changing any of the parts on the late model chassis for interchange purposes. That said, I drive a new gen Silverado now (technically an 07 due to the build date, but it's an 08 model). I've crawled under the truck, checked and double checked everything, and it would be relatively simple to section 16" out from under the cab right ahead of the spring perches (because, essentially, all the extra length is in the cab). Shortening fuel lines, exhaust, drivetrain, etc would all follow suit without too much issue. I do not believe that it would hugely effect the ride quality, since the biggest improvement in the new trucks is the coilover front end. MAJOR improvement over anything I've driven before. That and the chassis stiffness certainly wouldn't hurt. Given that it will be a while before I actually do this (I have 2 other projects to get rid of first), I've just been toying with ideas back and forth. I do agree that it might look station wagon-ish. *prepares to don flame suit*
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) Last edited by JJorgensen52; 01-14-2009 at 10:06 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Madison, AL
Posts: 140
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
If you wanna drive it topless, I like the shortened frame. If you want it to seal up good (from water and wind noise), I would shorten a suburban to fit your frame. Just my opinion.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
Should have mentioned, want a blazer for the topless abilities.
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Can't wait to retire!!
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Corunna, MI
Posts: 1,575
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
I would think shortening the frame would be a lot less work and I really don't like the longer version of the Blazer. Just my $.02.
__________________
![]() 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 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
The LuvShack Garage
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side)
Posts: 30,477
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
I say hack the chassis, but that's just my $.02
__________________
Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 | |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
Quote:
__________________
-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) |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA
Posts: 12,684
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
I don't care for the extended body version - chop that frame if you do it, would surely be way less work.
__________________
1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
I'm a poor spectator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Antonio, Tx
Posts: 2,287
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
I say just swap in a modern drivetrain into a 1st gen, it will take about 1/1000th of the time and money and did I mention time.
__________________
2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig ![]() 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! ![]() 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! ![]() 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: PENDLETON,INDIANA
Posts: 271
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
I have pondered this for some time and i think it is a fantastic idea and really wish you would do it
i work at a chevy dealership and i researched a little bit 2008 MODEL YEAR 1/2 ton sb silverado or sierra wb 119" 3/4 ton lb silv or sierra wb133" trailblazer 4x4 with a 5.3 v8 or a 6.0(ss) wb113" i can look up any of this stuff for you real quickly if you need any other specs on gm products just let me know ie: Track width,overhang.... The 07 classic wb numbers are the same i would think shortening the frame would be a cakewalk compared to extending the body Last edited by DANTES JIMMY; 01-16-2009 at 03:22 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Old Mission, MI, USA
Posts: 2,510
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
Nice, but the top will still leak in the rain.
__________________
Tim |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada
Posts: 543
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
My vote would have to be to make the stock frame and suspension work. The newer ifs trucks, to me don't drive much better than my lifted,on 35's 72 Blazer. The ifs suspension also has a lot more maintenance required, and more parts that will and do wear out. In theory it sounds like a cool idea, but as a mechanic of 30 years, the more I work on the newer **** that all the manufacturers are building, the more I want to stay with my old stuff. In my family, the daily drivers are 72 C20 2WD, 72 Blazer 4X4, 81 Grand Prix, and my wife drives a 97 Yukon 4X4. I have tuned the steering and suspension in the older ones, and prefer driving them much more, and the older ones are cheeper to keep the front ends in good shape, and the tires wear and last better.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 2,121
|
Re: Looking for comments on an idea
I'll second that!!!
__________________
'72 C to K20 "Cannibalizer" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32#post8653432 '85 K30 "Big Nassy" '01 2500 Suburban ...party wagon & tow truck '06 Silverado SS...DD '06 C1500 WT...DD '07 Classic C1500 WT...DD Built & sold cause can't keep 'em all: '72 Blazer "The Bucket" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433190 '55 Chevy straight axle gasser https://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173938 '69 Pro Street Chevelle http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332541 '86 M1031 CUCV http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553619 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|