New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

snowblind · 10-07-2009, 03:00 PM

Hi everyone.

I bought a 72 Jimmy a couple of days ago. My first GM truck!

I'll be doing sort of "rolling restoration" over the next few months. It's not my daily driver but I do need to use it 3 or 4 days per week. The end goal is a smooth riding pavement/gravel road truck to cruise around town, take short highway trips and drive up to go snowboarding 20-40 times per winter.

Currently sitting on 33x1250 BFGs and a 2" lift with HD springs on the front and 2" square pipe blocks at the back. It needs a tune up to pass emissions but after that I'll be getting busy with rust repair and bodywork...

Here are some pics from the PO.

Matt

big dump · 10-07-2009, 04:17 PM

Cool, should make a nice driver. Welcome to the board!

NTR72GMC · 10-07-2009, 04:32 PM

Welcome to the board!! I think I might have an upper grill trim for you if you need one. but it looks like you have a pretty solid rig.

vtblazer · 10-07-2009, 04:47 PM

Welcome to the board, check out those torsion boxes, looks like it had saddle tanks once upon a time.

**truckster** · 10-07-2009, 05:09 PM

I think that's one I was looking at on KSL. My wife said my Blazer doesn't need a brother right now.

It looks like you did pretty well. Welcome to the board.

snowblind · 10-07-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTR72GMC

Welcome to the board!! I think I might have an upper grill trim for you if you need one. but it looks like you have a pretty solid rig.

Thanks but I already have an extra grill and that trim piece.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Welcome to the board, check out those torsion boxes, looks like it had saddle tanks once upon a time.

Yep. The tanks are gone but that whole area is rusty. I'll be ordering repair pieces this week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckster

I think that's one I was looking at on KSL. My wife said my Blazer doesn't need a brother right now.

It looks like you did pretty well. Welcome to the board.

It was on KSL. It has some good points and some bad... I just found out that the trans is leaking fluid into the transfer case so that would be a bad point.

Are there many Utah owners on this board? I'ld love to get together and share ideas.

Matt

NTR72GMC · 10-07-2009, 06:46 PM

There are a few of us here in Utah.

ChadGiles70 · 10-08-2009, 04:16 PM

I'm up in Logan but would love to share Ideas.

snowblind · 10-08-2009, 05:38 PM

Good to see some Utah folks.

I'm on the lookout for a GMC stamped tailgate and a few other things if you guys know of any parts stashes...

I ordered some custom springs today from Alcan Spring. Based on the project goals I went with stock height and an "EZ-ride" spring pack. Alcan recommended Bilstein shocks so I think I'll give them a try.

In other news my mechanic got it to pass emissions but he had to tune it on the dyno to just barely pass. I might be looking into fuel injection when inspection comes around next year... Then on the drive back from the test the throttle cable broke and we can't get another until Friday afternoon!

Best regards,
Matt Crawley

swyfor5 · 10-08-2009, 06:18 PM

Welcome aboard and good luck! Keep us posted, and remember we love pic's!

Big J · 10-08-2009, 09:52 PM

Looks like a great start. That'll make a classy rig to haul your snow boarding gear in.

**Tom Vogel** · 10-13-2009, 09:16 AM

In other news my mechanic got it to pass emissions but he had to tune it on the dyno to just barely pass. I might be looking into fuel injection when inspection comes around next year...

Matt;
Which county are you in? We have seriously been wanting to move up that way, but being from Ca. where these things are smog exempt, I am worried about smogging mine (there isnt a C.A.R.B. legal part on my Jimmy). Its kind of a bummer because Ill bet it would show numbers that were better than stock original... it just would in no way pass the visual.
Thanks,
Tom
ps... my son lives in Syracuse.

snowblind · 10-13-2009, 10:50 AM

I'm in Salt Lake County. I think Salt Lake and Davis County require smog and I think all counties require safety. Not sure if any other counties require safety. There are minimal "visual" inspections to pass and then a run on the dyno. No need for CARB stickers or anything like that. If it passes the emissions sniffer you pretty much pass.

They are tougher on more modern cars. I have been denied for not having a charcoal canister on a 91 Toyota but my '72 has no EGR or canister or anything like that and passed fine due to the "age requirements". On the smog test my truck blew 1200ppm and is allowed up to 3000ppm of NO. Our 08 VW passat blew 2ppm!

Matt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

In other news my mechanic got it to pass emissions but he had to tune it on the dyno to just barely pass. I might be looking into fuel injection when inspection comes around next year...

Matt;
Which county are you in? We have seriously been wanting to move up that way, but being from Ca. where these things are smog exempt, I am worried about smogging mine (there isnt a C.A.R.B. legal part on my Jimmy). Its kind of a bummer because Ill bet it would show numbers that were better than stock original... it just would in no way pass the visual.
Thanks,
Tom
ps... my son lives in Syracuse.

**truckster** · 10-16-2009, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowblind

I'm in Salt Lake County. I think Salt Lake and Davis County require smog and I think all counties require safety. Not sure if any other counties require safety. There are minimal "visual" inspections to pass and then a run on the dyno. No need for CARB stickers or anything like that. If it passes the emissions sniffer you pretty much pass.

Matt

Weber and Utah Counties also require emissions tests. Statewide anything over eight years old requires an annual safety inspection as well.

71 TopCat · 10-09-2009, 01:23 AM

Welcome Aboard!
When something breaks... Remember that it can always be worse...(what ever that supposed to means)

**Gary 70 Jimmy** · 10-09-2009, 08:30 AM

welcome from another jimmy owner

70gmcjimmy · 10-09-2009, 07:35 PM

Welcome Snowblind, also from another K5 Jimmy owner. That tailgate looks repairable in the pics. Is the bottom rusted out? Around here you just cant find half way decent GMC tailgates and Chevy ones are getting harder to find all the time. Cool project and a rolling restoration is the way to go in my opinion.

Later---DAC

NTR72GMC · 10-09-2009, 07:51 PM

Your tailgate looks pretty clean whats wrong with it?

**truckster** · 10-09-2009, 09:38 PM

I wouldn't worry too much about the trans leaking into the transfer case unless it's really bad. The transfer case can apparently operate with dexron in it.

AJs72K5 · 10-10-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckster

I wouldn't worry too much about the trans leaking into the transfer case unless it's really bad. The transfer case can apparently operate with dexron in it.

The rear tranny seal leaking is pretty common. Tranny fluid won't cause any harm to your 205. However, keep in mind that if the tcase is fully of tranny fluid, then the fluid that's supposed to be in the tranny isn't there. In other words, keep an eye on the fluid level in your tranny.

And nice choice on the Alcans. I love 'em when my rig is together long enough to drive it. Hard to go wrong with Alcans and Bilsteins.

snowblind · 10-12-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTR72GMC

Your tailgate looks pretty clean whats wrong with it?

You can't really see in the pics but the whole middle of the tailgate is dented in and there are a couple of splits around the handle. It's definitely repairable but I figured I would ask the locals first.

Progress Update: New front Bilsteins are in. The interior is stripped of everything but the seats, instruments and heater. I have new calipers, pads, u-joints, ball joints, steering box seal kit ready to install this week. I need to order patch panels today in hope of getting into the body shop next monday. I'll post an update and more photos soon.

**jaros44sr** · 10-12-2009, 11:31 AM

if you do decide to scrap the tailgate, cut out the GMC embossed logo for me! All I have is a crappy chevy logo

Nice project, Im subscribed

NTR72GMC · 10-12-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowblind

You can't really see in the pics but the whole middle of the tailgate is dented in and there are a couple of splits around the handle. It's definitely repairable but I figured I would ask the locals first.

Progress Update: New front Bilsteins are in. The interior is stripped of everything but the seats, instruments and heater. I have new calipers, pads, u-joints, ball joints, steering box seal kit ready to install this week. I need to order patch panels today in hope of getting into the body shop next monday. I'll post an update and more photos soon.

What body shop are you taking it to?

snowblind · 10-12-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTR72GMC

What body shop are you taking it to?

I'm talking to the Maaco in SLC right now just because no one else would touch it. The Maaco guy I met with was pretty cool and will willing to work with me to keep the costs down.

I'm buying all the patch panels and doing a lot of the prep. Maaco will do the welding and paint. Do you have any other body shops that you would recommend?

snowblind · 10-12-2009, 07:00 PM

Here are some pics of the rocker areas. I'm no expert but it looks like there might be something missing...

The PO had some leaky, rusty "saddle tanks" and I'm guessing that the frame/body supports were cut to fit them.

Does anyone have any photos of what a healthy Jimmy rocker area looks like?

Passenger side:

Driver side:

Matt

10-07-2009, 03:00 PM	#1
snowblind Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 164	72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter Hi everyone. I bought a 72 Jimmy a couple of days ago. My first GM truck! I'll be doing sort of "rolling restoration" over the next few months. It's not my daily driver but I do need to use it 3 or 4 days per week. The end goal is a smooth riding pavement/gravel road truck to cruise around town, take short highway trips and drive up to go snowboarding 20-40 times per winter. Currently sitting on 33x1250 BFGs and a 2" lift with HD springs on the front and 2" square pipe blocks at the back. It needs a tune up to pass emissions but after that I'll be getting busy with rust repair and bodywork... Here are some pics from the PO. Matt Last edited by snowblind; 11-16-2009 at 02:42 PM.

10-07-2009, 04:17 PM	#2
big dump Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 179	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter Cool, should make a nice driver. Welcome to the board!

10-07-2009, 04:32 PM	#3
NTR72GMC 2wd FTW!!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: SLC UTAH Posts: 673	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter Welcome to the board!! I think I might have an upper grill trim for you if you need one. but it looks like you have a pretty solid rig.

10-07-2009, 04:47 PM	#4
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter Welcome to the board, check out those torsion boxes, looks like it had saddle tanks once upon a time.

10-07-2009, 05:09 PM	#5
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,976	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter I think that's one I was looking at on KSL. My wife said my Blazer doesn't need a brother right now. It looks like you did pretty well. Welcome to the board.

10-07-2009, 06:46 PM	#7
NTR72GMC 2wd FTW!!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: SLC UTAH Posts: 673	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter There are a few of us here in Utah.

10-08-2009, 04:16 PM	#8
ChadGiles70 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Logan, Utah Posts: 45	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter I'm up in Logan but would love to share Ideas.

10-08-2009, 05:38 PM	#9
snowblind Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 164	Springs and things Good to see some Utah folks. I'm on the lookout for a GMC stamped tailgate and a few other things if you guys know of any parts stashes... I ordered some custom springs today from Alcan Spring. Based on the project goals I went with stock height and an "EZ-ride" spring pack. Alcan recommended Bilstein shocks so I think I'll give them a try. In other news my mechanic got it to pass emissions but he had to tune it on the dyno to just barely pass. I might be looking into fuel injection when inspection comes around next year... Then on the drive back from the test the throttle cable broke and we can't get another until Friday afternoon! Best regards, Matt Crawley

10-08-2009, 06:18 PM	#10
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter Welcome aboard and good luck! Keep us posted, and remember we love pic's!

10-08-2009, 09:52 PM	#11
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,772	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter Looks like a great start. That'll make a classy rig to haul your snow boarding gear in. __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

10-13-2009, 09:16 AM	#12
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: Springs and things In other news my mechanic got it to pass emissions but he had to tune it on the dyno to just barely pass. I might be looking into fuel injection when inspection comes around next year... Matt; Which county are you in? We have seriously been wanting to move up that way, but being from Ca. where these things are smog exempt, I am worried about smogging mine (there isnt a C.A.R.B. legal part on my Jimmy). Its kind of a bummer because Ill bet it would show numbers that were better than stock original... it just would in no way pass the visual. Thanks, Tom ps... my son lives in Syracuse.

10-09-2009, 01:23 AM	#15
71 TopCat PLAY HARD.....OR DONT PLAY! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So Cal Posts: 57	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter Welcome Aboard! When something breaks... Remember that it can always be worse...(what ever that supposed to means) __________________ IF YOU DONT HURT..........YOU NOT TRYING HARD ENOUGH. 71 CST BLAZER 4X4, 1 TON, 496 STROKER/TH400, NP205, D44/14BOLT LOCKER, 35" BFG'S,... 68 C30 292 LB (POP'S BOUGHT IT BRAN NEW) 05 2500 4X4 DURAMAX CREWCAB 79 FLH HD 95CI EVO :b69 Last edited by 71 TopCat; 10-09-2009 at 01:24 AM.

10-09-2009, 08:30 AM	#16
Gary 70 Jimmy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Burghill, Ohio 44404 Posts: 3,401	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter welcome from another jimmy owner __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 4wheel camper 1970 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 350 1969 Chevy Blazer 1/2 4X4 307 1967 chevy LWB 3/4 396

10-09-2009, 07:35 PM	#17
70gmcjimmy GMCDAC Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 837	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter Welcome Snowblind, also from another K5 Jimmy owner. That tailgate looks repairable in the pics. Is the bottom rusted out? Around here you just cant find half way decent GMC tailgates and Chevy ones are getting harder to find all the time. Cool project and a rolling restoration is the way to go in my opinion. Later---DAC __________________ 1970 GMC K5 Jimmy Custom 4X4 Mom's driver from 1971 to 2001!! Under rebuild! 1972 GMC C2500 Pickup owned since 1979 Needs a rest and refurbish! 1955 GMC 100 2nd design driven almost daily! Rest In Peace Mom. "Dolly" 7/15/23 - 5/18/09 GMC driver for 30 years!

10-09-2009, 07:51 PM	#18
NTR72GMC 2wd FTW!!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: SLC UTAH Posts: 673	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter Your tailgate looks pretty clean whats wrong with it?



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10-09-2009, 09:38 PM	#19
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,976	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter I wouldn't worry too much about the trans leaking into the transfer case unless it's really bad. The transfer case can apparently operate with dexron in it.

10-12-2009, 11:31 AM	#22
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,761	Re: New Member - 72 Jimmy: Project Knuckledragger mountain commuter if you do decide to scrap the tailgate, cut out the GMC embossed logo for me! All I have is a crappy chevy logo Nice project, Im subscribed __________________ 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

10-12-2009, 07:00 PM	#25
snowblind Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 164	Where did my metal go? Here are some pics of the rocker areas. I'm no expert but it looks like there might be something missing... The PO had some leaky, rusty "saddle tanks" and I'm guessing that the frame/body supports were cut to fit them. Does anyone have any photos of what a healthy Jimmy rocker area looks like? Passenger side: Driver side: Matt Last edited by snowblind; 10-12-2009 at 07:09 PM.

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