Looking for Build Input

[vtblazer]

Going forward on another build but wanted to look for some new ideas and maybe some different ways of working them into the blazer.

Here's my current build direction, more of a resto-rod than a restoration.
Starting with a 1971 Blazer 4x4:
What I already have and plan to install.
*TBI'd 350 w/700r/241 T-Case
*Not sure on the axles, could go either 1/2 or 3/4 ton but will run 4:10 gears.
*2004 Tahoe buckets/console and 2nd row seats
*Single walled top

Thinking about doing:
*Dyno matt or equivalent sound deadening material
*Decent stereo w/some kick
*Cowl hood and/or chop down the 71 hood and lay it back.
*Hugger Orange paint (cause I always wanted one that color)

That's it so far, so feel free to post up those favorite/cool mods that have made a difference.

[special-K]

I need to know your wheel/tire/suspension toughts to start envisioning.Are you thinking a road-handling lower-center direction?Like my`90 was?
I had one planned years ago.I wanted it to be a nice color with a nice interior.The suspension would have handling shocks and sway bars.I`d do rear discs these days.Use clean (not too flashy) custom wheels or rallyes/factory alloys and wider "All Season" radials.A bumper with road lights would lend to the "sports" concept.Gotta have posi front and rear...

[Yukon Jack]

So this will be a cool cruizer I see, with 4wd, that will be cool. That could take advantage of some real nice power. Are you going to build up the 350 or just keep it as is?

I think some cool gauges would be a nice touch with the newer seats. Something worked into the dash as opposed to the way I did my gauges, just set in the factory bezel.

I'd also think shaving the gas filler would be cool and use the flip down rear lights for the filler. I kind of like our exterior door handles but what about shaving them too?

Like special-K said, what will the tire/wheel combo be and what exactly will this rig be used for?

I like the K5's where the top of the door flows better into the bedside. That's always a nice touch.

I'm sure this will be a fun project to watch.

[pound41]

67/68 front. I know you see them all the time on 2wd. I saw a 4wd once with the painted grill and chrome letters it looked powerful. With the height and stance of a 4wd

[vtblazer]

Kinda left out the wheel/tire/lift debate initially because I haven't decided yet.

I have a 2.5" all spring lift in the shop but I thought I might go with 36/37 inch rubber...dunno.
I'd say it's up in the air at this point.

If I run the lift I already have, I'll just stay with a 33" tire.

Have a white faced gauge set on the shelf too.
Like your idea though YJ.

The focus on this build is to DRIVE IT!!
Rain or shine.
Turn key FUN cruiser.
Interstate travel without issue. (might pooch the big tires right there)

As for the motor, might go 383ci but needs to run on pump gas and a tame TBI set up.
Although a chip and injectors will go along way.

[Chevyman63]

Is this the one you are/were building for your daughter? Or is this yet another one in your convoy?

sidenote: What do you think of the poly gas tanks? I see you used one on one of your rigs. It makes more sense to me because of the rust issue. I have to decide which way to go soon. Mine doesn't leak now, but I'm sure when I pull it, it will start.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by Chevyman63

Is this the one you are/were building for your daughter? Or is this yet another one in your convoy?

sidenote: What do you think of the poly gas tanks? I see you used one on one of your rigs. It makes more sense to me because of the rust issue. I have to decide which way to go soon. Mine doesn't leak now, but I'm sure when I pull it, it will start.

Good memory, yes it's the one I was starting for her.
We've agreed that something other than a 1st gen would make better sense for a first car, so I'm beginning to search for a Toyota truck/4runner for her now and build this for me and the wifey.

I had no issues with the poly tank but I'll be doing another fuel cell on this build, similar to the off road blazer with the flush gas door.

[Burt4x4]

I say FI454/TH400/NP205/D44/14FF 35"AT 4:10s

A mild build on a 454 will give you more power and more reliablity than a 383 and will prolly be cheeper. Rebuild the drivetrain, cherry out the interior and spray on your HOrange ~ walla BadAssBlazer

[OLD SKOOL K5]

GO with white interior to match the gauges, and the Hugger Orange color.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by OLD SKOOL K5

GO with white interior to match the gauges, and the Hugger Orange color.

Naw, to 'creamsicle'

The Tahoe seats I have are beige/tan anyway.

[RAB38]

I would agree with the big block, I wish I would have put on in mine instead of the 383. No replacement for displacement. Also I am not a fan of the new gereation truck seats in the first gen blazer, I think they look aout of place, that is why I went with the jeep seats from Bestop, very comfortable and seem to fit the truck. You should also think about A/c but maybe you don't need that since you live up north. Just my 2 cents

[jojotonka]

I have more of a question than a suggestion...

When you put in the 700r4, Do you have to move the t-case back?? I thought I had heard the 700r4 was a little longer.

[the_goat]

Have you made any more decisions about the way you are going with this truck?
I'm going to be building mine in a similar fashion.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by the_goat

Have you made any more decisions about the way you are going with this truck?
I'm going to be building mine in a similar fashion.

Still stirring the idea pot around but if all comes to plan...

Found a 2wd frame, so if it's decent when I see it, I'll pick that up.
Found a few big blocks, gotta do the research on em now.
May sell my Tahoe seats in favor of something different...dunno for sure though.
Definitely staying automatic tranny, still plan on using the 700r w/over-drive and thinking 4:11's will work nicely.

That's it so far, further input always welcome.

[jaros44sr]

How about a Corvette C5 suspension front and rear? You would have better handling, and braking to go along with performance of the big block

Might be mucho $$$, never priced one out...

[Big J]

Heres a thought I had the other day, uh oh....
A high performance blazer in all aspects. Something like a Typhoon or Syclone. All wheel drive, slightly lowered/leveled with some 20's and nice rubber. High horsepower, some good shocks and swaybars. It'd be a killer combo with the other stuff your talking about. It'd be cool to go with the same idea engine setup as those trucks. Maybe a fuel injected 350 with a turbo or supercharger.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

How about a Corvette C5 suspension front and rear? You would have better handling, and braking to go along with performance of the big block

Might be mucho $$$, never priced one out...

Yeah, that would definetly be awesome but this build is also a way of using up those parts/pieces I have been saving and are now basically laying around taking up space.

Big J, interesting concept.
Would be sweet to get ahold of the drive train from one of those SS AWD trucks for sure.

[jaros44sr]

Now that I've heard BigJ's thinking I like it, just mount the rears on top of the spring pack and you would get it lowered... no problems with driveshaft angles, and you could go with 1/2 ton stuff, since you not running heavy tires.

4wd for those nasty snowy Vt. winters, no need to park it

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

4wd for those nasty snowy Vt. winters, no need to park it

Way to nasty here as far as the salty roads go, a blazer wouldn't even last two years of winter driving, wishful thinking but it ain't gonna happen.

That's what the 30K+ diesel is for...haven't ya heard?

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Way to nasty here as far as the salty roads go, a blazer wouldn't even last two years of winter driving, wishful thinking but it ain't gonna happen.

That's what the 30K+ diesel is for...haven't ya heard?

Boring...not your style

I thought you people up there just put your mail boxes in big milk jugs and put it on top of the snow

What ever happened to good old cinders, gave you traction and didn't rust out your vehicle

[Jtrux]

Here's what I want to do to my 71, maybe it would give you some ideas.

6 lug 31 spline, maybe go 35 spline axle'd Ford 9 inch 4.10's with detroit, maybe just a LS oh and disc brakes.

D44 up front, Warn hubs, stock shafts, 4.10's open diff

I want 6 inch all spring lift with 35 inch MT's, maybe AT's who knows and 16 inch wheels.

I plan on upgrading the camshaft in my engine real soon and running a truck avenger carb, maybe tbi setup.

I like your idea about running the 700r4, I agree completely with you on that.

I want the body and interior to be just about stock with mine with the only thing aftermarket visible being the auto meter phantom guages I have. I am using the stock seats in mine. Critter has tahoe seats in his and they look and feel great so that's a tough one but I still think i'm keeping the factory buckets in mine.

[vtblazer]

Going to build it as a 4x4 after all.

Will still be built as a driver and all about fun.

Specs will be:
TBI'd 355 crate motor w/serp belt set up
700r with a 241 T-case
3/4 ton axles with 4:56 gears
36" rubber
6" lift springs in the front with 2" spring's and a shackle flip in the rear

[AJs72K5]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Going to build it as a 4x4 after all.

Will still be built as a driver and all about fun.

Specs will be:
TBI'd 355 crate motor
700r with a 241 T-case
3/4 ton axles with 4:56 gears
36" rubber
6" lift springs in the front with 2" spring's and a shackle flip in the rear

Very nice. I like it.

[NTR72GMC]

Why did you decide to go back to 4x4 insted of 2wd?

[68K20 x Drill]

To use Crap-tastic Chevy 4x4 IFS for great highway manners?
-With a mechanical 4x4 actuator of course.