Project Patches

[lks dcvn]

Nice to see some pix!

At least they welded in some support beams to hold the shape while they cut the floor out. How do the doors open/close?

[hgs_notes]

Looks like it will keep you busy for quite a while. I think I'd just swap a C-10 front suspension in it and swap the rear axle to match. That way you don't even have to think about what's on it now, it just won't matter. The swap would bring it back to normal and is an easy bolt in.

[Tom Vogel]

You may not be into Air ride, but you will want it on the rear at least. These tops way over 300lbs. If you take them off you need one spring rate, if you put them back on you need another. Save time and money and get the ECE unit... you will thank me... honest.

[Ron 586]

Originally Posted by lks dcvn

Nice to see some pix!

At least they welded in some support beams to hold the shape while they cut the floor out. How do the doors open/close?

DS side opens and shuts fine. PS is jammed at the bottom and I haven't tried to force it open. I will put a floor jack under the PS and see where I have to jack to get it open. All in all I am pleased with it as the body is in a lot better shape than I thought it would be. I don't know why the floor is all gone unless the guy was a fanatic that wanted zero rust. My goal is to get it running and road worthy in time for CTC next Oct. I'm going in a 72 but just don't know which one yet.

[Ron 586]

Originally Posted by hgs_notes

Looks like it will keep you busy for quite a while. I think I'd just swap a C-10 front suspension in it and swap the rear axle to match. That way you don't even have to think about what's on it now, it just won't matter. The swap would bring it back to normal and is an easy bolt in.

That is pretty much the route I think I'll take as I feel it will make for a better driver. Besides, I have a field full of parts on hand.

[lolife99]

Ron,... do you have enough parts to make this a complete blazer? (I'm talking about just the tub)
Or would you be better off (aka cheaper) to find a nice 4x4 blazer and swap it's tub over to your 2wd frame, like Luv did?

[Ron 586]

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

You may not be into Air ride, but you will want it on the rear at least. These tops way over 300lbs. If you take them off you need one spring rate, if you put them back on you need another. Save time and money and get the ECE unit... you will thank me... honest.

It has a single wall top on it so don't know the weight. I'm going to set it up to run topless as that will be how it is run most of the time. This is just a toy and won't see much winter activity.

[Ron 586]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Ron,... do you have enough parts to make this a complete blazer? (I'm taling about just the tub)
Or would you be better off (aka cheaper) to find a nice 4x4 blazer and swap it's tub over to your 2wd frame, like Luv did?

Oh yeah. It came with all the sheet metal to replace what is cut out. Rear wheel tubs are no problem and I have plenty of bed floor to patch the couple of small bad spots in the rear. It needs work but is in better shape than I expected.

[Ron 586]

Somehow when I uploaded my pics these 2 were left out. They are of the front wheel.

[jamie72]

look like someone had a 67-68 parts truck, and used them on the blazer...
congrats on the blazer Ron hope to see it in person sometime!

[Ron 586]

Originally Posted by jamie72

look like someone had a 67-68 parts truck, and used them on the blazer...
congrats on the blazer Ron hope to see it in person sometime!

I'm sure you'll see it at one of the events that is on tap for next year. If not we'll have to prod Huck into having another yard sale.

[Ron 586]

What has all this got to do with project patches? This 71 farm truck was a craigslist find. The engine and trans are going into the 78 black step to bring it back to life. The front cross member and rear axle will go under the blazer to get it back to where it was when it left the factory. (1/2 ton 5 lug) The cab is going on my 3/4 ton. The bed will find its way on one of the old trucks after I replace the right side bedside. Not earth shaking news for sure except, this is the first thing that I have had a hands on part in for 3+ years. I have hired a 40 year old out of work carpenter to help me. He has not done any mechanic work so going is slow but at least its going. Here's a few pics of our last couple of days progress.

[vtblazer]

Sorting out is the first step, your on your way now.


Good to see sunshine, Nov. in VT doesn't produce much vitamin D.

[Ron 586]

This morning it's 39 outside so futher washing will take place around noon. We have plenty to keep us busy this morning.

[72BlckButy]

Nice progress Ron, keep at it!

[lks dcvn]

- making some progress is always good.

Keep up the good work!

[meathead95]

anymore progress ron?

[Ron 586]

Nothing to report at this time. I have to get the Black 78 short step up and running first. Then I can go to work on mine. I have had a major setback as Mark,my hired help got put in jail. I have a congested chest and coughing my head off. When I get better and/or Mark gets out of jail maybe we can move forward.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by Ron 586

Nothing to report at this time. I have to get the Black 78 short step up and running first. Then I can go to work on mine. I have had a major setback as Mark,my hired help got put in jail. I have a congested chest and coughing my head off. When I get better and/or Mark gets out of jail maybe we can move forward.

Why did he get tossed in to pokey?

[Ron 586]

I don't want to write a book so will leave it at this.............he loves my oldest stepdaughter and she's an idiot. End of story.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by Ron 586

I don't want to write a book so will leave it at this.............he loves my oldest stepdaughter and she's an idiot. End of story.

I should of known better, not my place to ask...sorry x 2.

1 for askin' and 2 for the situation.

[Ron 586]

Well Marks out of jail. The black 78 short step is running and driving but we're still chasing a few gremlins. That means that destruction of the blue 71 farm truck can continue which will give Patches the correct running gear. Should be able to post a pic or two by the weekend. Wish me luck.

[lks dcvn]

Good Luck Ron - been waiting to see this thing come together.

[Ron 586]

My by the weekend plan just got shot in the @ss. We're supposed to get 4 to 6 inches of snow on top of a layer of freezing rain and sleet. Not for this old man.

[Firebirdjones]

Wow,,,,,,,talk about yabba dabba doo floor pans

You definately have some work cut out for ya. That's definately going to take more than "patches",,,,lol.

I'm interested in seeing how this one turns out.