MY 1971 Jimmy Build Thread

[1sik52]

Originally Posted by 1949gmc

Did a little more destruction this past weekend. Funny how quickly you can rip something apart versus how long it takes to put it back together. Hopefully this weekend I can get the rest of the cab off and get the engine/trans/transfer case out so I can finish up the sandblasting, paint it and run some brake lines and fuel lines. If I leave enough hints, maybe I'll get a nice 4" lift for it for my birthday.

Here's the bed of my truck....... in the bed of my truck. One of these days, I'll get it acid dipped so I can finish patching it.

Attachment 532170

What have I done??!!

Attachment 532171

Check out them original shocks!

Attachment 532172

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This bare steel proves why these trucks rusted so quickly and so bad.

Attachment 532174

Just keep at it. Mine was at this point just a couple weeks ago
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=312988

[1956cameo]

Not sure how I haven't seen this thread before! Keep up the good work, that is going to a great looking truck when it gets done!!

[1949gmc]

Originally Posted by Bentblazer

It will get there, I have some pics that look exactually like #43 from the back. Didn't think it would ever get there. All thats left is windshield bumpers and grill, so hang in there! looks good.

Originally Posted by 1sik52

Just keep at it. Mine was at this point just a couple weeks ago
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=312988

It's good to have the support of fellow board members who've been to this point already..... makes me feel less crazy. If anything, I get caught up on swear words that I haven't been associated with in a while...

[1949gmc]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

It's official...you win the deepest cut award.

I believe that's the furthest anybody's tore into a K5 to bring it back, superior effort!

Ha ha ha..... just wait. I'm not done tearing this thing apart yet. It might get worse.

[1949gmc]

I was right...... it got worse. Cab off of frame, engine/trans/transfercase out. What a mess. I did find that the CV joint on the front driveshaft was shot and probably would've exploded after about 3 miles, so that's gotta be worth the time it took to tear this thing apart.... right??

Two questions I have right now: 1) I want to spray por 15 on the frame, but do I HAVE to use their solvent to thin it? Can't I just spray it out of the can? 2) Is there an advantage to having an updated engine crossmember (DIY4X) vs the stock one?

[1sik52]

You really should have braced the door openings before getting to this point

[1949gmc]

You know, I would have, but there's really nothing there to support. The B pillar is just the sheetmetal at this point- there's nothing structural there. I could have problems between the windshield frame and the floor, I suppose. Live and learn, I guess.

[lks dcvn]

I would avoid the POR15 and use a different/similar product - I will be using this stuff when I get to that point. www.nomorerust.com - you can then top coat it with whatever you like including their chassis paint or their UV stable paint.

A LOT cheaper than POR15 and a LOT less prep. Very little surface prep and then you can spray it at no less than 10% reduction.

Check out some pix of the process in the build thread from msgross [Money Pit] - the coating stuff starts on page 2 - I have linked directly below

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=242910&page=2

That [silver rust coating] is the stuff on my Blazer psgr side floor pan right now and it was in the elements for awhile and the water pooled on top of it.

I will be doing all the metal work on my truck then spraying it with the masterseries permanent rust sealer then doing my body work over that...should keep it clean for years to come.

Just a thought.

[gwgator]

I have a question going back towards the beginning of this thread. On the first page, in the post dated 7-13...the 3rd and 4th pic down show a piece that is basically a brace behind the B pillar that goes behind the forward part of the rear wheel well I'm not sure what it's called. Where did you find those pieces? Mine are completely rusted out but I have not seen any repros anywhere.

Impressive work so far...makes me not feel so crazy about what I am doing to mine. I will start a thread this week with what has been done to my '72 Jimmy so far. Thanks!

[1949gmc]

Originally Posted by gwgator

I have a question going back towards the beginning of this thread. On the first page, in the post dated 7-13...the 3rd and 4th pic down show a piece that is basically a brace behind the B pillar that goes behind the forward part of the rear wheel well I'm not sure what it's called. Where did you find those pieces? Mine are completely rusted out but I have not seen any repros anywhere.

Sure thing. It's a reinforcement panel that a friendly gentleman named Wes from right here on the board sells. Check out the link below.

http://www.classicheartbeat.com/cata...nt%20panel.htm

Hope to see your thread soon. This is definitely a nice community where most everybody knows what you're going thru and can relate, as opposed to a brother who thinks that you're nuts for trying a project like this. Welcome aboard!

[Nobby]

Don't give up on this thing man!I wanted to at about this stage,now I'm glad I kept at it.

[1949gmc]

Originally Posted by Nobby

Don't give up on this thing man!I wanted to at about this stage,now I'm glad I kept at it.

Now see? That's the kind of stuff that gives me hope and a shot of inspiration. Thanks, bud!

[Wasted Income]

OMG....you are a braver man than I!! That is one heck of a project you have going there.

[1949gmc]

Well, I have decided that this truck was too far gone for my talents and time, so I've decided to go an easier route, thanks to sharpie1972.

Say hello to an easier route:

[1949gmc]

I will be using a lot of stuff from the first truck that was actually in good shape. The entire drivetrain will slide into the new truck. I have already taken the 350 completely apart and currently have it at the machine shop. It had a plug extender in the #3 cylinder, which meant either a leaking valve seal or broken rings. Turned out to be the valve seal. The rest of the engine was beautiful for being original 1971. No sludge buildup, rings were all clean, pistons were pretty clean.... only the timing chain was wore out. No pictures, though, as it was an oily, greasy mess. Sorry.

Other items to reuse will be the hood, everything on the dash, the entire interior, windshield and some small misc stuff.

[1sik52]

Looks like your blazer has a fresh start on life now!!! LOL!

[lks dcvn]

I was wondering when you were going to update your thread with some pix of the new body -

As mentioned on the other post - NICE BUY! Did you get the body only or the whole rolling chassis?

Are you hanging onto the windshield frame from the old one?

[1949gmc]

Thanks, Tom. I wasn't sure if I wanted to add new pics to this thread... I feel like a failure not finishing what I started on the first truck.

I got the whole rolling chassis. Turns out the frame and axles are better than what I had on the other truck. Hell, they're better than my 2004 2500HD! Man, this thing is so clean. The brake and fuel lines are in better shape than most 3 year old vehicles.

It just so happens that I won't be needing the light yellow windshield frame..... interested?

[hgs_notes]

Originally Posted by 1949gmc

I feel like a failure not finishing what I started on the first truck.

There is nothing wrong with making a choice like this. I'm doing the same exact thing myself this coming summer. Was it possible to repair the damage? Sure, but it would mean dozens of hours labor and hundreds of dollars in panels and lots of waiting, frustration, anxiety and building up the ambition to take on something that you might not be ready for.

OR, take out a few bolts and swap bodies. Hmmm, seems like a no brainer to me. Good luck with the build.

[lks dcvn]

No shame at all in taking that route. Also you can fix the rust now on the rolling chassis it is on and then swap it over - win/win scenario.

Having finished one side of the blue Blazer - and then starting on the driver side - looking over to the 2wd one I got - a body swap will be a better option than starting from scratch [so to speak]. The sides are clean - the underside - not so much...I will drive it this year and then probably tear it down next winter.

Any rust in the w/s frame - you will probably know when you pull the windshield out to swap it over - I am not looking to spend a lot - so if it isn't cheap - then you might be might be better off putting it on the f/s board.

You will be way ahead with that one for sure - congrats. I just hope the Jimmy body is that solid - so I can do the same for my project.

Are you going to media blast the 'better' one to see what you are working with?

[1949gmc]

I decided that I wouldn't media blast this body as its pretty easy to tell where the rough spots are..... probably do a lot of sanding with the d/a.

So, tonight I pulled the drivers rocker off and guess what I found... more rust. I wasn't surprised. Nothing surprises me anymore.

[1949gmc]

[1949gmc]

[Big J]

I did the same thing you did. Don't feel bad its no big deal. You have to tear into to see how far gone it is. Then make the call to build it or get more parts. I got more parts that included a almost complete Blazer to finish mine, lol. You'll have it knocked out in no time. Having two rolling chassis is handy too. You can do your body work on the one your not going to use and have the other to get ready for the tub at the same time. Makes it REAL handy cause when you get to that real upset point on one project you can stop work there and go work on cleaning up your frame and gettin' the drivetrain ready.

[hgs_notes]

No real surprises there. Just the usual stuff. Still looks like a better starting point.