B Pillar Rebuilds - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**lks dcvn** · 11-10-2009, 03:05 PM

Checking for pix/process on how people have rebuilt the B pillar metal on their Blazer/Jimmy.

I am hoping to do mine over the winter and I wanted to see how others have done this. Order of repair, tips and tricks, etc...

I know there are replacement parts now at both GMC Pauls and through Wes at Classic Heartbeat...

GMCPaul's
http://www.gmcpauls.com/pictures/69-...AssemPlate.jpg
http://www.gmcpauls.com/pictures/697...oorSupport.jpg

Classic Heartbeat
http://www.classicheartbeat.com/cata...ar%20Patch.htm

Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

jaros44sr · 11-10-2009, 03:31 PM

That is a very complex area, about 5 pieces of sheet metal all intersect at the 'B' pillar. Study that area long and hard before you begin. Gave me the most trouble. I also added a stiffner to that area. I had to disassemble all the way back to the step up for the bed to begin

1949gmc · 11-10-2009, 03:37 PM

I found that using the b pillar from an Arizona donor pickup works really well. After getting the aftermarket pieces, I didn't really like the way they fit, so I decided to ask around a little and wound up with some really nice AZ parts. The links to pieces that you have posted all worked very well!

It depends, too, on if you're going to patch the lower front sections of the bed side as to how careful you are here. My bed sides were toast so I just cut the part where it welds to the b pillar away. If you're keeping that part of the bed side, then I guess you'd have to be pretty careful not to cut away too much.

**lks dcvn** · 11-10-2009, 03:40 PM

Here is what I am working with...

1949gmc · 11-10-2009, 03:45 PM

yep, i can see a couple of different pieces there that you'll need.... plus some fab work to make a couple more.

70 Suburban · 11-10-2009, 04:47 PM

I built mine. what i didnt build I patched.

**lks dcvn** · 11-11-2009, 05:44 AM

For those who have done it - have any pix?

70 Suburban · 11-11-2009, 11:19 AM

they are in my build thread.. ill have to find it...

70 Suburban · 11-11-2009, 12:01 PM

A couple more

70 Suburban · 11-11-2009, 12:02 PM

these are not repop... I made them

**lks dcvn** · 11-11-2009, 12:04 PM

Anybody have where this stuff connects to each other - I don't have much to go from on mine and it sounds like you guys have seen the inner workings of this area?

I don't want to get carried away with my cutoff wheel when I working in there...

Thanks for the pix and responses.

Sounds like this will be a long winter...

70 Suburban · 11-11-2009, 12:06 PM

ill see if i took pics of that as I took it out. if not its in the FSM

70 Suburban · 11-11-2009, 12:07 PM

most of it was spot weld drilling. and some bolts.

**lks dcvn** · 11-11-2009, 12:21 PM

I am guessing that many of the bolts will be seized up with rust - or will tear the surrounding metal when I attempt to remove them. Only time will tell...

I was actually impressed I was able to remove the psgr side seat belt from the truck w/o taking metal with it...

I am hoping to move some cars out of the garage this week for extended winter storage so I can work on this in the garage this year.

I have a welder now - so we will see how this goes...

I will take pix as I go - just want to see/hear what I am up against from those who have been there.

I have been scanning most of your build posts (about this area) - I am going to need some guidance and probably some advice as I do this - so be prepared to see some posts from me on this in the future.

I will need to stock up on my weld-through primer at my local supply store as well.

1949gmc · 11-11-2009, 12:38 PM

Here are the pics that I took. The first pic shows the B pillar patch going over the front lower quarter patch, when in reality it goes behind it. Also, the end cap for the torsion box bolts to two cross sills for the bed. If they're rusted out, things can get a little more interesting. I have a pair of new cross sills waiting to be installed.

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jaros44sr · 11-11-2009, 01:00 PM

Good point 1949GMC, forgot about the cross sills, they are available for pickups and just have to be slightly modified

Ground zero where you should start, don't cut any higher on the 'b' post or you will lose contact with the bed

**lks dcvn** · 11-11-2009, 01:01 PM

Any concerns for removing the end of the torsion box if things aren't braced up yet...the torsion box is pretty solid.

That would provide a good view of the internal workings of the B pillar from below.

70 Suburban · 11-11-2009, 01:02 PM

Love clekos

70 Suburban · 11-11-2009, 01:02 PM

iI removed mine

jaros44sr · 11-11-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lks dcvn

Any concerns for removing the end of the torsion box if things aren't braced up yet...the torsion box is pretty solid.

That would provide a good view of the internal workings of the B pillar from below.

I had no torsion boxes, Mother Nature, when I did mine! So, I had no idea what was right or wrong. Much more access if the boxes are not in the way

In the words of VTBlazer, "Do one side at a time" !!!

1949gmc · 11-11-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

I had no torsion boxes, Mother Nature, when I did mine! So, I had no idea what was right or wrong. Much more access if the boxes are not in the way

In the words of VTBlazer, "Do one side at a time" !!!

I second this!! Mine were long gone also, probably disappeared during the Reagan administration. Definitely easier to work on floors and floor supports w/o them there.

11-10-2009, 03:05 PM	#1
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,339	B Pillar Rebuilds Checking for pix/process on how people have rebuilt the B pillar metal on their Blazer/Jimmy. I am hoping to do mine over the winter and I wanted to see how others have done this. Order of repair, tips and tricks, etc... I know there are replacement parts now at both GMC Pauls and through Wes at Classic Heartbeat... GMCPaul's http://www.gmcpauls.com/pictures/69-...AssemPlate.jpg http://www.gmcpauls.com/pictures/697...oorSupport.jpg Classic Heartbeat http://www.classicheartbeat.com/cata...ar%20Patch.htm Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

11-10-2009, 03:31 PM	#2
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,462	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds That is a very complex area, about 5 pieces of sheet metal all intersect at the 'B' pillar. Study that area long and hard before you begin. Gave me the most trouble. I also added a stiffner to that area. I had to disassemble all the way back to the step up for the bed to begin __________________ 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 Last edited by jaros44sr; 11-10-2009 at 03:33 PM.

11-10-2009, 03:37 PM	#3
1949gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lindenhurst, IL Posts: 659	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds I found that using the b pillar from an Arizona donor pickup works really well. After getting the aftermarket pieces, I didn't really like the way they fit, so I decided to ask around a little and wound up with some really nice AZ parts. The links to pieces that you have posted all worked very well! It depends, too, on if you're going to patch the lower front sections of the bed side as to how careful you are here. My bed sides were toast so I just cut the part where it welds to the b pillar away. If you're keeping that part of the bed side, then I guess you'd have to be pretty careful not to cut away too much. Last edited by 1949gmc; 11-10-2009 at 05:05 PM.

11-10-2009, 03:40 PM	#4
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,339	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds Here is what I am working with... Attached Images

11-10-2009, 03:45 PM	#5
1949gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lindenhurst, IL Posts: 659	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds yep, i can see a couple of different pieces there that you'll need.... plus some fab work to make a couple more.

11-10-2009, 04:47 PM	#6
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds I built mine. what i didnt build I patched. __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

11-11-2009, 05:44 AM	#7
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,339	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds For those who have done it - have any pix?

11-11-2009, 11:19 AM	#8
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds they are in my build thread.. ill have to find it... Attached Images __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

11-11-2009, 12:01 PM	#9
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds A couple more Attached Images __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

11-11-2009, 12:02 PM	#10
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds these are not repop... I made them __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

11-11-2009, 12:04 PM	#11
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,339	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds Anybody have where this stuff connects to each other - I don't have much to go from on mine and it sounds like you guys have seen the inner workings of this area? I don't want to get carried away with my cutoff wheel when I working in there... Thanks for the pix and responses. Sounds like this will be a long winter...

11-11-2009, 12:06 PM	#12
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds ill see if i took pics of that as I took it out. if not its in the FSM __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

11-11-2009, 12:07 PM	#13
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds most of it was spot weld drilling. and some bolts. __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

11-11-2009, 12:21 PM	#14
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,339	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds I am guessing that many of the bolts will be seized up with rust - or will tear the surrounding metal when I attempt to remove them. Only time will tell... I was actually impressed I was able to remove the psgr side seat belt from the truck w/o taking metal with it... I am hoping to move some cars out of the garage this week for extended winter storage so I can work on this in the garage this year. I have a welder now - so we will see how this goes... I will take pix as I go - just want to see/hear what I am up against from those who have been there. I have been scanning most of your build posts (about this area) - I am going to need some guidance and probably some advice as I do this - so be prepared to see some posts from me on this in the future. I will need to stock up on my weld-through primer at my local supply store as well.

11-11-2009, 12:38 PM	#15
1949gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lindenhurst, IL Posts: 659	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds Here are the pics that I took. The first pic shows the B pillar patch going over the front lower quarter patch, when in reality it goes behind it. Also, the end cap for the torsion box bolts to two cross sills for the bed. If they're rusted out, things can get a little more interesting. I have a pair of new cross sills waiting to be installed.



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11-11-2009, 01:00 PM	#16
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,462	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds Good point 1949GMC, forgot about the cross sills, they are available for pickups and just have to be slightly modified Ground zero where you should start, don't cut any higher on the 'b' post or you will lose contact with the bed __________________ 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 Last edited by jaros44sr; 11-11-2009 at 01:08 PM.

11-11-2009, 01:01 PM	#17
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,339	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds Any concerns for removing the end of the torsion box if things aren't braced up yet...the torsion box is pretty solid. That would provide a good view of the internal workings of the B pillar from below.

11-11-2009, 01:02 PM	#18
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds Love clekos __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

11-11-2009, 01:02 PM	#19
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: B Pillar Rebuilds iI removed mine __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

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