Starter of 1972 Blazer

[Mildredthek5]

I have a 1972 Blazer that my dad got in college for 600 bucks. I'm about to get my learners permit and want the blazer to be mine. My mom isn't convinced and by dad is in the fence. I need help getting parts for it and making it safe(er) than it is now. I can post some pics of it tomorrow when I get the time. Anything could help. Also, there is a electrical issue. The battery keeps in dying in less than a day. Has this happened to anyone else? I've looked at the starter because it has had some issue with it before but I need help finding parts so if you guys can link any websites that would be really helpful. I will post the damaged parts of the blazer tomorrow. Thanks! ( by the way, she's named Mildred. That's where the name comes from)

[Jdubs71]

Welcome to the board youngster. If your battery is going dead it could be it needs replaced or your alternator is not charging it. Now a days you can go to nearly any auto parts store and have free tests performed on your battery alternator and starter. Just some advice to you, don't go throwing money into parts that may not be the problem. It can get expensive fast. When it comes to being safe I would much rather be driving a car made of steel vs. a pos prius or something similar made from plastic. Make sure it has brakes that work properly good tires and a healthy running engine and you should be fine.

[Maximus]

Welcome to the board!
Ill be "that guy" that reminds the newbie the benefit of the "Search" feature.
if you search for thinks like "parts supplier" you will get a lot of threads on the issue, but since you asked, I frequently use:
www.classicparts.com
www.lmctrucks.com
www.classicindustries.com
I rareley use brotherstrucks.com because they have 30% inflated prices, then run 20% OFF! sales, where there parts are still more expensive than ClassicParts.com.

I have probably spent $4,000 at classicparts.com, they are my first source as they are out of state for me so no sales tax, and they have the best prices.

There are also some forum members that are parts suppliers, and they throw out deals to members.

Good luck with convincing the parents, and post some photos of this beast!

[cst 72 blazer]

Welcome!cant wait to see the ride!

[swyfor5]

Welcome to the board! Check out WES at Classic Heartbeat-in Washington, That's where I bought all my soon to be welded in replacement parts!

[Mildredthek5]

Originally Posted by Jdubs71

Welcome to the board youngster. If your battery is going dead it could be it needs replaced or your alternator is not charging it. Now a days you can go to nearly any auto parts store and have free tests performed on your battery alternator and starter. Just some advice to you, don't go throwing money into parts that may not be the problem. It can get expensive fast. When it comes to being safe I would much rather be driving a car made of steel vs. a pos prius or something similar made from plastic. Make sure it has brakes that work properly good tires and a healthy running engine and you should be fine.

The battery is only a couple of years old. I can test it to see if the battery had the issue. Also, it isn't run regularly. It has been sitting for a while. It's not "fuel efficient" that's why it's just sitting around and I want it to be mine. We think a wire was melted to the block because if the filter is on the engine it shorts out and will cut off and die. Thanks for the advice!

[Mildredthek5]

It's a little dark. I can take some close ups tomorrow. She definitely needs some TLC and a little elbow grease (maybe a lot) but if you guys have any tips that would be great. I have a new steering assembly and have to put that in soon. Thanks for your guy's help

[Mildredthek5]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Welcome to the board!
Ill be "that guy" that reminds the newbie the benefit of the "Search" feature.
if you search for thinks like "parts supplier" you will get a lot of threads on the issue, but since you asked, I frequently use:
www.classicparts.com
www.lmctrucks.com
www.classicindustries.com
I rareley use brotherstrucks.com because they have 30% inflated prices, then run 20% OFF! sales, where there parts are still more expensive than ClassicParts.com.

I have probably spent $4,000 at classicparts.com, they are my first source as they are out of state for me so no sales tax, and they have the best prices.

There are also some forum members that are parts suppliers, and they throw out deals to members.

Good luck with convincing the parents, and post some photos of this beast!

Yeah I see your point. I wasn't going to use any plastic in the first place. I'll definitely check out those websites. Thanks!

[71swb4x4]

It sounds like you have an electrical draw. To find the draw do this:

Remove the negative cable from the battery. Put a test light to the negative cable and then to the negative post on the battery. The test light will light up if you have a draw. Now go under your dash and start pulling and replacing fuses. When you pull the fuse that is on the circuit that is draining your battery your test light will go off.
For example if your horn circuit is draining your battery, when you pull the horn fuse the test light will go out because the draw will be gone.
Once you know which circuit is draining the battery you can check the things on the circuit to figure out what the problem is.

As you test things and have questions post on this board and we will help.

[Mildredthek5]

This is going off of what 71swb4x4
Said. I'll try that when I hook up the blazer to the charger. Probably before next week. I'll find a test light and I will try that. Thanks for that help!

[Mildredthek5]

here are some pics of her

[Mildredthek5]

it's like this in both sides top and bottom of the rear canopy

[Mildredthek5]

[Mildredthek5]

[cst 72 blazer]

nice ride!

[Mildredthek5]

How much money did it take for you guys to restore your Blazers? I just want to know a general range.

[71swb4x4]

Restoration cost depends a lot on how much time you put into it. I would say $20,000 is low, and that's with a lot of owner time put into it. $50,000 is probably getting up there, if you hire a lot of it out. Of course the sky is the limit, you could spend $100,000 if you want.

[Jdubs71]

Do yourself a favor and start saving up. Find one that someone has already invested 20-30,000 and pick it up for half that finished. You will have saved yourself lots of money and headaches in the end. I wish I would've done that myself, but at least its what I want and I did it (in the process of anyway)

[Sacramento70]

that's a cool blazer!...hope you get to drive it...i got mine when i was 18 and never looked back, nothing like working on your own truck and building it up...for me personally I'm proud of the experiences I've had and the things I've learned, its monumental to do it yourself and take pride in knowing you put all the work and effort into something and that no one else can take credit for ..... its great that people can afford to pay shops to build and paint and make their blazers nice but at the end of the day it doesn't mean as much in my opinion because the blood sweat and tears of building blazers is what it all about...something to think about...good luck kid!!

[Tom Vogel]

Originally Posted by Mildredthek5

How much money did it take for you guys to restore your Blazers? I just want to know a general range.

Wait... what am I laughing at... sigh