Another 72 Build Thread

[Another 72]

Thanks Tom! Love the stance on your Jimmy! The old wheels went with the tires. Enjoy, Trey!

[Another 72]

Light day today, but I managed to prep and primer my 67 core support - at least I think it's a 67/68. Maybe someone on here can verify. I also have a little rust to patch on the bottom of the core support, I think on the battery/passenger side.

[Another 72]

Well, I guess it's about time to revive the build thread. Just like basic training, the first step is tear down, and over the past 18 months I've removed and sold the front sheet metal as well as the engine, tranny, t-case....basically it's a 1972 Blazer cab and top on a rolling frame.

I finally tried my hand at welding. Remember that rusted out 1967-1968 core support? I think the repaired core support looks plenty good enough to go between the grille and the radiator. LOL.

[Another 72]

Since the core support repair went so well, I figured I'd move on to repairing the eyebrow portion of my 67 LH fender. Fabricating a repair patch might be beyond the capability of me and my tools at hand. Anyone got a bad 67-68 Chevy or 67-72 GMC driver fender they don't mind selling a piece off of?

[parb]

I enjoy your thread. You're going all in - fun!!!

[Another 72]

Originally Posted by parb

I enjoy your thread. You're going all in - fun!!!

Thanks! I'm not enjoying shaving my antenna hole. At least my burn-through patches are getting smaller and smaller.

[Another 72]

Cowl panel is ready for filler. After shaving the antenna hole I decided to avoid butt welds on the thin stuff and used lap welds. If I'm unhappy with it over time, I can grind it all off and use butt welds. As it is, I'm thinking it will be pretty smooth after an acceptable amount of filler from POR-15.

[Another 72]

For the driver fender eyebrow repair I ended up sourcing a solid eyebrow from a 69-72 fender. I know they're different, but the curve of the eyebrow from the 69-72 fender (see below) is a perfect match for the 67. A little hammering and a little POR-15 epoxy putty should get it ready for primer (see below).

[Another 72]

Originally Posted by Another 72

Cowl panel is ready for filler. After shaving the antenna hole I decided to avoid butt welds on the thin stuff and used lap welds. If I'm unhappy with it over time, I can grind it all off and use butt welds. As it is, I'm thinking it will be pretty smooth after an acceptable amount of filler from POR-15.

By the way, smoothing the cowl is a LOT of work due to the amount of welding and the amount of careful grinding and sanding. If you're just looking to keep out (MOST) debris, consider something like what I saw on a truck at Carlisle (below). If I went that route, I think I would take the extra step to line up the little holes with the cowl vents.

[Another 72]

Originally Posted by Another 72

Thanks! I'm not enjoying shaving my antenna hole. At least my burn-through patches are getting smaller and smaller.

A copper magnetic plug weld tool is a lifesaver when welding thin gauge steel.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by Another 72

By the way, smoothing the cowl is a LOT of work due to the amount of welding and the amount of careful grinding and sanding. If you're just looking to keep out (MOST) debris, consider something like what I saw on a truck at Carlisle (below). If I went that route, I think I would take the extra step to line up the little holes with the cowl vents.

I’ve got those cowl screens on my 72s. One of the rare items I’ve purchased from LMC. I had them powder coated black before installing.

[Another 72]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

I’ve got those cowl screens on my 72s. One of the rare items I’ve purchased from LMC. I had them powder coated black before installing.

Don't get me wrong, I like them. They're definitely an improvement on the open cowl vents, especially with black powder coating. They can be improved, but they might already look better than my cowl will when I'm done DIY'ing it. LOL.

[Ol Blue K20]

I just found this thread and subbing to watch..