Attempting my first build 72 K5

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

I was disappointed to here this Mike. I ordered a set of black ones that got here yesterday just because I saw yours on your build thread. I can't imagine there's any more space behind a 15x6 steelie. Guess it's back to a stock single piston.

Yes, very disappointing. Even on Wilwood site, it says the D52 will fit 70 and up K5 blazers 4x4. I think Wilwood, along with other aftermarket companies, stop bundling parts for our Blazer's with C10's, K10's, suburbans, etc etc

[mx289]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

Thanks MX289

I tired to looking for the wood veneer tape on 3M's site, but their search bar sucks. Could you send me a link?

I honestly forget where I seen it.
I think it was a online wood veneer supplier for furniture ,cabinets.I will try to find it again.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

Question - do the doors on our trucks separate or was this cut?

Attachment 1323915

Sorry I missed this post Mike. Like the rest of the truck, the doors were made out of pieces of stamped metal, but here, the outside is cut off so a repair panel/skin can be welded to replace the damaged section.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I have finally figured out the modifications the PO (original owner) did to install the 36 gallon gas tank.

1. He removed the rear cross-member that has the 2 fuel lines going across the top of it.

2. He tack welded threaded nuts to the inside bottom of the frame rail so he could hold the tank with the straps that where on there.

3. He welded a cross bar going from the 2nd to last body mounts to compensate for the loss in reinforcement for removing the original rear cross member that sits in between the frame rails.

I cut off the threaded nuts using a sawzaw and dremel. Now I have to figure out a solution for the cross bar that welded to the body mounts.

If you're wondering why the 2nd to last body mounts are removed from the frame is because this part was riveted to the body so we had to cut them to get the body off the frame.

1. Do I try cutting it off?
2. Find some replacements and rivet or bolt on new (used) one on? Anybody know where I could find a set?

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Threaded nuts that where welded to the inside of the frame rails on each side. There was a total of 4

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Pics this time

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

I have finally figured out the modifications the PO (original owner) did to install the 36 gallon gas tank....
1. Do I try cutting it off?
2. Find some replacements and rivet or bolt on new (used) one on? Anybody know where I could find a set?

For the level of build you're doing, I'd vote to put it back like it came...and I think you could with not too much effort. My frame was hacked on and cracked. We had to do a fair amount of prep work on it too. Attached is a pick of the frame I bought my exhaust hanger off of. The whole frame is for sale for $500. I called and asked if he'd sell me the hanger...and he didn't blink. Might be worth a call to see if he'd take off your pieces too. Also, member Uncle had a 72 frame for sale/part out forever. It was very rusty, but that cross member might be workable if he's still got it.

Here's the website with the frame for sale (just scroll down when you get there):

http://www.billstruckshop.com/67-72used.html

[DeadheadNM]

I'd replace the missing OEM support with grade 8 bolts and thread loctite and call it a day. I need to look and see what if any work was done to install the Hickey tank in my Blazer.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I did source an original cross member from a pickup that will fit exactly the same. If he could sell me just the hangers that would make everything a lot easier.. I'll give him a call and see what he says.

[sockalaminski]

Looking like progress brother. I'd go with the suggestion of putting it back the way it came from the factory also.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Sockalaminski - Agree 100%..

[Tom Vogel]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

Sockalaminski - Agree 100%..

Me too. 100%

[SeventyOne]

I know you got an update worthy of pics - let's see em!

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

It's been a while so I thought I would update with a few more progress pics.

The PO made some modifications to the frame that required some minor work to put this back to its stock form.

First was the custom tow hitch that was welded to the outside of both sides of the frame


He also made some bad drill holes on the top side of the frame, so I patched that up to make it look decent enough. I'm not even sure if there is supposed to be a hole there or not.



The rear cross member was drilled out to compensate for the larger gas tank and he welded a cross bar to the hangers for the body mounts. I cut that off using a sawzall. Then I cut the rest of cross bar as close as I could to the hangers off and then finished it off with an angle grinder and flap disc to smooth it down.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

managed to save the hangers and then drilled out the rivets.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Thanks to Seventy one who came over and helped me tack weld this piece of the front leaf spring where I accidentally cut into when I had to cut out the spacer that wouldn't budge when removing the leaf springs

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I absolutely hated the look of the painted front end of the frame and front axle..So I had them powder coated to match everything else.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

more close up shots

[IronCanine]

Mike that looks great!!!!

[DeadheadNM]

Nice!

[SeventyOne]

Awesome! Powder coat is the best.

Hopefully the areas we worked on look like they were never messed with now that it's coated.

[1956cameo]

Great build! Way back on page one you were asking about the heater core and where you could get a replacement because LMC didn't carry it. The Truck Shop in Orange, California sells new ones. They are $59 if I'm not mistaken.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Thanks guys!

Cameo - I think I'm going to just have mine refurbished. I've been talking to the guys at Classic Auto Air

[1956cameo]

Probably a smart move. I am sure they will make it better than the new Chinese reproduction stuff.

[tristan]

I now have a bad case of frame envy - just beautiful.