1972 Medium Blue Highlander Blazer Resto

[DeadheadNM]

Here are some other parts used in the build. All the lenses and lens housings are NOS.

[DeadheadNM]

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[DeadheadNM]

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[DeadheadNM]

This is the Chevrolet plate for the 1972 model year - NOS example, steel not aluminum. I'm trying these vintage USA made license plate frames until I can locate a dealership frame from Harloff Chevrolet in Encinitas, CA.

[DeadheadNM]

NOS caps and rings for the rally wheels, gas cap, and bumper bolts

[DeadheadNM]

Transmission arms, k5 emblems are NOS. There's a local auto gauge restoration shop that makes speedometer cables using British made cable that's very flexible. I had this company make a speedo cable for the blazer incorporating the firewall grommet so there's no cut in the grommet.

[DeadheadNM]

I had the chrome vent window trim rechromed and rebuilt the windows with some NOS pieces.

[smbrouss70]

Very nice Blazer! I'm amazed at all of the NOS parts that you are using. Do you just have a warehouse full of NOS stuff that you've been collecting over the years or do you have a source where you can find what you're looking for?

[SoCoC10]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Thanks again guys. Getting so close. There was a short traced to the tilt column that's fixed. The radius of the tailgate handle is tight such that it contacts the upper middle trim - odd but something that shimming may easily fix. Also having trouble getting the clips for the bright trim on the tailgate to bite and hold to the gate but we are going to try clips from another source.



Lol! I still have this set up in the box. I am tempted to use this on the blazer if I get any sag with a rear load. I'm pleased the steps are removable and a real GM accessory. Was tempted to add front bumper guards but held back given these steps are present: want to avoid too many bolt-on items.

I'm really liking the look of the rally wheels.

Good work Pete! Plus you don't want to distract the attention the tow hooks should get, with the bumper guards.

[Ol Blue K20]

It's looking great, it must be exciting to be so close.

[DeadheadNM]

It so close! The windshield and top glass are scheduled to be installed on Monday. I've got some trim polishing to do this weekend. I'm going to try To have OEM double wall glass installed into the single wall top - I will report back on fitment. I've got slider windows but need to have time to restore a set before installation.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

Very nice Blazer! I'm amazed at all of the NOS parts that you are using. Do you just have a warehouse full of NOS stuff that you've been collecting over the years or do you have a source where you can find what you're looking for?

I'm just a compulsive hoarder. Much of these items were sourced on eBay or through members here on the forum. Tracking down some items is facilitated by knowing the part number.

There are a lot of nos pieces I've installed but not depicted. Mostly small items like the t-case shift bolt, both defrost vents, hot water diverter valve, the diverter valve and manifold injectors for the CA emissions, metal grommets for the tail light trim screws, door and hood bumpers, cowl to firewall rubber gasket, cigarette lighter, all ash trays (dash, console, rear seat), tail gate center trim, center dash AC vent, chrome radio adjustment dials, dash pad, and plastic ignition plate.

Here's some more items used; charcoal can, 4wd throttle cable, th350 kick down cable, AC controls w switch, 4wd front brake hoses, tail light bezels, door sill plates, and 4wd shackles.

[DeadheadNM]

Carpet is installed with the rubber leveling mats and repro USA made OEM style tar under the front carpet.

The rear CST panel retainers were rechromed. I'm having the panels installed with thin magnets affixed to the panels that will secure to the bedside brackets.

[DeadheadNM]

Upfront. Rear carpet needs trim at the front retainer as per OEM style. I went with the Flint style front carpet retainer rather than the original piece which was the same as the rear in keeping with how the St Louis plant seemed to assemble k5s.

Hood is now installed.

[DeadheadNM]

Here's my gauge cluster assembled with some nos components. Tach vac all OEM gauges.

[DeadheadNM]

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[Travisarmenta]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Quick update. Progress continues. The blazer will move and stop under its own power now. The single wall top was stripped, has had the few cracks repaired and is on deck to be painted this week. The front fenders will be buffed then trim and interior will be installed.

Bucket and rear seats have been rebuilt. The front bucket driver and rear pass tracks were black phosphate coated with the bolts per OEM and the other brackets and hinges powder coated as these seemed to be painted originally. Foam is USA made - thanks Wes.

I assembled the inner outer grill today both pieces NOS with NOS bow tie and NOS hood bumpers and head light bezels.

Great looking K5, who did you use to rebuild your seats? Just picked up some buckets and they need work.

[lks dcvn]

This thing is awesome - great job on the build!

[skrenly]

TOTY - lets vote now!

Pete the only thing your missing is a pair of NOS Hickey Floor Mats!

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by Travisarmenta

Great looking K5, who did you use to rebuild your seats? Just picked up some buckets and they need work.

The seat brackets and all associated screws I had black phosphate coated locally with the exception of those pieces that were painted and those were powder coated. The foam is USA made from Wes at Classic Heartbeat and were installed locally by Gotcha Covered upholstery where the frames were stripped and painted black. It's crazy the frames were bare metal embedded in foam that in effect acts like a sponge. Fortunately my frames were solid.

Originally Posted by lks dcvn

This thing is awesome - great job on the build!

Thank you. It's my final rodeo so to speak so trying to go out on a good last play.

Originally Posted by skrenly

TOTY - lets vote now!

Pete the only thing your missing is a pair of NOS Hickey Floor Mats!

Lol! You're the best. In fact, I have those! They are literally in the Blazer at this moment. I can't wait to step on them for the first time. Vintage NOS purchased on this board thank you Mrtoni:

[DeadheadNM]

We have plaid!!

[DeadheadNM]

More plaid....

[DeadheadNM]

I've got a fever. And the only cure is more blue plaid...

[DeadheadNM]

The steering wheel I poached from the 40k mi Beaver Cheyenne Super RV I used to own. It had a leatherette wheel cover sewn on that preserved the grain perfectly and its crack free. Tempted to add this vintage steering knob if I can find another similar cover. Would go well with the front plate and floor mats but maybe not the safest idea given the quick ratio steering box rebuild. We'll see.

[DeadheadNM]

Here's another vintage accessory that I may try since my wife has short piernes. It's a pedal for the high beam switch (switch is a NOS piece correct finish). Or, she just doesn't drive at night.