My new build thread: Stage 4!

[swyfor5]

Got the second order from AtoZ today. Gotta say, some nice stuff, just as listed on thier website. Quick shipping with USPS too, I like that! Looks like I may have to buy some more stuff from Zack! Will post up some pic's tommorrow night.

[swyfor5]

Really looking at the Painless wiring harnesses. Anybody installed the Painless 18 circuit GM truck wiring harness on a first gen K5 lately? It looks like a perfect fit for my project and real simple to install too. Kinda pricey, but really don't want to rely on the old wiring to power my resto. Could buy and install replacement original type wiring setups, but Painless looks like the way to upgrade. Any feedback?

[RossRinSD]

Yeah man, I wasn't all that impressed with the AtoZ shackle mounts. They had 1 inch holes instead of the 7/8 hole for a 3/4 shackle. I have a set I got off ebay that I really liked, AND the ebay ones were longer, for more welding area.

But I've got these ones already welded one, so I guess I'm using them.

I got this far...

[swyfor5]

Grass seed is sprouting! Starting to turn green. Deal on the new daily driver went through, tommorrow or next day to get it home and legal. Might put a bit of a crimp into the K5 build, but not for too long! I will get some pic's up this weekend, maybe not have to work 7 day's this week? Man, what a women I have! Just gotta say- it takes two!

[swyfor5]

Got the new to me GMC pickup home tonight. 2004 1500 Sierra ext. cab 4x4 with only 15880 miles on it. Nice! Gotta get to the sec of state and get it registered on thursday. I know it's off topic, but I just had to add it to the insurance bill! Also got the aux battery tray from Brothers today-very nice! Thinking of buying the replacement main battery tray from them to match. Post up some pic's this weekend!

[swyfor5]

Got the insurance papers in order today, ouch, 4 insured vehicles and a homeowners policy in one premium monthly! Taking a 1/2 vacation day tomm, to go to the sec of state and get the GMC legal. Remind ya'll I have two 16 year old drivers on the policy! Just really glad I got the pole barn finished when I did! At least that is bought and paid for. Look's like I am working 7 day's a week for a while!

[swyfor5]

Got my new daily driver legal today! Sweet!!!!

[VA72C10]

Sounds like you've been REALLY busy!!!

[swyfor5]

Almost ready to start the torsion box, rocker panels, floor panels, rear bed panel, etc replacement process. I understand most of the process- leave top installed, install new body mounts, line up all door, tailgate, etc. Have purchased almost all replacement weld in Triplus parts from Wes at Heartbeat.com Has anyone in northern Mi. done this on a 1st. Gen K5? Just sending a message out there to someone near me in Mi that might be willing to help me out with my project. It's now 2012 and I need to move forward, I have a huge stash of parts ready to go on. I just need someone close willing to help with fabrication, anybody?

[swyfor5]

Asking again, anyone here in Michigan done a resto on a 1st. Gen? I am not a welder, and want to find someone that has done this and understands the AtoZ of the 1st. Gen Blazer geometry as far as welding in new parts goes. Trying to save cash for this next step and need to find someone that can help me with this. Got almost all the stuff to weld in, need help!

[swyfor5]

Just scored a new Painless wiring kit #10206 off ebay for less than $300.00! Painless site shows over $600.00-summit about $455.00 Think I did ok, been looking for a while, any thoughts?

[VA72C10]

sounds like a great deal to me!

[swyfor5]

Thank's VA! I'll know more when it gets here. I did buy it off e-bay, ya never know! Have been looking at this upgrade for a while, and the price was way better!

[SeventyOne]

Were there more at that price...hmmm

[swyfor5]

Keep surfing man! Wish I had more time on the web!

[swyfor5]

Spent some time going through the "pile" of resto parts tonight. Lined up all the new poly body mounts from Jim Carter classic parts, the bolts, shims,washers,and nuts from LMC. Looks like I have what I need to start to replace the body mounts before I start the process of welding in the replacement panels. I think this is the first step in the floor/torsion box weld in process right?

[turp mcspray]

Yep, install your body mounts, make sure your doors fit the bedsides, and rockers. Start by putting all the factory shims back where they were. Don't be afraid to change them if things aren't fitting quite right.

[swyfor5]

Just ordered up a set of DIY4X EZ-INCH's for the 14bolt rear. Thinking I might need them when the shackle flip goes in to help center the axle. Looked at ORD's and seemed like DIY4X's was the same setup for less money. Not sure if I would need to run some degree shims also? Thinking not, because going with weld on spring perches anyway. Thought's?

[bigbadchev72]

Originally Posted by swyfor5

Just ordered up a set of DIY4X EZ-INCH's for the 14bolt rear. Thinking I might need them when the shackle flip goes in to help center the axle. Looked at ORD's and seemed like DIY4X's was the same setup for less money. Not sure if I would need to run some degree shims also? Thinking not, because going with weld on spring perches anyway. Thought's?

Are you going to be doing a High angle driveline or CV shaft soon? If so dont bother welding up your perches until you get your shaft. The driveline side has to point right at the t-case

[swyfor5]

Yes Sir, I am planning on running HAD shafts frt and rear. Thank you for that tip! Hoped to slap in some sort of stock 1 ton shafts for temporary, and swap in the HAD stuff when funds allow. As soon as spring comes, hope to get the 1 tons in and mocked up.

[swyfor5]

Got the Painless wiring kit I bought off E-bay today! Looks to be perfect, new in the box. All there, and in great condition. Awesome!

[VA72C10]

Haven't done any of the 4x stuff like you are or I'd help...sounds like you're going to be ready to jump into this project with both feet this spring with all the parts you've collected!!!

[swyfor5]

Thank's for watching here VA! Yes, I have been doing my research and hope to have everything ready to get it set up this spring/summer. I know how I want it to work, and look, and all the help from this great site makes it that much easier!

[turp mcspray]

I had the same problem after a spring rebuild with new center pins. Just shave down the diameter on a bench grinder, untill they fit in the holes.

[swyfor5]

Thank's Turp. I knew I could make them fit, as they are real close to fitting . Am thinking it is the holes in the weld on perches that are a little too small. I know it doesn't take much paint or etc to close the tolerances. Just needed some advice from the great bunch of members here! Thank's again.