70 Blazer Frame Off

[IronCanine]

I do want to quickly go through something that I've found little of in the way of detail on in existing threads...but got great help via PM to members. I purchased new rear side panels from TruckWorld through Truckseats (Tim). The most common refrain on these is that they are difficult to fit over carpeted tubs and that you must be sure to purchase CST carpet that is cut to stop at the panels and not extend to the bed wall...both true.

However on my initial fitment, I could not get the panel fully seated even though I had no carpet at all on the floor. Two things: 1. My bed wall and tubs have been replaced. 2. My truck was originally a base truck, I had to procure and install trim strips and panel bracketry. (I don't think this had much bearing if at all, but for the record)

My biggest concern was at the B-pillar, where I didn't think it could go from the trim strip to the B-pillar, making an S-bend and still adapt flatly to the B-pillar.

livrat (Mark) gave me the best advice. He had the same problems...he shaved the lower portion of the panel to go over the carpet and he widened the groove in the trim trim by gently prying it open.

Since I was not going to put carpet on the tubs, I didn't have to trim the panel. But the panel fit into the groove was my biggest problem. The panels are thick, and of course I had re-chromed my strips. I figured out how wide the groove needed to be by gently prying it open until I could just wedge the panel in. I made myself a gauge with a paint stick to confirm it was wide enough throughout the length. The fit was so snug on a partial try in, we elected not to install the floor L brackets, only the wall A brackets. I decided I didn't want to punch holes for screws and grommets a while ago, so we just put velcro on the brackets.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

For a day where we got a lot done, I don't have a lot of pics. The tailpipe got circumcised. The wiring got officially finished. A lot of time prepping and painting small things...seat brackets, panel brackets, hold down springs, etc. Painted the rear seat hardware GM satin, and the front flat...because I'm pretty sure the front was black phosphate from the factory and I missed that when I sent things to be plated/coated...thought that would give the best factory appearance.

You have done/are doing a fantastic job on this build Brad. Just a thought, I think you might get a better match to the factory black phosphate with a semi gloss or satin finish. I am not 100% sure what the factory finish is on a Blazer seat track but on a pick up bench seat it is something more like a zinc chromate finish.

I'll bet you are super excited to be almost done with the build. Everything is looking great and you should be proud to have such a great example of correct. I love it

Take care,
Tom

[Tom Vogel]

[QUOTE= I'm pretty sure the front was black phosphate from the factory and I missed that when I sent things to be plated/coated../QUOTE]

Where did you send out for plating? Im interested in a plater that does the black phosphate.

[smbrouss70]

Did you make it to the show? Pics?

[IronCanine]

Well...we thrashed it hard this past week/weekend. The last four days it was 8am to 10pm or later. To look at where we were and what we had to do, a couple of days seemed very doable. But every single part required massaging, fiddling, patience and in most cases a little ingenuity to get it to fit well and arrive unmarked....and we had bugs we had to work out...but in the end it was the weather. No rain for two weeks then today, scattered showers during the day and thunderstorms this afternoon. The show was officially to begin 15 minutes ago, and I have a few friends going and taking cars...I just couldn't chance it. We haven't even started on the top yet. As disappointed as I am not to take it today...I would have been sicker if she'd gotten wet....what's more she's still got zero road time, which is a risk. So we took our foot off the accelerator at about lunch today and called the ball. I'll post a few pics in a bit.

[IronCanine]

A few pics...the tire cover I got was too small...on to the return pile. I also held off on the window felts/rubber. When we decided the show was a no go this morning, it gave me the latitude to not install a part I was not loving. We're going to try again on those.

[IronCanine]

Even though we're basically there (I've got to replace a brake line union), I don't know if she'll get any real shake down time this week. Rain is forecast all week. We'll just take a little break and then maybe jump on the top.

[tim's68gmc]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

Even though we're basically there (I've got to replace a brake line union), I don't know if she'll get any real shake down time this week. Rain is forecast all week. We'll just take a little break and then maybe jump on the top.

is there a company that makes the spare tire mount i need one like the one you have?
thanks

[DeadheadNM]

Strong effort but it's worth the wait to get it just right. Besides, once the public sees your Blazer K5 values will shoot through the roof so this buys me time to find a reasonably priced next project

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Strong effort but it's worth the wait to get it just right. Besides, once the public sees your Blazer K5 values will shoot through the roof so this buys me time to find a reasonably priced next project

Thanks...it was tough to concede...but too much has gone into this thing to goof it up senselessly now.

...I don't know about values, but I am super stoked for another DeadheadNM build. Anything I can do to make that happen, (save buying the truck), I am more than happy to do.

[VA72C10]

gorgeous blazer! The last shot of the undercarriage is what many strive for but few achieve.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

gorgeous blazer! The last shot of the undercarriage is what many strive for but few achieve.

Thanks Johnathon...I really appreciate that. That's what goofed me up on my daily driver plans(the bottom of the truck turned out much nicer than I had expected). It's the part of the build I might be most proud of. There were times this past weekend when I was on the creeper staring up...and I just wanted to stay there....one of those times is when I snapped that pic...I thought it was a nice view.

[smbrouss70]

Very, VERY Impressive! I don't blame you for not taking it out in the rain. There will be another show.

I have a question for you. I know you completely refurbished your console, but where did you find the rubber bumpers to keep the lid from rattling? I can't seem to find any vendors that have them.

[Chulisohombre]

Man that all looks good. Like was said about the undercarriage. I have a lot of rust on mine and looking at that clean metal and seeing how it's supposed to look is just awesome.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

Very, VERY Impressive! I don't blame you for not taking it out in the rain. There will be another show.

I have a question for you. I know you completely refurbished your console, but where did you find the rubber bumpers to keep the lid from rattling? I can't seem to find any vendors that have them.

Thanks. I bought my console from DaHos (Dave) already restored. I'm sure you've searched the board already, but here's a link just in case:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661616

I don't know how correct those referenced in the last post are. NOS ones seem to pop up a fair amount on here and on eBay.

Originally Posted by Chulisohombre

Man that all looks good. Like was said about the undercarriage. I have a lot of rust on mine and looking at that clean metal and seeing how it's supposed to look is just awesome.

Thanks. Rust is a beast. You've seen us plow through more than our fair share...makes me appreciate where we've gotten to all the more.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Well done, Brad!

I wouldn't have chanced it in that weather either. For that hard work, just to get rained on before you even put 100 miles on it would be devastating.

[mtully79]

I was on Lake Altoona all weekend long and flew out of Atlanta airport in a heckuva storm yesterday evening...good thing you didn't take her out. Gorgeous truck...can't wait to see it on the road.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

Well done, Brad!

I wouldn't have chanced it in that weather either. For that hard work, just to get rained on before you even put 100 miles on it would be devastating.

Thanks Mike....but 100 miles nothing, she's still sitting on 5/10ths of a mile, not even 1. Even if it had not rained, our first test drive would have literally been to the show...and devastating would be the correct word disappointment(x expectations) + fatigue = devastating ...or in different mathematical terms insult+injury.

[Minnz]

Very Nice! I have been following your build for many months. It has served as an inspiration to me to pull the tub off and go for it as you did. I really like your use of many original parts, bolts, screws, etc. You probably already know this but the beautiful "phosphated/parkerized" parts may still be subject to some surface rust over time. I have a 69 Camaro that I restored a few years ago and I really have to wipe down my phosphate parts every few months (well maybe twice a year) with a product called Boeshield T-9. A lot of Camaro guys use it and it does help keep the rust away.

Your work is 11 out of 10!

Lee

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by Minnz

Very Nice! I have been following your build for many months. It has served as an inspiration to me to pull the tub off and go for it as you did. I really like your use of many original parts, bolts, screws, etc. You probably already know this but the beautiful "phosphated/parkerized" parts may still be subject to some surface rust over time. I have a 69 Camaro that I restored a few years ago and I really have to wipe down my phosphate parts every few months (well maybe twice a year) with a product called Boeshield T-9. A lot of Camaro guys use it and it does help keep the rust away.

Your work is 11 out of 10!

Lee

Thanks Lee...for the kind words and the tip. I wasn't familiar and checked it out on line. I'll definitely give it a try. Does it change the "finish" of the parts on your Camaro? In other words does it make them look shiny instead of flat?

[mx289]

Just amazing work.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by mx289

Just amazing work.

Thanks Tom.

[Minnz]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

Thanks Lee...for the kind words and the tip. I wasn't familiar and checked it out on line. I'll definitely give it a try. Does it change the "finish" of the parts on your Camaro? In other words does it make them look shiny instead of flat?

If the bolt or part is attached to the vehicle, I just spray some on a rag and apply enough to cover the part to get a wet surface and let it dry. As long as there is not a puddle it will, in my opinion, dry flat. My Camaro has gone through, and passed, judging with the Boeshield applied. It does need to be reapplied from time to time to keep up the appearance (I think any product will), especially the hood springs....give them a good dose! Also check out "Rust Prevention Magic". It seems to work good on bare metal.

[IronCanine]

Hadn't posted in a few days. Inner fenders on the front, really kind of makes it seem finished even though we're still working. Thanks to smbrouss70 (Steven) for the photos of the emissions decal position.

[IronCanine]

Cowl back on. Eric thinks I should keep the 76 ball on the antenna (for sentimental reasons I guess)...never gonna happen. scf100 (Stuart) swung by today to take a look and, God bless him, he got put instantly to work. We had a really sharp mechanic make a house call tonight to help us work through our brake line issues and Stuart ended up on the ground with us bleeding brakes. Unfortunately all that combined brain power and expertise and effort left the shop tonight with the issue unresolved. Gotta get a couple of new lines and try again.