1972 Medium Blue Highlander Blazer Resto

[LT7A]

Enjoyed going back through this. Took a buncha notes. Thanks for the time you took to post all of this. I'd love to see more out and about pictures. Happy Holidays!

[DeadheadNM]

Thanks for the good words! I'll do better at posting some out-and-about pics. While garaged over the winter I need to remove the HEI and replace the pickup coil, which I believe is causing problems w warm starts. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all.

[72 paul]

Say Pete,what might you have used for cushion on tailgate to hatch stop top of gate.Followed your restore missed it.Way cool work..Thanks for any reply.Paul..Double sided tape?

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by 72 paul

Say Pete,what might you have used for cushion on tailgate to hatch stop top of gate.Followed your restore missed it.Way cool work..Thanks for any reply.Paul..Double sided tape?

Great question. I had to think about this. If I recall, we used a non-hardening bedding compound along the seam of the tailgate strip. I'll take a peek and if I have anything else to add will let you know. Thanks for the good words. I've been battling the HEI and replacing the pickup coil is on my short list of to do's ahead of spring.

[72 paul]

Thanks for reply Pete.Did use double side 3m tape, worked good.Hoping to have top back soon,back at painters to do touchup.

[DeadheadNM]

You bet. I suspect that will work just fine. Good luck with remainder of the build.

[DeadheadNM]

Tempted to restore the original points distributor and ditch the HEI. 2B3 = 1972 (2) February (B) 3rd (3)

[IronCanine]

Do it!

[DeadheadNM]

Yep. I'm doing it. May build an HEI too. Will post back as things develop.

Here's the shop I have in mind, owner seems like a nice and extremely knowledgeable guy: https://www.advanceddistributors.com/

[PowerdbyChevy79]

Subscribed!!!
Im about to start a K5 build soon.. lots of great info on here.

[DeadheadNM]

Welcome aboard and thanks for the good words. The build continues. Recently, I replaced the HEI with the original points distributor, which I sent for a rebuild and curve. The HEI left me temporarily stranded a few times and rather than disassemble it and replace the pickup coil I decided to can it.

Engine runs and idles better than ever but I’ve yet to do a long drive. Since I used a harness designed for use with an HEI that has no resistance built in the external coil I added has internal resistance. This coil has a slightly larger diameter than an OE example but fit in the OE bracket. The new plug wires are from Lectric Limited are US made and are precut for a 72 4wd application.

[DeadheadNM]

I’ve been able to get some seat time with the rebuilt distributor. This thing has never run better. Easier starts, just purrs at idle, and there’s great throttle response. Super pleased I did the swap. Fresh oil and a new coat of wax - ready for the summer.

[Ol Blue K20]

Nice, looking good too.

[IronCanine]

Damn that girl is PHOTOGENIC.

Glad the distributor rebuild panned out so well. Following your lead per usual.

[1970cstblazer]

My 1972 Cheyenne responded the same. The MSD didn't cut the mustard. The rebuilt correct points distributor for the win!

[DeadheadNM]

Thanks for the good words guys. It's as if the Blazer was pouting about the lack of its original distributor. Sort of like that Brady Bunch episode where they took the idol from Hawaii and bad luck followed The K20 gets along just fine with the HEI or so it seems.

[1970cstblazer]

To make it clear, I am a fan of HEI systems. My mid-70's Pontiacs have had zero issues with them, especially after a recurve and maintenance to include replacing the pick up coil.

In these '67-'72 trucks, especially K series, I do not like them. The engine sits close to the firewall, and the larger diameter of the HEI distributor is not favorable. Also, the stock centrifugal/vacuum advance timing calibrations are for smog era low CR and wussy cams. Of course, these are easily addressed.

As with the points system, quality old stock parts are crucial. Most of the new parts available today are of much lower quality than OEM Delco Remy.