Project "Vertically Challenged"

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by 70k52wd

I agree. And I'm glad I went ahead and started project, because little issues WILL crop up on any build. This way, maybe I'll be done by early spring. Just collecting up all of the little items(fittings, lines, fasteners) is a task all on it's own. It's going to take a few weeks to get the lower CA's from Thorbecke Bros., That's why I went ahead and started rear. Once we get a brake on temperatures around here, and I get the A-arms, I should have it together pretty quickly.

Not getting any warmer tonight....I got 2" of snow here already and at this pace, we'll have well over the 4-5" they forecasted...I'm thinking 6-8.

[70k52wd]

Yup, It's snowing hard here. Supposed to be in the 50's - 60's later this week. I sure hope.

[va_tlc]

very nice blazer, where are ya in va? i hear ya about the cold, cant blame ya one bit.

[67_C-30]

Oh man! Seeing that beuatiful '70 2WD is making wanna start on mine! Very nice, and I wait to see in the weeds!

[70k52wd]

Hey Vatlc, I'm between F'burg & Richmond. Your truck avatar looks familiar. Are you near northern Va? Loudon Co maybe?

[70k52wd]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

Oh man! Seeing that beuatiful '70 2WD is making wanna start on mine! Very nice, and I wait to see in the weeds!

I see your sig...Pics please...Thanks for complement.
Love the hauler...Got any suburbans? Barn doors?

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by 70k52wd

I see your sig...Pics please...Thanks for complement.
Love the hauler...Got any suburbans? Barn doors?

Well, mine is nothing nice, BUT it is a very solid '70 2WD with original paint, so I know what I'm dealing with. It is very straight besides the driver's fender and hood. Can you believe a guy pulled the original running 350 engine out of this to put in a old LWB '75 truck?? It is factory hugger orange, so that's cool. I bought a very nice top for it from uncle. Oddly, it is a 2WD and came with the 350 and SM465 4 speed, but I'll be swapping in an auto. I'm focused on trying to get my red '69 finished and my '67 C-30 going, and then I'm going to tear into this one. My wife is kinda excited about this one, because we can all ride in it, so that will help when it come times to start spending money on it!

Here's a few pics. The frontend looks funky because the a$$clown that pulled the engine out took the whole clip off and just set it back on there. She needs some love!

No burbs...yet!

[70k52wd]

It's taken me longer to get the rear centered than I thought it would. But I got it within a 1/4 in. A lot of jacking, unjacking. I set the Trackbar at ride height, which will be approximately 1in before entering notch.



Here are my alignment tools. I used a cargo bar to push rear over a bit and hold it in place.




And of course I just had to throw a rim on.




Template overkill...



Next, Notch installs...Lots of rivet removal, and grinding involved.

[VA72C10]

Good progress....i gotta come by to see that beast sometime....you going to be around Monday?

[nuke1]

nice, that is sure gonna be low, i just finished up my notch install, i did not make templates though, i just started cutting, oops, welder fixes that. Talk about some heavy artilery to get that diff moved and centered.

[70k52wd]

I finally finished the first notch. It took me a long time to get it right. Hope the second one is easier than this one was. Should be, now that I know what to do.

Rear centered in notch pattern. That's why It's a good idea to put blocks and trackbar on first. To make sure everything will align.



Notch cut and ground to shape, then a flap disk to make it smooth.



Primered notch.



Painted Notch.



Don't forget the back side of the notch, it needs primer and paint as well. I didn't take a painted pic.



Notch clamped in place.



Notch bolted in place.



And the mess I have made.



After bolting everything up, the notch fit pretty well. I had to do a couple of bolt hole modifications...Just throw the instructions they give you away.

I think I have used almost all tools at some point so far.

[VA72C10]

Nice work!

You working on this thing Friday? I might be able to swing by and lend a hand (peer over your shoulder and learn- j/k)

[70k52wd]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Good progress....i gotta come by to see that beast sometime....you going to be around Monday?

Sorry, I missed this.

[70k52wd]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Nice work!

You working on this thing Friday? I might be able to swing by and lend a hand (peer over your shoulder and learn- j/k)

I have got to get responsible and get back to work for a while. It will be some time before I get back on it.

[VA72C10]

Let me know....I am dying to check it out...

[lolife99]

Keep up the good work.
The best part,... is you'll be able to answer ALL the suspension questions at the car shows this summer,... because YOU did it all.

[70k52wd]

Got the driver side notch in. Getting closer.

Here are pics marking bag location, and template. Now to get holes drilled for upper bag and air fitting.






More soon...

[VA72C10]

sweet...congrats

[70k52wd]

Got the AirPod system today from Air Ride Technologies. They have a special(free remotes)until the end of the month. I love the plug and play they have built into there systems. And they are all about putting out a real quality product. Thanks ART guys.





I'll have to relocate my Subwoofers, or go with a single Bazooka type of sub. I will miss the big sound, but I will get over it when I see Blaze squashed down.

I'll see if I can get a rear bag or two installed this weekend, and get pics up.

[VA72C10]

Schweeeeeet

[lolife99]

Charlie,... Glad you decided to got with the 5 gallon version. I think you will really like it. You know I'm jealous,... again. It should work much better than my 3 gallon AirPod.

[70k52wd]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Charlie,... Glad you decided to got with the 5 gallon version. I think you will really like it. You know I'm jealous,... again. It should work much better than my 3 gallon AirPod.

Thanks for your input prior to my purchase. I know I will like it as I will most likely be a button pusher, and the extra volume will be real handy for that.

[VA72C10]

Do you have plans to paint the suspension components? That thing looks so sweet, the undercarriage being detailed nicely could put you over the edge at a show...

[70k52wd]

I Think all the complicated stuff is done. After all the metal shavings I've swept up off the floor, removed from my clothes, hands, and places you would never believe; The Blazer is being put back together.

I am running airlines right now, but that is about all I can do for the moment.



I still need lower control arms. They should be here by next Friday.



I will hopefully have a Porterbuilt swaybar within the next 3 weeks or so, still working on that. When I get the control arms, I can then assemble front end, then get the AirPod installed. I need to get new brake lines, get my drive shaft cut down an inch, and other things will pop up to keep me busy. If I were to take at shot at a time frame to be complete, I would guess within 4-5 weeks. The weather has been real nice, so 4-5 weeks is feeling like a looonnng time to me.

Oh yea, BTW, The rear airbag upper bolts are a fun task to tighten up. NOT. I have fat hands, and that was a real b ouch, until I got the right tool for the job.





I got the wrench at Lowes. Best 10 dollars I ever spent. It took about 10sec per bolt with the wrench. I will carry it where ever I go in Blazer.
I was thinking an extra airbag(at least on road trips)might be a good idea to carry also, kinda like a spare tire. After all, isn't that what the console is for, tools and spare parts.

I'll post more pics when I get stuff done.

[VA72C10]

Looking good...I cannot wait to see your blazer this afternoon