The 72 Olive HICKEY Build!

[GM1970s]

June Update:

Nothing major more done to the truck, getting everything together for the front axle. On a side note, I picked up sliding windows for the topper, I always liked em and was reasonably priced for me! As well as, I make the Hickey Shimmy Kit that I was searching for, for a good few years. Waiting for the U bolts to come in for the tie rods. At last, I got the hood roughly fitted for now just to give me more ambition to work on it more, super pleased, still need to add latches and brackets into the hood.

Still on the search for rear horns as well as Hickey Blazer side steps, still will trade or sell my truck style ones.

[GM1970s]

July-August Update:

I really haven’t been working on it much till last weekend(Labor Day Weekend). It’s been awfully hot here and now finally cooling off here now the beginning of September.

A fellow on FB that had a set of rear frame horns that he shipped me and just cleaned em up a little, need to add just a small triangle to the frame and that will be back to factory.

I flipped the Blazer around in the garage and wanted to get working on the front suspension, axle, and steering. With it facing out, decided to throw on my one grille I had while I wait for the new one to ship. It really brought the moral up for me to get busy again! Got my front springs, bushings and shackles all on and wire wheeled the axle for paint.i took the differential cover off and well… let’s say I should not have. Full center section is shot, ring gear, spider gears, bearings and pinion all all junk. Off to find a new/used axle… let me know if you got anything.

I’m wrapping up on my roof too! Just built all my missing sections back with foil tape, mesh and resin! It looks great! Just need to flip over and cover some small minor bits to get it ready for the raptor liner.

[OLD SKOOL K5]

I like the 4” lift, tire and wheel combo. Gives it a great stance!

[1970cstblazer]

If I didn't have my 16.5" steelies, I would definitely rock the aluminum slots.

[dagnabbitt]

I love West Systems products, how did they work for you?

[GM1970s]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

I love West Systems products, how did they work for you?

For what I'm using it for to fix all my areas, and re-bond my hatch, PERFECT! I have nothing bad to say about them what so ever, I've even started using them for my ATC restorations regarding the old US90s.

[connorm]

https://www.hotrod.com/features/chev...-982-786-122-1

Here's an article about Vic Hickey's conversions. It's more based on his c10 Baja 500 trucks. But there's a lot of his period upgrades being used. It's an interesting read

[GM1970s]

September-December 2025 Update:
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Been quite a bit here on the forums, haven't messed with the K5 much, not till October when a buddy sent me after a set of axles down West Virginia. Opened them both up and were super clean inside, and very usable! Changing from 3.08 gears to these axles with 3.73s should help out those 35'' tires nicely.


My hatch was a complete disaster, I just got done wrapping up the work that I was dreading, lots of little repairs from the rotted sheet metal that hold the latches on, cracks in fiberglass and it splitting into two pieces due to the old age of its last bond. Now, bonded with 3m, fully prepared to prep for paint and assemble!

I completely redid the rear axle, changing from an open to now a Auburn Grip-Loc, new seals, bearings, the whole 9 yards. Need to get my diff cover off the other as well as the complete backing plates to finish the job.

[GM1970s]

(More pictures from the last update)

[GM1970s]

January 2026 Update!
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Since the rear axle is ready to go underneath the truck, time for the front!
Put a huge order into RA for all my bearings, seals, U-joints. Ordered a set of Warn Hubs, I know the purists won't be happy without blue dials.....
Wanting to install an cross-over steer conversion, I was sourcing for a passenger side knuckle and came across EWO who was cheaper than Reid at the time for the 4 stud upgrade. Ordered only that and made out tremendously with a full kit ready to go for cross-steer!

Painted now, just waiting on parts to come in to continue!

Went to KY for an set of bucket seats, they were not something I was pleased with but it could be better than nothing. Still will source more in the meantime.

I started getting involved with powder coat and been doing a bunch of smalls that need done for the final vision in mind!

Hope to keep you updated monthly, check in at March!


Chris