1972 Highlander (Forum Truck)

[HeloCrewChief]

I've been slammed busy at work and was out of the state for work for a bit. Moving along but, still slower than I would like. I'm almost ready to install inner fenders, core support, grille, bumpers, and hood. Doing a few final checks to make sure I have everything buttoned up on the engine before I install those parts. I wanted to do some day 2 hickey items like differential covers etc. but, I may hold off until the truck is done before spending money on those. I found some subdued differential covers, transmission pan, and flywheel cover I've liked using on other trucks. I also did a new engine compartment wiring harness. Bluetooth radio is in. Front carpet, console, sill plates etc. Driveshafts are in. New heater core and all the HVAC tubing. I had the emissions lines in the back remade by Williams Oil Filter in Tacoma, WA. Hood hinges rebuilt by Wilson Antique Auto Parts. Tilt column, console, and instrument cluster rebuilt by Randy here in Tacoma. Used the van shifter arm as it fits better with the 15" wheel. Exhaust manifolds were coated by Performance Coatings in Auburn, WA. Lots of other little details I'm forgetting. It is scary how close I'm getting. I always seem to drag my feet at the end because I enjoy the building aspect most.

[HeloCrewChief]

The door panels are original. I was able to clean them up with SEM soap and no need to dye them. I got my upholstery in from SMS. I ordered the front and rear covers back in the spring and got them last month. Need to get those installed once I get my seat foam in from ACI. It is a challenger building anything with the delays right now.

[HeloCrewChief]

Some more pictures

[HeloCrewChief]

some more pictures

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by HeloCrewChief

some more pictures

Looks great!

[HeloCrewChief]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Looks great!

Thanks Dale. Your Dually went to a good home. I let it go to another truck guy. He flew in and drove it home to Texas. Even picked up a C10 project along the way and towed it home. Once I calculated paint and all the other things I wanted to do to it, I figured it was best to send it down the road to a guy that had the time. Too many projects on my plate.
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[HeloCrewChief]

Got the roll bar in. It’s a motor city K5 piece and I’m happy with the look and quality. I was shorted 4 mounting bolts but, a quick run to the hardware store will solve that. The CST rear panels are in. Wasn’t too bad locating all the brackets back into position since the holes had to be located and drilled since the reproduction bedsides/ floor don’t have them. Next challenge will be the seat mounting and spare tire carrier. I also painted the dash top as the windshield is going in soon.
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[Orange71shorty]

Originally Posted by HeloCrewChief

Got the roll bar in. It’s a motor city K5 piece and I’m happy with the look and quality. I was shorted 4 mounting bolts but, a quick run to the hardware store will solve that. The CST rear panels are in. Wasn’t too bad locating all the brackets back into position since the holes had to be located and drilled since the reproduction bedsides/ floor don’t have them. Next challenge will be the seat mounting and spare tire carrier. I also painted the dash top as the windshield is going in soon.
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Where did you source the rear CST panels, and are you happy with the quality?

[HeloCrewChief]

I think I got them from Brothers a while back. I believe the brand is PUI. The fit was about as good as reproduction parts fit. They’re much puffier than original but, most reproduction door panels I’ve used are puffier than originals. I've used Chevelle, Nova, and Camaro PUI door panels and they are all overstuffed. I think Legendary interiors makes the nicest stuff but, not sure if they make the CST panels. Not many options though as finding originals is not going to happen.

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by HeloCrewChief

Got the roll bar in. It’s a motor city K5 piece and I’m happy with the look and quality. I was shorted 4 mounting bolts but, a quick run to the hardware store will solve that. The CST rear panels are in. Wasn’t too bad locating all the brackets back into position since the holes had to be located and drilled since the reproduction bedsides/ floor don’t have them. Next challenge will be the seat mounting and spare tire carrier. I also painted the dash top as the windshield is going in soon.
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Thanks for letting me know. It deserves to be loved!

[Orange71shorty]

Originally Posted by HeloCrewChief

I think I got them from Brothers a while back. I believe the brand is PUI. The fit was about as good as reproduction parts fit. They’re much puffier than original but, most reproduction door panels I’ve used are puffier than originals. I've used Chevelle, Nova, and Camaro PUI door panels and they are all overstuffed. I think Legendary interiors makes the nicest stuff but, not sure if they make the CST panels. Not many options though as finding originals is not going to happen.

Thanks, the rig is looking awesome

[HeloCrewChief]

Condenser and some of the A/C hoses and lines are in. Also the windshield and wipers are on.

[IronCanine]

Looking good! Love the progress, love the build (and love the shop).

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

Looking good! Love the progress, love the build (and love the shop).

I agree with all points!

[BigBird05]

In all of your photos do you have one that shows the bottom ( drain ) part of the A/C housing?

[HeloCrewChief]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

In all of your photos do you have one that shows the bottom ( drain ) part of the A/C housing?

BigBird,

This is the only picture I could find. Not the best.

[BigBird05]

Thanks

[Bmdully]

Gotta asked Oliver, where did you find hose clamps to match the paint? Looking at the picture of the fuel tank.

[HeloCrewChief]

Originally Posted by Bmdully

Gotta asked Oliver, where did you find hose clamps to match the paint? Looking at the picture of the fuel tank.

Brandon, not too sue what you are seeing. Guessing it must be some sort of reflection. The gas tank straps are originals that I powder coated. Clamps are just regular worm gear style from NAPA. Hope all is well. I have a buddy building a 70' K10 Suburban now. Sure do miss that K20. It drove so well. Have a feeling I wont love how squirly these Blazers are.

[HeloCrewChief]

Brandon,

Just looked back through my pictures. I see what you are talking about now. I got those clamps at Mclendons in their hardware section. Just a weird OCD thing but, trying to match up all the clamps and clips in the correct colors they were originally. I've had to paint some to match as well.

[YellowK5]

Really nice looking Blazer..great work

[Bmdully]

Well it’s looking great buddy. We need to organize some WA cruise when she’s finished.

[HeloCrewChief]

Back seat, carpet, spare tire in. Just need to source a spare tire bolt.

[DeadheadNM]

Boom! Nice CB too...

[Ol Blue K20]

It's looking great Oliver! I love it!