1978 Russet Metallic 4x4

[phillipm]

Things are happening though! That's awesome.

[buffydores]

So here's the much more appropriate plaque produced by Phillip. Phillip uses "laser beams". Notice we went with fillets instead of right angles and chamfers. No glossy mess. Looks like a freakin' plaque. Made of adhesive backed metallic material. I asked Phillip to make me two in case little fingers do their damage in the future.

[buffydores]

And the comparo.....



One looks like a sticker. The other does not. Looks like brushed aluminum.

[phillipm]

You get it applied to the dash yet???

[buffydores]

Not yet. Waiting on the tranny and transfer case to get back and installed. Probably two weeks.

I did get an update today on the transfer case. Apparently the NP203 was in pretty good shape.

[buffydores]

The transfer case and transmission are rebuilt and ready to go.

The shop is in the process of installing the twin stick kit for the NP203. The factory lever mechanism is just a messy beast. The Offroad Design kit is much cleaner. I'll loose the 4x4 indicator light feature, but I think I'm competent enough to figure it out without the light.

The TH350 is now built for a little hammering with the RamJet 350.





Probably have it buttoned up at the first of next week.

[phillipm]

Man that looks great!

[buffydores]

Originally Posted by phillipm

Man that looks great!

I talked to Verne at Transfer Case Express. He's their old school guy that works on the NP203s. Apparently he cut his teeth early on rebuilding 203s and 205s. He's a big fan of the 203 case. Although heavier and longer than the 205s, the full time abilty and toughness make it a formidable box. Speaking from experience, I know the kind of abuse that me, my father and his friends dealt out. This box never failed. Verne only needed to replace some bearings, seals and a shifting fork/collar (which I can't perceive anything wrong with). Think about that. This truck has who-knows-how-many miles on it, and the meat is in great shape. Feels real good. While I was checking in at the shop, I dropped off a B&M 12 Bolt Cover for them to install out back. I had it powdercoated satin black for it to blend in. I'd prefer a Hickey cover, but I can't wait forever. Ultimately, this is probably a better cover anyway.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by buffydores

I'd prefer a Hickey cover, but I can't wait forever. Ultimately, this is probably a better cover anyway.

Unfortunately that's probably true!

[buffydores]

Still looking like next week. Checked in for updates. They're cleaning up the hard fuel lines and various connections. Going premium semi metallic on the brakes. Front pads were pretty worn. One of the rears was leaking. Twin stick is installed. Needed to offset slightly to the right.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by buffydores

Still looking like next week. Checked in for updates. They're cleaning up the hard fuel lines and various connections. Going premium semi metallic on the brakes. Front pads were pretty worn. One of the rears was leaking. Twin stick is installed. Needed to offset slightly to the right.

I've had multiple pads on the Blazer since getting it done. They all dusted like crazy except for these!

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1029451&jsn=2

[phillipm]

First set came with the truck they were 16 years old and didn't want to stop. Second set would leave my wheels literally BLACK after 2 days of driving. Those were the NAPA Gold ones. And then this set I've got now. Love them. It's weeks of driving before I see dust starting to build and that might even just be road dust.

[buffydores]

Originally Posted by phillipm

First set came with the truck they were 16 years old and didn't want to stop. Second set would leave my wheels literally BLACK after 2 days of driving. Those were the NAPA Gold ones. And then this set I've got now. Love them. It's weeks of driving before I see dust starting to build and that might even just be road dust.

That's cool. I've had good experience with the ACDelco semi-metallics. Those suckers can grab. Since I don't run chrome, dust has been less of an issue.

[buffydores]

They're finishing up the front driveshaft and everything should be done.

So here's a little tidbit. I had an ulterior motive in going through the major components on the Blazer. Back in March, I had a wild hair and decided to put in an application to the 2017 Copperstate Overland. Space is limited on these glamping overland trips, but I couldn't think of anything more epic I could reasonably experience with the Blazer and a good friend. Thus, I wanted to make sure we didn't crap out in the desert.

Well.....I just got word today that my application was accepted. So, for the next few weeks, I'll be in a frenzy prepping the Blazer before shipping it off to Arizona. I would love to hear everyone's input on preparations, because I do admit, outside of some basic camping, I'm pretty green to this scene.

[buffydores]

Almost there folks. The shop decided to add limiting straps for the front suspension because of the amazing droop available with the custom ORD springs. We also added some more travel to the driveshaft because it was pulling loose at full droop. Everything else has been tested to their satisfaction. I'll get my hands on it at the end of this week and put some miles on it.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by buffydores

Almost there folks. The shop decided to add limiting straps for the front suspension because of the amazing droop available with the custom ORD springs. We also added some more travel to the driveshaft because it was pulling lose at full droop. Everything else has been tested to their satisfaction. I'll get my hands on it at the end of this week and put some miles on it.

How's the new fuel system doing??
Posted via Mobile Device

[phillipm]

Looking killer! Thanks for sharing the pics.

[phillipm]

Man the Fridge is cool but takes up so much room! Are they carrying your luggage for you on this adventure?

[buffydores]

Originally Posted by phillipm

Man the Fridge is cool but takes up so much room! Are they carrying your luggage for you on this adventure?

All I need is my canvas duffle. All my other gear is packed in the various compartments. But indeed, they do have a luggage vehicle. This is what the back will look like while driving. The cooler is carrying valuable alcoholic treats and other tasty morsels that warrant valuable real estate. There's also the back seat for soft gear if needed. I'm still waiting on my sleeve. I'm not terribly patient. I'm driving it hard next week and then onto the trailer the following Sunday.

Update....sleeve is in. I'll pick it up a little later and get it installed. Heading down south tomorrow with my boys to fish for specs and reds. We're pumped.

[buffydores]

So I buttoned everything up and found another leak at the rear seal to the transfer case. Apparently, no one took the time to actually press the seal in. So after a little wrenching and hammering, all the leaks are addressed. Now I'm just driving it as much as I can over the next few days and then looking over everything over and over again.

I just purchased a fancy VIAIR 400P Automatic Air Compressor for tire refill duty. I don't want to be the guy waiting on support trucks to transition me back to the road.

Besides my final selection of hand tools and supplies, I think we're close.

[buffydores]

Again, I admit, I'm a novice at prepping for overland adventure. The organizers apparently have a whole support staff of trucks and mechanics coming, so technically, I don't need anything. But.....that just doesn't feel right. If I can handle most basic stuff, I'm not gonna act like I've been neutered of ability and rely on somebody to show up. That would be throwing away part of the fun of back country adventure. So above are my basics. It's not all of my stuff, but most of the hand tools. Chime in with any opinions on the matter. I'm all ears.

No leaks have showed up. I'll keep pushing it. While testing the brakes, looks like I don't have enough clamp to lock them up. Any ideas there. They're good, just not enough to lock. They also pull a little right with full pressure, so I suppose my left brake line is showing it's age.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by buffydores

Again, I admit, I'm a novice at prepping for overland adventure. The organizers apparently have a whole support staff of trucks and mechanics coming, so technically, I don't need anything. But.....that just doesn't feel right. If I can handle most basic stuff, I'm not gonna act like I've been neutered of ability and rely on somebody to show up. That would be throwing away part of the fun of back country adventure. So above are my basics. It's not all of my stuff, but most of the hand tools. Chime in with any opinions on the matter. I'm all ears.

No leaks have showed up. I'll keep pushing it. While testing the brakes, looks like I don't have enough clamp to lock them up. Any ideas there. They're good, just not enough to lock. They also pull a little right with full pressure, so I suppose my left brake line is showing it's age.

Like you said, since they'll have people there too I'd just bring things that may be either unique to your truck, or things that you'd just feel comfortable knowing you've got. For the brakes I'd normally say you're probably not going to be going fast enough for it to matter, however if the traffic line is close together that could be bad!

[aggie91]

Glad to see you got it figured out. Maybe after your adventure you can dress up the "Stick Holder"...

[buffydores]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Glad to see you got it figured out. Maybe after your adventure you can dress up the "Stick Holder"...

Thanks Karl. I might round off the edges more. Originally I considered attaching some of my orange pyramid rubber, but after making it in HDPE, I was satisfied with the simplicity.

Ran into one last issue. The fuel nozzle was ejecting as the tank topped off. The vent hose was too small. Fixing that in the morning.

[phillipm]

Man I'd be worried the flapping of any part of that tarp would do more damage than driving it across the interstate...