Left for dead: 72 2wd blazer build

[1956cameo]

VA72C10 & 1lo67, Thanks!

[1956cameo]

I made a little more progress last week. I started off by finishing the installation of the donor patch for the rotten part of the top P/S blazer bed panel.




A view from the top. To keep the flare out that the top front blazer bed panels have I had to make a home made sliver patch.



Interior side view.




There was some rust bubbles forming along the front edges of the bed panel behind the door jam. It wasn't bad but I want to make sure all the rust gets taken out. This is a picture of the first of two small sections that were patched.



I simply cut out the rear cab section from a donor truck for these patches.

[1956cameo]

Same thing just a little higher up the door jamb.


Ready for the grinder and sander.


A shot of all the patches that have gone into the passenger side door/ quarter panel area.



Unfortunately last week I notice a couple more areas on the body that need to be addressed so there will be a little more metal work than I was expecting left to do. I was wondering what everyone does as far as patches on the bottom parts of blazer bedsides behind the rear wheels from the lower chrome section down? I have not seen repop patches for these. I have some rough long wheel base bedsides that I could modify and use but I wanted to see if there were any better options. I can try to post pics of the area I am talking about if anyone is having trouble understanding where I am talking about.

[hgs_notes]

Looking like more patch than original in some places. It's coming along though. As far as the rear lower quarters, I think a shortbed patch will work for that. Some guys have used a shortbed bed side and replaced the hole side, rather than do all of the small patches. The only difference I know is the front edge of the wheel well is radiused different.

[PHAT TONY]

I have not seen any decent repair panels with a nice contour at the wheel lip, I ASS-U-ME this is the area you mean. You've got some pile of grinding ahead of you (be sure to wear a dust mask!);awesome-keep going.

[VA72C10]

very nice work

[1956cameo]

hgs_notes, So I guess my only options are to modify something from an existing bed panel. You would think someone would be reproducing this item. It seems like an area that would need addressing on a good portion of trucks/blazers out there.

PHAT TONY, Yes that is the area I am talking about. I didn't think of getting a picture so I could show everyone what I mean. As far as the grinding goes, I will tell you that I have already bought a stack of discs! I am really not looking forward to that. I guess I will just crank up the ipod and put the face shield on and go to town. Of course I have to be careful not to overheat the metal while grinding the welds down. I cant wait to see it the body in finished metal though!

VA72C10, Thanks once again!

[hgs_notes]

Try here:
http://www.gmcpauls.com/bed_patch_panels1.htm look for part number 198506 and 188362 for bed patch panels front and rear lower.

And here:
http://www.gmcpauls.com/bed_parts.htm look for part# 2104814

[1956cameo]

hgs_notes, Thanks for the link. I believe that shortbed rear lower patch should do the trick. Now I know where to get them. I wonder why the big boys don't sell some of the patches GMC Pauls sells? I bought some of their blazer specific patches and they were really nice.Thanks again!

[jstplyn331]

I have searched and searched for a answer and sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this, but I thought with all the conversation going on in this one on 2wd it would be a good post.

Does anyone know how many 1972 GMC Jimmy's were made in 2wd this would help great full I have one and am looking to sell it.

But don't know how rare it is. It is a 2 owner vehicle I am second. Please if you can help I would be very appreciative.

Thanks

[Liddy71]

best thing to do is post pics and all you can about the condition it is in to me I like the looks of the chevy better than the 4 headlight on the Gmc I am sure someone here can give you a good Ideal what its worth

[red71cheyenne]

Originally Posted by jstplyn331

I have searched and searched for a answer and sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this, but I thought with all the conversation going on in this one on 2wd it would be a good post.

Does anyone know how many 1972 GMC Jimmy's were made in 2wd this would help great full I have one and am looking to sell it.

But don't know how rare it is. It is a 2 owner vehicle I am second. Please if you can help I would be very appreciative.

Thanks

There was a post that listed all of the production numbers. May have to search the 67-72 Pickup forum to find it. If I can find it, I'll PM you with it.
BT
Good looking work on the bedside! I know its a pain patching it together, but you are getting there. And ya, grinding sucks, but you'll be happy when its all done and in primer.

[jaros44sr]

[QUOTE=red71cheyenne;4376113
Good looking work on the bedside! ya, grinding sucks,[/QUOTE]

gotta agree, grinding is my least favorite part of the build!!!, but I may have an answer...good headphones and oldies on the headphones

This build may qualify as the MOST worked on to bring back, nice job!! Thanks for letting us enjoy your build

[VA72C10]

nice job! keep at it. little by little it will get done.

[CORSAIR]

You would have to be the worlds most interesting man take on that project? The two day floor board repair on my 72 K-5 I thought was major for a SO NV blazer? It looks like it comming together, Keep us all posted with new pictures and Info. "GOD SPEED MY FREIND"

CORSAIR

[1956cameo]

VA72C10, Thanks again for the encouragement!

CORSAIR, Thanks! I will definately keep everyone posted.


By the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY Muleman100!! I just want to give you a HUGE thank you for all the work you have done with me on this project this year! It may not be finished but maybe I can take you to your birthday dinner in this blazer next year.

[Muleman100]

Originally Posted by 1956cameo

VA72C10, Thanks again for the encouragement!

CORSAIR, Thanks! I will definately keep everyone posted.


By the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY Muleman100!! I just want to give you a HUGE thank you for all the work you have done with me on this project this year! It may not be finished but maybe I can take you to your birthday dinner in this blazer next year.

Sorry I missed your birthday wish, I guess I was celebrating too much. I would like you to be driving the Blazer for a July 4 happening. So lets get busy.

[1956cameo]

Muleman, July 4th sounds reasonable. That is if you don't mind me leaving you lenghty lists of tasks to do between my visits! Of course with the eye trauma I am facing my funds might be more limiting on the progress than labor.




I was able to work on the Blazer this Saturday. Unfortunately I injured myself while I was out there. Even though I was wearing safety glasses with side shields I had some metal slag imbed itself into the cornea of my right eye while I was removing panels. At first it didn't seem too bad but as the day went on the eye got more agitated. By the time I went to bed the pain was incredible. My wife suggested that I go to the emergency room but I was foolish and simply took pain killers and sleeping pills. When I woke up this morning the pain was still there, so it was time to go to the emergency clinic. They flushed the eye and got out what they could. Unfortunately there is metal imbedded down in the cornea that will have to be removed by surgery Monday morning. The doctor said that they possibly could have gotten it out yesterday but since I waited so long the eye has already formed a catarac over the metal slag. Right now I am feeling fine because I am on Vicatin and eyen numbing cream but even with that I am uncomfortable.


I wanted to tell everyone about this to warn them about the importance of safety gear. I always do metal work with ear plugs and safety glasses. It just happens that a fugitive piece of slag flew at the right angle to get between my glasses and face and into my eye. Without my safety gear I am sure my current situation could be much worse than it is. I will propably start wearing monogoggles when cutting and grinding metal from now on. Hopefully everyone takes all the safety measures they can when working on their projects; you never know when something can go wrong. It just isn't worth the risk to not be safe; between the pain, discomfort, medical bills, and lost work; all of which I am facing right now.

[alsriv2]

Hello Cameo!
This has been an interesting and educational experience to watch the progress on your build. Fastastic work!
I am fairly new to this website and I own a '69 GMC longhorn and '69 C10. Both of these trucks have some minor rust issues, the worst being the fresh air boxes that you worked at the beginning of your project. Both trucks came from the upper midwest and the rust was caused by dirt packing in the boxes and starting the rust process.
I never imagined a repair was even feasable in these areas, but you have show it is possible.

Keep up the great work and I look forward to the completed project!

Al
'69 GMC Longhorn
"69 Chevy C10 396

[1956cameo]

Thanks for the comments Al! Send me the pics of your rust issues and I will see what I can do to help you out. If your rust isn't too bad then there is a good possibility I can help. I think you can send the pics thru PM, if not you can post them on here.

[alsriv2]

Originally Posted by 1956cameo

Thanks for the comments Al! Send me the pics of your rust issues and I will see what I can do to help you out. If your rust isn't too bad then there is a good possibility I can help. I think you can send the pics thru PM, if not you can post them on here.

I apologize for the delayed response! Things have been really busy at work and I am getting ready to deploy overseas again. 72Arizonaburb has a cab that he is ready to send to the scrap pile but just so happens to have the inner kick panel metal with vent openings in good shape that I need for my repairs. I will be happy to send you some pics when I get back and start my repairs.

Take care.

Al
'69 GMC 2500 Custom Camper
'69 Chevy C10 396

[1956cameo]

alsriv2, I am glad you were able to find the parts you needed. Good luck with the build!


So I took a little time away from all the SuperBowl Sunday pre game action and worked on the blazer up until game time. By the way congratulations to any Packers fans! It was a perfect day to work on a blazer, it was 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky.

I started by finishing the removal of the rotten rear bed pillar.



I thought I was going to use the rear inner part of the pillar that you see in this picture, but when I inspected it closely I found that the entire bottom of this pillar was thin and rotten as well. Fortunately it simply bolted to the bed floor so it was a breeze to remove. It is a good thing I went as far as I did on this rear pillar section, it was basically holding on by a thread.



The next step was to remove the donor pillar. This pillar was extremely solid, however it was a little more banged up since it was from a truck bed.



I was able to remove the pillar and part of the inner bed (top and bottom of inner bed on blazer was rotten) as one big patch panel. I was afraid I would have to cut it into a couple of smaller pieces to get it removed but the only thing I had to do was scalp the top part off (which will be welded back on later).

[1956cameo]

If this panel wasn't beyond repair before, it is now!



Heres the blazer rear pillar section after the inner and outer parts of the pillar have been completely removed.



All of the rotten metal that was removed from this section of the blazer alone!



Things don't look very different on the outside. I am not sure why the pillar was so rough, but the outer bed panel, bed floor (around the pillar), and the bed floor brace were all very solid.




To my suprise the donor pillar pretty much slid right into place! I wouldn't say it fits like a glove just yet, but it will when I get done. It was sitting a little high, but after I installed the six factory bolts that hold the pillar down to the bed floor it lined up almost perfectly.





I will admit I thought this patch replacement was going to be alot harder than it has turned out to be. Hopefully I will wrap this project up next time I work on the blazer, then it will be time to remove the back half of the bed floor!

[VA72C10]

Glad to hear it's out and sounds like your vision was unaffected. Take it easy and hope you feel better soon!

[1956cameo]

VA72C10, Thanks! I do have temporarily blurred vision, due to the doctor leaving a divet in my eye. They said that will heal over and my vision should be back to normal by the end of the week. I have slept 40 of the last 48 hours, which is the best thing for my eye right now. It is funny thru all of this the only thing I can think of is getting back to the shop to work on the blazer. I am so close to bieng done with the metal work I might go out and buy the bodywork supplies today!