71 AZ Rust Free CST Blazer Frame Off

[JackB]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

You know I like that. Well done.

Thanks..Coming from you it means a lot. I refer to your build thread often. You set the bar high with your build. I've never done a complete frame off nut and bolt restoration before and its taken me a while to grasp the idea that its a marathon and not a sprint. I find it helps to take on small projects like the brake pedal assembly so it feels like something is finished.

[Greenlee]

Originally Posted by JackB

Thanks..Coming from you it means a lot. I refer to your build thread often. You set the bar high with your build. I've never done a complete frame off nut and bolt restoration before and its taken me a while to grasp the idea that its a marathon and not a sprint. I find it helps to take on small projects like the brake pedal assembly so it feels like something is finished.

Nice work! There is truth in that statement. Small projects add up and if you keep the momentum going you will be done before you know it!

[DeadheadNM]

It's a nightmare trying to access anything up in there. Take your time so you don't have to go back in.

[JackB]

Moving forward slowly. Want to take a minute to recognize the stellar work of several board members KEVSCLASSICS for rebuilding my tilt steering column, F.A.A.BENNY for the AC/heater parts and TBONE for the gauge cluster

[Woodsloafer]

Nice, I am envious!

[DeadheadNM]

Those look great!

Do you have the spring for the cowl flapper?

[JackB]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Those look great!

Do you have the spring for the cowl flapper?

I do and for the spring credit goes to board member BGRDMOOSE

[DeadheadNM]

Perfect! Wouldn't want to see you assemble the cowl without one. I need to add one to my k20

[JackB]

Not much new to report..Top is on and got the brakes plumbed and bled. I used later model dust shields on the front axle.

[DeadheadNM]

That's quick progress. How did top fitment go? We tugged my top into place - I don't want to remove it until next summer so the seals have time to settle. Also, did you texture the top and if so so using what product?

Looks awesome!

[JackB]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

That's quick progress. How did top fitment go? We tugged my top into place - I don't want to remove it until next summer so the seals have time to settle. Also, did you texture the top and if so so using what product?

Looks awesome!

My top fought hard as well, I doubt it ever comes off again. I dont know if it matters but its actually the top that was originally on my "Feathers" Blazer that I sold with a soft top only. The top that came with this Blazer had a bunch of extra holes from a roof rack so I sold it off. I wanted to get it on now so I can get a final alignment on the doors. The top is still sporting the original factory texture. Also had a bit of a struggle with the brakes. Passenger caliper fit nicely but I had to massage the drivers side backing plate a little to get the caliper to mount. I feel lucky in that I had no leaks in any of the brake lines. Now that it stops next up is seeing if it will run and move on its own power.

[DeadheadNM]

We aligned my doors with the top on less the weatherstripping. Bad idea. With the weatherstrip in place it really changed alignment to the point where the body needed a reshim so the doors would open and close. Lesson learned.

[JackB]

Well it runs. Somewhere I read to be sure that when you start the engine for the first time you should do it outside. I figured Id be OK because I had a couple of big ass fans. I was wrong.

[IronCanine]

Congrats on the huge milestone! Won't be long now.

[DeadheadNM]

Good deal. Any leaks?

[JackB]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Good deal. Any leaks?

Well of course..First was the thermostat housing, fixed that befores startup and then it was the fuel hard line where it enters the carb. So just like Iron Canine and his build today I'll be repainting the intake. I pm'd Brad last night and he walked me through how he was able to get his to finally seal. I have some locktite 565 sealant on the way and I have a spare inlet housing I can swap into the quadrajet so I m hoping with those I can get it to seal up. Anyone else have any tips on getting that fitting to seal, I wasnt expecting it to be a problem but clearly I'm not the first to have problems with it.

[JackB]

Something of a milestone today. It was a little over a year ago that I drove the Blazer into the garage. Today it moved out of the garage under its own power. It grew a couple of inches and turned blue. Working on aligning the doors before I put the front clip on.

[JackB]

Racking up the miles 1/10 already. Drove the Blazer on the trailer today and took it to the AC shop and got it charged up. Ended up going with R12 as it seems that was working best for most . Of course the AC effectiveness is somewhat limited by the lack of a windshield. One note on the AC, the reman A6 compressor came with the electrical connection at about the 2 O'clock position whereas the originals are more like 11 O'clock. I was able to make it work there but later discovered that it can be reclocked. At some point it will probably bug me enough that I'll get it fixed but it involves removing the compressor so it wont be anytime soon. Just a few more small items and the engine compartment will be finished and then I'm going to see about aligning the doors and getting the fenders and hood on. And remember how I said I didnt have any brake line leaks? Well I did, I just couldnt see it until it leaked enough to drip on the ground. Its a union on the inside of the frame rail thats leaking so add that to the list of things to sort out.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by JackB

Today it moved out of the garage under its own power. It grew a couple of inches and turned blue.

Lol! Congrats. Major milestone - looks like you'll be cruising here very soon.

You noticed the difference in clockface for the compressor harness connection also? My reman compressor that we repositioned the connection on blew a seal during charge and had to be removed and replaced. I have an original A6 compressor that I will send out for a rebuild.

Try shims to get the door aligned. Who knows maybe the new mounts differ enough from OEM that the alignment is slightly off.

[lks dcvn]

I have to say that this things looks incredible and just over a year to do this type of transformation is awesome!

[JackB]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Lol! Congrats. Major milestone - looks like you'll be cruising here very soon.

Originally Posted by lks dcvn

I have to say that this things looks incredible and just over a year to do this type of transformation is awesome!

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I hope its together soon but as I'm sure you guys know the little details just take forever. Seems like everything has to go together at least twice before it stays for good. It cracks me up when I watch the car shows on TV where they always seem to have a deadline and they work all night to finish the build just in time for some event. Sorry I aint buying it. lol

[DeadheadNM]

You'll be glad you redid the top. Good decision.

[JackB]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

You'll be glad you redid the top. Good decision.

I'm sure I will. I picked up some of the Napa stoneguard as there is one area that would benefit from some texture touch up. From what I've read it appears the correct color is GM 521 White. Cant seem to get a handle on the correct sheen. Is it satin, semi gloss or somewhere in between?

[JackB]

Some progress to report. Front fenders and grill are on and the interior is mostly installed.

[IronCanine]

This is just a very solid build.