03-07-2005, 08:30 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 66
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Goals, and dreams
I am curious what everyone else here is trying to accomplish with their trucks, and to what extent.
If you have seen any of my previous posts you already know that I have had my Blazer a long time. It has changed back and forth over the years, but my attitude now, is just to make the thing decent, and enjoy it. Now, "decent" might mean something else to you, but for me it is having the truck look, sound, and drive well, and safely, along with knowing that there is not a gallon of bondo hidden on one fender, or a tin can holding the exhaust on. I want to get it real nice, without becoming a museum curator. I love to see the trucks on here that look as if you could flip the thing over, and eat a meal off the undercarriage, as well as the trucks that "have a dream". What is your goal? JB |
03-07-2005, 08:33 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brookings, SD
Posts: 10,497
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I want my Jimmy to be a fun cruiser someday. It is getting bags soon. The Jimmy has s lot of rough edges, the worst being the suspension, so for now its bags, then fix up the interior and cruise around all summer. Next winter will bring a 68 Chevy front clip, and maybe new paint. Who knows, that's a long time from now
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Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. |
03-07-2005, 08:39 PM | #3 |
Member since 2000
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico
Posts: 7,874
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what is my goal?
to finish it! |
03-07-2005, 08:42 PM | #4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 66
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Quote:
Ahhh yes, but what IS "finished" to you? |
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03-07-2005, 08:43 PM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,083
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My goal - to drive the darn thing past the driveway - SCORE!!!!!!!!
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'71 Jimmy, 350, SM465, NP205, 2in Tuff Country lift, 33s on rallies, TBI, softtop and hardtop "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all." |
03-07-2005, 08:46 PM | #6 | |
Member since 2000
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico
Posts: 7,874
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Quote:
Chapter 1...................................... but really, I just want a clean ride. Last edited by Alexis; 03-07-2005 at 08:49 PM. |
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03-07-2005, 09:01 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: rochester NY
Posts: 777
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blazin dreams
Mine as of right now is the same a cleam safe ride shoot right now i would settle to have the thing in the shop putting her under the knife . Alas there is no such action beacause the is still a few feet of snow surrounding her in my grandfathers driveway !
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03-07-2005, 09:02 PM | #8 |
The LuvShack Garage
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side)
Posts: 30,468
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2004 - Purchased, Delivered, Bought more parts, Started mock-up
2005 - Finish buying parts, Complete mock-up, Everything but paint 2006 - Paint, Shows, Trophies, and maybe get in a few Magazines Click on the "GQ" in my signature for the whole story & over 100 pic's
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Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T |
03-07-2005, 10:49 PM | #9 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,991
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My goal is to have look like it came off the showroom floor.
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03-07-2005, 11:02 PM | #10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Posts: 248
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My goal....I have only drive my blazer twice. Once home and then once around the block before I tore her apart. My goal is to drive her and my wife to the drivein!
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03-08-2005, 01:07 AM | #11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Evergreen, CO
Posts: 492
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That's a great question.
My vision has the top off, mountain roads, summer day... no stereo blaring, just the sound of the engine and the "woo-hoo"s from the driver! Mine's a resto-mod… fairly stock looking until you look underneath. I've watched six summers come and go since I first stripped it down to rebuild. I've been in no rush and have enjoyed every minute cutting, welding and wrenching on it. What little time I’ve had to work on it has finally added up. OK, it's added up a lot... but this summer is my summer to cruise w/ the family and friends. Woo-hoo! |
03-08-2005, 08:59 AM | #12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Central Vermont
Posts: 8,537
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Quote:
There inlies the challenge! I thought I wanted "pristeen" with mine but now I won't even take it on a dirt road. Good luck and stay focussed. Your goals seem on track. if I add this... |
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03-08-2005, 09:16 AM | #13 |
go cyclones
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ames, IA
Posts: 1,883
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For it to be a daily driver with all of todays technology. Airbag suspension, fuel injection, power yadda yadda yadda. A few cosmetic tricks but nothing extreme like chopping it. End result to look cool when getting from point a to point b.
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03-08-2005, 10:13 AM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Murray, Kentucky
Posts: 3,477
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I first wanted to just drive something different, so I found the 2wd Blazer. It draws attention no matter what else is parked beside it.
But I find myself wanting to fix this, and make that better. My wife put her foot down when I told her I was going to put in 5-lug disc brakes and rear disc brakes... she said that she enjoys driving it the way it is and didn't want me tearing it down and taking forever to out it back together... whhhat? who me? So I did what she said, I left it alone... but I had all these wasted parts I had bought to change it over... Oh what a waste of money... so I HAD to buy a 2wd Jimmy (see, she gets her way and I WIN!) So now we drive the Blazer in the summer and I work on the Jimmy when I can. You know, she was right about tearing things apart, once you get them apart you start thinking about how easy it would be to get them sand blasted, and Joe down the street has been testing his new powdercoating crap... Anyway, this year I plan to have the body work and have the running gear worked out on the jimmy so I can drive her alittle. Next year will be paint and interior. Thanks and good luck, Rg
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Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 |
03-08-2005, 10:48 AM | #15 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Williston, North Dakota
Posts: 469
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My dreams and goals...
Seems like two different questions in itself. My dream would be to have a pristine 2wd blazer...like Jaydub...a classic car, with new parts, to make it more comfortable... But the more I think about it, the more I relaize, if I have it like that...I won't ever want to drive it, because then I won't want to get a chip in the paint, or a door ding at your local supermarket. I see these blazers in magazines all fixed up, and VERY nice...and I think about 5-10 years down the road, when you have to go through the entire thing again. I guess the realization that this is going to be a life-long event is hitting me. It isn't a bad thing, I am just relaizing this. Not only will it take a couple years to be "finished"...but then a couple years down the road, I am going to have to do things all over again ... But to what I want from my blazer. I want power all the way around. I want the door handles shaved, along with everything else on the blazer. I want to put in something to make the back hatch open with power...like an actuator, or something. I want new power heated seats, I want a navigation system with a dvd player and screens in the headrest "dog" haha...I want a motor that will show the rice burners what real power is, but at the same time, I don't want it to pass everything but a gas station. I want it to be reliable, and I want to take the top off, so myself, family, and friends can go cruise and have a good time. I want to be able to take it to cruise nights, and shows throughout the states, and I want to drive to there...That too much to ask? hehe I know, my dreams and goals are wrapped into one...but that is what I see when I think of this blazer. I told myself, that once I got one, I would never let it go...and yet a few months ago, I tried to sell it. Money issues <shrug> Anyways, I am rambling now...blah, blah, blah...that is what I want out of my blazer
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Always looking for a 2wd blazer |
03-08-2005, 11:06 AM | #16 |
Designated A-hole!
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: South Mississippi
Posts: 36,448
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First I want to be able to drive it while I am upgrading my truck. Then I want it to safe, rust free, nice enough that my wife will be willing to be seen in public in it(but not so nice as to never want to hit the mud with it).
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"If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck" |
03-08-2005, 10:30 PM | #17 |
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canton, Georgia, USA
Posts: 1,119
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Great Thread!
My goal is to be able to drive the darn thing this summer. My plan is to have it edged out by the end of the first week of April. The next stretch of days I have to work on it will be early June. I hope to spend about 4 weekends during April and May to have it ready to paint by June. I see a solid rust-free silver blazer with lower trim. I want to have a black push-bar and black swing-away tire carrier. I need a fastrac and a bikini top. I'd like to have a rubber floor liner rather than carpet and I hope to install seats from a tahoe (with integrated seatbelts and removable back seat) like JayDub did with his. My vision is to be able to take it to the local cruises and turn some heads while being able to drive it everyday. I can't wait to load up my girls (Wife and two daughters) and take some drives up to the mountains. In the future, I'd like to change the rear-end gears (more highway friendly), install an overdrive trans., and one day a late model small block with fuel injection (like Bobby K's). Now can someone send me some $$$$.
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Jeremy (NUBOMB) 72K5 CST 350/350/205 1951 Chevy 1/2 ton North Georgia Group "... And the first rule to being a man is you gotta spend your life doing crap you don't wanna do." Red Forman. |
03-08-2005, 11:48 PM | #18 |
SKINNY TIRES RULE!
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 11,038
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My main goal is to enjoy the rig and have fun. Some day, I'd like to do a full resto on the '72, but that is going to wait until I have a slammed 2wd to drive while it is being redone.
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bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L |
03-09-2005, 12:04 AM | #19 |
<- Determination Pays Off
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Klamath Falls, OR
Posts: 77
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Good question! I have done the frame off restorod action with my '58. I have attended and won many of the big shows in L.A., been in several magazines...this after 11 years of work, big A$$ money, and not driving it for the 11 years. Then afraid to drive the darn thing after the truck was done. Don't get me wrong, I will never regret the experience and loved to show off my truck....however, I sold it, lost $30K and now own a cool 72 blazer.
Now I just want to drive it, fix the leaks, exhaust, and take my wife and kids out to see the mountains, lakes, streams, Crater lake, Oregon coast, and get high 5's for having a cool Driver.....Paint chips and all!
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1958 Chevy Pickup 350/350, PS, PB, Tilt, A/C, 4 wheels Discs, 17" Wheels. Full Leather Interior - SOLD 1972 CST Blazer 454/400, A/C, 4" lift, 35's, Double wall top |
03-09-2005, 10:21 AM | #20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Murray, Kentucky
Posts: 3,477
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Slamd58, that 58 is a great looking truck. the 58's don't get the attention they deserve.
I had a '68 Corvette I had restored and it was fun doing it but after I got it done, I was afraid to drive it! I'll never get as anal about a vehicle again... Rg
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Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 |
03-09-2005, 03:01 PM | #21 |
Freakin Awesome!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: San Diego
Posts: 482
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My dream and hopefully my reality pretty soon is to be able to to prerun Baja and drive it to work and back and have it look all right also.
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1972 K5 Blazer - LQ4/TH350/NP205 - Long Travel Suspension - Hooptee |
03-09-2005, 05:39 PM | #22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 2,613
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My goal is to get a Blazer again ( had to sell - no time , money , space )
Hopefully in 10 years, I'll be looking for a finished 2wd that will never have a top on it, and be driven every nice spring , summer and fall day- or about 10 times a year here ! |
03-09-2005, 08:19 PM | #23 |
'71 Chevy Blazer
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Leandro, CA (near Oakland)
Posts: 96
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i plan on having a driver... (thanks all you guys for your honesty about not wanting to drive your rods after you finished them).
mine will be: -my 4wheeling rig -my daily driver -my test bed for all the ideas in my head i plan on getting the body in good shape. i probably won't get it painted at a shop but instead i will give it the best quality rattle can paint that i can. i want it too look good but i don't want to cry over scratches. i have a 350 that me and Grandpa built. that's going to go in along with a sm465/np205 combo. right now, i'm trying to source a hydraulic clutch setup. i've messed with a 4 speed swap before in my '70 GMC and i don't want to hassle with mechanical linkage again. i'll put 2" springs in the rear with an ORD shackle flip. 4" springs up front with extended shackles. i may relocate the front spring hangers to strectch the wheelbase and add a little lift. i'm going to add fully greasable suspension from ORD also. i want to clean the interior up really good and put in some kind of bedliner. also, i want to get newer front bucket seats and all the necessary hardware, etc. the PO hacked up the dash to put in a radio but i have plans for that hole and i will put a radio in a center console. there are a lot of ideas in my head that i hope to follow through with as soon as i sell my Dodge Ram. when i start building these things, i can't wait to post to this bulletin board so that i can reciprocate all the good will that comes from the other members of this board. thanks
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'71 K5 Blazer (new project / daily driver) "If you are not working to improve the situation, you have no business complaining" |
03-09-2005, 08:44 PM | #24 |
OBS guy
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,060
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My goal is to make mine look like a prop out of a Road Warrior Sequel and be able to run the same. I like pretty shiny things, but this truck isn't one of em and was not designed to be.
It's not embarrassing to drive around, it's pretty clean I suppose with no rust showing. Everyone always comments how they like it and they respect that I actually use it. I will clean it up a bit next winter, but never to the point that I am afraid to take it out on a whim. I have the upmost respect for the purists and restorers out there, these trucks need preservation for future generations and someone needs to do it. SAFE, BIG, LOUD, FAST and a fun to take the family in. If my sons scratch it with their bikes or dump an ice cream cone on the seat, no biggie. If I get some scratches down it off roading or a door ding, no biggie. You can do all you want to a brand new HD2500 or an F250, it still will never look as good or as tough as a jacked up full vert K5.
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88 Suburban Goodies- Alpine, Auto Meter, BDS, Bilstein, B&M, BFG, Borgeson, Bushwhacker, Cowl hood, Flowmaster, Genuine Gear, Holley, Infinity, JVC, K&N, MB Wheels, MSD, Pioneer, Skyjacker, Sony, Thorley, Walker + more |
03-09-2005, 11:12 PM | #25 |
GO VOLS!
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 724
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Clean,straight, respectable daily driver. Nice enough to turn some heads but not so nice that I can't drive it.
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http://1972blazer.shutterfly.com/<= blazer build pics It's called golf because all the other four letter words were taken. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission. |
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