Rear hatch question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dusty71blazer · 11-11-2009, 08:27 PM

Hey guys,
New to the group- I just bought a '71 Blazer (4x4).

Trying to fix a few of the little things wrong with it.
The first thing that needs attention is the 'gas chamber effect'
I already had new tailpipes put on, they exited out the back- had them changed to side exit. This helped alot but there's still room for improvement. The the latch on the rear window does not work, only held closed by gravity. It's pretty worn out so I was hoping to buy new hardware for it. I searched online & LMC truck, etc but was not able to find anything. Anyone know of a place to find this?
Some other plans for it are...
700R4 trans
Stock grill (has a tube grill now that is nice but I prefer the stock grill)
New roll bar (current bar is a hack job)
I'm sure I'll come up with more..

Here's a pic of the new beast... Name: 71k5.jpg
Views: 181
Size: 50.7 KB

vtblazer · 11-12-2009, 08:48 AM

Welcome to the board, good looking blazer you picked up.

As for the gas chamber thing...

*should have a gasket between the tub & bottom of the tail gate, that will stop a lot of the fumes by itself, from there, you should also have a set of gaskets running up the side of the gate too.

Search the for sale section and you might find some hatch hardware, being able to latch the hatch is a good thing.

...or become a subscribing member and post up a 'wanted to buy' post.

**Tom Vogel** · 11-12-2009, 09:51 AM

You need to be specific about whats missing so the guys know just what you need. Also.. ditto on Vtblazers suggestion to subscribe and post a Wanted request. We all really need to support this board by subscribing if theres any way you can do it.

Dusty71blazer · 11-12-2009, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the advise.

What my blazer has now for tailgate seals is rubber "door sweepers" (designed to be screwed to the bottom of the door on your house to stop drafts)
I figured there was a better option to seal the gate up.

I don't think anything is missing on the latch for the rear hatch- I think it's all just worn out or broken. The rods that connect to the handle no longer have ends on them. The outside latch pieces just don't even move.

The PO (had it 10 years) never drove it with the top on- he told me it was by choice but I am learning now that is because he couldn't breathe!!

I plan to subscribe, I don't have a paypal account so I need to mail a payment in. I'll get that taken care of ASAP- I agree that it is important to support these boards- they are a priceless resource when you are trying to keep a 40 year old truck on the road!

Thanks again!

71swb4x4 · 11-12-2009, 08:40 PM

Can you post a picture of the "rubber door sweepers"? They actually sound like the stock seals to me. Maybe it just needs new seals. The current seals, if original, are probably dried out and cracked and thus don't seal well.

Dusty71blazer · 11-12-2009, 08:42 PM

Yeah, I'll get a pic. They are grey rubber held in place by an aluminum channel- they don't look stock but??
I'll get a picture up ASAP. Thanks!

11-11-2009, 08:27 PM	#1
Dusty71blazer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sioux City, IA Posts: 158	Rear hatch question Hey guys, New to the group- I just bought a '71 Blazer (4x4). Trying to fix a few of the little things wrong with it. The first thing that needs attention is the 'gas chamber effect' I already had new tailpipes put on, they exited out the back- had them changed to side exit. This helped alot but there's still room for improvement. The the latch on the rear window does not work, only held closed by gravity. It's pretty worn out so I was hoping to buy new hardware for it. I searched online & LMC truck, etc but was not able to find anything. Anyone know of a place to find this? Some other plans for it are... 700R4 trans Stock grill (has a tube grill now that is nice but I prefer the stock grill) New roll bar (current bar is a hack job) I'm sure I'll come up with more.. Here's a pic of the new beast... __________________ Dustin '97 Dodge Ram (daily driver) '71 Blazer (supposed to be a toy... insists on being a project) '85 Monte Carlo SS (project)

11-12-2009, 08:48 AM	#2
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Rear hatch question Welcome to the board, good looking blazer you picked up. As for the gas chamber thing... should have a gasket between the tub & bottom of the tail gate, that will stop a lot of the fumes by itself, from there, you should also have a set of gaskets running up the side of the gate too. Search the for sale section and you might find some hatch hardware, being able to latch the hatch is a good thing. ...or become a subscribing member and post up a 'wanted to buy' post. Last edited by vtblazer; 11-12-2009 at 08:50 AM.*

11-12-2009, 09:51 AM	#3
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,563	Re: Rear hatch question You need to be specific about whats missing so the guys know just what you need. Also.. ditto on Vtblazers suggestion to subscribe and post a Wanted request. We all really need to support this board by subscribing if theres any way you can do it. Last edited by Tom Vogel; 11-12-2009 at 09:52 AM.

11-12-2009, 08:09 PM	#4
Dusty71blazer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sioux City, IA Posts: 158	Re: Rear hatch question Thanks for the advise. What my blazer has now for tailgate seals is rubber "door sweepers" (designed to be screwed to the bottom of the door on your house to stop drafts) I figured there was a better option to seal the gate up. I don't think anything is missing on the latch for the rear hatch- I think it's all just worn out or broken. The rods that connect to the handle no longer have ends on them. The outside latch pieces just don't even move. The PO (had it 10 years) never drove it with the top on- he told me it was by choice but I am learning now that is because he couldn't breathe!! I plan to subscribe, I don't have a paypal account so I need to mail a payment in. I'll get that taken care of ASAP- I agree that it is important to support these boards- they are a priceless resource when you are trying to keep a 40 year old truck on the road! Thanks again! __________________ Dustin '97 Dodge Ram (daily driver) '71 Blazer (supposed to be a toy... insists on being a project) '85 Monte Carlo SS (project)

11-12-2009, 08:40 PM	#5
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Rear hatch question Can you post a picture of the "rubber door sweepers"? They actually sound like the stock seals to me. Maybe it just needs new seals. The current seals, if original, are probably dried out and cracked and thus don't seal well. __________________ 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.

11-12-2009, 08:42 PM	#6
Dusty71blazer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sioux City, IA Posts: 158	Re: Rear hatch question Yeah, I'll get a pic. They are grey rubber held in place by an aluminum channel- they don't look stock but?? I'll get a picture up ASAP. Thanks! __________________ Dustin '97 Dodge Ram (daily driver) '71 Blazer (supposed to be a toy... insists on being a project) '85 Monte Carlo SS (project)



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