The Green Machine

[MrGraySay]

I couldn't be more excited to announce that my new '71 is coming home.

I'm a newbie here without much mechanical experience & want to take a moment to thank all of the skilled builders I've admired since joining this site. I spent the money on a mostly restored ride, but will definitely be taking up a few levels from it's current condition/look. I'll no doubt take inspiration & advise from those who've blazed the trail, pun intended.

My mind has been overtaken with dreams of upgrades, but the first order of business is locating a G1 swinging tire rack & it's components. That ain't easy...

-Ryan in Austin

[my90k5]

Welcome to the board Ryan in Austin.

[Tom Vogel]

Wow!

[MrGraySay]

Thanks fellas, I'm fired-up!

[jaros44sr]

Congrats and welcome to the boards, beautiful truck! We need more pics when you get it. Where did you buy, truck looks familiar

[fast eddie1968]

Def a PA members old truck!

[MrGraySay]

[QUOTE=fast eddie1968;6209257]Def a PA members old truck![/QUOTE

It is the twin of that truck from PA that was sold, I've used the "Green Monster" as a reference. I've been looking for a couple of years & bought this from the son of the original owner in Georgia.

[drunkbus]

Nice Blazer. Saw that one on ebay. I believe it was in Georgia?

[mtully79]

Great looking truck! What lift/tires does it currently have on it?

[my90k5]

I'm guessing 2.5in with 33's ?. That's what I'm going with mine, I've been eyeballing that setup for some time now, lol

[MrGraySay]

Thanks fellas... She's sitting on a 4" ranchero lift, MT Bedlock wheels & 33" BFG ATs
Posted via Mobile Device

[my90k5]

wow, 4". Looks nice. I'd like to see more pic's of that one for sure.

[MrGraySay]

Originally Posted by my90k5

wow, 4". Looks nice. I'd like to see more pic's of that one for sure.

Thanks, I'm going through everything now & trying to determine what has to be done vs what I want to be done, but will throw some photos on the board soon. Cheers!

[MrGraySay]

I accidentally typed a 3, pardon me; 35" BFG ATs.
Truck was reluctantly purchased sight unseen. The guy's story seemed very legitimate, great pictures… He definitely did not reveal several issues I'm working through now. There was a drain on the battery related to the side steps on actuators & the passenger door lock is whack. The freaking electrical looks like a birdsnest, which I believe will be my first major ordeal. However, if this oil leak is worse than I expect it could get real nasty. The part I really hate admitting, is that his rust free claim was false. Don't get me wrong, overall it's great, but the belly has some funk working that will eventually need to be addressed. I may not be able to put my cosmetic stamp on it just yet, but I hope to be having fun in her real soon.
Posted via Mobile Device

[my90k5]

Still looks good. Have fun with her for a bit......

That's right, 4" lift with 35's and 2.5" for 33's, that's the look I like. I'm going with the 33's and a 2.5"

[MrGraySay]

Originally Posted by MrGraySay

Thanks fellas... She's sitting on a 4" ranchero lift, MT Bedlock wheels & 33" BFG ATs
Posted via Mobile Device

Originally Posted by my90k5

Still looks good. Have fun with her for a bit......

That's right, 4" lift with 35's and 2.5" for 33's, that's the look I like. I'm going with the 33's and a 2.5"

Solid plan, I'm considering dropping to something like that when I get serious. I definitely wouldn't want it sitting any higher, and can't put any extra air in the tires & get her in the garage as it stands. I got real lucky, not a 1/4" to spare.
Posted via Mobile Device

[MrGraySay]

Installing the rollbar is a priority. I need to get a better understanding of how it was originally mounted because the PO only sent me 2 half support brakets.
Additionally, I know little to nothing about the prep work for paint, but want to learn & get started on it ASAP. It's in really good shape, but there's definitly some old wear and rust on the bar & hardware that I'll need to take off before having it professionally painted.
I'm having difficulty posting photos without resizing them, which is a pain in the bumper. All advise &/or links to previous threads on the roll bar, paint & photos are appreciated.
Posted via Mobile Device

[MrGraySay]

Check out this super easy process, & see the photos for the results. I'll need to use a wire wheel to remove a few remnants of build up on the plates that were badly pitted, but it's really amazing & works on any rusted metal. I'm lining up some old cast iron & tools for the next project.
1) Submerge the rusted pieces in apple cider vinegar (works better than white) & let sit for 24 hours.
2) Remove (use latex gloves to prevent chemical burns), thoroughly rinse & submerge in baking soda & water for 20 minutes to counter the acidity from the vinegar.
3) Let it dry
4) Coat in WD40 & you're done

Now I'd like to figure out how to reapply the black oxide finish on the bolts.

[MrGraySay]

This is a great site, but the photo issue is a serious PITA. I'll try to get up some of the rust removal soon.

[Dano72]

Nice ride. I don't know if its what you're looking for in a tire rack but I've got a swing out that I removed from my 72 last year. Its just hanging in the shed and not doing me any good. Never posted pics here (just signed up) so feel free to message and I can email you a shot.

[MrGraySay]

Thanks for the compliment. PM'd you with email & phone.
Posted via Mobile Device

[ceribus12]

I think you guys may be referring to my truck the "Green Monster". Bought it a few months back from another board member in PA. Your truck looks great, I'm anxious to see how your build goes
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Posted via Mobile Device

[MrGraySay]

Originally Posted by ceribus12

I think you guys may be referring to my truck the "Green Monster". Bought it a few months back from another board member in PA. Your truck looks great, I'm anxious to see how your build goes
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Posted via Mobile Device

Dude! Love . That. Ride. Obviously, it's a twin. Definitely like how your green infiltrates the entire vehicle.
Decisions, decisions... I've really been bogged down getting all of the mechanical issues the PO failed to recognize straight. The rest of my plan has been put on hold. Shocker, I know...
What size tires are you rolling, Ceribus12?
Posted via Mobile Device

[ceribus12]

Currently rollin some 33 x 12.5 BF Goodrich Mud Terrains on Weld rims. I like em but part of me wants to go to a 17 inch rim for a more modern look. I'm conflicted though because the truck is SO original I kinda wanna keep that theme going. Seriously kicking around an LS swap too, keeping the exterior as factory as possible but modern running gear ( not original motor currently BTW )
Posted via Mobile Device

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by ceribus12

I think you guys may be referring to my truck the "Green Monster". Bought it a few months back from another board member in PA. Your truck looks great, I'm anxious to see how your build goes
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

Worked on that truck inperson....that thing is sweet, i think all the green works great together, nice original truck..

Sorry for the hijack