Help with 72 Blazer Frame Issues - What are my options

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I posted this in my build thread but figured I'd hit a larger audience on the main Blazer / Jimmy board

I have finally figured out the modifications the PO (original owner) did to install the 36 gallon gas tank.

1. He removed the rear cross-member that has the 2 fuel lines going across the top of it.

2. He tack welded threaded nuts to the inside bottom of the frame rail so he could hold the tank with the straps that where on there.

3. He welded a cross bar going from the 2nd to last body mounts to compensate for the loss in reinforcement for removing the original rear cross member that sits in between the frame rails.

I cut off the threaded nuts using a sawzaw and dremel. Now I have to figure out a solution for the cross bar that welded to the body mounts.

If you're wondering why the 2nd to last body mounts are removed from the frame is because this part was riveted to the body so we had to cut them to get the body off the frame.

1. Do I try cutting it off?
2. Find some replacements and rivet or bolt on new (used) one on? Anybody know where I could find a set?

[SeventyOne]

I had extra crap welded to my frame for a trailer hitch. Cut that crap out!

Here's what I'd do:

1)Replace the removed crossmember. Up to you on if you can source a stock one or use some boxed steel. Not sure on your goals. But do this first for structural integrity. I'd bold it in, not weld or rivet.

2)I would make conservative cuts around near the body mounts to remove the extra welded in brace. Then go in with a flap disk to remove the remnants and try not to cut into the mount a all. Then grind those welded nuts smooth the same way. Should end up un-noticable if you take your time I think.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Thanks Seventyone.. I already sourced cross member from old pickup and it will fit just like the original.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Would a dremel work for cutting around the body mounts?

[SeventyOne]

In the last two pictures you posted...do you have the body mounts removed from the frame and you're showing the bottom side?

Dremel could work maybe never tried. How well do they remove metal? Can you get in there with an angle grinder?

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Yes, the last two pics are from the bottom side.. we had to remove this because it was riveted to the body and we could remove the body without cut the rivets from underneath. Something the PO must of done

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Dremel could work maybe never tried. How well do they remove metal? Can you get in there with an angle grinder?

Dremel works pretty good, but it takes a lot longer. The good thing about the dremel is you have much better control with it and less prone to cutting into something you didn't intend too. I do have access to an angle grinder so I might try that if the Dremel isn't working

[SeventyOne]

Ya get the brace back into the correct spot, sawzall or grinder with cutoff wheel to remove the angle iron bracket as close as you can to the original frame/mounts.

Then go at it with an angle grinder with flap disc - it'll take material off pretty quick but if you want to use it for "roughing in" then go in with the dremel that would work.