|
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Had MOT booked as first customer in this morning.
I was going to use the same station that gave it last years certificate. (Did not realise it had changed ownership in the mean time) I was there early and got attacked by the shop cat while looking at the Toyota Camry the owner has for sale. The cat was insistent and just lovely. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssgd2ctby.jpg So when the station opened, the truck went in and we started, lights, hooter, indicators eyc. When the tester entered the Registration and VIN number into his computer he cross referenced the VIN number on the truck...... OOOOPPPSS. SERIOUSLY ?? He was on the phone etc trying to find a way to test tbe truck. Ultimately though...... http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfawaepej.jpg So now I have sent a letter, photos, previous MOT certificate, V5c document to the DVLA. Now the waiting begins. More later. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Yesterday was not a great day, and my day job has me a bit stressed at the moment too. Probably not ideal to discuss work and opinions in a public forum.
So at about 5.45 I am on the computer at home (we work from home) doing some admin, when the doorbell rings, and I think it’s Mickey coming to borrow some eggs or a cup of sugar. Go downstairs and it is the local postman, delivering an international parcel that he had left a collection car for at 13.40 earlier in the day. He had a flat wheel 4 miles up the road, and been delayed by two hours on his return journey, so when he drove past my house and saw the lights on downstairs, he turned around and came to deliver my parcel and get the signature on his tracking gadget. THAT IS SERVICE. I continued with my admin and then looked it over, and opened the parcel. From Russia with Love. Well, actually from Siberia. Sent by Stas, who I got to know on Garage Journal https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...d.php?t=376409 http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssu34pp2u.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psx9yqrlsh.jpg Covering letter says it all. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqulpp3mq.jpg And then the item he sent me..... A chopping board, perfect for the smoked and dry sausage we sometimes have here with our BBQ or when visiting. I am absolutely stunned, again at the generosity of people, thank you Stas ! http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyc68yha1.jpg After the day I had had and the emails that had landed (a few more landed by 10pm that had me pi$$€d off) the next photo is of me, truely losing it completely with laughter. I could not stop for a few minutes........ It’s a rare thing to laugh uncontrollably these days, and had thee been a drink in my office, it would have been all over the computer. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmx9ox8yy.jpg Stas had printed off and included for my pleasure, a photo of his beautiful wife, Katya, who happens to be a lawyer in Siberia. I could not have been more surprised. Katya is a legend in Stas’ garage thread on GJ and well loved and respected by the guys on there, like Harley my cat, she makes occasional appearances to brighten the days of this who are interested. I give you Katya. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnygwkmlw.jpg And all together now. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6rnz35gx.jpg Funny how a bad day can end so good, thanks to another person on the other side of the world. I chatted with Stas on WhatsApp overnight, and he is currently working in China. Tough life ehhh. Headed to London again today. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Cold, wet, foggy and dark outside.
So not a lot that I can do to the Blazer, but I still went and sat in it. Messed with the radio, that I have not touched yet and sat and took stock of little jobs that will need doing. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrybdlvzy.jpg Need. To make up a complete new roof liner. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfratfodb.jpg And will be on the lookout fot trim that surrounds the radio too. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrtljvw5h.jpg In other news, Dennis sent me a bunch of pics, seems they had up to 8” of snow overnight. Of course in England a National disaster would be announced http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu9wxhn5v.jpg All this may be pretty, but when you work for yourself, it sucks. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psduwi9fgd.jpg Bedtime. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Awake early again today, it is Saturday so not ideal, as I would love to just sleep in and get 8 hours straight.
Still, out the house by 07.30 to drive down to Rochester, my local town and get to the Post Office Depot. I had an undelivered parcel from Glasgow yesterday that has to be signed for, so could not be left with the neighbours. Knowing exactly what it was, and where it came from meant I was a bit excited. Nothing special for most people, but car parts, especially the dress up stuff, gets me going. So Collected at 08.05 as I was no 3 in the row, despite being 10 minutes early, then straight home to unpack my treasures. [font size="5"] “I BRING YOU GIFTS O’ GREAT WHITE BLAZER”[/font] http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjrjctnit.jpg Never been fitted to a car, but dusty from sitting on top of a wardrobe for years, awaiting their turn for glory. So into the kitchen sink along with the few bits I had to wash this morning. That is the right way to do it, not so? http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmxbojxih.jpg And after a quick wash, rinse and drying off with a clean dish towel they do look exactly as described by David who sold them to me. Money well spent, despite me knowing that I really do not need to spend any more, as this truck is certainly draining my wallet faster than anticipated, still, the cash comes from the Red ‘66 C10’s personal account, so not threatening the mortgage repayments, yet. Shiny Happy People. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseb8qre6m.jpg I have another full day to myself today in the garage, so will be doing a load of small tinkering jobs, they all take time and need doing, some, in fact all will be pretty much unnoticed, like fitting the radiator shroud I bought a couple of weeks ago, making up an ally backing plate for the radio, to temporarily fix the visible damage to the surround, turning the choke knob around and refitting it, removing the steering wheel and refitting it correctly centred, stuff my buddy @CraigRK would approve of. I also need to look at the mounting tabs for the Towbar and make extra, gusseted tabs to fix it more securely to the chassis mounting points, as I do not have an original Towbar to fit. I was alerted by an angry friend in Germany this week that my old Ford Taurus Transit had made the press again, I think it’s the third time it has made it into a car magazine, twice when I had it too. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19...f/P1030419.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...x/P1080880.jpg The new owner has been changing it radically since buying it 5 years ago. I am personally a great fan of the “Your ride, Your way” school of thought, and it’s good to see it evolve into something he wants to own and drive. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssz6rarix.jpg Off to the garage now, the Blazer awaits. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
"From Russia with Love" if that is indeed the girl friend, he is a very lucky man. And to quote Wayne's World: ~EXCELLENT~
|
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So my day started earlier than I would have liked, but in exchange I got to collect the centre caps for the truck.
Did some laundry, single life rocks.... ermmm maybe. Got out by 10am and chatted to Mickey next door for about half an hour, then got the cars swapped around, started the truck up and reversed it down to the garage. First jonpb to do as to mark and drill some holes in the license plate backing plate, get some nuts and bolts to attach said number plate. I wanted to mount it up high against the top of the rear bumper. Got that done, ensuring maximum space for when the Towbar gets fixed in there. [a href="http://s294.photobucket.com/user/niknakpix/media/bicycles/2C234802-7DAC-486B-B553-DC1E43A71E0A_zpso6yctcae.jpg.html"][img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/niknakpix/bicycles/2C234802-7DAC-486B-B553-DC1E43A71E0A_zpso6yctcae.jpg" style="max-width:100%;"][/a] Remember in the engin bay, the radiator shroud was missing, as it had been removed and not replaced and subsequently thrown away by a previous owner. Then I found one to but over in Essex, including cost of fetching it, as £25.00 So having undone the top radiator hose and removed it, I managed to wriggle it into place over the fixed fan. Slipping it into the S-clips,I also had to move the lower hose Jubilee clip to allow the shroud in. For the top fixing, it was two tims of nuts and bolts. Allowing me to find pieces that fit into the look, and the right size. The two top corner fixings took forever to seat and get to grip, and my sausage shaped fingers could not get in to hold it all in place. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszzfwasd2.jpg Fixed. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu9y9kdyl.jpg After seeing @Disasterbus success with his air filter and aluminium foil, I thought it prudent to try the same method on mine. Starting here...... http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psktbxywbn.jpg Removed. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfdjhcue7.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbol2qs3z.jpg Halfway there. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psiznsv7d4.jpg Resulting in this. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjmcho5fi.jpg Back in place, far from perfect, but certainly improved. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pst71oj2b5.jpg |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Late afternoon, I got to the bit I had been looking forward to.
Fitting the centre caps, and then the Stainless steel trim rings. So Centre caps. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszb7mqdlg.jpg And add the trims. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslxi6tcp8.jpg All together now. Really needs to be out In Good lighting with a decent background. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0xv4ajbc.jpg Front end. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuoq8qqtq.jpg And my personal favourite angle today. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psi6aiubgs.jpg By 3.30 it was getting chilly out on the drive, the breeze did not help, at that point I was trying to get the Towbar made up and mocked up, but have realised that finding a C10 Unit from a hedge or the back of a shed, makes more sense. And I was not in enough clothing layers, so I thought, bu66er it, another day, another battle to be fought. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgiezygsn.jpg I had planned on making a backing plate for the radio today to support or at least make look better, the broken and missing section under the dash. However, chilly weather and forgetting about it altogether made me come in. However, weirdly I got a message from friend Bill in Gulfport, Mississippi tonight on Messenger to offer me these pieces. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psiafwmj2z.jpg Serendipity Life. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Just about up to date with the update and this build.
Few more pics and a actions. So..... WINDOW TINTING. Make sure you select the right shade. I went for 35% and should have gone to 70% Too late now, as it’s done. Under £10.00 Going to try keep it short. Mate Kevin came over from Maidstone in his absolutely envy provoking chipped, lowered and pimped out VW Van. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psoaziuima.jpg Cut the tinting film to size on the outside of the glass, keeping in mind, there is a sticky, or outside, side. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaflbkh9j.jpg Once trimmed to size, move to the inside of the vehicle, spray the glass wet, as well as the tint film once you remove the backing sheet. Slide into position, squeegee all the water out while getting it smooth. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxurikwhd.jpg Many hands, octopus and all that. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxqrkzn1c.jpg Repeat prep. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszhyocjof.jpg I also used a heat gun to help remove and smoothe any kinks out. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmp0qcjgb.jpg While we were at it, Nicola’s dad popped in for a chat and to check up on the new car, he has always loved cars, especially V8’s http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxyblmwv8.jpg Result http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2odelrxe.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjodofjeq.jpg And out in the street after Kevin and I did a 10 mile test drive, where we found the front wheel beauty rings popped off after 5 miles. So it’s back to looking for trim rings that work. Final pic of the tinting, here you can see it, not dark enough, but nice. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslks4o0gm.jpg End of the weekend and another job jobbed. Few more pics tomorrow, bed now. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So for those who have been patiently following this thread.
Here is a short clip of the Blazer coming out to play. Enjoy. https://youtu.be/XX83qJc8UpQ After Kevin left, Joy, who has been incredibly tollerant and patient with the work that’s been going into the Blazer and her dog Wyzz, came over for a walk down to the Thames River at Allhallows. Once back, I needed to open the side gate to reverse the truck down to the garage and Joy moved her car over a bit. Came back and found this....... http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2ayixnni.jpg Random pics. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7faci1et.jpg Along the way, some waterways. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6oonqtwt.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psw8cvjd85.jpg Tide was out on the Thames and the wind was cold and biting. Essex over the other side and French canal to the right. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psipxzqh3k.jpg And looking up river, toward London, with more of Essex on the other side. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskdkrrkkm.jpg Have a good week, mine will be hectic. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Thought I would add an oldie but GOODY tonight.
Most of us know KC as a painter. Slight change of occupation here. Enjoy. https://youtu.be/2m7F7jMIE9k And then we have this idea. I have had it in the back of my mind since Oblertone sent me two pairs of stirrups. Background. THE TSURIKAWA STORY Sushi, sumo and samurais... Japan in a nut shell right? Well, the country of the rising sun is a bit more than that! And tsurikawas are without a doubt a part of our rich culture… Stolen in trains by our local young gangsters, also known as bosozokus, the tsurikawas were originally attached inside cars so passengers could slide their wrist inside the ring and safely hang their body outside the window. They quickly became the symbol of a reckless youth and bosozokus started to attach them outside heavily modified bikes and cars to show rebellion and disrespect to authority. Nowadays, hardcore Japanese car enthusiasts are still flaunting them to express their freedom. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6kcoeluc.jpg Went down to the garage after work tonight, raining. Found a stirrup, old leather belt and pulled my hoody over my head... And got Photobombed, remember it’s wet, cold and windy out there, but madam wants to be down there . http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmtjml5vb.jpg Better pic. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrx1eiaoh.jpg Expecting,much hate. Remember , it’s just an idea. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Well.....
What does $80.00 buy you?? Dinner at Harry J’s. Half a trolley of burgers n fries at Walmart. Or 36 gallons of Fossil fuel for the Blazer in St Louis, Missouri this week. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4xytrhfb.jpg Or if you are Dennis Jones in St Louis, then postage to the U.K. for some shackles for the Blazer. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxuk7nppt.jpg Unpacked and a quick Catscan...... Approved. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfqrflpw2.jpg Also included were some Disabled plates for my collection from Dennis and some of @CraigRK ‘s Coke purchases that were delivered after we departed the USA in September. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjgcptvox.jpg So what have we got for the Blazer this week? http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu420hl22.jpg Just a trim, bit off the sides and then a two inch drop in the rear. Lovely pieces of kit. Grinder and wrenches at the ready. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyqeofdpp.jpg Hard to see on some pics, but here the same rake on both pics, and pic no 1shows the real state of the nation. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psy5asijhg.jpg So trust me, the 2 inches will be just right, thanks to @PaulY https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslks4o0gm.jpg More when the sparks have flown. Roll on weekend. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
.
I guess something to add in at this point for those of you in the USA who build and restore trucks is a bit of perspective. The two lowering shackles above will cost you $75.00 in the USA from LMC including shipping Not too bad I hear you say. But if you are in the U.K. the price of a build changes dramatically. Add in the $80.00 in shipping or postage that you saw above and the cost has now doubled. However, if you ship over parts, you have to add in a Customs declaration to value the items. (Thankfully these were used parts) Once the parcel lands in England, the Post Office then charges a $10.00 handling fee, and the Revenue service add in Import duty that is raised against the cost of the item, the shipping and the taxes you paid on them before....... So you could look at trebling the outset cost of an item. So a $100.00 item shipped can end up costing an easy $300.00 And yet we keep doing this stuff. Which is why we carry parts when we visit America in stead of clothes, why I have left two pairs of shoes at Dennis in St Louis and clothes etc. Looking forward to working on the Blazer tomorrow.:mm: |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
:waah:
Real life example. My mate Martin is restoring a 65 C10 Truck. He needed a inner floor sill for his cab. Easy, cheap part........ Cost in English Pounds. Part: £31.20 International Shipping £130.17 U.K. VAT £32.28 Final landed costin the U.K. £193.65 So in American Dollar Part cost $40.00 final price $250.00 Crazy? Maybe. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Of course there is the matter of the long weekend in America
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7dzsnwjh.jpg Last night after 10pm my one neighbour brought a parcel around. From Ernie “PedalcarJoe” it had me laughing again, that is twice this week. Basically for the Blazer as it seems to have a bit of a bruiser look about it, and in all white looks a bit like the Stormtroopers from Star Trek. Harley of course has to do her inspection, weird cat. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrgrt2xpm.jpg On the way home tonight I had to fill up my car, prices are a bit higher than those in the USA http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp1uwrzpp.jpg In other news from the USA, Clem Johnson of Tubatrucks.com had send Dennis an old gas station driveway forecourt bell earlier this week. Started out like this. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psss3ek0m5.jpg https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psiuh82ady.jpg And after doing his magic......... http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psn4mybucd.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszcafhujc.jpg And earlier today, Dennis sent a pic of it mounted on the side of the replica gas station. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbjbg0dzc.jpg Looking forward to tomorrow. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
This thread now up to date in real time.
Will continue t update as a record of what I am and have done to the Blazer. Please do feel free to contribute and advise. Lazy start to my day off work, only got up at 07.00 when Harley had bugged me more than I needed to stay in bed. Did some work admin, lazy brekkie by 09.00 and garage by 9.30 Not bad for a lazy day. So tried out the Bobble Heads Ernie had sent for the truck. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psqv03bh2x.jpg Then truck time. First thing I did was to remove the beauty rings, clean them and wrap them up back into their original box Then made up a special tool to get the centre caps off with. They are buggers to get on too. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9lg0zovl.jpg Then consulted the destructions. Posted here in the interest of record keeping. Not the same as my Blazer ............ Ooops. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszkvvzobd.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7tqagfsp.jpg So looking in. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseyfvscyd.jpg Offered up. Notice gas filler pipe is in the way. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaaeyeqvz.jpg Mr Rattle Gun called in, easy work, another great tool I bought a long time ago. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psioke2xcv.jpg Other side removed too. Rear axle and suspension supported on the jack, rest of truck on axle stands. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshlevzpqi.jpg Top shackle bolt fitted, needed to come out again as lower bush sleeve did not fit into support cup. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstb7iyybt.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjihcxvzs.jpg More later. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
And this is where I stopped today.
So the old shackles came out, looking worse for wear. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psh7sdkzsc.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psj0pf35sp.jpg Crawling around with 5 layers was not too bad, though my back still objected by the end. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrgcrf6sz.jpg One side. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psngd001fu.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgsteqc9s.jpg Other side. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskipv9a0y.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6kedzqor.jpg Side view after. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfcjwba3t.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskacwo7qp.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psc97xx3zf.jpg Final numbers. Started with Front 680mm Rear 790mm Front raised to 710mm Rear dropped to 780mm Today shackles brought rear down to 740mm Front stayed at 710mm Happy with how it sits now. Project?? |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Woke at 04.30 again.....
Bugger. Chatted with Dennis in St Louis as he does not always sleep. Watched some recorded telly etc, then just as I was making brekkie, I noticed a massive rat down the bottom of the garden, eating at the soup I had put out for my visiting fox. Grabbed the skip find .22 air rifle @CraigRK had found in a skip, some penetrating pellets and raced upstairs Only one shot...... Rats are fast !!! He was inside the bowl, I think I missed. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psq9vctxck.jpg My shot trajectory. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszbhtfxgw.jpg Just after 10.00 mate Craig reversed in. Bearing gifts, also to collect some stuff from our USA road trip that he left in my bag, and items Dennis had sent with the lowering shackles. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssur9fy8z.jpg The cottage pane internal door is a future project. The garden gate, along with some trestles will be the new BBQ table on the deck for 2019. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psru68j6sq.jpg Headed out, mich smaller than the Blazer. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskqrh7axv.jpg Thank you for the delivery. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So after coffee and unloading the gates and door from @CraigRK ‘s truck we went down to the garage to look at the Blazer.
I started it up, fired up instantly too. Then Craig did his OCD inspection going around the truck, declaring me to be a liar. Saying that it was much better than I had described it before, seems to be a pattern forming here. Looking at the Lexus style light, he clearly reacted to them...... http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9ex0t3tx.jpg So he asked about the replacement lights I had bought from Martin in Derbyshire. Of course I would love to replace them, NOW. So he grabbed a Phillips screwdriver and started to disassemble. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pszvxechh5.jpg Lenses off. Clearly all the colours this truck has been in it’s life, on display, Blue, Orange and primer Grey/Gray http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psukyjxh8q.jpg And then you find stuff like this....... Woodscrews...... WT actual F ??? http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps45nxzpzh.jpg Also in evidence, cut off screws that would be needing some attention. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxqb9auya.jpg So onto the small drillpress and starting with a 1.5mm drill after the Dremmel slot for a screwdriver failed to unseat the rusted in screw. Then onto the next size and eventually we had a fresh hole to be screwed http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psktnl5nkt.jpg Replaced number one. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscr6qfllp.jpg Fitted, tested, video made....... All good. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyylaspja.jpg And these........ Headed into the sunset of evil bay. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbt8tvair.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psw5ucv4yh.jpg Sooooo... LASTLY.... VIDEO CLIP. I hope you are all happy with the right lights now fitted, I certainly am. Later. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Are there different regulations for blinkers over there? Usually backup lamps are the clear lenses on the bottom with clear bulbs. Blinkers are on the outside. Do y'all require orange blinkers?
|
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quote:
Hi Cameron, Thank you for the reply. Yes, we have completely different regulations here. A full yearly MOT test to check all aspects of Roadworthiness on all motor vehicles over three years old, a bit of a con really, but you cannot get your car legally road taxed or insured (another massive con) over here. In England, the person is insured, and most moving traffic violations are translated into “Points” with 12 points being a loss of license to operate and drive or ride. They usually come in multiples of three points, ie. speeding at 77mph in a 70 zone would be 3 points etc. Unlike the USA where my friend Dennis in St Louis usually just says Choose a car and bring it back when you are done. I used to have the same rule when I lived in South Africa where the car is insured, so friends and family could have a car or bike on the old proviso of “You bend it, you mend it” 2016 Road Trip pic probably says it all. http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb4szghnq.jpg Blinkers are amber/yellow and have to be sperate from the brake or tail lights. Side lights, or park lights are differently managed too. Cars mostly have to have fog lamp/s out back too and not having them means a fail notice till repaired. All of these are failures on the yearly road worthiness test. So relocating the blinkers to the reverse/backup light space with an amber bulb works. I am planning to fit a set of slimline LED spots under the rear bumper, either wired into the harness or on a separate circuit. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Randomness first.
Dennis sent me a few pics. Firstly his step son Bryan’s first deer kill of the season..... now delicious Jerky. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshwbjc24m.jpg And a truck he was invited to work on for a friend this week..... pretty. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscqyjbypl.jpg Remember the 2018 Road trip? @CraigRK is a keen Coca Cola collector. He had found a Coke lighter, rare as a rare thing, then found another for sale in Hannibal that Dennis sent over with my lowering shackles and it included a very cool salt n pepper set. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnlbcigsd.jpg Dennis has been fitting the inner metal to the dummy gas station. Not easy, but getting it done. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszlfqktin.jpg With the snow and cold weather he has had to get other jobs done. Outside signs going up. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psx5ouar3q.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9jvdeyfk.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrcymxrb7.jpg Saturday night dinner with Joy and her cat Mitzi, a good looking boy, loves to sleep in the draining rack. No idea why. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps33aiihdl.jpg One of the plates I got from Andy in Oklahoma in September, 1963, my birth year. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psz00lx8ot.jpg And back in the U.K........ Another small job I got done today. Before http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps28bfwqh2.jpg After. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2wbkajhl.jpg |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Slow start to my day, the cold and damp, chilly and breezy weather slowing my motivation a bit, well, a lot.
So eventually made it to the garage by 13.30 Decided to give tinting the rear glass in the tailgate a go on my own. Reversed the truck tint into the garage and then started to get the tailgate glass out, exposed and ready for tinting. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9ht4jrf1.jpg Glass measured 1550mm X 480mm Cleaned and ready. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfamhgm0e.jpg So cut it on the folding table Martin got me from his mums house, date stamped 1960 on the underside. Beats throwing it away. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnwjyzkez.jpg Small jobs, they all take time, some more than others, even the planning of the execution of this. Added a steel ruler to the one end, to weigh it down when I got to removing the backing sheet. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdj7vepwq.jpg Stretched http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslwm4o9ej.jpg Then removing the rear backing film. One needs an octopus realistically to manage all the sides and getting it all sprayed wet before application. Even my tweets held onto a tab. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2gkdvnpn.jpg Film applied. Not looking good. But there is hope, in the form of a squeegee Much rubbing, squueegeeing and swearing at the wind. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssuywkgmb.jpg Done. Far from perfect, but at less than £10.00 for the rear and side glass, I am happy with the results. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1ivzeywh.jpg Prozac the Van that can looking on. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdofxu3ns.jpg Last photo taken specifically for the guys in America to illustrate the reverse lights being reused as indicators with yellow/amber lightbulbs. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5eplclly.jpg Once that was done, I did the front wheel lettering. Another small job done, never made it out to the shops. Need to go shopping tomorrow and find myself some waterproof slimline LED reverse lights to mount under the bumper. Thanks for checking in and all your comments and advice so far. As for all the stalkers........ 🤔🦃 |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Bought some back up or reversing lights for the truck, mainly for getting down the side of my house in the dark, as I always reverse it down to the garage as doing a 5 point turn on the grass would destroy and mark it, done once already a few weeks ago.
Had really good reviews from about 5 guys with American cars and trucks who fitted them. I will not be adding fog lights too, as they look rubbish and we’re never fitted originally. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psa54nvrvz.jpg Then just need to find the original reverse light between the ones cut on the loom, and ensure the reverse switch on the steering column actually works, or else fit an over ride switch to turn them into rear facing spotlights. Off work today, so certainly out with the Blazer to go shopping and for a decent drive. Later. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
My day off on Monday netted me quite a lot of miles in the Blazer.
After adding another 20liters of fossil fuel to its belly, we were off. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslvpem90m.jpg It was the first time I have driven it enthusiastically since working over the front and rear suspensions with fresh parts. CONCLUSION......?? This truck now really handles well for the behemoth it is. Entering and exiting roundabouts with confidence inspiring ease, I found myself grinning and speaking to it while cautiously pushing it harder and harder. On the open road at 60-70 miles per hour the steering is dead still and true when let alone. Eventually got home around 3.00pm and reversed it to the garage, then walked over to fetch Prozac back. Noticed the DIY front spoiler, nice n low. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3hcxtpog.jpg Got indoors and found an envelope from Gulfport Mississippi. Postage, again as always, eye watering. Thanks to Bill Palfreyman for the Antique Truck plate, never seen one before. But even better...... was the repair sections for the Blazers dash radio surround that’s been butchered at some point before. I will address this when the weather is more dry. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgkpiabnx.jpg And a photo from a friend. Nope, I don’t know either. Captions welcome. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psa92cfocg.jpg . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Right guys,
Time to test your combined opinions, knowledge and advice. The Blazer only has two speakers in the doors. I however, have in my stash some random stuff, speakers, Subwoofers and who knows what else. So when the Radio/CD/Memory stick plays tunes, they are fine for just listening to. So tonight when I got in from work and after feeding the starving cat, I went down to the garage to dig these out Question is, do I connect the JVC sub box and have it under the dash, resting on the hump, or do I build a sub box in a vintage suitcase and mount it behind the rear seat for the big speaker, which may need an amplifier?? These are what I have . Speaker. No idea about specification http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshgugwjth.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspbmhfrih.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psggtoupd7.jpg And specification. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscmyfvc3l.jpg Thank you for taking the time to reply, if you do. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Rian, just my opinion, in the back,
Rick |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quote:
Thank you It seems to be developing a life of its own :mm: More in a bit. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Popped in to Ricky’s place a few nights ago to drop off the polisher and parts for his shop, and to have a coffee, chat, and check out his stash, in fact gawping is more appropriate to describe it.
Those that recall will remember he donated the rubber Chevy mats for the Blazer. A few random pics, but it is only a small part of the random stuff he collects, I felt right at home. Tank he dipped himself. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrwgugaid.jpg Brilliant creation of space.... For his cars, in the sliding door to his office. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbzkl9pqk.jpg Ricky collects a lot of cans, tins and if you have anything interesting that is headed out to the tip, remember he collects them and would probably love them. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psto1gdhpp.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgnvqhcih.jpg Not for sale. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszs1i4ek3.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssdrqe0ha.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaag5czxx.jpg He also did offer these to Dennis who collects Shell stuff too, so soon off to the USA http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5xpyb35t.jpg Later. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
After all the feedback on the various forums by some knowledgeable and not so people, consensus was to walk away from themSubs I had stashed, however, also suggested was using the side panels where the red carpeted panels went in and finding some smaller speakers.
Step up 6x9’s from my stash, these were in the Taunus Transit when I had it. More than enough power for my needs really. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pskrbjb6lv.jpg Also from the Transit pile, well, shelf was a couple of rolls of good quality sound deadening to go into the Blazers sides to reduce boom and distortion. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqvozqrsc.jpg This morning at about 09.00 Mickey popped in for a coffee as he saw my car on the drive, he also brought along my LED reverse spotlights. Once he left I opened them. Rather bigger than expected, but the Blazer is not exactly small. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqjus4aye.jpg Found a new switch in the garage. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseestcr93.jpg Tonight after work I quickly offered them up to the rear before dark. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswvynq68x.jpg Jury’s out. While in the garage, I was rooting around to try find a hooter that I had on the C10 before. Did not find it, but happened upon these drum pedals, bought very cheaply at Bootfairs over the last two years. I think this one is spot on the right shape and look for the Blazer. Opinions? http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps48plabne.jpg And the one that will be fitted to the 66 when I get back on it. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbtgezbwx.jpg And then lastly, a message from Rods n Sods....... Karma or Life being Good? This continues to come together. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgahfkqzp.jpg Maybe there will be a whole orchestra in the back of the truck. And regarding the Sub wooofer...... if I build a removable box in the vintage suitcase, with a fixed plug point so that I can remove the case and sub when the space is needed, it could work OK. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Posting this here and in general section in case someone has an answer.
“They all leaked from the factory” The words of my very good friend Dennis in St Louis who used to work for GM in the 70’s and early 80’s So I live over in England and my 79 Blazer certainly leaks as much as anything that may leak. Which means LMC and the other suppliers are not just up thr road. My question is this....... What is the consensus on what foam seal to fit between the fiberglass cap/canopy and the body? Some original GM part or use an alternative type of high density type foam to seal it from leaking ?? Thank you. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quote:
I will investigate various options. Possibly over the weekend. Dennis used to build these for GM. His advice. I don't think you will find a aftermarket seal that will work.Even the factory ones fit like ****. Once you take the roof off you will see why it's so hard to get them to stop leaking. The main problem is getting the seal to stay in place while you get roof back on. You will need a couple of buddies to help you. It has to go down and forward at the same time while someone is inside lining the bolt holes up making sure that the gasket don't fall out I was thinking of making some kind of cross shaped carrier to then lift it all hydraulically on my own. REMEMBER THIS THING ? https://youtu.be/vfTC9wyQKK0 Will see how it all unfolds. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Looking at where the water is getting in the most likely culprit is the vertical and forward horizontal seal, it seems they are often not reseated when the roof is removed.
https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psgumrsrf8.jpg The rear window corner also is really rotten, but the water gets in just behind the door. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psybgpm8lf.jpg This morning while looking around the canopy to see what seals were in place, I saw the typical signs of an unloved, and owned by less than considerate owners, car. Various and missing fasteners. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psfof2nd07.jpg https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psokfxbieh.jpg https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9eckrk8i.jpg While investigating, I found this little plate, different fasteners again..... Phillips screw and 7mm hex head screw. Question is, what is it for?? http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf57wukkz.jpg Weird little connector. But where to clip it in? http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmqczjuvu.jpg Does it possibly power this interior light for the canopy?? http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscuf7bgmk.jpg Constantly getting to know this Blazer more and more intimately, just some stuff seems weird. Later. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Small jobs, Small jobs, Small jobs make the difference at times.
The little details often are forgotten. Remember these? https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pstbmhbu8k.jpg Joined the party with Mr Grinder and Mrs Flapwheel in hand, followed by some hand sanding to get the edges less lethal, then Brasso and Autosol. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbelgbr9m.jpg And offered up, bent to fit the curve on the drivers side where I managed to burn the plastic item when welding the sill previously. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnuegobgj.jpg Then over to the passenger side, while it was raining and cold, I decided to carry on anyway. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psz5gy0jyi.jpg Sill Removed, and showed some surface rust under it plus old paint and loads of glue, so petrol, scraper and clean up. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshzwbxjjw.jpg Resulting in prepped, masked and ready steel sill. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psueri5tlv.jpg I used the heat gun to warm up the sill and then primed it and continued to add some heat to keep the air dry around it. Left it sitting for an hour while getting a sandwich, coffee and catching up on forums. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pse5jydoep.jpg Two coats of white again heated, covered against the weather, happy with the way the paint landed and covered. Keeping in mind this will mostly be unseen once I add the new stainless steel sill cover plates with double sided tape. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbggnzqmj.jpg And finally unpacked and a final blend in. Happy. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psurg25rfs.jpg While I was busy with the paint, I got a visit from Richard who had driven up 90 minutes from Hastings to check over the Blazer and to collect a load of components from his lock up nearby and deliver it. Part of the improvement in sounds in the truck. More later. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Another rubbish night, but the rain seems to have gone.
So I started slowly, went digging through my collection of stickers, looking for something to cover the MX5 on the sill plates with. Nope, nothing that works. So went to the garage and managed to peel off the plastic outer skin, then petrol ⛽️ on a scouter and a few minutes carefully removing all the residue. Polish up again and hey Presto. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pssq04kfm9.jpg Then into the back of the garage to my stash of tapes and adhesives. Brutal double sided tape and some scissors to create strips to adhere to the leading edge. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5iekzjia.jpg Tucked in completely under the door seals, and then pressed down. Fixed. I think we have a winner here. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9i7xidpb.jpg Going to head out with the Blazer now for a drive as the MOT expires on Tuesday and the DVLA has not yet responded to letter and documents I sent off late on the 14th November Need to go find a better alternative to the reverse lights I had bought, they caught me out with their size. And offered up to a suggested alternative fixing spot, it is very wrong. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuq7ozjnx.jpg Looks like the rain has lifted too. So it could be fun. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
I just got this response from Bob Heine on Garage Journal
Of course I have seen something like this before. And time to head to EBay Quote:
Bill Palfreyman has also posted a great alternative that I may be heading for. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So yesterday Richard dropped off some, well, a box full of car audio bits.
12” sub Tweeters and their drivers 2 Midrange speakers 2 Chanel amp Amp for the Sub Cables. I added my two Pioneer 6x9’s to that lot and just laid them all out on the floor. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslmpbllew.jpg https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psx0ovjjpy.jpg This morning, after doing the sill plates, I cleaned up the pieces and then just laid them out in the rear of the Blazer to get an idea. The Sub is massive, and will need a deeper box than the side panels offer. So some work or thinking to do. I am thinking of mounting the Amps inside the red panels, and then boxing the sides for Sub, 6x9and midrange speakers. Not sure it will work, but hopefully there will be enough space and air volume for them all. Drivers side. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfin5qdpq.jpg Passenger side http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyobexage.jpg After all the playing around, I moved the cars off the driveway and took the Blazer out front to go shopping and also look for a decent place to try get a few nice photos...... https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psmx9qgcdl.jpg Drove around Medway area, went shopping and got some food for the week. Also took a microwave beanbag and some masking take to see if I could mount and place the camera phone on the dash and do a short film (well, it was longer but I edited it back to this bit) of the truck on the road. Kinda failed as the masking tape let go at one point and the camera filmed the roof lining till I pulled over and shoved the lot back onto the seat next to me. Good fun though. CLICK VIDEO LINK. Now the truck is parked up till the DVLA return my documents and tell me what next in order to get a new MOT certificate. Have a good week. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Had a couple of questions on how I do selfies when working alone before, explained that a timer and stuck inside a roll of sandpaper with a rag to hold it upright works easy.
Getting a video done is as easy, Beanbag, Camera, masking tape to keep it all together and then just edit the long film down to where you want it. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9mvqetca.jpg Another bit of frivolous spending on the Blazer. Classic tone hooter and a nice push button for less than £15.00 https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pswimyxrxj.jpg Right, back to the backup or reverse light issue. Another example recommended by Bill in GulfPort was this design and item. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqdapi0qz.png Small enough to fit in places. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psvkqszosr.png http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqv2vpxtg.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbv812btk.jpg Photophuckit account renewed tonight, I get really peeved at these companies holding us to ransom but the contribution the forums and friendships generated here, make to my life and threads worthwhile. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5pio09nx.jpg Now we can post up pics again. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Back to the Blazer
Got home tonight and stepped through the front door in the dark, onto a parcel. Bugggerr!! Opened it up, and a gift from a complete stranger. Mark or Captain Slug on VZi had sent these from his personal collection, came of a K5 he used to own. Not correct for the 79 but I am pretty chuffed. They came off his ex army Blazer. I will try to remove the army paint. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pswctcmymu.jpg Note the difference? http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbxrukoch.jpg Also bought a 2 LED inspection mirror on a telescopic handle. Have used a non lit one before, works well. https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psyvca5gwu.jpg Looking forward to,the weekend to getting some,time to get onto all the email jobs left to do. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Amazingly, two months and 41k views on Retro Rides, and of course more on various other forums.
Thank you all for the generous contributions to this truck that thankfully is “Not a Project” In a way it does not seem that long that this thing has cast a shadow on my driveway. Waiting for the DVLA tomatrialise with new documents (through the mail slot) so it can get a new MOT) and by the recent reports on here, it seems their turn around times are impressive. The Blazer has a slightly different issue, but it will be good to get the paperwork sorted so that I can get on with jobs and enjoy it.. Today I have some house and Christmas jobs to deal with, including making a rather large wall mounted spice rack with a slightly complex design. Some small truck jobs, like fitting the new horn, cleaning the badges and looking at Google on ways to fit and wire the sound components. Reminder. Rough as a Badgers Butt. But would you? V8 Auto http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psie0jw1lv.jpg Current look. Prozac the Van that can looking on. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdofxu3ns.jpg MoJo thoroughly enjoying this truck. |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:25 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com