Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Nice progress, punch list is getting rather small...back when I was working on my heater control panel, I thought the single core cables were quite stiff, then it occurred to me why not use a multi strand cable like the throttle cable from lokar. More flexible

Any way keep up the great work, very good write up, tons of info., and thanks for sharing

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Please tell me more about your heater cables! pics, part numbers etc!

In doing some reading I may need to lube up these cables. Will do that and reply back!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

well, it will be awhile before I get back into the heater system, but basically just replace the solid core cable with stranded and lubricate, the ends could be made out of aluminum. if you need help with ends lmk

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Are you saying keep the black plastic sheathing and replace the cable itself with a braided (ie more flexy) cable and attach new ends?

I think i get it now. I've never worked with that style cable before but suppose i could give it a go. Yeah let me know what you thought for the cable ends...

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

I was thinking buy the whole shroud and stranded cable

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ac70d98f_c.jpg[url=https://flic.kr/p/2hsGAwD]20191009_130922

to much light but you may get the idea, the aluminum ends are attached with four set screws

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

10/21 - "Nipples, Clamps, and...Hoses"

I promise this is a post about the K/5 :lol:

Spent some time this past weekend taking care of some loose (hose) ends in the engine bay.

Started off draining the radiator, popping the top hose off and unbolting the mounts so i could lean it forward and install to the battery tray bolts that are right next to the radiator. Then I got to work on the evap system hoses, and heater hoses.

Attachment 1951806

Attachment 1951809

I think everything came out pretty clean and i'm happy with the hose routing. I routed the evap PCV and timed vacuum lines back behind the heater then behind the fender to the corner where the evap can is.

Attachment 1951808

Got the brake booster line ran to a 90* rear manifold fitting, plugged the rear carb fitting. the 90 allowed me to use a shorter booster hose and the elbow pointed it right over towards the booster so you dont have a long snaking hose.

Attachment 1951807

And then I also swapped on a new grill bowtie and got the headlights installed :chevy:

Attachment 1951810

And the updated punch list:

PUNCH LIST
Under Dash
-Radio + Aux/USB in the cig lighter + hidden antenna
-Connect dash grounds
-Check carb gets to WOT with pedal travel
-Install glove box

Interior
-Install door seals (ordered new press on seals)
-Cut MLV and install under front carpet
-Finalize front carpet placement and make holes for shifter, dimmer switch, + seat bolts, seat belts
-Install shifter, boot, + trim ring
-Install new rear carpet
-Drill holes for: front + rear carpet strips, sill plates, tailgate seal vertical strips, center console mounting holes

Underhood
-Finish underhood wiring
-Install radiator overflow
-Install wiper fluid reservior
-Install horns
-Cut 1/4" threaded rod for air cleaner stud

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

11/4 - Leveling the playing field

Alright so a couple weeks ago when " first installed the ACC carpet (that was too short) I did a little side project on the leveling mats for the rear cargo area.

Mine were in...rough shape :waah: but i thought I'd try to salvage them. I ordered a roll of some mass loaded vinyl for sound deadening purposes and planned to use it under the carpet. So I took my falling apart mats...

Attachment 1955504

....cut out the shape in the vinyl...

Attachment 1955505

...and used some high strength adhesive to affix it on top of my mats to strengthen them and prevent further deterioration.

Attachment 1955506

Attachment 1955508

Got them in the truck, cut another sheet of the vinyl to go between the two leveling mats) then laid the new rear carpet with my helper :lol: (ACC replaced the carpet after giving a few simple measurements and pics, shipped for free, and didn't want my old carpet back. Not sure what to do now with a old piece!)

Attachment 1955507

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Then I wanted to get the carpet strips in place as well as the tailgate seal.

Attachment 1955516

Attachment 1955517

Attachment 1955518

Everything looked good to me except the gap seems excessive between the tailgate and the seal with the gate closed...The gate seals well on the vertical side areas, but in the middle on the horizontal it's almost like the tailgate is bowed. See the below pic. Is this normal?

Attachment 1955519

I addition I laid the rest of the dynamat that goes behind the rear panels and inside the doors then started to assemble the Retrosound radio unit so that I might be able to install it next time!

...the updated punch list:

PUNCH LIST
Under Dash
-Radio + Aux/USB in the cig lighter + hidden antenna
-Connect dash grounds
-Check carb gets to WOT with pedal travel
-Install glove box

Interior
-Install door seals (ordered new press on seals)
-Cut MLV and install under front carpet
-Finalize front carpet placement and make holes for shifter, dimmer switch, + seat bolts, seat belts
-Drill holes for: center console mounting holes and still plates
-Install tcase shifter, boot, + trim ring

Underhood
-Finish underhood wiring
-Install radiator overflow
-Install wiper fluid reservoir
-Install horns
-Cut 1/4" threaded rod for air cleaner stud

Misc
Get battery cables
Get fire extinguisher
Double check all fluids

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

11/16 - Getting Worlds to Align

I think I mentioned something about a simple 15 minute install ends up taking 90 minutes in a prior post. Yesterdays adventure was very much in this vein.

I received the new precision weatherstripping press-on door seals earlier in the week and make it the goal to install these. I unbolted the top and a friend and I moved it back about 8" along the bed rails and just let it set there. Easy. That took 10 minutes :lol:

We proceeded to screw the large rubber ends to the windshield frame and press the seals onto the seam. After they were in place we unbolted the rubber ends, peeled them away from the windshield a few inches to apply sealant to the rubber end in an effort to prevent moisture from seeping down inside the windshield frame.

These seals are very nice and have a very good grip on the seam. The door rubber is very soft and the doors still close nicely with them installed. Very easy install.

We're now maybe about 30 minutes into the install...and I bet you can guess what happens next.

In short we struggled for about the next 3 hours to set the stop back in place and get all the bolt holes to align. We finally prevailed and learned some tricks along the way, but man, what a PITA.

Here's some pics of the seal:
Attachment 1958881

Attachment 1958882

Attachment 1958883

Then we had about 30 minutes left of daylight so we got the front bumper mounted up :chevy: Oh and I got that nice shiny stainless hardware on the diff cover :lol:

Attachment 1958880

Might see if I can get a couple hours or work in today, and then I have the next 3 days off work and will be putting in FULL days on the truck. Anything short of massive progress will be a huge disappointment for me :ito:

PUNCH LIST
Under Dash
-Radio + Aux/USB in the cig lighter + hidden antenna
-Connect dash grounds
-Check carb gets to WOT with pedal travel
-Install glove box

Interior
-Cut MLV and install under front carpet
-Finalize front carpet placement and make holes for shifter, dimmer switch, + seat bolts, seat belts
-Drill holes for: center console mounting holes and still plates
-Install tcase shifter, boot, + trim ring

Underhood
-Finish underhood wiring
-Install radiator overflow
-Install wiper fluid reservoir
-Install horns
-Cut 1/4" threaded rod for air cleaner stud

Misc
Get fire extinguisher
Double check all fluids

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

11/18-11/20: Warp Speed Ahead!

Alright so Monday through Weds of this week i was able to put at least 6hrs into the truck each day and I feel really good about the progress. More importantly I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! :metal:

After getting the top back in place, I worked to get the CST panels in place. I didn't want to deal with screws so I bought this 3M velcro style fastener. Unlike velcro that has a fuzzy side (loops) and a hard side (hooks) the 3m product has plastic interlocking tabs for lack of a better terms that lock with the opposing side when pressed together. It hold very well and I didn't have to drill holes in my stupid-expensive CST panels.

Attachment 1960286
Attachment 1960287
Attachment 1960288

I then turned my attention to the front lights and engine wiring harnesses. As mentioned before I'm using the AAW Classic Update kit and it's pretty awesome but some forethought goes a long way in making sure you don't mess up. Especially since I wanted to wrap the harness in the OE style vinyl wrap I had to plan ahead where wires would exit the harness and where they were routing.

Attachment 1960289

I also used this braided wire wrap in some cases where the vinyl tape didn't seem like the best option:

It's a good product, hides your wires, and offers a little more protection that just being bare.

Attachment 1960290

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

You can see the wire wrap used here on the brake wiring and the alternator wiring:

Attachment 1960298
Attachment 1960300

Here's some shots of the headlight areas, and the wire bundle for the HEI, TCC lock up, temp sender, and starter.

Attachment 1960296
Attachment 1960297
Attachment 1960299

I completed all that by Tuesday. Wednesday I completed the rear light wiring which turned out pretty nice but I didn't get any shots of it. Only thing left to do wiring related is installing the radio, hook up the horns, electric fans, and make sure all my grounds are connected!

Here's what's next:

PUNCH LIST
Under Dash
-Radio + Aux/USB in the cig lighter + hidden antenna
-Connect dash grounds
-Check carb gets to WOT with pedal travel
-Install glove box

Interior
-Cut MLV and install under front carpet
-Finalize front carpet placement and make holes for shifter, dimmer switch, + seat bolts, seat belts
-Drill holes for: center console mounting holes and still plates
-Install tcase shifter, boot, + trim ring

Underhood
-Install radiator fluid reservoir
-Install horns
-Wire Electric Fans

Misc
Get fire extinguisher
Double check all fluids

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

ALLLLL very nice! That wire wrap is exactly what I was looking for too, thanks

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Been away from the board for awhile and I come back to see an update on this build. Wow - very nice work. I've been tinkering on my stuff when I get time.

I did see this comment from post #207 - Got them in the truck, cut another sheet of the vinyl to go between the two leveling mats) then laid the new rear carpet with my helper (ACC replaced the carpet after giving a few simple measurements and pics, shipped for free, and didn't want my old carpet back. Not sure what to do now with a old piece!)

I would be interested in the short cargo carpet if you wanted to find a new home for it. I just swapped all the rear sheet metal on a 71 blazer and want to protect the floor from scratching until I get it covered up. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

I use a company called Wire care, that sleeve comes in differant sizes and I prefer spilral care, slit so you can wrap it and it closes back up when done

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

VERY NICE WORK, I was confused, when I saw the upper rad. hose clamp in the middle of the hose, then blew up the pic and saw why.
punch list is getting smaller

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Any chance you have a link? Thank you!!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Ha yes I needed to backtrack and remove the battery tray so I could have room to work on the headlight wiring. And as you know in order to get to the bolts i had to loosen the top radiator mounts and hose.

If you want to pay shipping on the carpet I can send it your way - though if you're seeking a temporary solution i'd imagine there's better solutions?

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Don't know how to do a link but, if you google wirecare.com you should find it

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

I initially Googled "wire care" but it looked like a ton of entries; never di try wirecare.com, but that's it!

https://www.wirecare.com/

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

2/10/19 Finish Line in Sight

I haven't posted much over the past two months but I've been tinkering here and there. The holidays monopolized much of December, then I got a gnarly cold that took me out of commission for a couple weeks, and we celebrated an anniversary as well as my daughter's 6th birthday.

Anyways here's what I've been able to accomplish over the past two months:

Radio installation - unit is from RetroSound (Long Beach Model). Seemed to fit well and I followed older posts to aid with installation. Went in pretty smooth. Still no speakers in the truck but I'll probably let a car audio shop tackle that.

Also got all the under dash grounds connected and the auxiliary/USB radio connections fitted into the cigar lighter spot.

Attachment 1981737

I got my electric relays wired up and the horns installed as well. Only thing left to do under the hood is install the radiator overflow, and refill the rad with coolant.

Attachment 1981738

Then I tossed a battery in and started checking my work :uhmk:
Few issues:
-Reverse lights come on in Drive
-Weird issue where my left tail light would not fully illuminate when brakes are pressed, but right would illuminate fully. But then when I put on the headlights, THEN pressed the brakes the left would function normally but the right would only illuminate partly.
-To be determined if my Temperature and Fuel Gauges work properly. (There's minimal gas in the tank and since i don't have exhaust on the truck yet I haven't started it since August!)

Anyways I got out there yesterday with my daughter to adjust the NSS, which also resulted in my adjusting the Lokar 700r4 shift linkage to get everything working correctly - and now my shift indicator lines up adequately with the correct gear!

Attachment 1981739

Then I went on to troubleshoot the tail lights thinking I crossed wires at the rear connector or a possible insufficient ground issue. Wires seemed to trace correctly so I popped the lens off to try making a makeshift ground to test the issue and while I was fiddling with making a ground wire my daughter starts playing with the illuminated bulb in the socket and I notice when she touches the bulb it illuminates the second filament! So I mess around with the bulbs and I had no idea you could install the bulbs the wrong way! Apparently the two prongs on the side of the bulb are spaced differently so if you don't put it in the right way it won't seat all the way down on the socket contacts. Anyways that's solved!

One other minor issue is with the glove box light bulb. It illuminates but when I press the plunger (as if the glove box closes) it literally EJECTS the bulb from the socket! Anyone had this happen?

Ok so with all that done I went to bolt down my seats...what a huge pain in the ass. I've got the rear seat about 80% in when i decided to call it quits. I need different hardware for the front two bolts. They appear to require something other than 11/16" coarse thread bolts. Anyone have the bolt specs for the front two bolts?

And I also ordered some longer bolts to get my front seats bolted down.

And that's where I'm at! Im sure some of you follow Mike's Build but we're both aiming to be ready for the Goodguys Show in late March! Wish us luck!

Lastly to cap off this long post here's the punch list. I'm fairly confident this is EVERYTHING left to do...:smoke:

PUNCH LIST
Under Dash
-Attached hidden antenna under dash
-Check carb gets to WOT with pedal travel
-Install glove box

Interior
-Bolt in front seats
-Make holes in carpet for shifter, dimmer switch, driver seat belt
-Drill holes for: center console mounting holes and sill plates
-Install t-case shifter, boot, + trim ring
-Finish bolting in rear seat
-Install steering wheel (tempted to get the new 15" OE style wheel!)
-Install door panels

Underhood
-Install radiator overflow reservoir

Final Wiring Touches
-Apply silicone and dielectric grease to wire connections/fuse block
-Install wire clamps along frame rail

Misc
-Install Rollbar mounted fire extinguisher
-Double check all fluids
-Install rear bumper
-Diff breather hose for 14 bolt
-Double check door locks match ignition cyl key :ito:
-Get exhaust :devil:

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

WOW what a transformation. Nice looking Blazer!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

One thing that I noticed, other than all the great work, was you have the caps on the door weather strip. I thought they wouldn't let the air out, thus making it hard to close the door

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Are you talking about the little plugs on the b-pillar ends? They have since fallen out (they just press in) and I have been meaning to add some RTV and put them back. either way the door seals are VERY soft and I didn't notice any resistance with them installed. I doubt the little plugs would really change much. Or i might leave em off if they make it too hard to close.

Thank you!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Yeah, they probably got ejected, the first time you closed the door lol

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Please be Seated

Found a few hours yesterday to work on the K5.

Got the rear seat installation finished. For anyone reading it's 1/2" coarse thread X4 for the back bolts and the 2 front bolts are 7/16" coarse.

Attachment 1985462
Attachment 1985464

Longer bolts (1.5") came in for the front seats so I got those installed and even had enough time to get the sill plates installed as well. Not as much progress as I'd of liked but it's a pain in the butt to get the bolts lined up, through the carpet, mass loaded vinyl, and heat foam. But I slowly prevailed.

Attachment 1985463
Attachment 1985461
Attachment 1985468

Also tossed in the floor mats. Look pretty good if I don't say so myself!

Updated punch list below!

PUNCH LIST
Under Dash
-Attached hidden antenna under dash
-Check carb gets to WOT with pedal travel
-Install glove box

Interior
-Install front seat belts
-Install t-case shifter, boot, + trim ring
-Install center console
-Install dimmer switch grommet
-Install steering wheel
-Install Rollbar mounted fire extinguisher
-Install door panels + door panel trim

Underhood
-Install radiator overflow reservoir

Final Wiring Touches
-Apply silicone and dielectric grease to wire connections/fuse block
-Install wire clamps along frame rail

Misc
-Get exhaust
-Double check all fluids
-Install rear bumper
-Diff breather hose for 14 bolt
-Double check door locks match ignition cyl key

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Fronts bolts on the rear seat should have been 7/16 fine, I'm guessing if you ran a tap in then they are coarse now.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

See i thought they might be fine so I bought both coarse and fine just to be sure - I started with a coarse thread chaser to clean up the treads and it went in rather smoothly. Not like I was cutting from fine to coarse...

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

double post

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Loose Ends - 2/25

Yesterday I had a surprise opportunity to work from home. Work ended up being extremely slow and it ended up being one of the most productive days I've ever had working on the K5.

Rather than bore everyone with a storied description of everything I accomplished here's a massive list and some proof (photos :smoke:)

-bolt in seat belts
-cut hole in carpet for shifter
-bolt on shifter + linkage (need longer screws to attach boot/trim ring)
-cut hole in carpet for high-beam switch grommet
-cram console in place (it's a VERY tight squeeze between the utility buckets but I'm determined to make it work. Also need hardware before making it permanent)
-swap out ignition and door lock cylinders so they all match
-install roll bar mounted quick release fire extinguisher...which i hope I never have to use...
-install wiring clips holding rear harness wiring to frame
-install diff breather hose for 14 bolt
-install new 15" stock style wheel + horn kit
-install radiator overflow to passenger fender
-fill radiator w/ fluid
-fill differentials and tcase w/ fluid

Here's some pics:

Attachment 1986078

Attachment 1986080

Attachment 1986081

Attachment 1986085

Attachment 1986086

And the ever shortening punch list :ito:

PUNCH LIST
Under Dash
-Attached hidden antenna under dash
-Check carb gets to WOT with pedal travel
-Install glove box

Interior
-Screw down shifter boot trim ring (have screws ready now)
-Drill holes for center console (have screws ready now)
-Install door panels, door panel trim, arm rests, escutcheons

Final Wiring Touches
-Apply silicone and dielectric grease to fuse block + rear body connection

Misc
-Get exhaust
-Add wiper fluid, double check engine and trans fluid levels
-Install rear bumper + license plate bracket

If I Have Time :lol:
-Get windows tinted
-Install speakers
-Maybe a hydraboost setup?

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

I sure like your seats. Whoever did them really did a nice job.

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

I love your build! Very nice blazer. Good luck with the shake down trip this weekend.
And I really want a foot pedal for the high beam switch!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

^^^^^^^^

x2!!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Thanks guys. Yeah I thought the foot was just goofy/playful and I kept it from the first blazer I bought. If you missed it here was the story on that:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=180

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Truck looks great good work, and good luck on first drive, hope all goes well for you

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Let's see that exhaust? Ready for burnouts yet?

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

They're never quite done, are they?

Well got exhaust installed on Saturday (towed there and back) and upon arriving home I was sitting idling in the street in front of my house when the tow truck driver offered to air up a low tire I had. While this was happening my brother noticed steam coming from under hood. Immediately killed the engine. waiting a few mins, once the tow truck driver left, started it an put in into the driveway. Also upon startup when cold the engine wanted to surge to 2500 rpm, might have a vac leak. Soooo no test drive. :lol:

Sunday I went out to the garage and noticed a small leak from the top rad hose. So i sinched that up and then I wanted to noodle with the carb and see if I could get the cold start RPM settled. While tweaking the IMS and checking for leaks etc I started smelling coolant...Checked the temp gauge and it seemed normal, right in the middle, but then looked under the truck and there was a pretty steady stream/spray of coolant going all over :mm:

Anyways that's about where I got with it haha. Today I had the truck towed back to the body shop to address some issues in the paint I found while assembling the truck overt the past 6 months. While it's there I'm going to have the mechanic that works there replace the water pump, look into the high idle, and I've also asked him to install and Hydraboost system as the brakes were rather weak at best (carb doesnt pull much vacuum).

So anyways here's some pics!

Attachment 1987592

Attachment 1987593

Attachment 1987594

Attachment 1987595



PUNCH LIST
Under Dash
-Attached hidden antenna under dash
-Check carb gets to WOT with pedal travel

Interior
-Install door panels, door panel trim, arm rests, escutcheons (after paint corrections to door)
-Install glove box (after speaker installation)

Misc
-Add wiper fluid
-Install wipers (after cowl antenna hole gets shaved)
-Get windows tinted
-Install speakers, maybe small underseat sub/amp

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Sounds like a few hiccups but nothing major; awesome looking rig!!

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Finishing Touches - 5/26/20

Alright so back in early March I was really pushing to have the K5 ready for my first goodguys show that was scheduled for late march. Well....plans change as the world changes haha.

Anyways while the truck was back at the body shop for paint corrections and to shave the antenna hole, I had the shop mechanic replace the water pump, put in a hydraboost set up, and we also determined I needed a higher stall torque converter. So I opted for a locally made custom stall (2400) unit.

Anyways I pushed the guys to have it ready for the long weekend and they delivered! I went down to the shop Friday afternoon and she was ready to go. Drove her 45+ miles home and she ran/drove like a champ! Temps were cool, steering was crisp at most speeds (but it likely needs a better alignment and I need to check/equalize tire pressures), accelerated nicely and braked effectively! It was a blast to drive!

But...and there's always a but right? When I pulled into the driveway and got out I noticed there were fresh drips and low and behold looking under the truck showed a steady leak coming from the T-case rear output seal. :waah:

Attachment 2019089

Attachment 2019090

Attachment 2019091

Anyways parts are on order and should have it back on the road by end of the week. In the meantime there were odds and ends to take care of.

I installed these nice decorative wipers that will never get used lol:

Attachment 2019092

And I wanted to show off these custom CNC cut badges :metal::

Attachment 2019093

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Then I got to work installing the door panels and arm rests on and I love the way it completes the look of the interior:

Attachment 2019095

Attachment 2019096

Got this harness all ready so my co-pilot is safe and sound:

Attachment 2019097

I installed these sleek panels to cover the rad/core support gap:

Attachment 2019094

One issue i'm having though is with my hatch latches. Only the driver side catches and I can't figure out why. Any advice on adjusting these?


PUNCH LIST
Under Dash
-Attached hidden antenna under dash
-Check carb gets to WOT with pedal travel
-Install AFR gauge, maybe get trans temp gauge too...

Interior
-Find audio shop to set up sound system
-Install glove box (after speaker installation)

Misc
-Add wiper fluid
-Get windows tinted
-Check and set tire pressure
-Get Alignment checked

Re: The "In over my head" build thread
 

Man....at a loss for words! That Blazer looks incredible!

Congratulations on nearing completion!

Pat