Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

We just brought in a 72' Blazer for a full frame off restoration. After tearing it apart found out it had been wrecked in the back so we will need to do some body repairs after media blasting. Also discovered the frame is bent on both sides in the back behind the tank as well as the driver side behind the axle spring shackle mount. An somebody decided that the motor mount cross member did not need to be connected so that will get replaced. After discussing the frame issues with the customer, we have agreed that because of the frame damage, and lets face it we all know that Blazer frames are weak and promblematic, we will be building him a 3/4 ton frame to replace this one. This will also take care of the door alignment issues that these typically have.

https://sphotos-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/h...25610052_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...57783447_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...68083426_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...69240900_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...22371648_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...24989070_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...77296267_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...24349230_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/h...31504897_n.jpg

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Nice to meet another Randal also I cant see any pics only boxes with x's through them.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Not sure why the pics are crossed out, we are able to see them. If you are another member know of a solution that we can do on our end please let us know.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

what I do is at the bottom of the message box it will say go advance click it then
hit manage attachments and then upload the images. Good luck

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

I can see the pics.
Looks like a great project.
Subscribed:metal:

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

hmm thats wierd I can see them on my phone but not the computer

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Looks really nice
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

The tub looks to be in fairly good shape, and replacing the frame is a good idea. Nice truck good luck with your project.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

:metal:Subscribed:metal:

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Looks like solid bones to me. Should be a great project :metal:

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Watching

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Nice truck - I'm on board for the build. Are you using a 3/4 ton 4wd frame then? Also, any pics of the SPID - I'm curious if this was a Highlander equipped Blazer.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

On this project we are replacing a stock 4wd Blazer frame which is 10 gauge with 3/4 ton 7 gauge 4wd frame. We are using a long bed frame and cutting it down 22.75". In addition there will be a slight modification to the back of the frame where on a Blazer it drops. This will take care of all of the characteristic Blazer problems most people experience. This promises to be a incredible build.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n..._1323413119_n.
https://sphotos-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/h...27324319_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...57407717_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...02482463_n.jpg

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Off to great start - looking forward to seeing the build. Will it get Highlander seat covers as per originally equipped?

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Initial exploration to find out the best way to tackle the rust on the K5. We will be replacing pretty much this corner with all original parts off of another rust free donor. Takes longer but turns out better.


https://sphotos-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/h...25183282_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/h...13948303_n.jpg

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

I'll be watching this, thanks

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Quick thread hijack here; 1/2 ton frame is 10 gauge, 3/4 ton frame is 7 gauge. What gauge is a 1 ton frame?

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

4 Gauge.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Hey guys I bought a few blazers this week and one of the things that I noticed is that one of the blazers has the low back wide bucket seats in it. They seem to be in really good shape, obviously need to be reupholstered. And one of the cushions on the driver's side needs to be replaced.

The seat backs, all the sheet metal and the mechanicals are in great shape and all there. What’s is it worth and does anybody need it?

Also it has really nice Smitty built roll bar in it. The bars go to the back side bottom of the wheel wells.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

These pictures show the process of converting a 3/4 ton long bed 4wd truck frame down to a Blazer frame.


https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...83001842_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...57795524_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...26621377_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...72600925_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...58907009_n.jpg

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Making progress, nice! Those are base model "utility buckets" seen in the non-CST K5's IIRC. BTW -I'm moving to Kalispell, MT next month and am interested in the roll bar if selling - thanks, Pete

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

with your skills.... using the original for a template, selling roll bar kits would make you a shiny quater or two....

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

I can see sarge in the background...following both builds on here, gonna be pretty awesome when they're done!

If you have roll bar kit aspirations I'd love to see your ideas.

Matt

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Gonna be a nice one. Looks like the tub was at least in ok shape. Sucks the frame was boogered.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Any progress on this? I am particularly interested in the frame swap. What year is it from and what did you have to do to the rear to accommodate the blazer? Are you sticking with stock drive-train?

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

I have put together a slideshow youtube on the frame conversion, go check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUI-I...ature=youtu.be

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Nice work

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Nice work indeed. Makes my mouth water for wanting to do this to my 72' Blazer.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Nice, looking good

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

I did a little research and there seems to be some debate about the thickness of the frame between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton. Many say they are the same. Since you have both, you can easily compare. Is it substantial? I am considering finding a 3/4 ton frame and doing the same if there is a large difference.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

This is not a part of my job that I really look forward to when I get up in the morning but sometimes you just have to cowboy up and ride the bull. I wish it only took 8 seconds. In these pictures, you will see the replacement procedure on replacing a very badly damaged rear floor section. I decided it was better to replace it than to repair it. Fatigued and stretched metal is never a good foundation to build on. Fortunately, I purchased a couple K5s that one of them had a really good floor in it. No aftermarket junk here, its all GM metal. More pics to come on the actual installation these are just of the removal.


https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...18058484_n.jpg

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

And these are last few pictures from the post above.

For those of you that are thinking about doing something like this or disassembling a regular bed I have come up with what I think is the best way of getting all the bolts out. Don't try to take the nuts off, tighten them until they break off.



https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...50581655_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...84829172_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...24757631_n.jpg

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

To answer your question; there is a substantial difference between a K5 and a 3/4 ton. The 3/4 ton is a 7 gauge thickness and the K5 is a 10 gauge thickness. That is about the same thickness as my lawn mower deck. I personally and professionally believe that the single best investment that a K5 owner could make to his vehicle is a 3/4 ton frame and the nice thing about that is that you can build it separately and move the blazer over to it no matter how nice it is. Keeping in mind that you are all but eliminating door jam and roof cracking problems. And nobody will be able to tell that it is a 3/4ton frame unless you tell them.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

The blazer is a 72', fortunately the customer had a 72' 4wd drive donor truck . Yes we are sticking to the stock drive train and I believe your other questions are best answered by the pics being posted below on the frame build. One modification we are making for the customer, we are custom building a receiver hitch that will be located behind the license plate. The way we are building this hitch we will be eliminating the stock bumper brackets and reinforcing the bumper to protect the rear of the vehicle from any rear impact that may happen.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Wow that bed section doesn't look rusty at all. You should see mine. Lol. I'm missing the rear 2 inches where the carpet plate bolted into the tail pan. I wish mine was as good as that piece you just took out.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Can a 1-ton 2x4 frame be easily used for a K5 replacement? I know where one is that's been sitting for a decade or two, and the owner would probably pay me to drag it away.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

no I don't believe so.the back of a one time frame is actuallyan inch higher then a regular pickup truck frame. Not exactly impossible but I sure wouldn't spend the extra time trying to make it work if I had a three-quarter ton frame available.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Quality work on the frame. Great slideshow. I have an affinity for K5's. My Dad gave me his when I turned 16. Had to sell it in 1989 and regretted it the day I sold it.

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Well as promised here are the rest of the pictures of the bed floor installation. After doing the media blasting on this yesterday, I have come to realize that we are going to have to come up with a media blasting room. I spent more time chasing the damn hinges around trying to strip them. I'm sure if there was fly on the wall he was probably laughing his ass off. No, but seriously I've not been able to do as much media blasting because of the outside elements, ie rain, and soon enough snow. For those you of who have been following my posts; you know that I will build it and it will be better than anything you can buy on the open market. Robotics sold separately.


https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/...25871564_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/...85481699_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/...80672607_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/...84332158_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/...61361630_n.jpg

Re: Frame Off 72' Blazer Restoration
 

Lookin good. I'd love to have that clean a tub