1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

I have been reading many of the VERY informative threads here for a couple months now before finally picking up my new addition last Saturday, a 1969 Blazer. I flew to Phoenix, transferred title and drove here home about 400 miles. Lost about a quart of oil from the valve covers, well just took it out of the engine and spread it across the under carriage, tail gate and hatch. I did the compression test today to find she is pretty tired, varible compression through out with two cylinders pretty low. I squirted a little oil in the cylinder to see if it helped bring up the compression, it didn't so I may just try a valve job on the heads first.
Any way here is how I got her...
4" Lift (block rear) and 33" BFG Mud Terrains
350/350 Np205 with 12 bolt and 3:73 gears
The rear seat is out of my brothers Jimmy (beonkey), this one came with a descent condition original CST bench he is testing to see if he wants it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...8_640x426_.jpg
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Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

My brother found the matching rear superlift 4" leaf spring pack on craigslist so I can ditch the block. I got the existing interior cleared out and new valve covers installed.
Rancho 9000XL on stand by along with 2008 Escalade seats (2nd and 3rd row)
Family Cage
Exhaust
Carpet and interior, etc etc

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...1_640x426_.jpg
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...3_640x426_.jpg

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Nice! A very clean truck. I think it has the perfect amount of lift.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

very nice! looks solid

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Welcome Dustin, it looks like you have a very solid start to your Blazer! There are a lot of guys on here that are very helpful and you can find a lot of great ideas.

Make sure you save your original bucket seats and brackets when you install your newer seats. They are very desirable to a lot of people on here if you want to sell them.

I decided to start a thread on my seat install if you want to check out what I did. I didn't want to clutter your build thread up with my stuff.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post5224761

David

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Between you, your brother and dad, that's quite a collection of blazers.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Thanks David! This that is very helpful.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

If we could just get my sister to buy a 71 :lol:

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Yeah Bro, finally on here! Looking good. Scrub the tub and cruise it over for some Al's liner. Looking good.
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Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

very nice find looks very sharp

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

So yesterday I installed poly body bushings. Today I removed the rear 4" block and stock springs. I replaced them with them with the matching rear 4" Superlift springs (used in great shape) to match the front, I also installed 4 Rancho 9000XL shocks. Before installing I measured it out and realized the rear would be lower and it is. I kinda like that look anyway, kinda stock but taller... This may level out a little as I believe the front springs are much newer than the rear, but I am OK with it either way.
Now tomorrow I need to finish with the valve covers, plugs, wires etc so I can test the new suspension parts. Today was a long day between trips to the parts store for u bolts :( and laying on the concrete fighting the nuts and bolts.

Before
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...0_640x426_.jpg
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...1_640x426_.jpg

AFTER:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...4_640x426_.jpg
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Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

If you check around you will find that the rear sag is common on these 1st gen blazers. I think they might have been that way from the factory. Most people will buy a lift kit with 2" more lift for the rear than the front. I have all original springs and will use a combination of air shocks and a short lift block to level it out.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

I think you are right about them coming from the factory that way, that is how my Dad's has always been. Maybe not as much drop as mine has now to to the age difference in the springs. For the time being I will leave it alone, if it turns out I don't like it this way I will probably drop the front 2".

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Well after some thought I decided on a crate motor from summit (GM Performance) 350/290 HP. So I pulled everything but the block out, block comes out today. I am going to clean up/replace some of the wiring the PO's did as well as some of their other handy work (i.e. Great Stuff window and door foam), there is red, black and white paint in the engine compartment, etc etc. I need to be quick as I need this on the road asap and the new engine arrives today or tomorrow I hope. Anyway, here are some before and during pictures. I will check the block today, I think it may be original, if it is I will keep it and take my time building up something fun for the Blazer down the road.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...6/IMG_6417.JPG
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Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

The Al's Liner arrived yesterday so I need to start prepping for that also...

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Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

If you haven't ordered the motor yet, Jeg's was offering free shipping on all GM performance parts crate motors. Shipping is usually about $150.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Thanks! Summit shipped it for free also to my door. Thanks for the heads up.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Sweet! Someone who has the same lift as me. How does yours ride? Mine needs a lot of work before I can get it on the road and the PO used '73+ springs on the front, so I've been trying to decide whether to just get the proper 4" Superlift springs for the front, or sell the current lift as a '73+ kit and get something different.

Beautiful truck. :)

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Love it! Congrats. Would love to live down there again so I could take weekend trips to Johnson Valley.

Jeff

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Thank you. I won't be able to tell you how she rides for another week or so, crate motor gets he tomorrow. I did putt her around the block with the rear springs and new rancho 9000xl shocks, I had them set to zero on all four corners and it had made the ride very soft... I will have to dial in the shocks once back on the road, but I think the shocks are what are going to make the biggest difference with this lift... I can already tell that it was money well spent. I took off the Superlift superide shocks that were a year or two old and came with the truck.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Big Bear will probably be my first off road trip, maybe drop down the back side to Johnson Valley/Soggy dry lake area... sounds like fun!

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

When the Germans decide to make a Blazer I'll buy one ;)

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Ohh boy, looks like we got the whole family to be forum members. Sis, in the future, please refrain from the vulgar and offensive language ;)
:flagw::flagw::flagw::flagw::flagw::flagw::flagw::flagw:

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Yesterday I got the original clutch hole in the fire wall filled and a few hole PO's made. Engine compartment gets attacked today and tomorrow. The way the wires are run is really bothering me, but that will have to be taken care of on a weekend once she is up and running... priorities. Started prep for the Al's liner as well. The crate motor gets delivered tomorrow... hopefully I will have it in this weekend.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...3_640x426_.jpg

Some friends helping me out...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...2_640x426_.jpg

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Yeah, as a rule I hate white vehicles, but yours doesn't look bad at all.

Does the back of your Blazer sag any? Mine doesn't, but it's pretty much stripped down, too, so I can't tell how badly these springs sag. I think I'll ultimately stick with the 4" springs, but another option I'm looking at is going to 2" in the front.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Thanks I had to break my silver or graphite rut I had been stuck in for the last three trucks I have owned.
Yes if has the factory sag in the rear, I am not sure if I like it or not yet... if I end up wanting it level I too will go with 2" front springs. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the rear are a little more "broke in" than the front.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

I was thinking I read that here, but couldn't remember. It's untelling how long mine have been installed. Couple years I'd say, but the u bolts still look almost new. That's the only good thing about my truck being stripped - the back was so light that I don't think the springs have sagged at all. The PO must have put them on and then lost interest for some reason. I suspect it has to do with the truck's inability to turn the steering wheel to the right past center.

Not sure what color I'll paint mine. Or what interior to go with. I think I'll just Krylon it for my road trip. That way I won't cry if I get some trail rash.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Update on front drivers seat bracket. Some before, during and after pics. Don't pay any attention to the FWD marking on the rear part of the new bracket...obviously I didn't! :) It was symmetric before I added the cutout to clear the floor hump and was installed under the seat when I marked it for the floor so I couldn't see the markings I had made.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Looks GREAT 29od1, Thank you! I can't wait to see them in the Blazer. 29od1 had fabbed the 2008 2nd row captain seat brackets previously, he was kind enough to help me out and let me hire him to fab mine.

I pulled my old motor last week and put the crate engine in but couldn't get it to fire, bought a new dizzy yesterday... the fix she needed! Cam is broken in and running great.

I did a very quick once over on the engine compartment before, rerouted some wires, taped them up, new hoses and grommets, etc. I used some cleaner/degreaser and several cans of the low gloss black (satin) dupli-color engine paint. Looks good, not a show truck, but a good looking driver/off-roader.

I am sanding the bed/cab then I am spraying Al's liner today/tomorrow... My Brother pulled the seat out of his Jimmy so I can finish the break in and take it to get the cage built.

Couple of friends helping me with the pull:
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I will take some after pics of the engine today and post them tonight.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

So down the line I may want to dress it up a bit with so chrome etc, but for the time being... (I didn't finish until after dark, I will take better pics tomorrow)

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/p...ictureid=15305

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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/p...ictureid=15306

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Looks like a good install. The main thing is that it runs. Are you going to spray a coat of primer on the bed before the liner or spray it as is?

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

I agree, it runs, that . I made a bracket that I don't like for the fuel line (modified old spark plug wire holder) it will eventually wear into the fuel line.
I will prime the floor pan before spraying, bought the kit which includes primer. I also bought the additional flattener for a well, flatter finish (flat/satin vs semi gloss).

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

I'll be doing ls Liner very soon also. Started prepping the bed saturday. One tip I got from another board member is that it will spray smoother if you open the trigger further and have more texture with less trigger pull. I got the rubber additive for mine but not the flattener, and I bought some tint to match my paint. What color are you doing?

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

I am going with black. Thanks for the tip, I will be searching out different techniques for different textures. I am pretty much just doing this as a heat and noise (I know they make HNR specific) or if I want to pull the carpet out in the future. It will be nice to know that if i get hit with rain or soak the carpet there is some protection for the floor. I just finished grinding off the old liner of some sort (It was a pain to get off) and going to lacquer thinner tonight. Should hopefully spray tomorrow or Thursday.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

It looks like you have a good start on your engine and liner!

I finished the brackets and just need to blast them today and they'll be on their way to sunny California on Monday morning.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Those look GREAT! Your timing also couldn't be better, I just grabbed the seat from my brothers Jimmy for the exhaust, not having the seats in forces me to get the small stuff done also :) (much needed).
I need the new seats in before the cage fabrication for clearances and the 3 point seat belt anchor locations.

Thank you again!

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

When I used Al's Liner on the entire inner cab/bed of the K5 it took about 1 & 1/2 kits. I sprayed it on thick...should have sprayed it on thin. Thick caused lots of bare spots that took more of the Liner to cover. Also, I probably should have primed it since the original ochre floor color showed through the bare spots....well, actually, maybe that was a good thing to let me know where I missed.

I guess what I'm saying is that you may need more than one kit...

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

Thanks OldCreek, I actually started with 2 gallons of Al's Liner and it wasn't enough. I put it on fairly thick, but my plan of attack wasn't well thought out. For anyone doing this in the future... Mix maybe half a gallon first, get in and get the corners and hard spots (nooks and crannies) from the center of the bed, then under the rail with whats left of that half gallon (do this last or you may spill it, ask me how I know :fry:. Then mix the next full gallon and go after it, leaving the last half a gallon for thin parts and touch up places you may have missed. That is what I would do if I had another shot at it anyway.
My third gallon is on the way for touch ups etc. I ended up using the medium tip on the $20 harbor freight gun, adjusted the trigger pull as hgs_notes suggested and only used half the flattener per gallon, I like it. It is raining so I will take pics tomorrow.

I only used the etching primer on the bare metal areas, otherwise I just scuffed the paint and cleaned it very well with lacquer thinner per the instructions. It was very easy to do and would recommend it so far.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

I have the 350/290hp in my caprice. IMO, great motor for a runner, or a base for a build up. Ive got about 15,000 highway miles on it and it just purs like a kitten and it puts along great. On powerblock tv's website they put the edelbrock top end kit #2099 and it made 411hp/435tq on 87 octane.

Re: 1969 Blazer...To be my daily driver
 

I will check this kit out. I won't be making any changes until she becomes my weekend car and competition with the 65 Malibu SS.

Here are some updated pics of where it's at now.
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I just got the exhaust done yesterday, I went from duals to a single out the drivers side (more torque and helps keeps the heat away from the transfer case). I bought the 3rd row seat brackets off ebay from (custom manufacturing) they are made extremely well and are the "universal" option that are a little taller for trucks like ours that don't have the Tahoe divets in the floor. I reinforced the brackets using large steel plates underneath and grade 8 bolts and lock nuts. The instructions they came with were excellent as well. The seats have room to be adjusted/centered between the wheels, I just put them in to check it out real quick. New steering stabilizer, Rancho RS5000 to match the shocks, found one brand new in an opened box on ebay for $2.31, $15 total with shipping. The front seat brackets are coming back tomorrow from 29od1 and I will be installing those tomorrow. Saturday I am taking it to have the cage installation completed... cant wait then I can start driving here around :metal: