AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build - Page 8 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

AJs72K5 · 10-11-2010, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Nice pair!!

Looks like a freakin' race engine now with the tube size.

Great fit, excellent days work AJ.

...I don't remember, have you fired this motor yet?

I wish I could say I did all of that in a single day. It took over a month to get all of that done. I didn't have a factory crossmember, so I had to find one. That killed a couple of weeks. The plug wires were build to fit...never done that before, but a set of MSD crimpers made it easy once I got the hang of it. And the list goes on... Nothing is ever straightforward and easy on these builds.

Nope still haven't fired the engine.

vtblazer · 10-11-2010, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJs72K5

I wish I could say I did all of that in a single day. It took over a month to get all of that done. I didn't have a factory crossmember, so I had to find one. That killed a couple of weeks. The plug wires were build to fit...never done that before, but a set of MSD crimpers made it easy once I got the hang of it. And the list goes on... Nothing is ever straightforward and easy on these builds.

Nope still haven't fired the engine.

Regardless, nice job.

jaros44sr · 10-11-2010, 09:13 AM

Nice work AJ!! You are goin' to make it easy for the next guy that puts a BB in their Blazer/Jimmy

How much more do you have to invest in it to get it running, looks like you're almost there

**Tom Vogel** · 10-11-2010, 09:28 AM

Which set of MSD crimpers did you use? How well do they fuction?

AJs72K5 · 10-11-2010, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Nice work AJ!! You are goin' to make it easy for the next guy that puts a BB in their Blazer/Jimmy

How much more do you have to invest in it to get it running, looks like you're almost there

Thanks Jim. I figure I have about $5000 in big parts before I'm back on the road. Edelbrock EFI upgrade, aluminum radiator, EFI fuel cell, radiator support, axle stuff, and exhaust work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

Which set of MSD crimpers did you use? How well do they fuction?

I borrowed a set of these from an engine builder friend. LINK. Worked great.
Posted via Mobile Device

jaros44sr · 10-11-2010, 08:39 PM

[QUOTE=AJs72K5;4235921]Thanks Jim. I figure I have about $5000 in big parts before I'm back on the road. Edelbrock EFI upgrade, aluminum radiator, EFI fuel cell, radiator support, axle stuff, and exhaust work.

Wow!!! that is a big chunk of change, shame our hobby is soooooo expensive!

At least your truck looks great with the money you've invested, big improvement

AJs72K5 · 10-11-2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Wow!!! that is a big chunk of change, shame our hobby is soooooo expensive!

At least your truck looks great with the money you've invested, big improvement

What's really sad is that doesn't include a paint job. That'll come in a few years.
Posted via Mobile Device

jaros44sr · 10-11-2010, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJs72K5

What's really sad is that doesn't include a paint job. That'll come in a few years.
Posted via Mobile Device

wait a minute. Didn't ya just get it painted after the fir, thought ya had some kinda special paint pattern on the tailgate...maybe it's just my oldage

BLUE THUNDER · 10-13-2010, 08:46 PM

How much longer?????

AJs72K5 · 10-13-2010, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUE THUNDER

How much longer?????

Spring time. You saw the stuff I still need to get running right? Not cheap.
Posted via Mobile Device

vtblazer · 10-14-2010, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJs72K5

Spring time. You saw the stuff I still need to get running right? Not cheap.
Posted via Mobile Device

I hear ya AJ, mines going to break the 5K mark to finish up too.

It's all the high dollar stuff that still needs to be purchased...

Burt4x4 · 10-14-2010, 02:34 PM

I often wonder what kinda of number I would get if I added up all my recipts from over the years....I may not want to know

My recipt stack is about 5" thick in my tool box

jaros44sr · 10-14-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burt4x4

I often wonder what kinda of number I would get if I added up all my recipts from over the years....I may not want to know

My recipt stack is about 5" thick in my tool box

That number doesn't bother me, but IF my wife found out, she could very well no longer be my wife

some things in this universe are better off not to be discussed

AJs72K5 · 03-31-2011, 08:20 AM

Updates are coming. I've got a pile of new parts at the shop. I'm shooting for early summer.
Posted via Mobile Device

jaros44sr · 04-01-2011, 12:38 AM

come on! can't you give a little more info than that? what's in the works

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 04-01-2011, 04:00 PM

If there's no pics there's no evidence..

AJs72K5 · 04-02-2011, 12:36 AM

Here's your teaser.... I stopped by my painter this afternoon and picked up an SUV full of shiny black parts. And these are just the ones you can see...

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 04-02-2011, 09:43 AM

wow!!!!!! Those inner fenders are awesome I don't think I have ever seen a set reflect like that..

AJs72K5 · 04-10-2011, 06:27 PM

UPDATE 4/10/11: Finally some post-worthy progress.

Been doing a bunch of work on the front Dana 44 over the past few weeks. I couldn't justify upgrading to a D60 with what I already had in the D44 and how I plan to drive the truck. However, I did want to make sure it could handle the BBC. So, here's my recipe for building one up:

Take one ARB locker...

And put it here...

then button up the pumpkin with a Ruffstuff diff cover

Bolt the axle in with a set of spring plates from Kert @ DIY4X

Now slide in a set of Yukon 4340 chromos with Superjoints

Finally, close up the hubs with a set of Warn Premiums.

I figured while I was at it, I might as well upgrade the steering. I contacted the Huisken boys at WFO Concepts for some crossover goodness. Start with a forged 2" steering arm to clear the Alcans

Add a 2wd steering box and a WFO pitman arm

Finally add a 1.5" .219 DOM drag link and tie rod. I still need to cut to length and get the inserts welded. I threw a rattlecan into the pic for reference.

That's all I have for the moment. More to come as parts are accumulating.

AJs72K5 · 04-10-2011, 08:50 PM

OK....so that wasn't enough for you? I also got some of the freshly painted parts on.

AC Delete heater box. I had to rework the right edge to match the contours of the firewall dish since I had opened it up to clear the BBC.

Core support and the new battery tray

Radiator hold down / cover from Hot Rod Dynamics (LINK)

Its amazing how just the core support will make it start to look like a truck again.

That's really it for today...

**7D2N** · 04-11-2011, 10:30 PM

AJ, very nice work. I have enjoyed following the build and glad your still at it, oh and by the way I also think chevy big blocks are for blazers.

7D2N

vtblazer · 04-12-2011, 05:40 PM

way to go bud!!

VA72C10 · 05-28-2011, 11:49 PM

Nice progress! Looking great!

Bull72 · 06-07-2011, 12:41 AM

Nice updates! Thanks and keep it coming!
Posted via Mobile Device

Big J · 06-07-2011, 07:20 AM

Its comin' together. I'm really liking the radiator. Cross over steering is pretty sweet too.

10-11-2010, 09:13 AM	#3
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,446	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build Nice work AJ!! You are goin' to make it easy for the next guy that puts a BB in their Blazer/Jimmy How much more do you have to invest in it to get it running, looks like you're almost there __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

10-11-2010, 09:28 AM	#4
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,563	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build Which set of MSD crimpers did you use? How well do they fuction?

10-11-2010, 08:39 PM	#6
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,446	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build [QUOTE=AJs72K5;4235921]Thanks Jim. I figure I have about $5000 in big parts before I'm back on the road. Edelbrock EFI upgrade, aluminum radiator, EFI fuel cell, radiator support, axle stuff, and exhaust work. Wow!!! that is a big chunk of change, shame our hobby is soooooo expensive! At least your truck looks great with the money you've invested, big improvement __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

10-13-2010, 08:46 PM	#9
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build How much longer?????

10-14-2010, 02:34 PM	#12
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build I often wonder what kinda of number I would get if I added up all my recipts from over the years....I may not want to know My recipt stack is about 5" thick in my tool box __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

03-31-2011, 08:20 AM	#14
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build Updates are coming. I've got a pile of new parts at the shop. I'm shooting for early summer. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff

04-01-2011, 12:38 AM	#15
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,446	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build come on! can't you give a little more info than that? what's in the works __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

04-01-2011, 04:00 PM	#16
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,590	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build If there's no pics there's no evidence.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

04-02-2011, 12:36 AM	#17
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build Here's your teaser.... I stopped by my painter this afternoon and picked up an SUV full of shiny black parts. And these are just the ones you can see... __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff Last edited by AJs72K5; 04-02-2011 at 09:56 AM.

04-02-2011, 09:43 AM	#18
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,590	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build wow!!!!!! Those inner fenders are awesome I don't think I have ever seen a set reflect like that.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

04-10-2011, 06:27 PM	#19
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build UPDATE 4/10/11: Finally some post-worthy progress. Been doing a bunch of work on the front Dana 44 over the past few weeks. I couldn't justify upgrading to a D60 with what I already had in the D44 and how I plan to drive the truck. However, I did want to make sure it could handle the BBC. So, here's my recipe for building one up: Take one ARB locker... And put it here... then button up the pumpkin with a Ruffstuff diff cover Bolt the axle in with a set of spring plates from Kert @ DIY4X Now slide in a set of Yukon 4340 chromos with Superjoints Finally, close up the hubs with a set of Warn Premiums. I figured while I was at it, I might as well upgrade the steering. I contacted the Huisken boys at WFO Concepts for some crossover goodness. Start with a forged 2" steering arm to clear the Alcans Add a 2wd steering box and a WFO pitman arm Finally add a 1.5" .219 DOM drag link and tie rod. I still need to cut to length and get the inserts welded. I threw a rattlecan into the pic for reference. That's all I have for the moment. More to come as parts are accumulating. __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff

04-10-2011, 08:50 PM	#20
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build OK....so that wasn't enough for you? I also got some of the freshly painted parts on. AC Delete heater box. I had to rework the right edge to match the contours of the firewall dish since I had opened it up to clear the BBC. Core support and the new battery tray Radiator hold down / cover from Hot Rod Dynamics (LINK) Its amazing how just the core support will make it start to look like a truck again. That's really it for today... __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff

04-11-2011, 10:30 PM	#21
7D2N Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Morgan County Utah Posts: 665	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build AJ, very nice work. I have enjoyed following the build and glad your still at it, oh and by the way I also think chevy big blocks are for blazers. 7D2N

04-12-2011, 05:40 PM	#22
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build way to go bud!!

05-28-2011, 11:49 PM	#23
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build Nice progress! Looking great! __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

06-07-2011, 12:41 AM	#24
Bull72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Antonio Tx Posts: 209	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build Nice updates! Thanks and keep it coming! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Thank you god for all your blessings! My mini build (I had a great starting point) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440743

06-07-2011, 07:20 AM	#25
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,773	Re: AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build Its comin' together. I'm really liking the radiator. Cross over steering is pretty sweet too. __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.