1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC

[UGAK5]

Hey Mike - - I feel honored you read my post - I have learned TONS from yours.

As I said originally, I bought this project off a guy and the whole front clip, engine accessories, brackets, windshield, trim and interior was already removed. He labeled things - but poorly, so I feel like your photos are going to be life savers for me. Its always hard to put it back together - even harder when you didn't take it apart!

Thanks for making reference quality pics!

Chris

[UGAK5]

I have asked the moderator to move my thread over to the build section, since it seems that is what its becoming!

Here are some updates:

I took the tub, cowl, hood and tailgate over to the sandblaster (pics below) - should get it back next week.

I also made the decision to go with custom 3" leaf springs from ORD. I know thats an odd number - - but I want to run 33's without any rubbing issues, but not have too much fender well showing.....nothing looks worse to me than too small a tire under the fender. Now, I know I could get bigger tires, but that means more $$ - tires cost more, could need bigger gears, etc, etc.

Another factor on the custom springs is that I wanted a more compliant ride - - softer. Should have the leaves in about 4 weeks. Just about the time I get the frame back from the painter.

Thanks all for the help thus far!

[UGAK5]

Today's accomplishment - sourced a set of 4 15x8 rally wheels locally for $100.....and 2 hours there and back!

Should look great after I hammer out that one dent, blast them and powdercoat them.

If anyone is looking for 15x7s with a 3.5" backspace, theres a set on ebay in PA for $400 delivered.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by UGAK5

Hey Mike - - I feel honored you read my post - I have learned TONS from yours.

As I said originally, I bought this project off a guy and the whole front clip, engine accessories, brackets, windshield, trim and interior was already removed. He labeled things - but poorly, so I feel like your photos are going to be life savers for me. Its always hard to put it back together - even harder when you didn't take it apart!

Thanks for making reference quality pics!

Chris

Hey Chris, Glad to hear you're finding my build thread useful. When you start tackling the brake and fuel lines, hit me up and I'll send you a link to a folder in my dropbox account. I annotated which line is what before & after.

Keep all your original trim, especially the windshield trim if you have it. Board member deadheadNm gave me this advice and I'm thankful he did.

I have over 2K photos and I'm still second guessing myself where things go.

Keep up the progress!

[IronCanine]

On board. Go Dawgs.

[UGAK5]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

On board. Go Dawgs.

Sic 'em...woof woof woof!

(Sorry, habit)

[UGAK5]

And now for some pics post sand blasting......

Looks like the PO, seamed the bedside panel at the wheel well. The blaster told me he took about 200 pounds of bondo off! I know he was exaggerating, but there was LOTS on there. I despise shoddy workmanship. Glad to now know what I have, and don't have. I see body panel purchases in my future.....

[UGAK5]

Ok, so the fun keeps coming! I went by yesterday and picked up my blazer from the sand blaster and took it over to my body guys shop - - ALOT more rot than I had hoped for, but hey, it comes with the territory.

Looks like I will be buying 2 new doors, 2 wheel wells, 2 bedside/quarters and an entire new floor. I know I can salvage some of whats there, but labor will cost more than replacement parts. There is plenty of salvageable rot that we can spend repair labor on.

Here are the pics:

[UGAK5]

More pics - - look at this one horrible weld! It looks like they tried to fill in a dent with a weld?!?!?