Project: Agent Orange - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 07:41 AM

Finally got down to one project, took a few years but I'm here now.

Build overview: To create a dependable, capable wheeler that will drive comfortably down the highway at 70+ mph.

* This build is possible only by the donations of several different blazers & trucks *

Parts of the project:

Chassis came from my very first blazer that I tore into back in 03.

Tub came from Texas where it had been rolled when it was only three years old, which equaled zero rust but major body damage.

Firewall, windshield frame, pass quarter & outter rocker were all toast, so I needed a donor and found this to use.

Which led to this, it's first 'storage event'.

Next time it saw the light of day & work.

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 07:42 AM

This got accomplished.

Put up for sale the 1st time.

The deal fell through thankfully and work commenced.
Factory floor seam & windshield frame work.

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 07:42 AM

The tedious blazer windshield frame graft to the truck firewall.

First time it looked almost whole, yet worlds away from being complete.

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 07:43 AM

Another winter's storage.

Found a good used set of 37" GoodYear MTR radials.

Found a set 1-ton axles out of an '86 CUCV.

Had the H2's from another truck.

Digging it out yet again.

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 07:43 AM

Additional ingredients will include:

355 crate motor with a Tuned Port Injection set up from an '86 Vette & serp belt assembly.
700r 4-spd auto transmission coupled to a 241 transfer case. (poor mans doubler that nets a 79:1 crawl ratio)
1-ton axles with 4:56 gears - Front will have an ARB, rear is locked via Detroit
37" GoodYear MTR's on H2's (maybe 40's if the budget allows)
Full cage & after-market suspension seats, yet to decide on the brand.

Brought it back to the home shop where it will stay & be completed.

Began the task of making it whole.

Test fit the doors, do or die time right here.

Passengers inner kick panel had some real issues.

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 07:44 AM

POR'd all the flash rust I could find, wiper area in the cowl, under the dash and around the transmission tunnel too.

On to primer and showing you some of the connection points.

Looks just like every other tub now...

Okay, I think that gets everything basically updated to the last couple post's on the other two threads I had going...whew.

jaros44sr · 10-24-2009, 07:55 AM

guess this makes me first on board

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

guess this makes me first on board

Hope you enjoy the ride.

jaros44sr · 10-24-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Hope you enjoy the ride.

soooo! what's the first step...lizard skin, and paint?

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

soooo! what's the first step...lizard skin, and paint?

Nope...getting this build thread up to speed is.

Big J · 10-24-2009, 08:32 AM

Is it done yet?

Whats your guess on a completion date? For anyone new and not seen your previous work ya might throw up a list of all the goodies, drivetrain, lift, etc.
So what are ya into this weekend? Why don't ya come down and help me finish mine?

Just a little more sanding....

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big J

Is it done yet?

Whats your guess on a completion date? For anyone new and not seen your previous work ya might throw up a list of all the goodies, drivetrain, lift, etc.
So what are ya into this weekend? Why don't ya come down and help me finish mine?

Just a little more sanding....

Not done, still have 'everything' to do.

Needs to be done and have a few road & wheeling trials under it's belt by Sept of next year for the trip out to Moab where we'll be attended Blazer Bash 2010.

Posted a few specs above, will continue to add as time allows.

This weekend with luck could provide the sound proofing.

I'm busy this weekend and can't come down but like where your heading, now go get busy on yours...maybe do some sanding or something.

Thealien · 10-24-2009, 09:12 AM

Subscribed. Love seeing your work! Still doing research on my end.

swyfor5 · 10-24-2009, 09:26 AM

Wow, that's how to start a thread! Awesome work VT! I'm on board!

**Gary 70 Jimmy** · 10-24-2009, 12:13 PM

Nice job are you going to need the speaker and cover that is hanging under the dash I need one if want to sell it.

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 01:16 PM

New stuff, new since the old threads.

Swapped over the axles.

The brown tub had 4" front springs in the front & 4" lift blocks with stock springs in the rear.
Left the springs, pulled the blocks.
Thing's will level out once I transfer over the DIY shackle flip.

Some serious asshang goin' on right now though...

How it sat once we pulled to top off.

The rebuilt front Dana 60 axle with an ARB cover.

Tire size comparision prior to the swap.

Stripping out the old frame that was under the '69 tub.

Major changes need to happen here.

msgross · 10-24-2009, 01:45 PM

Dr. Frankenstein would be proud of your creation, nice work...

turp mcspray · 10-24-2009, 02:17 PM

Nice job on the tub rebuild! I also have a nearly rust rust free tub that was rolled decades ago. I picked up a blazer firewall clip with intentions of doing the same thing you did. We'll see if I live long enough to get all of my projects done. LOL!

AJs72K5 · 10-24-2009, 02:27 PM

Agent Orange. Love it. You gonna drive it or trailer it to Blazer Bash?

69TowRig · 10-24-2009, 03:49 PM

*****in! I like the "quick progress" threads where I can see years of work in 5 minutes! A complete reversal of my stuff, where I can see 5 minutes worth of work in years!

1949gmc · 10-24-2009, 03:55 PM

WOW! No rust! Not sure that I'll ever see a Blazer/Jimmy up close that doesn't have rust on it.

How difficult was it to get the firewall/floorpan/torque box all back together? How did you go about welding them? Did you have to drop the torque box some to weld the firewall and floor together? How'd you do it?? I'm not gonna be able to sleep til I know how you did it!

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJs72K5

Agent Orange. Love it. You gonna drive it or trailer it to Blazer Bash?

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1949gmc

How difficult was it to get the firewall/floorpan/torque box all back together? How did you go about welding them? Did you have to drop the torque box some to weld the firewall and floor together?

Not as complicated as your invisioning it, no need to mess with the torsion boxes at all, just the pieces that come up the firewall as seen in these pics.

The floor seam is more like a lap joint as seen in the last two pics.

1949gmc · 10-24-2009, 04:34 PM

Where did you weld them together? Like the factory spot welds?

vtblazer · 10-24-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1949gmc

Where did you weld them together? Like the factory spot welds?

That as well as the physical floor seam.

Up the firewall brace too and don't forget, it's also welded at the 'a' pillars.

10-24-2009, 07:41 AM	#1
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Project: Agent Orange Finally got down to one project, took a few years but I'm here now. Build overview: To create a dependable, capable wheeler that will drive comfortably down the highway at 70+ mph. * This build is possible only by the donations of several different blazers & trucks * Parts of the project: Chassis came from my very first blazer that I tore into back in 03. Tub came from Texas where it had been rolled when it was only three years old, which equaled zero rust but major body damage. Firewall, windshield frame, pass quarter & outter rocker were all toast, so I needed a donor and found this to use. Which led to this, it's first 'storage event'. Next time it saw the light of day & work.

10-24-2009, 07:42 AM	#2
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Project: Agent Orange This got accomplished. Put up for sale the 1st time. The deal fell through thankfully and work commenced. Factory floor seam & windshield frame work. Last edited by vtblazer; 10-24-2009 at 07:52 AM.

10-24-2009, 07:42 AM	#3
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Project: Agent Orange The tedious blazer windshield frame graft to the truck firewall. First time it looked almost whole, yet worlds away from being complete. Last edited by vtblazer; 10-24-2009 at 08:00 AM.

10-24-2009, 07:43 AM	#4
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Project: Agent Orange Another winter's storage. Found a good used set of 37" GoodYear MTR radials. Found a set 1-ton axles out of an '86 CUCV. Had the H2's from another truck. Digging it out yet again. Last edited by vtblazer; 10-24-2009 at 08:30 AM.

10-24-2009, 07:43 AM	#5
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Project: Agent Orange Additional ingredients will include: 355 crate motor with a Tuned Port Injection set up from an '86 Vette & serp belt assembly. 700r 4-spd auto transmission coupled to a 241 transfer case. (poor mans doubler that nets a 79:1 crawl ratio) 1-ton axles with 4:56 gears - Front will have an ARB, rear is locked via Detroit 37" GoodYear MTR's on H2's (maybe 40's if the budget allows) Full cage & after-market suspension seats, yet to decide on the brand. Brought it back to the home shop where it will stay & be completed. Began the task of making it whole. Test fit the doors, do or die time right here. Passengers inner kick panel had some real issues. Last edited by vtblazer; 10-24-2009 at 12:24 PM.

10-24-2009, 07:44 AM	#6
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Project: Agent Orange POR'd all the flash rust I could find, wiper area in the cowl, under the dash and around the transmission tunnel too. On to primer and showing you some of the connection points. Looks just like every other tub now... Okay, I think that gets everything basically updated to the last couple post's on the other two threads I had going...whew. Last edited by vtblazer; 10-24-2009 at 12:53 PM.

10-24-2009, 07:55 AM	#7
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,421	Re: Project: Agent Orange guess this makes me first on board __________________ 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

10-24-2009, 08:32 AM	#11
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,773	Re: Project: Agent Orange Is it done yet? Whats your guess on a completion date? For anyone new and not seen your previous work ya might throw up a list of all the goodies, drivetrain, lift, etc. So what are ya into this weekend? Why don't ya come down and help me finish mine? Just a little more sanding.... __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

10-24-2009, 09:12 AM	#13
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,126	Re: Project: Agent Orange Subscribed. Love seeing your work! Still doing research on my end.

10-24-2009, 09:26 AM	#14
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Project: Agent Orange Wow, that's how to start a thread! Awesome work VT! I'm on board!

10-24-2009, 12:13 PM	#15
Gary 70 Jimmy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Burghill, Ohio 44404 Posts: 3,403	Re: Project: Agent Orange Nice job are you going to need the speaker and cover that is hanging under the dash I need one if want to sell it. __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 4wheel camper 1970 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 350 1969 Chevy Blazer 1/2 4X4 307 1967 chevy LWB 3/4 396

10-24-2009, 01:16 PM	#16
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Project: Agent Orange New stuff, new since the old threads. Swapped over the axles. The brown tub had 4" front springs in the front & 4" lift blocks with stock springs in the rear. Left the springs, pulled the blocks. Thing's will level out once I transfer over the DIY shackle flip. Some serious asshang goin' on right now though... How it sat once we pulled to top off. The rebuilt front Dana 60 axle with an ARB cover. Tire size comparision prior to the swap. Stripping out the old frame that was under the '69 tub. Major changes need to happen here.

10-24-2009, 01:45 PM	#17
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Project: Agent Orange Dr. Frankenstein would be proud of your creation, nice work... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

10-24-2009, 02:17 PM	#18
turp mcspray Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rapid City South Dakota Posts: 2,359	Re: Project: Agent Orange Nice job on the tub rebuild! I also have a nearly rust rust free tub that was rolled decades ago. I picked up a blazer firewall clip with intentions of doing the same thing you did. We'll see if I live long enough to get all of my projects done. LOL! __________________ Turp Mcspray New life for an old 2wd, farm blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505987 My Blazer build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342299

10-24-2009, 02:27 PM	#19
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: Project: Agent Orange Agent Orange. Love it. You gonna drive it or trailer it to Blazer Bash? __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

10-24-2009, 03:49 PM	#20
69TowRig Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 894	Re: Project: Agent Orange *****in! I like the "quick progress" threads where I can see years of work in 5 minutes! A complete reversal of my stuff, where I can see 5 minutes worth of work in years! __________________ -Chris Building a stripper, one part at a time: 1969 K5, 307, 3spd, 3 seats, hard top. Added Pwr Discs, Pwr Steering, Aux Battery, T-case Skid, Lighted Sidemarkers, HEI, Lock-Right Diff, ECE Class IV Hitch, 32" MT/Rs. Parts to Install: Hand Throttle, Console, Tow Hooks, Dual Horns, AM-FM, Dealer Swing-Away Tire Carrier, Gas Tank Skid. Also building a 1950 Willys CJ-3A and off-roading a 2001 Nissan Frontier on 1-Ton Portals...

10-24-2009, 03:55 PM	#21
1949gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lindenhurst, IL Posts: 659	Re: Project: Agent Orange WOW! No rust! Not sure that I'll ever see a Blazer/Jimmy up close that doesn't have rust on it. How difficult was it to get the firewall/floorpan/torque box all back together? How did you go about welding them? Did you have to drop the torque box some to weld the firewall and floor together? How'd you do it?? I'm not gonna be able to sleep til I know how you did it!

10-24-2009, 04:34 PM	#24
1949gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lindenhurst, IL Posts: 659	Re: Project: Agent Orange Where did you weld them together? Like the factory spot welds?

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.