Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

It's kinda ironic how no matter how much money you spend on the nicest parts, soon the time to work on it becomes the hardest thing to save; my Blazer's been painted for 2 weeks and I haven't touched it yet!

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

It's been a while since I've updated this thread. We've had such a hot summer I didn't feel much like working on the Blazer.

I finally made some time this weekend. I bought some drop spindles and heavy duty springs since I'm putting a big block in it.

I've never changed ball joints or spindles. I was nervous about doing the swap so it was easy to make excuses to not do it. This weekend I finally manned up and went for it.

The driver's side took about 8 hours and 4 trips to the parts store and the passengers side took about 2 hours. I would have had it done sooner but the threads on the bottom ball joint were galled up some so I had to clean them up and that took about 30 minutes. I cut the heavy duty springs because I don't think the 2" spindle drop would be nearly enough. I cut 1 3/4 rounds out of the springs. Hopefully, the truck won't drag the ground once the engine is in it. If it does, I guess I'll get another set of springs and cut them less.

I'm shocked at how little clearance there is between the steering arm and the rim. It was so close that it knocked the inside weight off of the rim. I guess I'll have to grind it some and maybe use a spacer just to give myself a little clearance.

I changed the tie rods too.

To type this out it doesn't seem like I didn't much but my back would beg to differ.

My next hurdle will be the brake lines. I'm completely replacing the brakes since the whole system was in bad shape. After the brakes, I hope to swap the 3 on the tree column for the Automatic column.

Here are the pictures. I know some people are going to give me crap for not painting the A-arms but this isn't a show truck. I am much more concerned about it being safe and reliable. The fancy stuff will come later after I get it back on the road.

http://www.usamls.net/brandon/images/img_6373.jpg
http://www.usamls.net/brandon/images/img_6374.jpg
http://www.usamls.net/brandon/images/img_6375.jpg

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

Cool! nice to see your back on it

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

There are spring suppliers out there that will build he coils specific to the ride hieght you want based on the engine size, etc.

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

I might go that route if the springs aren't right.

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

I know I'll be met with some disapproval but, I finally found someone who I think (and hope) will do a good job with the paint and body work. To pull the body off of the frame and get the frame and everything else looking good will be more than my time and current tool set will allow. Plus, I want this thing to be done right and look good the first go around. They are coming to pick it up Monday afternoon. I've done a lot of work to it so I don't feel like I'm completely *****ing out on this build (although, I do admit I feel like I'm *****ing out some). I still plan on putting the engine and transmission in myself. Basically, I'm doing everything but the body work and paint. Those are things better left to people that have the experience to do it correctly...the first time.

On a semi-related note, I'll be able to park the Tahoe back in the garage and I won't have to get into a freezing ass cold car in the mornings.

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

Awesome truck, I am getting ready to start a '72 2wd Blazer build and I am down near Charlotte. Good to see another NC blazer!

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

i dont blame you as all. body work sucks. it's a lot of had work and its hard to get just right if you're not a pro. laying down a nice paint job is the same way. this will be one sweet looking ride once its done!

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

My wife wishes for parking in the garage, too.... she's so naive. :lol:

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

She's gone to get prettied up. It was pretty comical getting it down the driveway since his trailer was too low to get up the driveway without dragging. It doesn't have steering or brakes. I was modulating the emergency brake while he was manually steering the tires. It took about 10 minutes to go down a 40' driveway.

I can't wait to see some progress on the body and frame.

The Tahoe is in the garage!

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

I finally have a minor update. It has been at the body shop for a couple of month. They've been busy getting other cars out before they could start on my. They've completely stripped and sand blasted the body. Once they get all of the patch panels in and get everything braced up they'll take it off of the frame and sand blast the frame. Here's a couple of pictures of the body after being sand blasted.

It's not much yet but it's progress and that makes me happy.

http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/04.jpg

http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/05.jpg

http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/06.jpg

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

Any little glimmer is STILL light at the end of the tunnel!

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

Cool project, don'y worry about farming out some of the work. Sometimes life gets in the way, and the only way get things done is to share the work:)

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

I got some more update pictures! :metal: I'm starting to get real excited at the progress!

Here's the cowl being repaired.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/07.jpg

Here's the cowl...gone! Note the fancy floor pan.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/08.jpg


Them cleaning and straightening the cowl.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/09.jpg


Cowl back on and getting the doors lined up. I found out that GM still sells the hinges for this Blazer.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/10.jpg


More floor pan shots.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/11.jpg

All buttoned up.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/12.jpg

Getting ready to start on the driver's side now. Look at all the black spots on the door post. Those are holes.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/13.jpg

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

Whats the PN for the hinges from GM? What was your cost?

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

I don't know the PN but I'll try to find it. You might be able to call a local dealer and see if they offer them. If not, here's the number Parts: 800-779-2433. It's called Modern Chevrolet.

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

Good to see you've got a shop working on it that aint ascared to WORK on it!

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

lol. I must admit, I was surprised when I saw the entire firewall/cowl section was gone. They clearly aren't scared!

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

Two minor update photos.


Passenger's side fender is on and fitted.

http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/14.jpg

Picture of the passenger's side rocker finally done.

http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/16.jpg

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

nice work

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

very nice

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

Great Blazer! Looks like a good shop, who is it? Good work and a cute helper! Don't wanna be you in 10 years or so!

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

hello there nice truck i have a 3 on the tree also but that part is in peices do u have any pics at all where it bolts up to and where it goes to on the tranny thanks if u cna send me a few pics or a link to some pics ..thx again :)

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

I think I have some pics of the steering column. Which area are you looking for?

Re: I think I've decided on a build "theme"
 

Got a few more update pictures. Most of the fabrication is done. Soon it will go to the body shop to get smoothed up and painted. Once, the body work is done the tub will be pulled off and the frame cleaned up and painted.

Here's the tub braced up.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/18.jpg

Driver's side door and fender on and fitted.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/17.jpg

Radiator support and front lined up.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/19.jpg

Patch on driver's side front quarter.
http://www.keithsrestoration.com/ima...-Blazer/20.jpg