Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
This is kind of my thoughts, if you guys could help me understand the order of work I would appreciate it. I'm going to help my buddy fix his 1972 Blazer. Someone cut the rocker boxes off and never put back. Rockers are new but not done right. Rear floor is bad. Bedsides are good with small spots that are easily fixable. Tailgate is good, have rust free doors and fenders for it.
Replace: Rear Cargo Floor Rocker Boxes Rockers Unsure at this moment whether I will repair or bulk replace the front floor section. Any input on where to draw the line were replacing the whole thing is better than patching? My plan is to remove the rockers, bed sides, cargo floor, what's left of rocker boxes. What order should it go back together? I've done trucks and burbs but haven't messed with a rocker box before. Is the rocker box also the inner rocker? Thanks guys, Ryan |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
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Before you change anything - you are going to have to do some pre-work to make sure you don't have issues down the road
The line that tells people to fix a panel or replace a panel - is all over the place. Some will say - ' keep as much original metal as possible' others will say that 'it's easier to just swap in a new panel' - it really comes down to your talent, patience and budget. I just swapped the entire back half of a blazer over a few weeks this past summer. It was very educational to see how these things are built and to note where rust is hiding. I took measurements from the old bedsides and then drilled equivalent holes in the new bedsides and put the top back on without any issues and the doors open/shut like they did before. Rocker box is not the same as inner rocker. The inner rocker is an extension of the cab floor and is usually rusted out if your floors/rockers are rusted. Going back together order that I used: support brackets for floor/rocker (torsion) boxes rear cargo floor wheel tubs bedsides outer rocker - this will take some time to adjust before the doors line up so don't finish weld this piece in until you confirm you are lined up. Get some pix of the truck and several on here can tell you what you are going up against. Here are a few helpful links to get you started. Door Frame Measurement links - check these before you cut anything - especially this post. Parts list I shared with another board member when he was building a blazer. Build posts have a wealth of knowledge and in the past few years, the aftermarket panels have surfaced making this job a bit easier. |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
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Truck was back together in 3 weeks with me doing the work on nights and weekends when I had the time.
It's all fixable depending on the interest and money. |
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Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
Thanks for the reply. We just got the blazer stripped down to the body. The front frame horns are tweaked so I'll get it on the frame machine to pull that back over. The front floor is gone and someone torched the torsion boxes off. Inner Rockers are gone. Looking like a whole floor replacement front to back will be in order. I'm planning to cleco the weld seams to get it fitup and then disassemble back to where I can weld it up. Hoping to use my pro-spot as much as possible. If no one can tell I did any work that would be perfect.
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Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
Hoping to use my pro-spot as much as possible. If no one can tell I did any work that would be perfect.[/QUOTE]
I was staring at my blazer today figuring out where the pro spot will get to |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
So it gets worse. I took the body off the frame to address the chassis first and the frame is diamond, bent, cracked and hacked. So we are looking for another chassis at this point.
The good is between the factory frame drawings and what's left of this chassis I drafted up a body jig that I can mount to my chassis table to help align everything. After rust repair I will use the body jig to mount the body to my rotisserie. I also picked up a 71 Blazer for myself so I can do the metal work on it using the jig after the 72 is off it. As of right now we will be getting the chassis lined up and then ordering the replacement floors and patch panels. Since I don't have much left can you guys fill me in on what panels I need to purchase to do a complete floor. Do I need the cab to bed transition piece if I'm buying complete cab and bed floors? Thanks, Ryan |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
if you buy the complete floors - you will still likely need patches.
front floor might need the bucket seat braces for under the front floor rear cargo floor yes - you will need the step up plate as it doesn't come with the floors A-pillar - lower patches kick panels torsion boxes outer rockers get some pix of what is left and we can tell you more details. Good Luck! |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
Well we are getting started. Some parts were backordered but finally have it all. GMC Pauls is where I sourced everything. I took a spare chassis and set it up on my frame table so it is flat and square. For some reason one of the bed mount pairs is too short. Everything else lines up. Still thinking about how I'm going to line up the cowl.
https://i.imgur.com/9FHx0MB.jpg?1 |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
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Congrats on getting to this point - it's really not that bad once you get all the parts you need.
Some additional thoughts now that you are getting under way.
Looks like a great start. Good luck! *Added an 'after' picture of my project (same truck from my post above) for inspiration* Can you share more details on your issue with the 'bed mount' pairs being too short? |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
Yes, I have that panel sitting in place now. Need to punch the holes in it for the welds and then screw it together for fitup.
https://i.imgur.com/kRQzYQBh.jpg?1 |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
I also have my other body that is in much better shape but still needs alot of work. But at least enough is there to look at how this one should go together.
https://i.imgur.com/7DbGJewh.jpg |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
Very cool! It took me 3 weeks to do the rear half and then 12 more months to do all the rest (floors, inner rockers, supports, a-pillar, torsion boxes, etc.) between waiting on parts, waiting for a free evening/weekend, etc.
I still have to fix the panel gaps and finish weld in the outer rockers to be complete. I'm not in a rush though since I can drive it again now. |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
The pro-spot is acting up so I jumped on it with the Roper Hole punch. Getting it all mocked up so I can fit everything.
https://i.imgur.com/wwApCJFh.jpg Also threw the bedsides on. They don't fit the floor real well so I'll have top dig into what the issues are later this week. My helper was doing a great job dropping the bolts in. https://i.imgur.com/DhJGGNKh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Lt0qyyEh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2dih3dWh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Dof1rHfh.jpg |
Re: Blazer rust tips (floor/rocker boxes)
Looks good so far, nice way to start with all new sheet metal
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you are doing an awesome job and your shop is over the top too.:metal:
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