New Project: 1974 GMC Jimmy

[HeloCrewChief]

Hey guys. I’ve had a few square bodies before but, have only done complete restorations on 67-72’s. I finished my 72’ Blazer Highlander restoration earlier in the year. I moved cross country for work and decided to consign it with a dealer before my move as I was taking several vehicles as it was already. Well, a week after I consigned it, it sold. A few months ago when I was on a house hunting trip, I spotted this 1974 Jimmy by a shop. I turned around to get a closer look as I spotted the woodgrain trim and have never seen a blazer/Jimmy with this woodgrain. I have seen a few trucks with it. Talked to the owner and he gave me a doesn’t want to sell it price. The truck was sold locally and it had some great options i.e A/C, 4 speed manual, woodgrain. The winch bumper was very cool and it had the hard to find 15x8 steel wheels. I tried to get the Jimmy out of my head but, I couldn’t shake it. Met up with the owner again this week and made a deal on it. I probably paid too much considering the rust issues but, I’m looking forward to building it to the same standard as my 72’. I think it will be stunning when finished in the factory colors/trim.

[HeloCrewChief]

Some more pictures

[HeloCrewChief]

My 72’ Blazer I restored. Hope to do the 74’ to the same level.

[Mathew21]

Beautiful Blazer, I'm looking forward to following your progress on the Jimmy.

[1774btcrew]

Awesome Jimmy! I have been looking for a reasonably priced 73 Jimmy for a while. There is one here in AZ but is is probably almost as rusty as yours . I have kept it in the back of my head as an option to fall back on if I decide that I have to get one. I am sure you will make yours really nice!

[jlmerie]

Love your new project. Keep us updated with pictures as you go!

[HeloCrewChief]

I fell in love with this truck a few years back and pictured the Jimmy looking like this which is probably why I had to have it.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...ed-to-k30-4x4/

[mrtoni]

That truck was for sale on this forum by a member in montana. I believe he got kicked out of here because of it. I really like it too

Originally Posted by HeloCrewChief

I fell in love with this truck a few years back and pictured the Jimmy looking like this which is probably why I had to have it.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...ed-to-k30-4x4/

[69Tom]

Definitely looking forward to this build.

[13jraven]

That is a cool truck. I love when they come with the original manuals and booklets.

And just got done with a full restoration on a 1974 blazer. PO parked it on 03 and put it on jack stands in 06 when he sold the wheels/tires/axles/suspension. I did a full extraction in late April and started on it in July when parts started arriving.

Truck needed a lot of love as they tend to rust top of the rear fender wells, bottom of the doors and bottoms of the front fenders. Used 3/4 axles out of a 74 K20 frame I scored a while back. Motor was a 369 BBC out of a 67 Chevelle - was told it was fine but when I got back to the shop found the thruster bearings were blown out and need a full build. Someone had used it as a Baja pre-runner/chase truck back in the 80s so it was missing all the OG interior. I decided to add my own twist on the 70s pre-runner race truck.

I got to say I almost like this full vert squarebody more than my 69 blazer.

Good luck - excited to see what you do with it.

[HeloCrewChief]

Originally Posted by 13jraven

That is a cool truck. I love when they come with the original manuals and booklets.

And just got done with a full restoration on a 1974 blazer. PO parked it on 03 and put it on jack stands in 06 when he sold the wheels/tires/axles/suspension. I did a full extraction in late April and started on it in July when parts started arriving.

Truck needed a lot of love as they tend to rust top of the rear fender wells, bottom of the doors and bottoms of the front fenders. Used 3/4 axles out of a 74 K20 frame I scored a while back. Motor was a 369 BBC out of a 67 Chevelle - was told it was fine but when I got back to the shop found the thruster bearings were blown out and need a full build. Someone had used it as a Baja pre-runner/chase truck back in the 80s so it was missing all the OG interior. I decided to add my own twist on the 70s pre-runner race truck.

I got to say I almost like this full vert squarebody more than my 69 blazer.

Good luck - excited to see what you do with it.

I really like this 70’s look being applied to the square body’s lately. Seems like square body syndicate kicked that trend off. Not much to report. Jimmy is tucked away in the garage and number 2 in the project line. I’m waiting on parts anyway. Have a large sheetmetal order in with Classic Industries and everything is back ordered. Not sure I will ever see the quarter panels as motorcityk5 said they have not been available in years but, classic has them for around $600. Ordered the seat covers from USA1 and they are back ordered as well. Whenever everything starts trickling in, I’ll tackle it.

[Corts60]

At least she is safe and sound out of the elements for the time being!