73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: VileZambonie on March 13, 2009, 05:45:45 PM
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I'm going to look at 75 blazer tomorrow. The guy had it listed as the wrong year and has no idea what it's worth. ;D
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Be nice to him, naah take advantage of it. Go get it.
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good luck and make us proud
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I try!!!
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Well vile did you get the blazer? ??? ???
thanks
pat
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I was going to go look at it yesterday but by the time I got done doing body work on my 74 I was pooped. The guy had to go to NH for the weekend and since I'll probably just get it I might as well make only one trip. I'll go down there with the plate off my other truck and call AAA and take it home on the spot. For $7-800 bucks it'll be a worthwhile investment. I'll take pix even if I don't end up buying it. This week is gonna be tricky for me plus it's my b-day wednesday so I might not get to it til the weekend. I'll keep ya posted!
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Either way, have a great birthday VileZambonie!
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Thanks Don! I'm planning on it!
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Keep up posted! I am going to pick up the fulltop conversion for mine this weekend. Wonder if I can clamp it down to my LWB Crews bed?
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Are you getting the whole truck? I just talked to the guy and am gonna try to go before the week is up.
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Just the upper windshield frame and the fulltop.
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Guess what? ???
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Bought it?
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Yep :D
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/100_0026.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/100_0032.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/100_0031.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/100_0028.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/100_0027.jpg)
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That's a sweet looking blazer. ;D
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Awsome looking Blazer!
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I think you fairly stole yourself a Blazer, sir! Nice!
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she's purdy.
Interesting looking front parking lights w/ the chevy emblem on them.
No exterior signs of rust,not bad for a car north of the Mason-Dixon.
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Congrats vile looks real solid from the pics. ;D
thanks
pat
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Old school wheels, very cool.
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Very nice! I hope you got a discount for that mirror being missing. :D
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Very nice! I hope you got a discount for that mirror being missing.
Don, did you see the door locks? Must've misplaced the door key or something.
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Man thats a great looking blazer!
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Whats wrong with them, I have had a few trucks over the years with that same style locks!
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$650 bucks and it has the typical spots but overall the truck is pretty solid.
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wow, you were right. that guy didn't know what it was worth. nice find. the tires alone are worth that.
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Ok vile ,
whats your plan for this 1? We all know your like alot of us and are a fanatic at detail so whats up your sleeve for this sweet deal?
thanks
pat
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Thats a nice one all right. Don't ya love it when a plan comes together.
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Just want to finish up all my other trucks. I'm gonna go through this one and make a list and then sit on it. I should be able to restore it for a decent amount of $ and make it something I can take on the beach in the summer. I have a ton of parts in stock for it already. New hood, fenders, inner fenders, dash, dash bezel, gauges, etc etc. I'm gonna move this this thread and add more details and pix soon.
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Nice find!
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Wish I found that...I'm thinkin about getting a blazer so I can fit the whole family...
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Nice blazer, great price!!
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very nice vile
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Nice steal!
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DANG! I would have bought that myself.
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Nice score, I love those rims. Are you going run a TBI set up in it. I'm going to strip my 91 suburban for parts in April. If you want to come take the TBI set up off of it it's all yours.
Fitz.
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Sounds good to me. The TBI set up on my other truck is coming along nicely.
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Has anyone ever seen this style mirror factory?
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/100_0027.jpg)
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that is a Ford mirror on there.
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Original paint, original doors, no evidence of ever having any other mirror on the truck. I've never seen these before. Do you have a pic of a for with these mirrors?
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I am sooooo jealous
I'll give ya a grand for right now.... ;) j/k
No seriously that is an awesome lookin Blazer,I'm sure you will have it lookin sweet in no time.
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ville is that a covertible ?
looks like theres a cut on the door frame ontop of the wing window........ what is that?
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Has anyone ever seen this style mirror factory?
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/100_0027.jpg)
There were mirrors similar to this if not the exact same on my pickup when my dad owned it. Not sure if he put them on or not but I have the more common factory ones back on there.
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ville is that a covertible ?
looks like theres a cut on the door frame ontop of the wing window........ what is that?
Yes it is a fulltop convertible.
I was mistaken. After looking at it those appear to be a dealer item, but not GM.
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What do you mean? I kinda like them and would love to find another set for it.
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What do you mean? I kinda like them and would love to find another set for it.
What!?! I guess to each, his own. But I'd lose them. To me they look like they belong on a Geo Tracker.
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Dealers installed them but they were aftermarket pieces (like the step bumpers) I tok a pic or a truck with them because I didn't want to forget about them, apparently I can't find the pic, but I have notes on them.
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Ever think about going with the 89-91 Blazer/Suburban electric mirrors?
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Ehh, I don't like how they come up over the glass.
So should I build the 307 that's in it or the 454 I just scored? ;D
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I cant believe you asked. ::)bigblock all the way
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Ehh, I don't like how they come up over the glass.
So should I build the 307 that's in it or the 454 I just scored? ;D
Gee, 307 or 454 let me think hum I just don't know. Are you kidding BIG BLOCK!
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The 307. You can rev it to 12,000 rpm and go nowhere. That'll be much more fun than an engine so torquey that you can just look at the gas pedal and the tires go up in smoke. ::)
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Ok bringing this back from the dead... yes I was obviously joking about the 307! The big block is done. I painted it yesterday and just have to put on all the tins and the intake. It's a 4 bolt Gen V 454 .040" over. I'll post some pix by this weekend hopefully. I know I haven't been posting a lot of progress pix and updates on all my projects lately but that due to the El Camino I'm wrapping up the restoration on now.
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Sounds awesome, Vile. Out of curiosity, just how many project vehicles do you have right now?
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6+
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Crazy man. Run 'em down for us! Whatchu got?
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Right now I have the:
74 GMC
mutt
pinky
85K20
75 Blazer
82 El Camino
and a bunch of other headaches!
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Here's a couple quick cell phone pix of the engine.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/1-3.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/2-3.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Sabaka454/3-3.jpg)
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flipin sweet!!!!!
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wow man that looks cool maybe i should look for a big block :D
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Green is my favorite color ;)
and a big block at that ;D
looks nice, keep us posted...
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Nice!
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Ive been lookin for a 396 forever and you have BB growing on tree's...sooo not fair ;D
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yea its a shame lol just kidding i have to since my 383 went >:( you should look on craigslist
Ive been looking for a 396 forever and you have BB growing on tree's...sooo not fair ;D
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Ive been lookin for a 396 forever and you have BB growing on tree's...sooo not fair ;D
To bad you dont live closer i got 1 under my bench but in pieces..
thanks
pat
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Just bought 2 more 454s for $100 each which brings my Bigblock total to 5 out of trucks, and 3 in trucks. (just had to rub it in a little) The two are part af a package deal that includes 4 more trucks. Will discuss that one later.
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Choptop is just being mean :D.Hows the blazer comming along Vile?
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It's just sitting there right now. Next week I will finish the motor and once that's all said and done I will be focusing on my 74 and my mutt before I start doing the engine transplant.
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I started ripping apart the interior to replace some floors. I'm going to pull the engine soon too as I'm sick of looking at that big block sitting there collecting dust.
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Alright Vile, its been 6 months, where are you at with this beast?
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Nowhere lol. I've moved it in and out of the shop 3,000 times if that counts? lol too many other projects.
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Makes sense! I sold my Jimmy due to a combination of lack of time and a great offer. When I get working again I'm gonna get my 74 back on track. I was hoping to be about ready for paint by now
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I almost sold this one a few weeks ago but I didn't pursue it because I wanted the guy not to buy it lol.
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Is that your next project parked in front of the jimmy just to tease us?
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That's a 68 Firebird and it's sold. I just read my own comment about the dust on that big block. Well lets just say there's a heck of a lot more dust on it now lol
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hey vile...
Kinda off topic, but I always like blazers and I found a 74 in really good shape.. its a 2wd full convertable.. just want your advise how rare they are and if I should buy it or not.... they want 4000.00 for it and it was all redone 5 years ago with a custom paintjob on it...... then I will have two square bodies...... thanks for any info or advise u can give me......
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oh ya... I love the wheels on yours... the slots are the best wheels out there.. now if i can only find som 5 bolt's for mine... :)
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yeah they're pretty rare. Got pix? What's the vin #?
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i will phone the guy when I get home from work... I'll let you know the vin...
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the seller wasnt home last night and i cant upload my pics of it on here... they are too big (???)... i will ask my buddy (pullin81) to come by and see if i can shrink them somehow.. sorry for stealing your thread.. maybe one day I will learn how to make my own... lol...
Thanks for your advise/help.
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Something is only worth what someone wants to pay. There is no such thing as a bad deal when you have the money as it is a buyers market. I have a 75 1/2 ton 4 X 4 and the only component that i have not changed is the transfer case. I am working on that. I think i have blown up 3 rear ends, one transmission, two engines as i have owned this truck for many many years.
John
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vile... I finally have it... hope u dont mind me showing you some pics ... i will start my own thread as soon in the spring as it is in the garage now hiding from the snow.... these pics are from when i first seen it in august... let me know what you think... i cant wait to do some changes to make it my own...
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AWESOME! Congrats!!! Definitely post more pics
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for sure in the spring..... how is yours coming along??
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It's not lol
I've got this on the back burner for a while!
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I finally got around to rebuilding the 4L80E for this and am thinking about going in another direction now. So funny how things change with time. I am considering building an SBC instead of using the 454/4L80E for this now. Nobody say LS to me or I'll slap you. Since this thing still has all of the original bracketry AC and everything in-tact, I'm now hesitant to put anything other than an SBC in the engine bay. Yes, the engine is green, but that's an easy fix. Perhaps this powerplant would go better in my blue truck... Time to ponder.
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PS the carburetor is on there just so I can break in the engine on the stand. The engine will be fuel injected.
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Im glad the blazers time has come to move up on your project list. You have shown us a lot of great builds over the years, this will be an exciting one.
What do you plan on running for fuel injection?
What are your thoughts on the Ebelbrock carbs like you run on pinky vs. the aftermarket fuel injection kits like the Fitech and the MSD Atomic?
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Like I tell everyone that has all the SBC stuff and wanting to swap to LS.. The cost in my opinion doesn't justify the means.
I personally wouldn't put the BBC in it but I would put a SBC in it especially if you have everything required to just put it back in.
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For this powerplant, I actually have the factory ECM for this 454 and 4L80E, which was plucked out of a Suburban and I converted to 4WD. I wasn't sure which EFI setup I was going to use but at this point, it's moot because I really want to keep the K5 period correct (although I have a roller vortec 350 with 4L60E) and about the only thing that wouldn't look right is the missing mechanical fuel pump, if I go with that unit. I would also run the perimeter valve covers if I used the vortec heads just to preserve the look. I'm really thinking the 454, 4L80E and factory ECM would be a perfect fit for my blue truck. I use it as my work truck, plowing my driveway, going to home depot etc. I think that's where it's going to end up.
Fitz, I'm trying to get that 79 stepside done before spring so I can get back on my projects that keep getting put off. I'm glad this took a back seat because I have left it basically unmolested.
Capt, I keep seeing these 275k mile boneyard butcher jobs being hacked into these trucks and it's made me cringe instead of getting excited. It's not about the $ for this guy, I would rather see SBC or BBC if they belonged in there as opposed to what I'm seeing in facebook land. Anyone that did do a nice job doing a retrofit should really join these forums and showcase their build as documentation of their craftsmanship in doing it right. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti LS, I have 3 in stock but can't bring myself to put them in any of my own trucks.
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I like the roller vortec SBC too. Rebuilding my truck, I wanted to keep the original engine. But the engine wasn't original afterall, so that's what I put in. I wanted to keep the TH350 and was worried about too much power. I told the guy, keep it regular gas, keep the torque under 400 ft-lbs. I got 400 ft-lb torque, 359 HP. That's a lot of power.
Love the SBC!
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Very nice. I ended up going through that 454 again and gave it a paint job, polished up the aluminum. Came out looking very nice. The pulleys and brackets are getting dropped off at the powder coaters this weekend. I'll post pix tomorrow, but it's still not going in the Blazer ;D
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All of the accessories went out to powder coat today after sandblasting. Color looks awesome. Maybe I'll put this in the orange truck instead ;D
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1c0e-m2dB_YWNIBR7LByrnyVgKHzYHGso)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1b3gDwU4aEsI0fykxDNZuGSM1ZtBN4Bjd)
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That is a beautiful engine. Would love to have it in my truck. Very impressed!
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It will be a great setup when it's done. I just haven't decided on a home for it :D
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Forgot to update this. Finished wiring it up and test fire, break in. Runs minty
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1P-vQg9gKrdJrMPjQIeQbaF-uLwZJC2uk)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1s97ijEwIGHcqgT6wvTtOZ0MQkQLNoAi0)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1q4uhZiMDQZHaxCFaEhyQn5Gx1JUMalxO)
Quick Video (https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19CX18DQfsL4bs20DvCwyQWXMdVNfBHKF)
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Very Nice VZ! Will look great in your project!
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I started working on my 74 again but I just wasn't feeling it and the Blazer keeps looking at me, so I decided to give her some love. I emptied it out and scraped all of the window tint off of the rear windows since it was bubbled and nasty looking. The inside was filled with squirrel nuts and other scary stuff so it got a deep cleaning. I made a list (a big list) of some of the stuff I need to get her solid again and I got started on it. I'll be rebuilding the front end, front driveshaft, wheel bearings, ball joints, sway bar and steering linkage. I replaced the ebrake mechanism, rebuilt the steering column, got all of the lighting working correctly. The next thing is for me to drop the gas tank (needs a new sending unit too) and replace the tail pan, right rear pillar, rear floor pans and wheel houses. This will get the rear section solid again. For the front, I will be replacing the floor pans and repairing the rocker panels. Once I pull the engine, I will also be repairing the firewall which has some rust along the bottom. The top will get a complete overhaul and all new seals as well. This will keep me busy for a while and I will update with pix along the way.
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In! (for pics) 8)
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I hope you take and post pics of all this.. Where is my popcorn.
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I got you some popcorn chicken. This Blazer is looking at a sister..... More to come on that.
Here as she sits today after a bunch of work, one man top removal:
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1x8pvxrb1QtG3RLg8eHxuz6rjD1dlrpoy)
Drove it straight out
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1x8pvxrb1QtG3RLg8eHxuz6rjD1dlrpo/)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gZ7QSstHWQn4mh86GVkDuJPixiMDsMqm)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WhyZb4azPFniPFATJtXXN711mvhX722l)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1D4EksVSmjkdMf3pecHyzwlvE-UVEeK8Z)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iktxcqOfZVLkXQN6UcAKE0cDtgeR8MgA)
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For some reason this pic didn't post but I like it. My green lawn and green K5
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18WYRvVidkOgUdyOwwrpaNyZ_dpTlRC-1)
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They are all great shots! Nice project truck!
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NICE!
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Wow, looks like a fun ride on a hot sunny day!
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Can't wait to get this thing rollin on the road
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It looks amazing now, can't imagine how nice it'll be once you're done with it! Jealous as I've been jonesing for a Blazer lately.
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Love that Blazer!
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Beer goggles, good from a far but far from good. I've been slaving my life away cutting, chopping, grinding and fabricating. I took some pix but am too shot to upload them now. I'll do a little more tomorrow and then it's our annual 4th of July party which will give me a much needed break. I should have the entire rear section completed next week and then onto the fuel system. New EFI tank and sender/pump. New fuel lines etc. I am also going to make an access port for the fuel pump since I may go higher pressure down the road and life will be easier without dropping the tank, hitch and skid plate to access the pump. Pix later, beer now.
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I like green and would keep it green.
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I like green and would keep it green.
I like it as is! 8)
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Nice! compared to the junk I drag home, that beauty is a trailer queen.
Looking forwart to the pic's.
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Haven't had time to upload pix because I've been slaving my life away but as of tonight (10 minutes ago) I just finished the floors. The tail pan, bed floor, wheelhouses, front floors, floor supports, body mounts and rocker panels are done. EFI fuel tank, pump, wiring, all new nickel copper lines and I put in a charcoal canister to vent the tank. I'll get pix this week
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Pics! Pics! We want pics! ;D
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I will tomorrow, been working on it all day.
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Pic Teaser.... ;)
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Unfortunately, we had a death in the family and priorities changed... I'll get to it.
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Pardon my jocularity, and I'm sorry for your loss.
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Thank you. I've been trying to post updates but keep getting Gateway Timeout. I'll try again later
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Try it again.... I'm going to have to chunk it into several posts apparently.
Some pics of the rot in the back
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1x32yeKvVx6AmZeKIy8QWcQlSz3wAORMI)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=160CRev4IJkoNwt0QXJcfSshbZ6-dtJ-_)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rzEbR36LE4AcYVjJQCCat4QZ6e7Q0ovX)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1P1Z4J0pE_7FNNaVEuwV3eSj5zX2gbKhC)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10VPOgkUpA1SV_MBJ7rTPRtzS2uoZwTDC)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15vKt2OqBPiWpzo34IEPS_MAKy1CrWOcE)
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Removed the hitch, fuel tank skid plate, fuel tank, fuel lines, body mounts and cut out all of the rot
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vVAwu-joTGjKxNCV5wtYJjAxGGgkbtH_)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10FKmpgRpn0p0Pbm51kTwSpeXjzjQdkK1)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fNWXwoyVZ4J2e3tTF3Ke2fvhJ285gqnZ)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v20w6zlq1A2XjKQv8tYIYXKgrqjJDMZs)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hMhKAmVcvjBQ6nx_c_FfaS1ub7asyvtf)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GwZn0Y-DzaVxYGMad_UjkdV801aY6bii)
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EFI fuel tank, took a pic of the baffle inside since a lot of people want to see what's different about them. In tank pump, all new nickel copper lines and added a vapor canister. New body mounts, squaring everything up before welding.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14RkFvVhT8yeKjagekdTq0JscVwX6YO_h)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ofH7E8GcEyfBzWh63w2fNCUWWjOa8PxY)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=154sPoFM_xF1LKxsKTm5JZ-J0t0l0-qg7)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1m8gXan8Wog6aDeaomHvtXcZk0fuZ28Sh)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15jiwhsIaPRfmsxYiTTHqMf0OS27n9q5p)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mWhTMesoUykV39cuzm1_FejX6xbD1Cz1)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NznZqDVSDqObFI9ULSa5XF9fcdYzTDM_)
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I saved as much of the original hardware and steel as possible. Rewelded in the anchor nuts for the mounts. Added a trap door for the fuel pump which will come in handy I'm sure. The ribs on the replacement panels never line up perfectly but it will be carpeted again anyway. After I finished all of the structural repairs, I did a spray on bed liner followed by sound deadener.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17gvQv_oowaPUcfMGPfdm8GM0o25h2n3Y)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EL5m07b6r6uxpZ81NlAF6ocPv3y7d21m)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=143zvW8-Ippvj_i7-0Bp0w31OroKulbc4)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AwlPXZqbt8_ZelAc4KQ-bek4OEBHqZaF)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xIK_77-CKqKEy-U8e7x6ZXsJS03YYRJz)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AoyvxqXIycwmZluxIsR5pYJxHK-EzBmR)
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I cut out all of the rot in the front floors, welded in new floors and put this Kilmat down over everything. Sorry to all of the Matt's out there ;D I took a video of the sound difference with and without. Major difference!
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1z08jM-0YbKsMtIZEA49xTQOXcfPIGFt5)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vCbS9xk6uyoEDHh6BGfKonoIyJClUGbh)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1D4BhNBM026J9rzyunlZKDj70uwAwrE5x)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1w9rR8_w1TgIZUUxXymfuKfddKrJrxCLA)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1N_3gTl1hp6YNcye2P15U7QyadzOOjtiU)
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Onto the firewall, heater box and Evaporator. The firewall rot is a result of the cowl seam sealer letting water in, which I also repaired. The cowl used one full tube of seam sealer, plus you lose some with the hose attachment. New heater core, firewall is solid again but I have to make the center section pretty after I pull the engine. The hard part is done. I layered the firewall with the Kilmat and then a new insulation pad.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Q8AKxNMbgny1EsQSfj6pREGO3K13F-zm)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14yYBgTLjKJdWUzFcsb8CkRCV7TyNk7Rq)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hSrUI5v8GUIjpVI9uhstkd2RD8DtpK-f)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Xqz3QbihlSjlEouqM6uM1wUaoGEUhbwI)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10SPwyXJDXixARITGEt6-0BquDbgT3Rgq)
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(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12hHiU_TUt1yUKkdqq0gZEJgIGINynwEP)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12L949hZEvjwrt-vL7oi_Dhg4CmGh1jgL)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ylACWKdowbhIdjk_4HIh3z1RQIoNKbol)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10-2PbHs4jgwixCAAr2KNNrZkwrIBx3-O)
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The mufflers and exhaust on this thing were like 1.5" pipe for some reason and they were filled with dead mouse so I lopped them off. Using some 3" aluminized pipe I had in stock, I made muffler back exhaust. I'm not going to bother with the front section until I'm ready to drop in the new powerplant. I still have a lot of work to do and didn't post pics of a ton of other work I did, but I'll get to more pix later. Last night I took it for a burn up the street and the u-joint straps snapped sending the driveshaft into orbit. I got it back home and am waiting for Napa to bring me new straps and u-joints 8)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_WNY-iU0_uS10PHxDmCshry7hlV8U0xs)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mkhKqpcSJxSBAeoq65u-tUXNHcX_LZ3z)
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Fine work Vile, thanks for bringing them! 8)
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I swear there were cool pics here seconds ago...
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Cant wait to see that thing finished. Those floors are almost as bad as my Blazer. I hope you remember to put all that insulation back in the AC box so it functions properly.
Did you get floor pan patches or find a donor truck bed?
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Very nice work!
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Pull insulation back? No insulation was left after I stripped it. Sounds like you guys can't see the pix? Let me know if you can't. Everything was stripped to bare metal and either patched with new panels or I fabbed new pieces. The firewall was stripped, repaired and new insulation along with rebuilding the Heater/AC box was rebuilt. Just got back from Cape Cod and we're supposed to get slapped with a hurricane. Let's see what happens next!
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Great progress! I assume you put kilmat on the cab roof also? Then you glue the head liner and insulation on it?
Mark
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There is no cab roof or headliner on 73-75 Blazers and Jimmy's. I wouldn't put it on the roof if it had one though. I took a video of with and without the sound deadener and it makes a big difference.
frotosride, I misread what you wrote, now I get it ;D
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There is no cab roof or headliner on 73-75 Blazers and Jimmy's. I wouldn't put it on the roof if it had one though. I took a video of with and without the sound deadener and it makes a big difference.
frotosride, I misread what you wrote, now I get it ;D
Got it, I see it on the picture now too. Saw an '88 Blazer at a car show today. It's top starts after the front seats.
Mark
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I had some help restoring the top :) Scraping and scraping all of the old texture and cleaned it up smooth. I almost went smooth but decided I like the textured finish better. I also put sliders in instead so that if my kids are in there with the top on they can peep out the window and get some fresh air. I like the look of the solid glass a little better but in terms of being a kid and sitting in the backseat, it's a no-brainer as to which window is more fun. I kept the original glass in case I ever decide to go back. All I can say is I'm glad this part is done because I was itchy for like two weeks straight. I'm getting ready to build the engine and start on the steering and suspension.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1T7uRX7bj8G2bf-JWbgJcIXiCiVZUHsqP)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fx99HmVfNoRr4U2uakqSYaH1vT2uqux0)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11zOGrv2buu28mGwImylG_tEmmlOZq9y_)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Cug6dG4Ebexw4szAlHERiBqEBB8wk8X8)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Bz-YUiSen48yvAUYwA9T4XUBjkKSHlDy)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jU0y5jC4pF7WrBopf7e9eEd4BpAikE_6)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18Fus_u8Zh0ITHi2WwWnZV77cI8gb4hVt)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cjpllyf4iJdxO8GsdjVgAKWpH4BWnwzc)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DXQpDWbNHtDp3blf2tryf3VsGVPXHmbW)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TYZ92fEH_LCWJsNRPlVPFMh25sLQEL-6)
(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1x57qVz0K7cO1EPmssC8D4pPAT0noTkC9)
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nice
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Wow! That turned out really cool! What are your plans for the powerplant and vehicle underpinnings?
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Oh, now that's what I should've had years ago when the kids were Itty bitty. This reminds me of my green 32 chevy with death trap rumble seat. This blazer is really looking good!
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I am keeping this one very close to stock, (looks anyway). So it came from the factory with a 350 and that's what I'm building for it, except it's a Vortec roller 350. I'm keeping it V-belt, A6 compressor, etc. Stealthily, it will be fuel-injected, I'll run shorty headers instead of manifolds, but for the most part, it will look stock looking under the hood but will have a stout engine. I haven't decided if I want to keep the Th350/203. I originally built that 454, 4L80E & NP241 for this thing, but then it would be too molested for what I'm trying to do with it. I also have 700R4 and NP208 I rebuilt but again, the originality in this one is key. I am putting a posi in the rear, new springs and all that jazz. Paint will be last.
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I'm a freak for those slotted mags.... :P
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Wow, that's a very nice one!!
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Nice Work VZ!
So the cover is fiberglass, right?
When I used to have to work in attics I would be scratching like a dog.
Someone told me to have on hand some of my wife's nylon stockings to rub on my arms. The microfibers pull the glass shards out of your skin.
I kept a pair under my van seat, glad my wife never saw them...I'd have some splaining to do...all good though.
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Oh yeah, itchy for sure. You reminded me of an incident about 15 years ago. I went and picked up a girl I worked with because her car broke down. On our way in my power steering pulley grenaded. She gave me her pantyhose and we made it to work with the pantyhose belt. 8)
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TOO FUNNY!! ;D
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I'm a freak for those slotted mags.... :P
Glad to see I'm not the only one. I need a set in 8 lug... <drool>
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I'm a freak for those slotted mags.... :P
Glad to see I'm not the only one. I need a set in 8 lug... <drool>
You and me both! My 98 C2500 would look a lot better with them!
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Fixed up the wheels and got some new rubber
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Wheels look like they are new, nice.
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I painted the kidney beans black and then road force balanced them. Even though the tread was good, there was dry rot so bad I didn't even want to drive it up the street. New engine is all torn down and I should be able to start cranking on it after the holidays. No rush but I want to be able to drive it next year.
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Nice wheels! Ever think about clear coat?
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No need, they look good as is. Plus clear coat would never survive shank style lug nuts
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Restored the cluster on this one too and have the engine completely torn down. All of the parts have come in so I will be starting the engine build shortly and will document that as well. Here are some cluster pix.
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and it's in and working
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Gorgeous! 8)
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Very Nice!
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Has that new truck showroom appearance!
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Love the look!
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Has that new truck showroom appearance!
Ahh but for the days of truck showrooms...sigh. Today's are nowhere I would want to be... :(
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Has that new truck showroom appearance!
Amen, I'd rather be in the salvage yard looking at the past!
Ahh but for the days of truck showrooms...sigh. Today's are nowhere I would want to be... :(
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I've been busy building the engine. The short block is done but the machine shop called me after magnafluxing and found two cracks in the heads so they are boat anchors. I ordered new heads and dropped a bunch of parts at the powder coater hoping to get the engine swapped within the next few weeks. Looking forward to Spring and no salt on the roads. I'll get some pix next week uploaded
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Going back stock on the heads?
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Vortec heads. I basically want this to look mostly period correct and even though there will be subtle differences from the bone stock look, it will look mostly like it did originally. It is getting an L31 350 Vortec engine with all of the factory bracketry, AC compressor, air cleaner etc. in tact but will have the benefits of the roller cam, vortec heads, EFI. I am also using the adapters to use the perimeter style valve covers and plugged the bypass port in the water pump so I can run the original pulleys. I've compiled pics and specs so I can post them in here soon.
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You know that you can paint a wicked set of aluminum heads, and no one will know, right? ;)
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Sure but no need and don't believe that aluminum heads are always superior, there would be no benefit or advantages to be had anyway for this build. The Vortec heads are perfect for this and besides, I have plenty of toys with mega tire frying power and this thing will make more than enough to thoroughly enjoy the ride.
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That sounds like a great build! It's pretty much the same as my build and it runs great! I don't know the engine model, but it's a 1991 with roller cam. The cam is a little bit bigger than stock. The vortec heads are not high compression, so I can use regular gas. It dyno at 355hp and 400 lbs-ft. I've got sniper efi. I put a dress up kit on mine.
Early indication is that it's using plenty of gas, too much, but I haven't done a real mpg check yet.
It just feels really nice driving. You'll like your build!
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I'm most likely going to run the sniper with the gold throttle body. I already ran all new lines and an in tank pump so all I'll need to do is swap the actual pump and plumb it in under the hood. The cam I used is .480" lift and I'm at 9.5:1 compression.
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Sure but no need and don't believe that aluminum heads are always superior, there would be no benefit or advantages to be had anyway for this build. The Vortec heads are perfect for this and besides, I have plenty of toys with mega tire frying power and this thing will make more than enough to thoroughly enjoy the ride.
OK.... :(
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Hoping I get time tomorrow to get everything buttoned up, with the exception of the intake manifold which is still at the powder coater.
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That looks nice!
How do you keep your shop so neat?
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I clean ;D
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Kudos!!! A clean, organized shop is a productive shop and a real pleasure, not-to-mention, safe! It is clear evidence of a professional who exhibits a high standard. There are fewer distractions. Equipment is readily accessible. No time is wasted looking for stuff you know you have. And abrasives finding their way into fresh assemblies isn't as worrisome. 8)
Did you seal and coat the floors early on when the concrete was new? Do you recall what you used?
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That's my shop at work. The floor is epoxy coated with some stuff that I've punished pretty bad and it holds up well. I put nothing on my concrete floor in my shop except for some overspray 8) A wise man once told me, wait at least 10 years before putting anything on your concrete and I'm glad I didn't. My concrete in my garage is awesome, but it is fiber mesh and steel-reinforced on a deep base with inside and outside curtain drains a top of mount ledge. I built my garage like 18 years ago and not one crack which is pretty impressive for New England.
I'll have the engine all done tomorrow. I put the headers back on the shelf and decided to run the manifolds believe it or not. I never thought I'd see the day ;D am I getting old? lol but I think for this truck, after many beers, this is the way. The valve covers, I'm not sure if I'll keep on there. I had them in stock and popped them on to see if I'd like them, if not, stock VC's will go on there too. Again, not going for bone stock but want to preserve the originality look. The EFI will be tucked under a factory air cleaner and I'm even leaving the factory markings on the firewall. I'm really in love with this Blazer, it has a lot of character. I'll bring the engine to my shop tomorrow and pop the hood off so I can start pecking away. I have a few buddies coming over this weekend, so I don't expect too much progress other than filling up the empties bin.
PS the manifolds are ceracoated along with the insulators and the intake is powdercoated black.
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Far out! 8)
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Brought it home today and popped the hood off the Blazer. Time to start the fun
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Engine is sitting in its new home. I'm waiting for the new radiator and have to fab up the exhaust, then I can fire it up. I still have lots of smalls to do too.
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Looking great brother! 8)
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Beautiful!
What displacement is the V8?
What Carb are you running VZ? CFM?
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Thanks! Put the new radiator in and finished hooking everything up tonight. Even though I don't have the exhaust made yet, I decided to turn the key and it fired right up and sounded really good. 8)
It's a 350, vortec block and heads, roller cam. Carb that's on it right now is a 650 CFM but it's only temporary.
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Thx, I bet it sounded awesome! Great progress!
Is the motor already broken in?
What carb would you recommend for a 383?
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Wow, looks great!
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I made the exhaust system and broke in the engine. Changed the oil and did a few other odds and ends. The exhaust is too loud so I ordered some magnaflows instead. I'm also going to put a different set of valve covers on since I only put these ones on for hahas bc I had them. I just don't think they match well.
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You may think they don't match well, and considering your OE-style detailing level, maybe not, but they are bitchin'. 8)
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Yeah, I like them as well. If they aren't hurting anything but a visual ....
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Matches the timing chain cover nicely
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Well if I end up not liking the new ones I can always switch back. Today I prepped the new inner fenders. Had to put the holes in the correct location and weld up the holes that are punched out that shouldn't be there. 3/4 of the way through, I thought about just cutting the sections out I need to fix the original ones. These ones are Goodmark's and they are 1/2 the thickness of the OE inners. I'll save that for a rainy day project though. For now, they are done and can go in this weekend.
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Looking nice!
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Thanks. Tonight I swapped the valve covers and put a shorter AC belt since the other was maxed out to be tight.
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Looking good my man!
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The other covers looked nice. However, the ones you have on now are even better. You have a beautiful ride.
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Thanks, not going for blingy on this one so these ones are better for me. Got the inner fenders in and did some other things, then took it out for a burn, put the hood on and washed it. Time for some adult beverages.
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Those are really sweet-looking rides, Vile!
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Great rides! You really put it together, Vile!
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Thanks. Next year is body and paint, going to focus on the interior after I do the mufflers.
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Just put the new mufflers on. Much better. I have a pair of resonators too and will try them out later just to keep playing with the tone.
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too cool for school! 8)
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Got the new mufflers and resonators on, sounds great but I had a lifter tick that was driving me insane! I adjusted the valves 3 times and then gave up. I pulled the intake and yanked all of the lifters out. After dissection, I can see the inferiority of the cheap china junk. I put a new set of Melling roller lifters in and it sounds perfect now. When I talked to comp cams, it sounds like they get all of their stuff from China. Melling claims to be made in USA still so I'm just glad it worked out. Nice and quiet. Now onto the next piece of china garbage, the fuel pump started to sound like a jet, so I replaced that last night. Nice and quiet.
EVERYTHING is cheap garbage these days. Quality has been almost deleted from the dictionary as a real word. It sickens me
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Vile, as a guy that's been selling auto parts (wholesale) since 1983, I feel your pain. I've seen good stuff come and go. :-\
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I agree Vile! Appears these people care more about profit margins so they get the cheap parts from China for a fraction of the quality part made in the great U.S.A. It is the sickness of greed that is ruining our Republic.
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I agree Vile! Appears these people care more about profit margins so they get the cheap parts from China for a fraction of the quality part made in the great U.S.A. It is the sickness of greed that is ruining our Republic.
Ruining the WORLD :'(
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I told my suppliers I am going to start putting in for the labor claims. Luckily they take good care of me so I feel it's a wash but still. My time is valuable.
I found the fuel gauge to be inaccurate, so I tested it today. First pic is with the float arm up all the way, second pic is the float arm all the way down ;D Luckily I was able to pop the needle off and clock it correctly. I love an easy fix 8)
After that I dialed in the timing and went for a rip. All smiles! ;D
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Time to enjoy your hard work.
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These AC compressors will bog you down pretty bad if you don't have the idle compensator and when I saw how much Edelbrock charged for them I lol'd. Especially since the carburetor is only temporary, so I bought one for a Q-jet for $40 bucks. Cut the bracket, fabbed up a perfect fit and even painted it gold 8) I set it with a sheet of paper drag at base idle on the screw and it worked perfectly with no tinkering.
I also replaced the brake booster due to the hard pedal. What a difference. Brakes are minty now. The exhaust tone is so nice too, time for a cold one!
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MacGyver'n at its finest! I always say if you can't find it-make it!
Where did you find the spec labels? And the GM sticker?
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Most of the restoration sites sell them.
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Thx man, good to know.
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Installed the ORD steering box brace and then went on a shopping spree. Ordered new carpet, seat foam, seat covers and a bunch of other odds and ends. Going to rebuild the steering column this weekend and give it a new paint job since it looks atrocious. I also got a few cans of SEM saddle paint to see how well it matches. If it looks good I'll be restoring the door panels and other plastic pieces with it. Seems like saddle has quite a few variations so we shall see.
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I hear you on the lifters. I’m in the same boat your in and I’m about to pull the intake off right now and swapping out all the lifters, has a tick that doesn’t go away. It’s funny you mentioned staying away from Chinese lifters, I had to go to 4 different auto zones to finally get a set of 16 made in USA Melling lifters. I found made in Mexico Mellings that had círclips holding the the roller in. The US Mellings looked pressed in. Some autozones tried to list melling lifters and when they brought the lifter out it was some Chinese junk. It was worth 4 hours driving around to find Melling lifters.
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By the way, it looks great! You’d never think it was a roller set up by looking at it!
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Thanks 8)
Yes, lifters and cams have been failing fast around the continent over the imported garbage. Comp Cams flat out told me they were waiting for their Chinese cores to arrive. Raise your prices and sell us quality parts please!
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Hey Vile,
I was about to take the intake off after draining coolant to change the lifters and I thought I’d run it without valve covers. The valve covers had heavy wear marks from contact with the rockers. The knock disappeared. Lesson learned after a tear down and rebuild, always look for the simplest explanation for things.
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220423/4f945059828c51f6522d082014f93a11.jpg)
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The tear down was actually a good thing though, It had a Cam that wasn’t jiving with the set up. I couldn’t identify anything about the cam the original builder put in. He quit answering his phone. Two (5,7) cylinders were shadowing and the machine shop said it was a timing degree issue. The unknown cam had -3 etched on it so I might guess it had some custom grind.
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Well I'm happy to hear you found the problem! Are they stock rockers or roller rockers? Some tall valve covers should remedy that pretty easily for you.
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Thanks, I’m happy that ordeal is over as well. They’re stock stamped rockers. I have the tall covers but they hit on the sides of the rocker, the pushrod side. It has aluminum aftermarket heads with a configuration both style center bolt and older valve covers. I’m going to try grinding some clearance with a. Die grinder today and see if it helps.
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Good luck!
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Thanks!
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Would either the thicker Fel-Pro valve cover gaskets (VS12869AC- 7/32" thick vs the OE 5/32", the Permadry version, or even the performance 1604's that are 5/16" give you the clearance without grinding?)
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I think I’m going to go and pick up some steel valve covers. The aluminum ones might still not give enough clearance if I grind them.
The issue I was having was the rockers were rubbing on the sides of the valve covers (pushrod side)pretty hard. I grinder one and decided not to even mess with the other one. I think these proform covers aren’t meant for steel stamped rockers.
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Hey Shifty,
I used some stock vortec style valve covers and it fixed. Runs nice and smooth no rockers bashing and knocking. Motors dirty cause I was running it with no valve covers and put a cardboard dam on after the fact.
Thanks for the input(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220424/48938d4abb5796753e719bda495b1667.jpg)
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Sorry about hijacking your post Vile. I’ll go back to my mine now.
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No worries. Got the carpet in, just need to set it outside in the sun for a bit.
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That’s the next project for my sons K5. Looking good.
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Sweet! Stock color?
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Yes, keeping all the factory colors. Saddle
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Looks good and has a nice fit.
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I'm working on a tilt design for the driver's side front seat. The factory buckets weren't the greatest in terms of adjustability and the driver's side seat goes forward and backward only on these. This will allow the driver's side seat to flip forward. I designed everything, have all of my materials and will start building it tomorrow. Hopefully it will work out good 8)
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Wow, I've done a LOT since this last post. That seat flip is all done and very nice for driver's side access. I took a video and can post if anyone cares. I installed a rear PDC along with a 12V receptacle and 10" slim sub as well as a grounding bus. Some new 6X9's and dual 4x10 center replacement Kenwoods and Fosgate's. I got the USA 740 radio and will probably get that in this week. I made new rear panels from scratch as the originals were toast. They took several days to make but came out great and I found exact match material and color. 8)
I have a new steering box to install still and a few other things I'm hoping to get done this weekend. I've done about 8 million other things but will post more later. Too busy!
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Oh, still waiting on the seat foam and new seat covers. They're saying another month if I'm lucky...
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Looks great! I'd love to watch the video.
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Nice man! I’m right behind you, just put peel and seal on the floors and firewall, then insulation on top.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220525/0deb420c906b5e77a51df3e0e714ff84.jpg)
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Thanks for the pics! 8)
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Well, I have not been good at keeping up with posting my work that's for sure. I stripped the tailgate, fixed, epoxy primed, primed, painted, and cleared. Working on restoring tailgate band. Did a bunch of other stuff. I'll update more later.
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I love that color Vile! :D
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Me too 8)
Here's some more pix
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Beautiful! Green is my favorite color, then red. Looks very nice and an eye catcher!
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Such a nice ride VZ! Cheers!
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I enjoy seeing the updates on this truck.
It's crazy to think that the person that sold it to Vile didn't even know what year the Blazer was.
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I don't think he cared to even know. Back when I bought this, people just wanted these rot boxes out of their yards. No one really cared about them and as long as they got better than scrap value, they were happy. I'm just glad I acted on it and even though I sat on it for a decade it was worth it.
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That’s beautiful work, Vile!
You guys are inspirational. I’m painting my next truck myself, the old 52 international.
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Thanks. I rebuilt one seat yesterday. Definitely better as a rainy day project. I kept feeling guilty the whole time because I wanted to take the girls swimming but we settled on a night swim instead which was nice. The seat was trashed, bent, had broken springs and the frame was cracked in two places. I reinforced everything and welded it all back to a solid and straight frame, then I painted it before replacing the foam.
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More pix
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More
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Finished product 8)
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WOW those old seats were completely trashed, well after nearly 50 years right?
Where did you get the new vinyl ? Looks OEM.
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I got the covers from stock interiors. Took a few months to get them.
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Did they supply the foam as well?
Ballpark $?
Looks really sweet, like 50 years ago! Even throws some patina on the interior pics.
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No, I just had them make the covers. You have to use your medallions, seat foams etc. Seat foams were around $275 each but seem to be back in stock now so the prices probably came down a few bucks. The covers were around $650
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They look very nice VZ!
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Just beautiful!
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I hooked up the amp and speaker box so I could be that guy jammin down the road. My girls absolutely love riding in this thing. On the way home, we took the long way and drove around for another 20 minutes just so they could keep smiling 8)
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Coming along nice work!
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What's not to love??
So nice when a project comes together.
When my son turned 16 I gave him my '55 Apache.
Worked on it for months putting in a modern front end and power train.
He still has it, man that was almost 30 years ago :o
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Bet it is a head turner when you drive it around and I am sure you are getting many great comments.
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It is and it's definitely a smiles per gallon ride 8)
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Glad your girls enjoy and appreciate all this great work!
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