‘76 K5 LS swap fiberglass body

[Asherk5]

Ok guys. Verdict is out. I weighed the original body with original small block th350, transfer case, core support, original suspension, tailgate, and top. This equaled ~3700 pounds.

 

[Asherk5]

Then I LS swapped with 6.0, 4l60e and np208 and a suspension lift. Same components installed otherwise, plus front bumper. This equaled ~3570 pounds.

 

[Asherk5]

Then we weighed the LS swapped frame with fiberglass body (after all the work we have done to it). Approx 1 full sheet of 1/2” plywood added, 7 gallons of resin, 5 gallons of lizard skin, steel inner roof panel and steel dash structure, roll bar built inside the B-pillars, tailgate support structure, bedside aluminum angles for straightening, tailgate laying in the back, minus the removable top… this equaled ~3225 pounds.

 

[82355]

Those Swampers are cute.

Martin

 

[Asherk5]

All in all, I would bet the fiberglass body was originally 3-400 pounds lighter but to make it the same strength and function as the original body, it’s not much different. #wontrustthough

 

[folkenheath]

Thanks for giving us the weights you found. How much does the top weigh? If you weighed with the top on, then it would be a near exact comparison, minus all the stuff you added to the tub anyway?

 

[Asherk5]

I would estimate the top to be around 200 pounds so it’s almost exactly the same with all we added. I would also assume that we added 3-400 pounds of steel, wood, fiberglass, and lizard skin.

 

[Asherk5]

Found some rust in the lower passenger side fender and fixed several dents in metal parts. Made our own patch and got everything in primer again.

 

[Asherk5]

Got the doors, fenders, and hood jammed out last week. Next step is to jam out the body and tailgate.

 

[82355]

Looks good!

Martin

 

[max 02]

Is that a factory colour?
I like it!

 

[folkenheath]

Color reminds me of the Jaws blazer.

 

[Asherk5]

Interior got primered this weekend. We also removed the rivets for the last few brackets off the front of the frame (front spring mounts,core support brackets, and front crossmember) to get them coated and reinstalled with grade 8 hardware.

 

[82355]

Was there an option for the newer rear floor pan?

Martin

 

[Asherk5]

Was there an option for the newer rear floor pan?

Martin

Not at the time I purchased this body. I know @ogur is/was working on getting the later floor option with USbody earlier this year.

 

[Asherk5]

First round of primer and sanding on the body this week. There is a surprising amount of pinholes in the fiberglass surface.

 

[Asherk5]

All edged out and completing final body assembly.

 

[Asherk5]

Been working on finish work for a few odds and ends before final body work. Made a new engine cradle from 1.5” square tube and rerouted the fuel lines to come up the transmission for a cleaner look.

 

[Chief Brody]

Color reminds me of the Jaws blazer.

Close, but Jaws Blazer is GM 527 Yellow Gold

 

[Blue85]

This thing is looking like a top notch build.