1970 GMC Jimmy - Grandfathers Unfinished Business

[ashman]

If you can get the engine cheap, fine, grab it and stick it somewhere, but I wouldn't bother trying to swap it back in. I know that some vehicles do get more valuable with numbers matching and all that, but I've never seen anyone ask about that when it comes to a blazer. The closest I've seen to that kind of thing effecting value is whether the VIN is a true 2wd, or whether it was converted.

 

[Dan_P]

Been away for awhile doing brakes / stereo / steering pump / taking car of young kids. Back with a headache.

I have known that I have rusted out rocker boxes. Just haven’t looked inside yet. Popped off the rear panel and it’s nasty.
I want to get it solid so I can take the top off and put in a family roll cage.

couple rocker box questions:

It looks like the rockers were replaced already (pic).

I read that the rocker boxes provide structural support. It’s not totally clear why, it seems the sheet metal wouldn’t provide much support. Pics below are from driver side, looking inside from the rear panel that I opened up. Can i cut off the rest of the box? Or will that cause shifting / issues? I can’t weld and repairs will need to be done at a shop. I don’t want to remove the box if it makes it undrivable / unsupported.

my thought is to cut off the box. Clean up whatever I can with wire brush. Buy replacement parts. Then drive it into a shop to do the weld / repairs.

Any input to this plan?

 

[imiceman44]

You would be surprised how much sheet metal can support if shaped the right way.
Now if you keep the top on and you first confirm that you can find the parts which I doubt or you find someone who can fabricate replacement, then you can ct out clean up and straight to the place you should be ok.

 

[imiceman44]

Your other idea also would work, you first build a family cage then you cut out the rust and clean it up and be done

 

[Dan_P]

I'm triangulating a transmission leak. I originally thought it was the pan gasket, but that didn't solve it. Looking closer it appears that it's the kickdown.

Bad news, the bolt hole threads are stripped. The bolt just spins in the hole and doesn't have any holding power. I am able to giggle/twist the bolt to remove it from the bolt hole. Any recommendations to solve this?

The bolt is 1/2" long with 1/4"x20 threads. I'd normally try to re-tap the hole, but access is a PITA.

 

[shady]

Retapping is really all you got. Whether you go to a bigger size or helicoil it. Still have to tap there.

 

[Dan_P]

Retapping is really all you got. Whether you go to a bigger size or helicoil it. Still have to tap there.

I was hoping for a creative solution. I can BARELY get a hand in there to unscrew the bolt, nevermind tap new threads.

 

[ktmoutfront]

Bottom tap. Square socket to fit the tap and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

 

[shady]

I was thinking drill with a 1/4" drive extension and set on the highest screw setting.

 

[imiceman44]

I was hoping for a creative solution. I can BARELY get a hand in there to unscrew the bolt, nevermind tap new threads.

I will check something here before I suggest it but might have a way without drill or tap.
I will get back here possibly tomorrow

 

[Dan_P]

I was searching CK5 for some info and realized I haven't posted an updated. Figured might as well.
Life with 2 young kids, work, other hobbies...the Jimmy progress moves slowly.

Update 1: Installed Dakota Dash and put stereo in the glove box.Nothing crazy but nice to have more modern tech but maintain original look.

Update 2: Major rust repair on rockers and then some. Did NOT expect it to be that bad under there...it was well hidden. See the pics. I have a friend that owns a shop so I got a deal...but still a painful bullet to bite. Turned out great and glad it's behind me.

Update 3: Dynamat on the entire floor and bed...figured I'd do it while the carpet was out for rust repair.


Brings me to my current project....
Update 4: I found a '76 Dana44 axle and in process of a swap so I can put disc up front. Ready to pull the old one and put in the new (to me) '76.
This topic is why I was searching around...if someone has a thread on the best approach to run new brake lines please share.
Is this the best answer or overkill? https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=823192

Still on the list...
New leaf springs. Debating ORD customs or something off the shelf. Can't tell if the extra money is THAT noticeable ride quality for weekend driving (not wheeling).
Need to figure out what lift I currently have. Was reading this: https://ck5.com/forums/threads/how-to-measure-lift.308927/ but not sure if it applies to the 70 Jimmy as well.

EFI. Likely will go Sniper.

Cheers,
Dan

 

[6872xtc]

Nice progress! Really hurts to find that hidden rust, but so cool to have it fixed!

On the springs, I can't relay how much better the ride is on my '70 K10 when I removed the Tuff Country EZ-RIDE and installed the ORD springs. The truck is so much more enjoyable to drive!

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

How much are you going to lift it? I would imagine the ord customs make a good difference at 4 inches or higher with the shorter length of the 1st gen.

 

[Dan_P]

How much are you going to lift it? I would imagine the ord customs make a good difference at 4 inches or higher with the shorter length of the 1st gen.

Depends what I am currently at. I only have ~3” of gap between the truck roof and garage opening, so not much room to go up.

I think I will be limited at 2” and 33” tires.