1989 Build In Progress

[Reddrig]

1989 Build In Progress

So I purchased the Blazer on line from Reno NV and traced the history back to mainly TX. Purchased from a classic car dealer, rig was advertised as very good condition. As you will see this was a lie. I’ll cover most of the problems as I go through the build. Had the truck shipped to me in NC. I was not under the illusion I was buying a show truck, but did think it was in better shape. I was willing to take a chance since the price seemed fair and I was going to do a ton of work to it anyway.

My father had a K5 in Montana and that’s what led me back to the Blazer. I’ve had it for about three months and I’m still working on it today, I’ll cover things chronologically with photos. And continue the thread until I’m done.

When the truck arrived I first noticed not one window worked, the dash was literally an overlay that was painted on, the wheels and tires were no name and just a little cheesy for my taste (was going to take these off and sell anyway), temp gauge did not work and AC was not working. Engine did run well with no leaks at all. Has a rebuilt 350 with 700R4 behind it. The engine bay is a mess and on the list (possibly crate motor in future). The front end was a disaster and faded and the entire truck needed to be wire wheeled. So much more was wrong which I’ll cover as I go. The bottom line is I I have fallen in love with the truck even with some of the problems she came with.

A few picks of what I started with, I’ll try and add to the thread daily.

 

[ZooMad75]

Not a bad start. But like most, you got a nice pile of previous owner to fix before the good stuff comes. I do agree, the wheels got to go.

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

Not a bad start. But like most, you got a nice pile of previous owner to fix before the good stuff comes. I do agree, the wheels got to go.

wheels got to go

 

[Reddrig]

So the first thing was a clean up of the front axle and surrounding steering components. Wire wheel everything and then 2K primer and 2K paint. Added chrome diff cover to the front axle. Cleaned and painted steering stabilizer brackets and all around clean of bolts. Before and after pics.

 

[Reddrig]

After, also added high capacity trans pan and new filter with fluids.

 

[Reddrig]

Took apart the front end and replaced everything back to stock look and all new bright work along with some paint.

 

[Reddrig]

Next was the dash I talked about earlier. The old dash had a pad glued on and was just sitting in the truck. Removed and put a new dash in with bright work. Replaced speakers and cleaned up rusty brackets. Put in. Retrosound stereo, more to follow on the stereo system later. Replaced the clear gauge cover and replaced the temp gauge. Also painted the white overlay on the dash. And a good clean.

 

[Reddrig]

Wheels and tires next. Nittos Ridge Grappler 35” on Ultra 17x9.

 

[Reddrig]

Upholstery is next, TMI Front seats replaced the stock K5 seats. Ordered the matching bench upholstery for the rear and recovered the rear myself. Not a very fun project but turned out fantastic. I actually put the covers on over the factory covers which gave it the right amount of tension since they were worn.

 

[Reddrig]

Up next was the stereo with a Retrosound deck new dash speakers and kick panels with speakers. Ran a RockfordFosgate Amp to the rear powering the 8” full range speakers in the rear. Used 1/2” plywood to complete new panels for the rear and mounted the Kicker speakers. Covered the panels with the same vinyl as the seats. Used a cutout to feature the Amp and allow access to the controls. Used power from the deck to power the front four speakers. Ran all the wiring under the carpet and under the bed rails. Used some of the stock panel brackets for the new panels. The speakers have a Led ruction which I ran a switch to allow me to turn off the lights

 

[Bent77]

Shaping up !

 

[Reddrig]

Shaping up !

I’m very excited, FedEx dropped off a little gift for me.

 

[Bent77]

Blueprint 350 complete. Any more details?

 

[Reddrig]

Well it’s just that a 350 complete with Holly Sniper. Sorting out the fuel delivery before the install along with engine bay repaint and a few other things. Hopefully late May for the install, if not I may need to wait until July. These are the numbers from Blueprint. I also got my Serpentine kit from CVF. New radiator and electric fans also going in. Lots of work ahead.

 

[Bent77]

Fuel system shouldn’t be too bad, ‘89 is basically set up to run that with just a few modifications

 

[Reddrig]

Ya I know I need to bump the PSI with a new pump and maybe replace a few lines. Am I missing anything else, the pump is probably the most important because I need to be at 60 PSI for the sniper, I believe the TBI 350 were running pressure down around 12 or 13.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sne-19-369

 

[Bent77]

Correct, the sniper will run at 58 I believe. Many of us with after market injection are using the tbi/tpi fuel filter

Replacing the lines would be subject to their conditions. When I pulled the tbi lines off mine, they were done. I opted for braided lines, which certainly are not cheap

 

[Reddrig]

So I was installing the water pump last night and was test fitting when I pulled the top bolt out and the 3#$3@& washer hit the edge of the hole and went straight down the passage. Had to use the borescope to locate. Passage was so tight I had to use a zip tie with a magnet attached to get it. Took 3 hours of me pulling my hair out. Just finished the Serpentine kit from CVS after retrieving the washer. It was a 1 in a million shot...

 

[Reddrig]

So I just finished up the Serpentine kit on the motor. Kit was from CVF which was very nice, went with reservoir style pump(not sure about this yet). The kit was easy to install and looks great. Will be at least a month before I drop it in though. Need to work on fuel system and clean up the engine bay.

I also have a question for you lifted blazer people. Did you remove the front clip or take your wheels off to clear the height before dropping the engine in? Not sure what dirrection I want to go?

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

I pull the core support and set the front axle on stands as low as they can go.