71Coop’s project pile

[6872xtc]

Yeah I haven't driven it much yet, basically have just been doing research and got some custom plates from the DMV, I can't wait to show them off when they get here, I'm surprised they weren't taken haha.

I've got to drive it a half mile or so to get it into my shop, but it's a straight line so I shouldn't be turning too much.

Just FYI here, my '70 K10 has a factory inner brace on the inside of the frame. That's all it has ever had and it's still good. You may have something similar, as I can't find any where that says what years got what in the '67 to '72 stuff. Same thing with the front crossmember. ORD makes a bolt-in brace, but it only fits one style of crossmember. I custom built one for my son's '72 K10 since his had the different style and no inner brace.
I honestly believe that these older frames were slightly thicker and less prone to cracking like the later trucks. But it's good to check and plan overkill in my opinion.

 

[bp71k5]

Lots of first gens have a reinforcement plate behind the steering box so you may be ok with the frame. It could be the rag joint on the steering shaft as well. Just have someone steer for you and watch for what’s loose.

 

[71Coop]

Lots of first gens have a reinforcement plate behind the steering box so you may be ok with the frame. It could be the rag joint on the steering shaft as well. Just have someone steer for you and watch for what’s loose.

Just FYI here, my '70 K10 has a factory inner brace on the inside of the frame. That's all it has ever had and it's still good. You may have something similar, as I can't find any where that says what years got what in the '67 to '72 stuff. Same thing with the front crossmember. ORD makes a bolt-in brace, but it only fits one style of crossmember. I custom built one for my son's '72 K10 since his had the different style and no inner brace.
I honestly believe that these older frames were slightly thicker and less prone to cracking like the later trucks. But it's good to check and plan overkill in my opinion.

Great info, thanks guys, I'll definitely look into this, an uncracked frame would obviously be awesome.

 

[ashman]

A video we did showing the repairs done on my frame behind the steering box.

 

[71Coop]

A video we did showing the repairs done on my frame behind the steering box.

I've actually already watched through that video, it was pretty helpful!

 

[Entropy]

That's great you got the truck back. I have my Dad's K5 and it's more special when it's a family truck.

Good luck with your build!

-Andy

 

[Oldburb]

Nice Blazer and great story! I live in Anchorage and recently picked up this Suburban. I'm pecking away on some stuff and definitely learning as I go. One thing I've heard is to replace the rag joint before or with the steering box. The PO put EFI in this one. It's pretty nice. PM me if you ever get parts from LMC or something like that. Shipping is outrageous and my buddy and I have figured out how to take a little bit of the sting out of it.

 

[71Coop]

Guys I messed up and we brought another one home…

The black one is a 72, it’s got a classic body lift, the old hockey puck special!

Those are my custom plates on my 71, still pretty surprised I was able to get them from the DMV.

It’s still winter in Alaska, but I’ve been itching to drive it, so I’m gonna look into my steering issues tomorrow and hopefully find a solid uncracked frame.

 

[Oldburb]

My buddy and I saw the black one and thought of buying it. Looks solid and a good deal. Glad it went to a good home.

 

[82355]

Doesn't seem like a mess up?

Martin

 

[Spikes72]

Very cool!! My old man just passed down his 72’ to me.... and I will pass it down to my son when the time is right!!

 

[71Coop]

Well shoot, pro tip, double check your lug nuts every now and then.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

I had the same style wheels and did the same thing, at least it looks like the studs are still there.

 

[71Coop]

Well, it’s not a K5 but she’s a nice little truck. not sure if it was a smart buy yet but I’m enjoying it so far. It’s a ‘69 c20 CST, and it ain’t no blazer but it’s a manual and it’s got wood grain so it’s good in my books.

 

[flatland]

You're working on a nice collection there!
Have you been able to work on the k5 any this summer?

 

[71Coop]

Update on my K5, last summer the wheel fell off because the PO used the wrong lug nuts and I didn’t realize until I watched one of my 35s bounce down the road.



Decided to park it for the summer after that since it was nearing the end and I didn’t feel comfortable driving it in the Alaskan winter yet. I got busy with work this summer and wasn’t able to get it out of storage until this week, but I put the new (correct) lug nuts on it and now I’m finally driving it.





The steering box is not cracked I think it just needs a lot of new bushings and to get a lot of the drivetrain greased. She likes to walk all over the road, and she leaks almost every fluid except oil. So there’s still a lot to do, but at least I can finally drive it! I think I would like to get a white soft topper for it but I don’t think they make them anymore sadly.

 

[ashman]

@nvrenuf I think is selling a white soft top.

 

[nvrenuf]

@nvrenuf I think is selling a white soft top.

No sir, not me.

 

[ashman]

No sir, not me.

My bad. it was actually @SpeedlabDan