Blazer restoration- where to start?

[DK5]

 

[Jake_C_]

Let me know if you need help with the wipers

 

[Chevy350Ben]

Im planning my build in basically 3 phases:

Phase 1: Steering/Suspension/Axles - (this is the phase I am currently working on, and almost done with)

• Upgrade to one ton axles. Dana 60 front, and 14 bolt full float rear. ARB locker rear, positrack front (will upgrade to locker later, but gotta shave $ where I can). Probably going to 5.38 gear set.
• 40" tires with beadlock wheels.
• 5" Spring lift with custom Springs from ORD and shackleflip the rear.
• Crossover steering and steering box brace to fix the steering geometry problem these trucks (and many others) are known for.
• Disc Brakes all around.
• Address any rust that needs immediate attention

Phase 2: Drivetrain -

• Upgrade to Cummins 6BT (12 valve mechanical)
• Havent made up my mind on trans yet. need a reliable mechanical automatic transmission. Dont want to deal with computers
• Twin stick transfer case. again, havent made up my mind on model. Maybe atlas? depends on my budget when I get there.

Phase 3: Cosmetic - This is where the body will come off and a full disassembly to address all the rust, undercoating, body bushings, powder coat the frame etc....

• Custom interior focused on function, but still nice and quiet and comfortable for family to enjoy.
• Electronics - Stereo, Lighting, winch, clean up wiring harnesses that have not been addressed in previous phases
• Paint and body - Again, focus on function but still looks nice, and presentable. Probably just deal with rust, knock of the loose stuff, and do a matte clearcoat to preserve the patina.

So, thats the plan. but of course this is mostly subject to change depending on my budget, time and oppinion when I dig into each phase.

 

[DK5]

What are you going to do in order to address the weight of a 6BT on your K5 frame?

Im planning my build in basically 3 phases:

Phase 1: Steering/Suspension/Axles - (this is the phase I am currently working on, and almost done with)

• Upgrade to one ton axles. Dana 60 front, and 14 bolt full float rear. ARB locker rear, positrack front (will upgrade to locker later, but gotta shave $ where I can). Probably going to 5.38 gear set.
• 40" tires with beadlock wheels.
• 5" Spring lift with custom Springs from ORD and shackleflip the rear.
• Crossover steering and steering box brace to fix the steering geometry problem these trucks (and many others) are known for.
• Disc Brakes all around.
• Address any rust that needs immediate attention

Phase 2: Drivetrain -

• Upgrade to Cummins 6BT (12 valve mechanical)
• Havent made up my mind on trans yet. need a reliable mechanical automatic transmission. Dont want to deal with computers
• Twin stick transfer case. again, havent made up my mind on model. Maybe atlas? depends on my budget when I get there.

Phase 3: Cosmetic - This is where the body will come off and a full disassembly to address all the rust, undercoating, body bushings, powder coat the frame etc....

• Custom interior focused on function, but still nice and quiet and comfortable for family to enjoy.
• Electronics - Stereo, Lighting, winch, clean up wiring harnesses that have not been addressed in previous phases
• Paint and body - Again, focus on function but still looks nice, and presentable. Probably just deal with rust, knock of the loose stuff, and do a matte clearcoat to preserve the patina.

So, thats the plan. but of course this is mostly subject to change depending on my budget, time and oppinion when I dig into each phase.

 

[Chevy350Ben]

What are you going to do in order to address the weight of a 6BT on your K5 frame?

Ill have to see what I can afford when I get there. Id like to say that Im going to do custom coilover front suspension. Or just a new set of custom springs in the front.

 

[19Tim69]

With the self isolation we are finding it hard to get motivated. Working on our build '88 K5 conversion to '78 body style with 6.2 diesel. It needs a lot of TLC!

Thinking of getting started by removing the front rad support. Will have to drain all the fluid and disconnect lines. I can then do a mockup of the '76 rad support and see if I have to do any modification to work with the 6.2 diesel parts, etc.

Where did you all start on your projects? We have completed most of the teardown. Rear quarters need attention. Rockers need replacement. Would like to make the frame look nice, so assuming this means body has to come off..

I'm thinking once I have completed the mockup of the rad support with 6.2 accessories and determine all is well/done modification, then I can start to remove the body and get geared up to sandblast or grind and paint the frame.

What does the CK5 brotherhood have to say on this? Thanks all

Sounds like you have some work in front of you...
I completely finished the suspension, axles and all frame & Drive train before getting started on the body...there are a lot of small details that make it so much easier to do in that state

 

[diesel4me]

It might be easier to put the K5 body on a Dodge diesel frame ?..