Body tub wish list

[ogur]

I have the opportunity to help develop some changes to the fiberglass body tubs at US body source. I met with these people for a solution to the rusty trucks we are dealing with at this time. They are very interested in solutions to some of the inherent design issues and willing to update them. The first issue I discussed is the floor of the 73 to 78 tubs. We have the ability to put the 79 and up floor in them allowing for a bunch more legroom. 2nd is a fuel door instead of just a cap. 3rd is a fiberglass tailgate.

Are there any other issues that you guys can think of?

 

[nvrenuf]

For the 73-78 Blazers isn’t the frame also different? By changing to the lower 79+ floor wouldn’t they be alienating those earlier model customers?

 

[ogur]

This is an option. The current floor they have is the original one. I am swapping 2 later tubs to full convertable. I am 6'7" so my seat needs to be farther back than the original tub will allow.

 

[ZooMad75]

That change for the floor also goes with different body mount locations between the two versions.

 

[Truckman4life]

Maybe @Asherk5 has some insite with the one he's currently doing.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

‘76 K5 LS swap fiberglass body

Hi guys, I’m starting my build thread here. For starters I bought a wrecked 76 K5 blazer as an anniversary gift to my wife who grew up driving squarebodys. Im a few years into the project now and just got the truck into the body shop. I’ll post up some pics from the last few years.

ck5.com

 

[ogur]

More so I am wondering what you guys would change on a k5 if you could. I am fully aware of the work ahead and what it will take to complete these builds.

Things like tailgates without windows that are not truck gates but a K5 gate. I will be doing a truck as a full convertable without windows in the front doors. This way we can match the body line all the way to the a pillar.

 

[Truckman4life]

Might just be me but I'd go for a one piece tilt front end. They might already do that, I've never looked.

 

[ogur]

They have them.

 

[nvrenuf]

I’d make the trans tunnel a fuzz taller (to clear clocked tcases, non OE transmissions, etc) and make the top surface flat all the way to the back seat (being round makes a pita to mount stuff like shifters, aftermarket consoles, etc).

 

[ogur]

I’d make the trans tunnel a fuzz taller (to clear clocked tcases, non OE transmissions, etc) and make the top surface flat all the way to the back seat (being round makes a pita to mount stuff like shifters, aftermarket consoles, etc).

That makes sense. I will talk to them about this.

 

[Joel Wilson]

I’d make the trans tunnel a fuzz taller (to clear clocked tcases, non OE transmissions, etc) and make the top surface flat all the way to the back seat (being round makes a pita to mount stuff like shifters, aftermarket consoles, etc).

X2 on the flat top trans tunnel and maybe have the opening towards the firewall a tad bigger so easier access to the top bellhousing bolts. Maybe having a bit more of an indent on the firewall for the distributor and access to that area.

I know exactly zero about fiberglass but is there anyway to have precut lines on the inside of the fenders and quarter panels to help with opening them up for larger tires.

I gotta look into that tilt front clip. That just sounds like it would make things so much easier working in the engine compartment.

 

[Asherk5]

I have the opportunity to help develop some changes to the fiberglass body tubs at US body source. I met with these people for a solution to the rusty trucks we are dealing with at this time. They are very interested in solutions to some of the inherent design issues and willing to update them. The first issue I discussed is the floor of the 73 to 78 tubs. We have the ability to put the 79 and up floor in them allowing for a bunch more legroom. 2nd is a fuel door instead of just a cap. 3rd is a fiberglass tailgate.

Are there any other issues that you guys can think of?

I wondered who was buying a second tub!! I saw on their FB page that another was coming. They hadn't made one in over ten years before I bought mine. Specific to the US body fiberglass tub, having the later style floor option would be great! I have been sending them pictures and info for what could be improved as we find them on my body (which most are documented in my build thread. I made the fuel fill behind the hinged passenger taillight...

Incorporating a K5 inner roof skin for the half top version and cowl pocket to make the floor vents function would be handy also. While they are at that step, a dash structure would be helpful to. I cut all of those pieces from a steel body and glued into the fiberglass. I cut the door hinge and fender supports out of a steel body also.

I added a bunch of floor support in the back and under the seat mounting area also. I only bought the main tub, no doors or front clip.

 

[ogur]

I wondered who was buying a second tub!! I saw on their FB page that another was coming. They hadn't made one in over ten years before I bought mine. Specific to the US body fiberglass tub, having the later style floor option would be great! I have been sending them pictures and info for what could be improved as we find them on my body (which most are documented in my build thread. I made the fuel fill behind the hinged passenger taillight...

Incorporating a K5 inner roof skin for the half top version and cowl pocket to make the floor vents function would be handy also. While they are at that step, a dash structure would be helpful to. I cut all of those pieces from a steel body and glued into the fiberglass. I cut the door hinge and fender supports out of a steel body also.

I added a bunch of floor support in the back and under the seat mounting area also. I only bought the main tub, no doors or front clip.

Let's get in touch with eachother and chat. I will be dropping off a steel tub on Jan 24 with them. I think the easiest way to get in touch is through the K5 Squared page on FB.