I just got my first Blazer... now I've got some questions

[73K5BlazerSS]

Ok so I just got a 73 Blazer ! Amazingly it has practically no rust (came outta the mojave). On the other hand it's in need of lots of repairs. Hopefully you can steer me in the right direction.

The tailgate is in good shape except for some small dents. It does need a window along with all of the tailgate parts, crank, window regulator, guides, seals, etc. For some reason the tailgate sits higher when closed on the left side. Is there anyway to adjust this? Could the frame be tweaked? Also what's my best chance of finding the torque rods?

The doors are wavy from years of dings, they may even be cheap replacements with thin gauge steel? Am I better off buying new doors instead of doing bodywork on the old ones? (I'm awful at bodywork so I'd probably have to pay someone). Are the replacement doors good quality?

Also the front hubs were converted to lockers but the front axle always spins regardless of what position it is in except for neutral. Can I leave them like that and run them in the free position until I need 4wd?

Thanks and sorry if I'm asking too much

 

[flatland]

Welcome..

You'll be able to answer all your questions here soon. This site is full of knowledgeable folks who don't mind sharing.
Good luck, and post pics soon!

 

[1300obo]

Welcome, please start a build and post pics as most of us have never seen a rust free 73,lol. If your doors are solid best to try to salvage them as replacing full vert doors can be involved. Does it have the original 203 tx case?

 

[Wes Harden]

Hi welcome, cool find a full vert. No answers @ tail gate ( barn doors here) someone will be along to help

 

[K85 Octane]

The tailgate has hinges in the floor, so if something is funky I’d start there.
OEM doors tend to be better and need less work to fit the cab, unless ur really lucky with aftermarket doors.
You have a full time 4x4 T-case and someone put lockable hubs on. They help and I’d keep them unlocked. Best mod after that is a part time kit for the t-case.

 

[73K5BlazerSS]

Ok thanks for the replies. I'll move this into a build thread.

 

[73K5BlazerSS]

I'm just getting started on pulling it apart. It always ends up being more work than you expected. The previous owner glued the carpet and padding down. It's like tearing cotton candy off the floor.
If anyone is looking for front seats out of a 73 Blazer, I got em. They look like they were reupholstered recently, although the tracks need some sand paper and paint.

 

[1300obo]

so that's what floorboards and rockers are supposed to look like

 

[swettysblazer]

Where in Jersey are you??

 

[ryoken]

congrats.... it'll more than likely be the only full vert alive in Jersey...

 

[TLW]

NJ crew signing in. Bergen County here.

 

[TLW]

I'm just getting started on pulling it apart. It always ends up being more work than you expected. The previous owner glued the carpet and padding down. It's like tearing cotton candy off the floor.
If anyone is looking for front seats out of a 73 Blazer, I got em. They look like they were reupholstered recently, although the tracks need some sand paper and paint.

View attachment 392361

View attachment 392362

View attachment 392363

What seats are you putting in there?

 

[TLW]

The tailgate is in good shape except for some small dents. It does need a window along with all of the tailgate parts, crank, window regulator, guides, seals, etc. For some reason the tailgate sits higher when closed on the left side. Is there anyway to adjust this? Could the frame be tweaked? Also what's my best chance of finding the torque rods?

Tailgate Components

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