Rdn2blazer 73’ K5 build thread (random pics)

[rdn2blazer]

Too add a Front heavy duty cross member in or not??? Yeah or neah??? So decades ago when I started this K5 lol! At some point I got a hair up my tailpipe it Needed a Heavy duty Rear frame crossmember. Something that I could mount cage to, a bumper, whatever. So I ordered a special piece of square tubing to get close to the inside height of the channel dimension of the Blazer frame at the very Back of the frame, with the factory frame end cut off minimal as possible to get a straight vertical cut.

Then I split the end to allow the top plate to straighten out and bend up to be flat. Then I grafted the tube crossmember into the rear of the blazer frame. The tube is just mild steel tube but 4 1/2 in Sq + .375 wall thickness. I like I can tap it and get good thread in it if necessary. 1/4 is too thin. So I capped the ends of the square tube before welding in into the frame. I used I believe 1/4 steel to cap. So the square size of the tubing has the tube cap plus the frame thickness to drill and tap into to bolt my eventual fold down tube bumper design I’ve had in my brain damaged brain for years.

I’m just rambling basically, don’t mind me.

 

[dhcomp]

Such a badass build. Thinking of rob, and just getting around to read through it.

 

[K5|kid]

Hey all, this is Robert’s son. Finally getting around to try n start working on my dads ol’ project and get it finished. It’s gunna be a long process and I’m very mechanically and informationally undereducated when it comes to finishing this massive project so I figured I’d post on here and see if I could get some advice or some help. I still have the built ‘89 454, the 4l80e he had, I have the steering column, water pump, I have a fuel cell I believe, gauges, the auto gear shifter, the power steering pump, seats (although very weathered and beat), and I’m sure much more that I have but don’t know about or forgot to mention. I had figured the best first course of action would be go through the engine and trans to make sure it’s all good and ready, and then get the torque converter and transfer case and stuff so I can get the trans bolted up to the engine and get it dropped into the blazer and work from there. Not gunna be a super fast project as money and time are always an issue, as well as a lot of the parts (such as trans and engine) are in storage and not with the blazer. But I figured I’d at least get this post revived and put it out there that my dads blazer isn’t forgotten and hopefully I can get some help to get it driving finally, after all these years.

 

[ryoken]

Hey all, this is Robert’s son. Finally getting around to try n start working on my dads ol’ project and get it finished. It’s gunna be a long process and I’m very mechanically and informationally undereducated when it comes to finishing this massive project so I figured I’d post on here and see if I could get some advice or some help. I still have the built ‘89 454, the 4l80e he had, I have the steering column, water pump, I have a fuel cell I believe, gauges, the auto gear shifter, the power steering pump, seats (although very weathered and beat), and I’m sure much more that I have but don’t know about or forgot to mention. I had figured the best first course of action would be go through the engine and trans to make sure it’s all good and ready, and then get the torque converter and transfer case and stuff so I can get the trans bolted up to the engine and get it dropped into the blazer and work from there. Not gunna be a super fast project as money and time are always an issue, as well as a lot of the parts (such as trans and engine) are in storage and not with the blazer. But I figured I’d at least get this post revived and put it out there that my dads blazer isn’t forgotten and hopefully I can get some help to get it driving finally, after all these years.

wow, way way cool... righteous... we'll help ya any way we can... pretty savvy crowd in here.... I'll be checking in for sure...


one thing I might suggest is to actual make an outline for yourself, down on paper.... parts you have/need... order of processes/priorities.. starting with a driveline install is always a good start...

it's free, and may/will remind you of other things you need to do/get...

 

[K5|kid]

wow, way way cool... righteous... we'll help ya any way we can... pretty savvy crowd in here.... I'll be checking in for sure...


one thing I might suggest is to actual make an outline for yourself, down on paper.... parts you have/need... order of processes/priorities.. starting with a driveline install is always a good start...

it's free, and may/will remind you of other things you need to do/get...

Thank you, yea I have a small list of things I don’t have but after a conversation with iceman I realized some things I have are usable. Such as I wasn’t aware you could run 4l80 with carb, so I just definitely need to do more research as well. Im sure I’ll be asking lots of questions cuz I’m sure I have stuff for the blazer that I don’t even know about cuz I’m not sure what I’m looking at. But I’ll definitely just take some time and go through what I know I have and what I don’t and come up with some sort of educated plan of attack. I know my dad was building an insane heavy duty rig cuz everything he does is that way but my main goal right now is to just get it running and drivable and use as many of the parts I have as possible. I figured I can worry about the extras after the fact.

 

[ryoken]

Thank you, yea I have a small list of things I don’t have but after a conversation with iceman I realized some things I have are usable. Such as I wasn’t aware you could run 4l80 with carb, so I just definitely need to do more research as well. Im sure I’ll be asking lots of questions cuz I’m sure I have stuff for the blazer that I don’t even know about cuz I’m not sure what I’m looking at. But I’ll definitely just take some time and go through what I know I have and what I don’t and come up with some sort of educated plan of attack. I know my dad was building an insane heavy duty rig cuz everything he does is that way but my main goal right now is to just get it running and drivable and use as many of the parts I have as possible. I figured I can worry about the extras after the fact.

cool... just don't get yourself overwhelmed.. anytime something is completely disassembled, you are gonna come across a ton of roadblocks/expenditures/labor/decisions along the way putting it back together.....

subscribed...

 

[Greg72]

Hey all, this is Robert’s son. Finally getting around to try n start working on my dads ol’ project and get it finished. It’s gunna be a long process and I’m very mechanically and informationally undereducated when it comes to finishing this massive project so I figured I’d post on here and see if I could get some advice or some help. I still have the built ‘89 454, the 4l80e he had, I have the steering column, water pump, I have a fuel cell I believe, gauges, the auto gear shifter, the power steering pump, seats (although very weathered and beat), and I’m sure much more that I have but don’t know about or forgot to mention. I had figured the best first course of action would be go through the engine and trans to make sure it’s all good and ready, and then get the torque converter and transfer case and stuff so I can get the trans bolted up to the engine and get it dropped into the blazer and work from there. Not gunna be a super fast project as money and time are always an issue, as well as a lot of the parts (such as trans and engine) are in storage and not with the blazer. But I figured I’d at least get this post revived and put it out there that my dads blazer isn’t forgotten and hopefully I can get some help to get it driving finally, after all these years.

Hi Lucas!!

Glad you found your way back to CK5!!!

There are a lot of people here that will remember the plans that Rob had and will help to fill in the blanks for you. Either wtih tips or links to other threads where details were discussed... I have no doubt that you will get all the help that you need and want just by posting up questions here and asking.

It's a good bunch of guys, and really an extended family (brotherhood) of sorts here... the fact that you are carrying on the legacy that your dad started is immensely cool.

We will help you however we can.



-G

 

[max 02]

@K5|kid

Thank you for posting up and working on your dads Blazer!

It will be big project for sure.You can do it! How cool will it be to see it finished!

You will get a ton of help from the brothers here. Keep posting!

 

[ZooMad75]

Hell yeah dude! I saw the thread come up and I was kinda worried it was somebody new bringing it up to say something about it.

Man was I surprised to see it was you. That’s so awesome I bet your old man is grinning from ear to ear watching you.

I’d take some time and pour through this very thread as your Dad had a pretty clear idea of his direction.

Any CK5 Brother close enough to help out to identify what he has and by extension what he needs?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions here. The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask anyway.


We are all pulling for you dude.

 

[76zimmer]

This is perfect timing, beings fathers day(ish) and all. Glad to hear you’re carrying on the work of your Dad, a highly respected and admired brother of CK5. We’re all rootin for your progress!

 

[K85 Octane]

Hey Lucus, might not remember the name Brent. I had the unfortunate task of handing your Mom some papers one night for Rob. Back when ur pops was still at the first warehouse by the airport. I remember the house and containers and Kody (I got really busy with my business, it sucks I wasn’t able to help him move again, or even see him after moving) I am building another store currently but once it’s up and going I could drop by. Maybe in a few weeks. Where is everything? Lakewood or Long Beach, I don’t remember.

 

[imiceman44]

As I told you Lucas, you will get more advice than you need here.
I will start looking for the parts I told you I have and dig them up for you.
As for the 4l80E controller, there are a few here that use them, @mrk5 is one that comes to mind.
He can chime in with his experience

 

[K5|kid]

Hey Lucus, might not remember the name Brent. I had the unfortunate task of handing your Mom some papers one night for Rob. Back when ur pops was still at the first warehouse by the airport. I remember the house and containers and Kody (I got really busy with my business, it sucks I wasn’t able to help him move again, or even see him after moving) I am building another store currently but once it’s up and going I could drop by. Maybe in a few weeks. Where is everything? Lakewood or Long Beach, I don’t remember.

Of course I remember ! Yea just let me know I’ll pm you my number so we can figure something out. And as of right now the blazer and some parts are in la mirada where the mill and toolboxes and stuff are, the engines, trans, axles, and I’m sure other stuff , are all in a pods storage container in compton.

 

[K5|kid]

So as far as the trans goes I didn’t realize a 4l80e can be ran with a carb. After talking to @imiceman44 about it he says that is very doable, so now I’m wondering which would be an overall better option. I don’t know jack about this and after some reading it seems like it’d make more sense to run the efi for the 4l80 but what do you guys think? For simplicity and price sake would running carb be the best option? All help and opinions are appreciated greatly !

 

[imiceman44]

So as far as the trans goes I didn’t realize a 4l80e can be ran with a carb. After talking to @imiceman44 about it he says that is very doable, so now I’m wondering which would be an overall better option. I don’t know jack about this and after some reading it seems like it’d make more sense to run the efi for the 4l80 but what do you guys think? For simplicity and price sake would running carb be the best option? All help and opinions are appreciated greatly !

You can a carb now and the 4l80E and in year or a few if you still want to keep it and feel like upgrading to efi then you can do it.
The carb will be free, as long as you have an intake it will be a lot easier and cheaper now.
If you had the money I definitely would have said go EFI

 

[K5|kid]

You can a carb now and the 4l80E and in year or a few if you still want to keep it and feel like upgrading to efi then you can do it.
The carb will be free, as long as you have an intake it will be a lot easier and cheaper now.
If you had the money I definitely would have said go EFI

Oh okay gotcha. Then yes that definitely makes more sense especially considering there’s already an edelbrock intake on it

 

[K85 Octane]

Just going to lay this out there Lucas.
Make the truck run and make it how you want.
Your old man would be happy you’re getting some use from it. Don’t stress on using what he had (other than it’s there and “free”) but if you have an idea he didn’t…. run with it. Just saying, if you want it BigBird yellow with blue shag carpeting inside, I think Rob will but he’ll have to laugh cause he can’t stop ya now.

I didn't know him like you did of course, but that’s what I image. Hahahaha

 

[K85 Octane]

Any wrench sessions scheduled? I’ve got late BB prep going on and trouble with some of my stores. I had hoped to be clear by now but that’s not the case. Best I can do is late September.

 

[JIMDINK]

Kind of off topic, and I hate to be that guy, but do you still have the stock steering wheel? I'm looking for one.

 

[K5|kid]

Well I know it’s been quite a damn long time, but I’ve been making some progress on the blazer. I got a th350 & np203 from facebook and got it mated up to the 454 and dropped in yesterday. I ended up having to empty the storage that all the blazer shit was in, and also ended up having to move& pay to store the blazer , so moneys been super tight and things have been inevitably slow. Met a buddy who is gunna give me a carb, but now im just gunna start working on getting what I have in And figuring out what I’m missing. My brains all over the place and im sure there’s 50 other things I wanted to mention but I just figured I’d get a post up for now. i wanted to add some pics since its been so long, but im not sure how to add pics from my phone