Simple Sunday Paint Project

[meanboyjr]

I got an itch to do something with the Blazer yesterday, so I decided to put in a few short hours fixing something that's always been on my list - the headlight surrounds.

They weren't in bad shape, but they were faded enough around the headlights to make me want to do a little something to spruce up the area. So, a little work with the screwdriver had the pieces off and ready for a quick cleanup. Then, a quick scuffing with some 400 grit and some masking tape...

a little self etching primer...

and a few coats of Dupli-Color Cast Coat Iron engine enamel...

and they were back on the truck after some quick dry time (thanks to the space heater).

And of course, I had to do a little detailing in the rear, courtesy of a paint pen and about 6 minutes of my time...

Next time I get the urge to do something quick and easy, I think I'll tint the topper windows.

 

[smier]

Looks good, got any other pics of your truck? I love the older front ends, I've toted with swapping my '91 nose with an older style from time to time...

 

[y5mgisi]

Looks good! I have those days alot! Where you dont quite have time for anything big but you just gotta find SOMETHING to do to your truck.

 

[dabomb6608]

Gotta love those days. Feel like you just need to do something, anything. Mine usually involves cleaning mine out. Im a pig in mine!

 

[meanboyjr]

Looks good, got any other pics of your truck? I love the older front ends, I've toted with swapping my '91 nose with an older style from time to time...

The '73-'79 K5s are my favorite years. Nothing against the older or newer style Blazers; I've always been a fan of the square edged styling with the round headlights. I've wanted one since I was a kid.

She's a basically stock '76. No lift, no crazy suspension. No engine or driveline mods - powered by a 350/350/203 combo, running the factory Q-Jet. Just your basic 4x4 for camping, fishing, hunting, running FS roads, hauling stuff and driving in the snow. I've owned her for 6 years now, and I think I have $3000 in the whole rig, including the purchase price, a tranny rebuild, new drag link, replacement exhaust and a set of new 31" BFG ATs.

About 2 years ago, I swapped out the tailgate. The original was rusted out, and the window regulator was shot, so I found a replacement on craigslist. It was from a '77 - it was missing the window crank and didn't have the upgraded trim on it, but I took it anyway for $50. It was this burnt orange color that made the truck really easy to see on the street.

I spray-bombed it in grey primer a few weeks ago. I was tired of looking at the contrasting colors. It's better this way, IMHO.

And yes, I do take her in the dirt from time to time. She's a great kayak hauler.

Oh yes, she also got a good interior cleaning. I didn't realize how many Jack in the Box bags I had stuffed in the console.

 

[meanboyjr]

Before and After

I took this pic for another post. While looking at it, I realized that the cruddy looking plate and faded boot could use some freshening up...

So, after a good cleaning with a wire brush and some hot, soapy water, it was off to the paint booth...errr, paint box.

The parts got one coat of gloss black appliance enamel, followed by one coat of matte clear, just to tone down the shine. The shifter knob received the same treatment, followed by some white paint in the engraved pattern on top. The rubber boot got one light coat of black vinyl & fabric dye.

Much better.

 

[smier]

Looks good, thanks for the pics!!! Sometimes the simple projects make a big difference, provide a sense of accomplishment, and keep you motivated to do more. Nice functional rig, enjoy it, and thanks for making me feel guilty for not accomplishing anything on mine again this weekend...

 

[meanboyjr]

Looks good, thanks for the pics!!! Sometimes the simple projects make a big difference, provide a sense of accomplishment, and keep you motivated to do more. Nice functional rig, enjoy it, and thanks for making me feel guilty for not accomplishing anything on mine again this weekend...

Thanks. Sometimes, it's the little things. Or not so little things...

I was feeling pretty accomplished right up until the moment I shut the door. It closed, but didn't sound right. I knew that the striker area was showing some rust, and the door had been rattling a bit, but I didn't know it was nearing catastrophic failure. Sure enough, I opened the door and the striker was loose, as in a good 1/8" of movement all the way around.

The light was fading, but I grabbed the grinder and did a little work with the wire wheel. Once it was cleaned up, I could see that the sheetmetal had actually cracked. There was a large split on one side, extending about an inch above the striker, and about 1/2" below. The surrounding metal seemed strong enough, so it was time for the welder.

Of course, I couldn't find my helmet and dinner was getting cold, so I did the old "point it, close your eyes, pull the trigger" method of spot welding. Unsafe? Yes. Ugly? Very, and that includes some misplaced welds. Effective? You bet.

The door latched fine with the welds in an unground state, so I left it. The door feels much better now - closes tightly, no rattles. Maybe tomorrow between beer and brats I'll do some grinding and priming.

And then I'll have to try and figure out why it broke in the first place.