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Ugly truckling build

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RivMan

RivMan

1/2 ton status
 Premium
Joined
Oct 11, 2010
Posts
398
Reaction score
473
Location
Pinckney, MI
RivMan submitted a new Build:

The ugly truckling build "While the engine's out..."

Hey guys, I just picked a K5 last night, and I'm looking forward to working on it.

First a little background. This is my first K5, but I used to have a 1976 K10 that I loved. It was an original Michigan truck, so that means RUST! I re-built everything between the tires and the frame, but I couldn't get away from the rusty body. (It looks a lot better in these pics then it actually was).

DSC00023.JPG


After selling it and moving up to a newer Duramax, I decided I need a new classic truck project. I spend a bit of time in Texas for work, so I was determined to pickup a Blazer down there and ship it home. That didn't happen because I found this Florida truck about 2 miles from my house!

photo%25288%2529.JPG


The good:
1990 K5 Blazer
Original 350 TBI
Completely rebuilt 700R4 (Less then 1000 miles with a $3000 receipt from a local shop)
10 Bolts Front and Rear, G80 Posi rear (Axles gone through, new bearings and seals)
New brake system, Calipers and Cylinders Replaced
RUST FREE BODY

The Bad:
Interior has seen better days (Seat covers, Carpet, and Dash pad)
The tires are shot (Dry rotted, like new tread)
All the rubber trim completely shot
Paint is "Burnt" completely gone in some parts

Not exactly what I was looking for, but it'll do as a start. My plan is to build this into a great Driver / Weekend camper truck. One of my main prioritys will be to prevent this thing from rusting out like they do here in MI.

To Do:
New tires: Already on order, 33/12.5/15 Goodyear Wrangler Duratracks. I had them on my K10 and loved them, so they go on this one as well.

Seal up the interior: The rubber trim around the top, rear window, and doors is all leaking. I want to get this thing water tight before I do much else. I also noticed that there was once something on the roof of the truck, and the mounting holes from it are leaking as well. I plan to get those welded up and sealed.

Exterior: Remove the stripe sticker that's already half gone, and clean up what's left of the paint. I may try to sand and rattle can match what's burnt off.

Drive it: This thing has been sitting for a couple years. Things need freeing up, and the few miles I put on it have helped. I plan to put a few miles on it and see what she needs.

Here are some pics to show what I'm starting with:...
Click to expand...

Read more about this build here...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well, congrats on the new Blazer! That truck looks awesome! I love the looks of that!
 
Thanks man, I'm going to go for a similar look on the Blazer, simple and clean driver.

-Rob
 
Awesome to see a rust free truck up here. I'll be watching the build :). You are not far from me at all. I'm in Pinckney and work in Livonia. I buy all my steel from van buren steel in Belleville :)
 
Always good to start with good metal. Rubber is rubber and is much easier to replace than steel. I'd get that thing undercoated asap and then paint it a color that doesn't make it look like a creamsicle... :waytogo:
 
Chevy305 said:
Always good to start with good metal. Rubber is rubber and is much easier to replace than steel. I'd get that thing undercoated asap and then paint it a color that doesn't make it look like a creamsicle... :waytogo:
Click to expand...



And do it fast because the Holton Dune party is in 2 months :thumb:


All Michiganders are required to come :whistle:
 
Thanks guys!

Looks like I need to update my profile a little. I moved out of Belleville last year, and actually bought a house in Pinckney! Now I know who to call when I need to do some heavy lifting.

Tires are being installed as I type this, so that's one thing off the list.

The more I drive this truck, I think there may be something broke in the rear end. It's pretty noisy and clunky (Factory G80 in there).

Any recommendations on where to order rubber? I want to get that in the works today.
 
RivMan said:
Thanks guys!

Looks like I need to update my profile a little. I moved out of Belleville last year, and actually bought a house in Pinckney! Now I know who to call when I need to do some heavy lifting.

Tires are being installed as I type this, so that's one thing off the list.

The more I drive this truck, I think there may be something broke in the rear end. It's pretty noisy and clunky (Factory G80 in there).

Any recommendations on where to order rubber? I want to get that in the works today.
Click to expand...


Awesome dude! I have a spare ten bolt rear if you want come over and grab it.
 
You should find a set of OEM wheels.

No idea where to get the rubber. LMC? Brothers Truck Parts?

A couple headlight bezels would really dress it up.

I like that pain scheme....

Martin
 
As for the seats, maybe see if there is a local upholstery shop?

Martin
 
New tires installed!

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photo%25202%2520%25285%2529.JPG


I have these wheels coming from a friend of mine. I'll be having them powdercoated satin black probably.

photo%25203%2520%25285%2529.JPG


Gearing is 3.73's

-Rob
 
For rubber I've had good luck with Classic Parts of America and Brothers. I've heard bad things about LMC
 
I'm not a fan of the wagon wheel look.

I'd love to tack down some Turbines like I had on my K10, but I doubt I'll find another set.

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-Rob
 
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