Where to start???

[smartcarkiller]

Ok guys I really want to get something done to my 72 blazer but lets face it I'm broke... I have had it for 2 years now and when I bought it it came with a 4 inch lift, 3inch body lift and 35inch toyo m/t tires. The only money I have put into it is the engine, It had a old 350 and when I blew a rod bearing I replaced it with a new 383 stroker. It came with 4.11 gears in the 12 bolt that was done just before I bought it and a box with new matching gears for the dana 44 front but again I'm broke and havent been able to aford to have them installed.(It sucks me dry just putting gas in the beast)
Heres some things I would like to do that I think wouldn't be too expensive.
1. It is the original brown paint that has been poorly cared for over the years. I just want it matte black but I really don't want to tear body panels off because I have heard stories of them being really hard to get lined up right after. I also don't want it to look like a 12 year old did it with a rattle can .
2. The top is in need of some repair work ie. cracks in the fiberglass and needs painted.
3. I would like to clean up the engine compartment wires and paint it but dont know where to start.
Now the things that I think wouldn't too cheap but still need done.
1. The drivers side front spring mount is cracked and coming loose.
2. I have a set of 6 inch superlift springs off a 78 blazer I would love to install with a set of solid but home made shackle reversals. plus the front springs are longer than the originals because they came off a 78. I would love to get rid of the rear blocks, axle wrap is a pain in the a$$.
3. I have a pretty good rust issue with the rockers on both sides but I think the inners and the boxes are solid still.
4. The drivers side door is cracked around the top hinge and takes a magic touch to get it to close properly.
I guess thats about it for now I know there are more than just me out there in the same boat and I just want to know some simple things I can do so it doesn't feel like its going nowhere. I don't own a welder nor would I know what to do with it if I did but I have a crap load of tools and I know how to use them. I do drive it most days but because I am on permanent disability I don't have to, I do have a 94 4runner but it is no where near as fun to drive...
I would also like to know who lives near Tacoma WA. with a first gen. Blazer who likes sitting around staring at their truck as much as I do?
Oh ye of infinite wisdom please share your thoughts....

 

[bp71k5]

I certainly wouldn't worry about painting anything if you have rust repair that needs to be done. It does kinda suck driving around in a multiple-colored vehicle so maybe it's not a bad idea. Spray can paint just doesn't weather very well.

Personally, I'd start with things that are unsafe like the broken spring mount or any sketchy wiring in the engine compartment. I'm not sure what your disability is, but if that means you don't have to punch a clock 5 days a week, it sounds like a great opportunity to take the time to learn lots of diy stuff like installing your own gears, etc. There's an endless amount of things that can be done yourself with very little financial investment.

Just focus on one task at a time, and learn as you go.

 

[bp71k5]

One other thing ive been struggling with is sealing all the air, oil, and water leaks all over the place. I've been targeting one at a time and it'll be nice to have a fairly dry interior and drivetrain that doesn't leak oil everywhere.

 

[smartcarkiller]

Speaking of oil leaks, I had to take my intake off when I put my new cam in and for the life of me I cannot get the damn rubber end seals to stay where their supposed to. as soon as I start torquing them down they squish out. I have tried using silicone with them, aircraft gasket sealer, if it comes in a tube I've tried it to no avail. The intake was brand new before I put it on and I have used a straight edge on it and it seems good. I have never had this happen before. I have used just silicone before and it worked for a while but inevitably started leaking. Is there something I'm missing? Has anyone had this happen?

 

[Greg72]

I'll share some advice posted about a year ago by a very wise forum moderator:

Don't get sucked into the whole "I have to have 1-Tons to be cool" mentality.... you'll burn your entire budget trying to make it happen, and if you still want daily drivability and comfort I doubt you can get there even with a generous budget like $5000.

1. Safety Items first
2. Reliability items second.
3. Performance items last.

Ultimately, you live longer and have a more enjoyable truck to use....and you'll probably find yourself using it more often.

 

[smartcarkiller]

Yea Im not trying to go there, I had a dana60 and a 14bff in my driveway last winter covered by a tarp and I came home one day and found out someone wanted them far more than I. I don't know how in the hell they got them because they would have had to carry them out and I know how friggin heavy those things are cause it took my brother and dad and myself with a floor jack to get them there. Wish I would have spent 3 bucks on some chain to lock them up. I can't get too upset I got them from an inlaw who died and had them sitting in his shed in the back field. It almost sucks more to loose something like that when you get it for free than if i had paid for it, I don't know why it just does.

 

[NV_K5]

1. The drivers side front spring mount is cracked and coming loose.
2. I have a set of 6 inch superlift springs off a 78 blazer I would love to install with a set of solid but home made shackle reversals. plus the front springs are longer than the originals because they came off a 78.

I know you're broke but cut back a little on accessories like beer and save up for something like the Beyond 52 inch spring plan. It sounds like your setup to do the B52's setup? http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?route=product/product&path=24&product_id=122 And if you do this you're on the road set out by Greg and Brian with safety first; and getting some experience making mods to your vehicle which will lead from one thing to another and before you know it you're really broke.

 

[smartcarkiller]

Yeah I really want to get those I've had my eye on them for a while now and if I do get a chance to scrape up some extra dough then they are first on the list. I read Gregs build all the time and he never ceases to amaze me with the sh!t he comes up with. I wish I lived close to him so I could just watch him work. There are a few guys that live around me with first gen. blazers and I cant tell you how many times I have intentionally parked next to them at the store and when they come out I try to talk to them and they act like its no big deal that we drive the same trucks. Not even like hey nice truck or nothing. I just want to tell them if they don't think your trucks are cool then you can give them to me or someone who can appreciate them. I guess thats why I am so grateful for this site and to be able to talk to guys like you.