Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

You are the man Pete! Thank you!

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

IIRC the factory assembly manual says .76-.79" from the outside edge. I had to redo my windows cause I set the window short of this measurement. The lower channel was getting hung up 3/4 of the way.

I ended up having a glass shop set the glass for me and I just marked where it needed to sit. Both windows ran me $75. For me, it was worth it just to have them do it.

I think they used 3M window weld and there is a primer they use with it as well.. I added up the cost of buying a caulking gun, window weld and the primer and it was close to 50 bucks.

Did you ever figure out your splash shields? It took me a solid 4-5 hours to get those darn things to line up correctly. Talk about PITA

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Thanks Mike - - I never could find the windows in the Assembly Guide. I am surprised there's that little tolerance! Looking at Pete's pics, they look centered from the ends. Would hate to weld them in and get it wrong.....new windows and new sashes would have to be bought. UGh.

Splash shields = HUGE PITA, but yes, they are on.

Chris

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

You bet!

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Sorry for the confusion. I couldn't remember for sure if it said .76 or .79. That's why I said .76-.79.. The manual didn't specify a range of tolerance. I measured my at exactly 3/4" and worked out perfectly. I took the page out of the book so I could easily have it handy and must of miss placed it or I'd post a photo of here for you.

For some reason, I think they used window weld, but I could be wrong. The first time I had them set the glass, I measured it wrong and was off by 1/4" Luckily, I was able to get the windows out of the sashes without any damage.. Only took about 4 hours, a heat gun, and 100 razor blades..

Good luck with the doors... Not sure if you've come across this thread but if you follow this sequence, the entire door assembly goes in smooth and easy.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=732400

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Long time since my last update. Been super busy at work, and busy on the more tedious elements of the Blazer build. So, heres an update - and thanks as always to the board for all the advice and help.

I bought my wiring harness from M&H and LOVE it. The schematic/diagram that came with it, the quality of the wires/fuse panel, and tech support are great. So I tackled the rear lights. Took some grinding and adjusting to get them to fit - you'll recall I am using repop rear quarters, so they took a little persuading. Another learning was that there are numerous holes required for the taillight trim ring, but I found a set of billet (stupid expensive) ones that fit into the same holes for the lenses, so I went with those and love the look.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Next was the fuel filler neck. The ones on these 72s is not repoped, and mine had a hole in it that the PO fixed with bondo.......yeah, bondo. So, I got it welded at a radiator shop, it was super rusty so I soaked it in evaporust, then had it soaked in muriatic acid at the radiator shop, THEN sent it to Fort Worth to be electroless nickel plated. Stock was zinc, but nickel is better and easier.
Thanks to board for that vendor recommendation as well - no one in the Charlotte area would do a small job like that. And Arrow Plating was awesome - great folks to work with! I also had to make all my own gaskets for the emissions pipe and the filler neck, so I used fel-pro sheets of cork/rubber for those.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Then I started on the AC. My Blazer is a factory AC truck, but I decided to go with the Classic Auto Air system from the guys in Texas. It uses Spal fans, all modern components and includes everything you need, down to the screws. When I bought my truck, it had the underdash ducts/heater box, but they were cracked, it had the underhood evaporator (also cracked), but no condenser and no compressor - so this 'kit' was more economical, better quality and better performance. It also included electronic controls and new flexible ducts. It took quite a bit of customization, cutting, fitting, refitting, etc, but Gary at Classic was great to call and talk through ideas with. It should make 45 degree air.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

So you probably saw that I have been insulating the firewall. I am using 'Membrane' which is a product from Classic Auto Air and its dual layers of butyl rubber and foil. One layer for sound, and one for heat. That rubber stuff is STICKY and like a booger.....you get it stuck to EVERYTHING. I have ruined 2 shirts and countless hours cleaning tools/drill bits.

After the AC, it was on to the rest of the dash. I went with an old school AM radio, but will not hook it up to speakers. I will use a bluetooth amp and just connect my iphone to it that way - no head unit needed! The radio is wired so it will light up in the dash. I love the old school look.

I also installed the wiper arm assembly, wiper motor and washer hoses.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

On to the intermediate steering shaft, steering column and brake booster.

I had a cool old guy that was a gm mechanic since 1971 and current hot rod builder rebuild my steering column and shaft. Turned out great. Also, when doing the brake booster, I used DOT4 Brembo fluid and a power bleeder (I never have anyone around to help me). That was my first experience with a power bleeder, and it was great, but messy. It leaked around the master cylinder and leaked when i disconnected it. No leaks at all in the lines though! :)

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Last update is the door.

I used some less expensive sound deadener from Amazon for the inside. I bought new sashes and glass (didn't have the originals) and used 3M windoweld and the associated primer. Lubed everything with white lithium. I had raw doors, so I had to do locks, handles, drill holes for mirrors (that was scary in fresh paint), install new tracks, felt, side windows - everything. Lots of try this, now try that.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

So today I am finishing up all the under dash wiring. My harness from M&H has turned out great. They did leave out a grommet that I needed, but it arrived Friday so I can have a module that allows the wiring for the dual electric fans to pass through the firewall need the speedo cable. After that, I just need to connect the power wire to the radio, the tach harness to the cluster, then install the gauges. That'll be next weekend.

After that, I am customizing a Lokar shifter linkage and a few more odds and ends under the hood, then preparing to fire the engine before new years. I know a guy with a bench dyno system, so I will go to his shop to fire it and break it in. Then bring it back home and get the front clip on it, finish out the mechanical, work on interior and be ready for Spring 2018!

Thats the plan at least.....

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Really clean work. Nice progress. I like the bluetooth amp solution. You're getting close.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

[QUOTE=UGAK5;8085859]Last update is the door.
drill holes for mirrors (that was scary in fresh paint)QUOTE]

Boy... been there, done that. lol:lol:

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Very impressive work, thanks for sharing! Truck looks awesome

did you buy new windshield wiper wheel boxes?

Whose tail light bezel did you use?

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Thanks for the support and kind words! It’s at this point in the project you ask yourself ‘why am I doing this again?!?!?!?!?’. :lol:

I bought the wiper transmission (what they called it) from Southern Kentucky Classics. The original was toast. I bought the wipers, motor, etc from GMCPaul’s. He always seems to have the ‘best’ of the repop stuff.

The taillight/marker light bezels came from All American Billet. Please don’t tease me about (or tell my wife) what I paid for them! They do look great though and saved LOTS of holes in new metal/fresh paint.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Like Jim, I am also interested in hearing about the taillight bezels. Those look different than what I have seen.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

That price isn't as bad as I expected, my fittings and hose were way more
Thanks for the help, maybe they will end up under the tree

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Yeah. I’ve spent more on less too. But at $300 ish for taillights and markers, it’s spendy when the stock ones are less than $75 or so. They just look so good!

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Great to see an update. Progress looks great!

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Hey guys - Been busy between Thanksgiving and now tidying up stuff all over the Blazer. Finished all the underhood wiring, got the core support on, radiator, fans, gauges, steering wheel and tons of little stuff. Here are a few pics:

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

All that, to get to this - as of 1:15 pm today, S H E ' S A L I V E ! ! ! !


https://youtu.be/4BtYSYDt0pM

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

That is quite the milestone, great work. I wouldn't know, but that must feel good. LOL

She's a beaut

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Congrats. No small feat. Continues to look great...super clean.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Thanks guys - it does feel awesome. I finally feel like I am on the down hill side now!

So, here is what got added to the list after letting the engine run in a bit today:

1) Temp Gauge is slamming all the way to the far right (past H) when the key is turned. Bad ground maybe?

2) Tranny hard cooling line (top on, the pressure side, TH350) is leaking at the line nut and fitting to the case. Anyone know an easy source for the case fitting? After searching, I found various descriptions of what size it is. 1/4 NPT, NPTS, tapered, straight, etc. I just need one. Bottom one is fine. It seemed buggered when I hooked up about 45 days ago - kicking myself for not changing it then. I hate the smell of ATF. Ha!

3) My Accel ceramic 8mm plug wires that are designed to fit this engine DON'T. I'll trim them all to fit - just another chore.

Honestly, if that's I have to fuss about for the first start, I'm in good shape!

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

1) sending unit not the proper ohms, is that far right reading with engine off

2) NPT tapered will pull fitting into trans, sealing better. Maybe a little thread sealant, but skip the first couple threads, so it doesn't go inside trans. Plus ATF is flammable

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Ok guys - Been super busy solving problems, assembling (and reassembling) things and trying to get this truck ready for a Spring ride!

I solved my trans cooling line by replacing the fittings on both the trans and the cooler line - - problem solved.

I solved my temp gauge issue by following TBONE1964's suggestion at the bottom of the this response - Thanks Tom!

Fixing the spark plug wires just took a little time, but I got that accomplished too.

Temp Gauge Solution From Tom:

Try and run a ground wire from the lower center stud on the temp gauge to a known good ground. This is a very common problem when a temp gauge has been removed from the tin in the past. There is usually a small retainer on the lower center stud that provides a ground though the tin and gauge. When the retainer is removed, there is no ground. That is what the ground wire I am suggesting will fix.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

I found a fuel leak around the pressure regulator and needed to replumb it - helps when you read the instructions and use Teflon paste on the NPT threads (duh), so I re ran it more efficiently and added a pressure gauge.

I hooked up the kickdown cable and installed the Lokar custom throttle cable - just couldn't get the stock one to fit the curvature that was needed. I also had to add a 3/4 spacer between the carb and air cleaner to get proper clearance for the throttle return springs.

Here are some pics

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

I had many other odds and ends to do - hook up vacuum lines, run some under hood wiring, get the ignition box and coil wired in permanently - basically finish up anything that would be hard to reach after the fenders were on, then I installed the inner fenders. While I was waiting for some help hanging the fenders, I went to work on window felts so I could finish up the doors. Nothing ever goes easily, but the folks at Precision weatherstriping were awesome and took pictures for me and drew in arrows so I knew exactly how they installed. Turns out my problem was that my repop doors had one slot not cut out, so I had to get creative and make it work.

The Precision folks told me that would be making a video within the next 30 days for this product and our trucks - so go to their site - or let me know and I can share their pics they sent me.

The door panels went on easily enough - and these are one of the FEW originals pieces that have made it this far. It took a TON of cleaning, but these are the original 46 year old panels. They look SO much better that the repops.

I also finally put the dash pad on - - - so stupid. I thought I was being smart to not put the pad on till late in the game. That should have been the FIRST thing I put on the dash. Was a HUGE pain getting to the bolts to tighten it down, AND I had to take the glove box out to reach many of them. Ugh.

More pics:

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

And the last photo update for awhile.

Fenders on! And a quick peek at my buddy Richie who did all the painting. First fender took us 2 hours to hang, second one about an hour.

Next pic is after I got the front marker lights in and working - and the 383 badge I wanted so badly. Subtle, but awesome and worth the search, price, etc.

Last pic is of the puke jug installed - thanks to Wes at Classic Heartbeat for the advice and sourcing of that one. You can also see where I mounted the MSD ignition box. I really started to put it on the firewall, but MSD suggested a horizontal mounting, not vertical. I am slowly learning to listen to the advice of people who actually make the stuff!

Oh - and these are original hood springs, rebuilt (re-revitted and painted) from a shop in Va. I've heard nothing good about the repops.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Now that I have paid the photo toll - does anyone have a source for front seat belts? I don't have the stock ones that came with it.

Rears are easy, but I am struggling to find front retractors in black. I need both passenger and drivers side - and would appreciate what others have done to figure out how to solve this.

Thanks guys!

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Can you post some more detail pics of your 8-383 badge? Any info on them you can provide?

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Board member Shortie makes them - - did a GREAT job.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=701118

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Try contacting Phython restoration. They might have some originals in black sitting on the shelf.

http://www.pythonrestoration.com/

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

I know that Python Restoration has a set because I gave him a full set of black front seat belts for additional parts if needed because he's restoring my parchment set of belts right now.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

I need to have my parchment belts restored. I'm thinking about going to python restorations. Would you mind letting me know how your belts turned out when done?

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Absolutely, I will start a whole new thread once I get the seat belts back. I've been told that Stewart does amazing work and I can't wait to see the results.

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

AWESOME - Thanks Mike!

And thank you too 2006gmcdmax

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

I'm Happy to help!

Re: 1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC
 

Today was hood, cowl and tailgate day. Took about 3 hours, but only because I started having issues with the driver's door and the way it closes. The tailgate fits really well, the hood still need some tweaks - but the door has become the new problem. Can be fixed, will just take some time. As usual, 2 steps forward and 3 steps to the side.