Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Picked this up last year from another board member to add to my collection. I've always wanted a GMC Jimmy and this one was already converted to 2wd from the prior owner so that made my decision easy. It was well documented with paperwork from the dealership, protect-o-plate and some service records from the original owner.

I've been working on it here and there and figured it was time to document the progress I've been making.

The PO purchased it off Ebay (snowy picture below if from Ebay listing) and then drove it home (Colorado to New Mexico I believe) before the conversion started. Here are a few pix from when it was purchased by the PO before the work started on the conversion. It started as a Colorado truck, then moved to New Mexico, then Texas and now Ohio. I am the 3rd owner.

It has the original rebuilt (with paperwork) SBC 350 and the SM465 was swapped for a Muncie M22 when the conversion happened. Front suspension was swapped from an 86-88 5 lug suburban and the rear axle had the axles swapped to 5 lug at the same time.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

The body, complete with 49+ years of bumps, bruises and battle scars is relatively solid in all the right spots. Having been around Blazers for years, this one was very complete with minimal rust.

It was perfect (and still is) for what I want to do with it - clean it up, get is safe and reliable and then drive the hell out of it. The seller was honest and told me everything I asked about the truck included getting a pic of a few key spots that are normally rusty. The entire exchange was great having never met the board member who was still living in Texas. Thanks for being awesome low'n slow!

The utility buckets sold by the PO were replaced with some OBS blue buckets and the rear stock seat and spare tire carrier will still in the back. The PO was looking to upgrade the paint so the truck got a light treatment of black primer over the OG paint/patina as color options were being reviewed. Hence the color squares on the rear passenger quarter in the 1st pic.

Here are a few pix of the listing ad from when I bought it on the forum. It was a running, driving truck that was a daily driver and then sat for several years before it was listed for sale.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Once in Ohio - the 3 simple goals were to get it cleaned up, get it safe and then get it reliable.

It needed some cleaning as had been sitting a bit - before pictures below.

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Some more before shots...

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a few cleaning progress pictures - just Simple Green, a small scrub brush and some paper towels...

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

and a few more of the cleaning phase

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

As noted earlier the truck was still wearing the OG one year only 1970 Dark Blue paint under that primer so I carefully wet sanded off the primer to get the truck back to dark blue. It took me a few hours over a few days to get it to where I wanted.

The original cowl was missing so I also started looked for a 1970 dark blue paint cowl to replace the off color one on the truck.

Here are a few pix of the first wash this truck got just before the color swap got under way.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

starting at the tailgate, I started to see some solid progress and then continue to refine my process to make sure I was only taking off the very top most layer of primer.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

after a few more hours/days of light wet sanding - the truck was starting to look pretty good and revealed some pretty impressive patina from it's time out West.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

I'm also building a 1972 factory 2wd Blazer and I picked up some new wheels from another board member and staged them next to the Jimmy to see how they looked.

I was able to find the 1970 original paint dark blue cowl in Maine (on FB marketplace) and worked with a board member to help with shipping it to me in Ohio. It was the last piece of the truck that wasn't blue so I did the swap, checking for rust in the cowl and then bolted on the blue one.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

I started a list of parts that needed attention or replaced so I could keep an eye out for them.

After seeing the 20" American Racing Torque Thrust IIs near the Jimmy, I started looking for a set of simple rims/tires for the truck w/o breaking the bank.

I found a set of American Racing rims and tires on FB about 45 minutes from home so I went and scooped them up.

The Jimmy got an upgrade from 15" steelies to 17x8 AR Torque Thrust wheels as the drop spindles on the truck was very close to rubbing without some grinder wheel intervention.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

I've been slowly making fixes on the truck.

Fixed the wiring for the alternator to charge the battery
Swapped the gas tank and sending unit - the fuel gauge works now
Swapped the ashtray with one that has matching 70 dark blue original paint
Installed a used dark blue dash
Replaced the battery with a new one
Replaced the shifter boot as the old one was ripped up a bit
Replacing the body mounts and bolts

List of items still needed (that I can think of right now):
Power steering has a leak
Radiator has a leak near the top coolant hose
Replace rear license plate light housing and bulb
Blower motor works w/ a jumper wire - will not work from the dash controls
Find/install round mirror head for driver side
Find/install mirror arm and round head for passenger side
Install replacement windshield and gasket
Find/Install white GMC bumper
Replace current seats with a driver blue set I bought last summer

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Let me know if you don't find the mirrors. I'm sure I sent them.

You are making good progress.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

I'll take a look for the mirrors this weekend - thanks low'n slow!

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Found the passenger side mirror arm, bracket, gasket and screws today...and a host of other things I was going to pick up over time. I guess I should have looked in that extra tub of parts first. Duh on my part. No mirror heads, but those are easy enough to find.

Got the rest of the cargo floor body mounts and bolts replaced this morning. The last 2 sets are the cab floor (by the pedals) pair and the radiator support pair.

I'm going to replace the radiator in the spring and will wait to do those until I'm ready so I can do it all at the same time.

The shifter boot I bought already tore (it was $8 shipped so no biggie) after using it twice to move it in/out of the garage so I'll be looking for something that will last a bit longer. I don't think leather/modern boots look right in these trucks so I may need to do some checking for options. What are you all using for your shifter boots?

Here is the set of seats I picked up that will eventually be swapped into the Jimmy. It's a driver set of blue buckets and rear bench that were too cheap not to buy when I saw them. They came will all brackets and should be an easy bolt in upgrade when the time comes.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Nice job!!! This thread got me motivated when I saw it last week. A buddy of mine has been coming by and helping me get mine road worthy.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

That thing is awesome MYTQUIK - what are the details on your truck?

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Thank you.
I bought it about a year and a half ago. Previous owner converted it from 4x4 to 2wd,gear driven 327 with a 700R4 with Ford 9inch rear,disc brakes on all 4 corners and lowered with a c-notched frame. I should be on the road by next weekend. Kinda looks like we are going in the same direction on our builds.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Hey Tom,
What was your wet sanding process? What grit of paper worked best for you? I just picked up a 69 blazer and thought I might try the same process. I figured I would ask before purchasing a bunch of paper in the wrong grit.:lol:

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

I actually used a 3M red scuff pad so I could monitor the removal and not go into the color. I found it to be fastest (although not easiest) for what I wanted. My concern was not taking off the OG paint.

It took awhile to only take off the very top layer and not go too far. I spread it out over a few days to give my hands a rest. Go slow, check your work and keep water running over the panel to gauge how much top coat is left. I was happy to find patina and no new body damage or bondo on the body when I was done.

Here is a chart that shows comparable grit based on the pads that I found on the internet if you already have the paper and don't want to buy anything else.

SCOTCHBRITE GRIT CHART

7445 - White pad, called Light Duty Cleansing - (1000)

7448 - Light Grey, called Ultra Fine Hand - (600-800)

6448 - Green, called Light Duty Hand Pad - (600)

7447 - Maroon pad, called General Purpose Hand - (320-400)

6444 - Brown pad, called Extra Duty Hand - (280-320)

7446 - Dark Grey pad, called Blending Pad (180-220)

7440 - Tan pad, called Heavy Duty Hand Pad - (120-150)

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Thanks for the tips Tom. I really appreciate it. Watching some of your builds makes we want to try and tackle my rocker structure repairs. Keep up the great work and write ups!

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Post up your pix of the rocker structure repair - many have been there before and can assist in approach, things to consider and challenges to avoid.

I've been doing this stuff as a hobby and find myself following other build posts and watching youtube videos on 'how to' and then just digging in.

Even if you goof it up - you can learn from that and fix it the right way in the future. These trucks have been fiddled with by somebody for over 50 years - they didn't have the insight that this collective forum does.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

I will start a build thread when I'm ready to tear into it. I don't want to muck up your build thread.:lol:

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

All but the very front cab mounts and bolts are replaced now and finally got some nice weather over the weekend so did a bit more cleaning before snapping these pix.

I have a lead on a white rear patina bumper to install on this and will start looking for a front white GMC bumper with the right level of patina to install and then we should be in business.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Looks good! I think I still have a a set of painted bumpers for a GMC, I could check if you are interested (I'd hate to ship though...)

Good luck, Rg

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Just found this thread, You know I love the '70 508 Dark Blue!;)

Keep up the good work!

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Thanks guys - appreciate the feedback! Still working down my list of stuff before this thing sees some road time.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Now that I have all but one set of body mounts and bolts replaced (the ones under the radiator are still pending) - I took some pix of how the doors align with the bedsides. These doors appear to still be the stock doors so it's amazing how from each side they are not aligned with the side of the truck.

The driver side is spot on while the passenger side is a bit off in the door shape to bedside contour.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

I also mocked up the chrome bumper that came with the truck and have decided that I'm going to go with the white GMC bumper look instead of chrome for the time being. They are easy to swap if I decide to make a change down the road.

I will also need to adjust the rear driver side bumper bracket as it seems to have drooped a bit over time.

A few minutes with a level and some tools should fix that right up.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Looking Good!

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Spent a few hours today getting some odds and ends done-

• installed the passenger side mirror arm
• installed new mirror heads on both doors
• swapped the chrome bumpers for a set of white patina ones (thanks again RaggedJim - they look great with the white top)
• obtained a clean set of 2wd manifolds to replace the headers - this will require new exhaust/mufflers so putting that on my list as well down the road

I just picked up a white patina license plate bracket from MI so that should complete the look. I'm checking to see if it comes with a light housing/bulb so I can cross that off my list as well.

There are still several items I need to check out and haven't had a chance as I haven't had time to spend a full weekend on it (or drive it anywhere yet).

• radiator leak
• check water pump/thermostat/heater core
• power steering = leaking bad
• steering gear - swap to RedHead box
• swap s10 column for 69-72 stock blue column and comfort grip wheel - can you use an auto column in a manual truck? Any mods needed?
• swap current gauge cluster for stock replacement with tach - keeping odometer intact
• find a better shifter boot (that won't tear) for the Muncie M-22
• replace broken windshield

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

White bumpers look great on it.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Looking good, glad they worked out for you.

Rg

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

A few more parts came in today and already installed them. Thanks jimmy70 for the license plate holder and working light housing... Looks right at home on the truck.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Looking good.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Still making my way down the list of repairs on the Jimmy. Yesterday was new windshield and precision gasket day. One more thing off the list...

I used a glass repair chain with local service and the tech called in a co-worker to assist in the job. Little during/after shots.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Been trying to get a few of the items on the list done over the past week while I had some time before the holidays.

• radiator leak - replaced with Champion EC-369 - fit in the stock mounts without issue or any mods needed
• check water pump/thermostat/heater core - replaced bad thermostat and upper & lower rad hoses - we have heat in the truck again
• power steering = leaking bad - replaced pump brackets to OEM and swapped in an original chimney style pump and added new stainless lines from Frank (PICKMUP) to the gearbox - not leaking any longer
• swap s10 column back to stock column - ordered a 4 speed column painted in the matching 508 Dark Blue Poly from Les (70shortfleet)
• swap in dark blue dash pad - pending

Yesterday, I went out to start the truck and got a crank/no start scenario. I'll add that to the list to diagnose when I get more time.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Truck came to me with a S10 tilt column/wheel that were fully functional and installed well - no cutting under the dash for it to go in. I wanted to go back to stock with a period correct steering wheel.

The truck now has an original 4 speed column rebuilt by Les (70shortfleet) color matched to the 508 Dark Blue poly and a comfort grip wheel I picked up last summer. Install was pretty simple and looks great in the truck. It is the nicest part of the truck right now.

I figured out the wiring for the reverse switch with the Muncie (M-22) - just need to find the time to install the switch bracket and retest for any additional concerns.

One more thing done.

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

A few more updates-

Reverse lights work now - purchased a ~$40 bracket/switch for the reverse lights that bolts onto the Hurst shifter on a Muncie manual trans - Amazon link

Rebuilt the dash cluster over the holiday weekend and installed a factory tach - replacing the S10 one that was in the dash when I purchased it. New surround added, LED 194 bulbs added for better lighting and removed the crud from the spare 'large truck' cluster I had with tach/air pressure using non-gel toothpaste (just abrasive enough to not damage the lens). Painted the speedo, tach and fuel gauge needles with fluorescent paint to get back to the factory look. I went with Rustoleum spray paint on the needles. Amazon link.

While the dash was opened up, cleaned up some wiring, and installed a new dark blue dash pad as the old one looked painted at some point.

Need to fix the fuel gauge still...

Next up -

• route the heater vents to the dash outlets
• install new glovebox insert
• get driver side courtesy light door pin functional (passenger side works)
• install rebuilt hatch latches (thanks 1rippen6)
• locate light blue escutcheons to replace broken ones in doors
• locate shift boot and surround that can accommodate the Hurst shifter
• locate and install rear light and tailgate trim
• install/update inner door felts/seals
• paint door mirror heads white
• install OEM AM radio
• refinish the sill plates and install

Re: Lks Dcvn: 70 2wd GMC Jimmy Conversion Project
 

Cool build, love the one year only paint codes!