1972 Blazer, 4x4 - full restoration

[ktonthemove]

I'm stoked about getting started on me '72 Blazer. This is going to be a full body off restoration. I'm hoping to be done with the whole project in about 2 years! First on the list, is to replace the entire floor pan and rocker panels! I've been appreciating some other threads on how to replace the entire floor pan and rocker panels.

Do you guys have any thoughts on whether I should replace the rocker panels first or replace the entire floor pan?

[ktonthemove]

I've got the front end all pulled off!. Next, pull the motor and tranny

[briank]

Floorpans first,more than likely you'll need floor supports as well and kick panels,at least lower portions. How are the rocker boxes?

[Chad22873]

Briank is exactly right. Can't do the rockers until u do the floor. Once the floor is out you will need everything he mentioned and most likely the lower portions of the a pillars as well. If you are going to replace the bed/cargo floor then do it before you do anything to the floor pan or rockers.

[notsolo]

Welcome.... Make sure to weld braces in the door openings if the top is not on, correct alignment here is critical. Some talented people here, look at the older build threads and see what they have done.

[tjsblazer]

Welcome to the forum.
I'll echo what was said above. You need to make sure your door openings are correct first. I would hang both doors and set your A pillar and window frame locations so that you are happy with the door fit. Then install supports to hold those positions while you do all the panel repairs.

Good luck with your build.

[ktonthemove]

Thanks everyone, definitely some good advice there! I'll post more as it comes apart! As far as the rocker boxes and supports, I think they're all apart of the new floor pan that I purchased. Otherwise, after I get everything braced up, I'll be able to get in there and see what's missing on the new panel.

[briank]

I know rocker boxes aren't on new floorpans but Im unsure about the floor supports,they might be.

[Chad22873]

You will still need outer rockers, rocker boxes, rocker box end caps, rocker box reinforcement plates and potentially lower A pillar patches and lower kick panel patches. None of what I mentioned comes with the floor.

[ktonthemove]

Pulled the motor and took it in to the machine shop! Pulled the oil pan and was surprised to find a 4 bolt main! I also had to take the frame in to a body shop and have the front bumper mounts straightened. It wasn't too far out of whack, but enough. Shackle reversal kit showed up today. After that's done, then I'll put the body back on the frame and start tearing out the dreaded floor pan The body work is coming along nicely, no major surprises. I'm skeptical, but hoping to get a lot of the body in primer before winter comes!

[tjsblazer]

Looks like your tearing in to it. Just noticed you have 8 lug axles on the truck. Also curious what transfer case you have hanging off the end there ?

[52napco]

Thats a turbo 400 with a 208 case.

[Blazerowner]

Great reference. Saved for the future frame off.

Originally Posted by notsolo

Welcome.... Make sure to weld braces in the door openings if the top is not on, correct alignment here is critical. Some talented people here, look at the older build threads and see what they have done.

[ktonthemove]

52napco nailed it on the head! I think I'm going to switch the transmission to a 700R4 and the jury is still out of the transfer case. Any suggestions or opinions?

[Montanak5]

Where did you get your new floor pan?

[ktonthemove]

I got it at the Truck Shop in Orange, Truckandcarshop.com. It was $415, plus shipping. I still haven't put it in. I'm hoping I can just cut patches out of the new floor pan and replace the major rust damage.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by ktonthemove

52napco nailed it on the head! I think I'm going to switch the transmission to a 700R4 and the jury is still out of the transfer case. Any suggestions or opinions?

If you put a 700R4 in it, you will have to change the diff gears. Your tire size will also determine what ratio to get.

[ktonthemove]

Took out the 4" blocks on the rear and did a shackle reversal kit from ORD. I had to buy new u-bolts and top plate because when the 3/4 axles were put on by the last person, they continued to use the 1/2 ton top plate and it didn't fit with the correct size u-bolts.
I can't think of anything else that I really need to do while the body is off, so now I'll put in my new bushings, and remount the body.

[tjsblazer]

You could measure for both brake lines and shock absorbers for the longest length you need at fully uncompressed suspension.

[ktonthemove]

I've got my brake lines in the box and ready when the time comes. That's a good point about the suspension! I'll check into that.

[ktonthemove]

Got some work done on the floors! I was able to cut out the patches of flooring that were completely destroyed by rust and leave a good portion of the good floor in place. I cut out part of the supports inside the rocker box and replaced those with the same portion from my repro pan. Then cut out the top patch to fill in the rest of the floor. The inside of the rocker box was in pretty good shape fortunately! I sprayed it down with some rust-mort and painted the crap out of it. There are still a few little patches to take care of, then I'll get after the rocker panels

[Chad22873]

Looks like nice work.