1972 Blazer CST Frame off Project in NC

[mcmlxix]

Originally Posted by UGAK5

Does anyone have good measurements for the distance between the B pillars? Just trying to make sure we have everything lined up properly.

As I suggest to anyone aligning Blazer bodies. Mount the body to the frame with new body mounts and install the hardtop. Then install the front clip and doors. Adjust as necessary.

[UGAK5]

Want to thank Turp McSpray for providing excellent advice that really helped with our hanging the quarters! Here's today's progress:

[turp mcspray]

Looking good! Glad I could be of help!

[UGAK5]

So - I am in need of some help!

1) Does anyone have some good pictures of a K5 frame (body off) that would show the proper routing of the fuel lines, brake lines, tail light wiring harness etc?

2) While I am asking - anyone have a decent pic of the brace that goes under the bed that the rear seat bolts into? I need to fabricate one up and would like to see what it looks like mounted under the truck. I have seen one pic of one that was for sale and been taken off, but that didn't give me all I wanted to see.

Would appreciate any help you guys can offer.....Should have a rolling chassis by end of February and start the painting late Feb/early March!

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Here you go..Hope this helps. I believe the lines are detailed in the Service Manual, but pictures are always better

Brake & Fuel lines
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hayh08lia...U1vrvpX2a?dl=0

Underneath bed for rear seat.
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/39p4oi8br...9QWGtOPZkPF8Ua

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/yom33sgz0...cUQCkQfTDK8Pua

[UGAK5]

You are the man DarkOlive! Thanks!

And your paint is looking great - - fun to see the progress.

[DeadheadNM]

I documented many bolts, lines, etc on my blazer build - click the link in my signature below

[UGAK5]

Thanks Pete - - your thread is going to be amazingly handy for me since I am reassembling something I didn't take apart!

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

no problem. happy to help. I also have Pete's build bookmarked on my computer.

[UGAK5]

Hey Dark Olive (or anyone for that matter) -

The pics you shared on the fuel lines should be helpful......do you have any that are larger, meaning show more of the line and frame? Some wide shots that help me figure which piece goes where would help.

Thanks!

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

PM sent. These are the best I could find. Hope this helps

[UGAK5]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

PM sent. These are the best I could find. Hope this helps

It does - Thanks!

[UGAK5]

New issue to solve........Bed leveling mat.

I am curious what solutions folks have created to replace the bed leveling mat. My truck didn't come with any and they are hard to find. I have also decided to move my rear seat to be centered between the wheel wells (back about 3 inches), so i need to fab up a mat, since I am putting carpet back in.

Obviously I could buy a bed mat and cut it down - and may - but want to see if someone has a worked with a specific one or found a great alternative.

Would appreciate hearing about people's solutions.

And a teaser - got my frame back last night, so starting the frame reassembly and hoping to hand the leaf springs and axles this weekend!

[DeadheadNM]

Looks great. I can't help with an alternate to OEM leveling mat solution other than to mention that some guys have used mats in their pickup beds and these may have the necessary ribs - a search should yield several threads on rubber bed mats from the pickup board.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Looking good!

[UGAK5]

So, I need some opinions. I am reassembling various frame components now that I have the axles hung. Today I noticed something that I never have before. In the first pic, I have this bracket that is bolted to the frame on the drivers side - no idea what its for - but I swear it looks like its to keep the leaf from going too far back. There is probably 1/4" between the bracket and the leaf eye.

In the other pics (of the passenger side), no such bracket, but there are holes in the frame for one to bolt in.

So, 1) whats the bracket for, 2) is it okay that there is that little clearance between it and the eye, and 3) should there be one on the passenger side?

Thanks!

[1972 Jimmy]

You are right on! This bracket is to limit the travel of the leaf spring on only the Drivers side of the truck. Also on the front spring support you should also have a strap that is spot welded onto the front spring perch. Both these items are factory stock to help keep the truck under control if the spring fails!!! Obviously they (GM) had failures and this was the quick fox for it.
There should be a little more clearance. If you put lifted springs on your rig. This might have reduced the clearance.

Your build is looking great!!

[UGAK5]

Thanks 72 Jimmy!!

I do have a 'steel plate' welded in the front side of the drivers side hanger - I assume thats the strap you mean?

Glad to know I don't have to try to source another vintage part!

So, any ideas on how much clearance I need for that bracket? Looks like i need to break out the sawzall!

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by UGAK5

So, I need some opinions. I am reassembling various frame components now that I have the axles hung. Today I noticed something that I never have before. In the first pic, I have this bracket that is bolted to the frame on the drivers side - no idea what its for - but I swear it looks like its to keep the leaf from going too far back. There is probably 1/4" between the bracket and the leaf eye.

In the other pics (of the passenger side), no such bracket, but there are holes in the frame for one to bolt in.

So, 1) whats the bracket for, 2) is it okay that there is that little clearance between it and the eye, and 3) should there be one on the passenger side?

Thanks!

My '71 K5 had those too.....the way it looked to me was that the factory springs, being negative arch (upward)...the shackle would move forward under compression rather than moving backward like a positive arch would.

I would think that using those with lift springs would severely limit the spring travel as the shackle tried to move back under compression and contacted the bracket.

[UGAK5]

I may have a small problem - - Does anyone know a source (or an alternative) for the fuel tank stand pipe? Not the Filler neck, but the ventilation pipe thats further to the rear. It seems a 'helper' at the body shop may have thrown it away accidentally. The search is still on, but I am NOT hopeful.

Appreciate any help!

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by UGAK5

I may have a small problem - - Does anyone know a source (or an alternative) for the fuel tank stand pipe? Not the Filler neck, but the ventilation pipe thats further to the rear. It seems a 'helper' at the body shop may have thrown it away accidentally. The search is still on, but I am NOT hopeful.

Appreciate any help!

nice build, let me look, not using mine. vent is hooked different than stock, since ours doesn't have a rollover stop

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by UGAK5

I may have a small problem - - Does anyone know a source (or an alternative) for the fuel tank stand pipe? Not the Filler neck, but the ventilation pipe thats further to the rear. It seems a 'helper' at the body shop may have thrown it away accidentally. The search is still on, but I am NOT hopeful.

Appreciate any help!

Shouldn't be too tough to scare up. I'll have a spare but can't part with one until my blue blazer is in paint. Try a wtb post on blazer parts board in the meanwhile.

[tjsblazer]

Yeah the stop won't fit with the new springs and shackles. I have the exact same issue as you. I have a set of ORD customs with approximately 2" lift over stock and using their shackles. I'm debating whether I will bother bolting it back on or not.
I think you would want more space than what is shown in the picture. I think that is going to be banging everytime you get some spring compression in the front.

[UGAK5]

Thanks Jeff - - thats almost exactly my setup. ORD customs with about 3" over stock. I think I'll email Chris and Stephen at ORD and get their opinions.

[1972 Jimmy]

I planned to elongat the holes on the bracket to give mine more clearance. It would be nice to know how much clearance really needed.