Attempting my first build 72 K5

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

I do. When the truck did run, the coolant was always a brown color. Can these things be completely cleaned and refurbished?

If so, I rather go that route.

Absolutely. Check with a reputable local radiator repair shop. You may save enough over the aluminum setup to fund the purchase of an OEM Am/Fm radio Some radiators may not be repairable though - I went through two before finding a third that was usable. On a related note, do you have the fan shroud and its lower mounting clips?

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Absolutely. Check with a reputable local radiator repair shop. You may save enough over the aluminum setup to fund the purchase of an OEM Am/Fm radio Some radiators may not be repairable though - I went through two before finding a third that was usable. On a related note, do you have the fan shroud and its lower mounting clips?

Yes I do. I'm going to need to save money anywhere I can now. I'm making a big change of plans to my build.

Hint - I will have my own garage.. I'll wait to post pics before I fill everyone in.

[Tom Vogel]

If the clutch fan is good, you wont notice any real power loss. Make sure you use a good factory shroud.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

If the clutch fan is good, you wont notice any real power loss. Make sure you use a good factory shroud.

Is there way to tell if the clutch fan is good while it's off?

I still have the factory shroud.. one of the clips is missing, most likely when I removed it must of fallen off and got kicked around somewhere

[Xeen]

Nice Blazer!
The quality of your work is top notch and you will have one of the nicest Blazers anywhere when you are done.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Nice Blazer!
The quality of your work is top notch and you will have one of the nicest Blazers anywhere when you are done.

Thanks, Brian! That means a lot to me.

I've decided I'm going to strip the K5 down completely and have it painted. Going all out with full restore.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I've been busy and haven't posted in a while. I have quick update and will have more this upcoming weekend.

I moved into my new place that has it's own garage. First thing I'm doing is making it shop ready to fit the rolling chassis in while the body is at the body shop.

I built this pulley system to hold the top above the garage door. I can walk underneath it without hitting my head. Gives me plenty of clearance

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I've made the decision to go all out. The body and panels will be stripped and painted Dark Olive, like the original.

I've made some progress in the disassembly process.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

more pics

[Gillnetter]

Your blazer looks really solid.
Keep up the good work.

[DeadheadNM]

Looks solid! Don't let the neighborhood assoc give you grief

As for the door strikers, were these bolted into threads/nutserts that are somehow affixed to the pillar? On pickups there is a backing plate which will drop into the cab when the striker bolts are removed but not sure if K5's are the same. I have a fresh set of parkerized strikers I want to swap in but am afraid to drop the backing attachment (whatever it is) if loose then have to remove the rear panels etc. to retrieve them.

[notsolo]

Looking good, The body looks good already, she is going to be a stunner The hard top has an unusual metal receiver for top of window? .... also ( the radiator in the photo, looks like a replacement to me, not Original.)

[Tom Vogel]

Man that is a really nice tub. This is a very worthy candidate.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by notsolo

Looking good, The body looks good already, she is going to be a stunner The hard top has an unusual metal receiver for top of window? .... also ( the radiator in the photo, looks like a replacement to me, not Original.)

Unusual metal receiver - I'm not quite sure I understand what your referencing. I'm an amateur so sometimes I need things explained or even better pictures with arrows pointing the part.

What's the best way to tell if it's the original radiator? Is there serial number or something I could reference. If it's not the original, I might as well order a new one of those brass/metal ones that ClassicHeartbeat instead of spending just as much money restoring an aftermarket one

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Looks solid! Don't let the neighborhood assoc give you grief

As for the door strikers, were these bolted into threads/nutserts that are somehow affixed to the pillar? On pickups there is a backing plate which will drop into the cab when the striker bolts are removed but not sure if K5's are the same. I have a fresh set of parkerized strikers I want to swap in but am afraid to drop the backing attachment (whatever it is) if loose then have to remove the rear panels etc. to retrieve them.

It's about 3 weeks away from being completely out of the driveway so the neighbors will be relieved.. haha The body and all the panels will be at the shop and I'll move the rolling chassis into my slim garage

I'll have to go home and check on the door strikers and get back to you on that.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

@Tom @notsolo @Gillnetter and Pete

Thanks a lot for the compliments. I have my ups and downs with this, but I love working on it and I just keep telling myself, when this is all done, I will have one sweet looking K5 that will last a lifetime.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Updating with some more pics

Rims powder coated rally silver




Cleaned up the hubs caps and rings


Had the hub cap bolts Zinc plated Clear


Went with the white letters facing outward

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Rear Axle powder coated (60% gloss black)



Had the Bolts Zinc plated Clear

[DeadheadNM]

Wow that looks great. I'm really digging the zinc coating.

[notsolo]

Looks like metal channel's on the hard top where the top of the window would fit. ( With window cranked up) never seen this before, maybe this is single wall top specific.

[IronCanine]

Been following you since the start. I think it's awesome that you're going all the way....but those axle shots...Wow...they definitely deserve an attaboy!

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by notsolo

Looks like metal channel's on the hard top where the top of the window would fit. ( With window cranked up) never seen this before, maybe this is single wall top specific.

I checked out LMC to see if this is a part they sell and they have them for both the single and double wall tops.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=13

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

Been following you since the start. I think it's awesome that you're going all the way....but those axle shots...Wow...they definitely deserve an attaboy!

Thanks! The frame is going to get the same powder coating done, too (60% gloss black)

I really like the 60% gloss black.. It's not to glossy and not too plain either. right in the middle.

I read through your build. The body work you're having to deal with is impressive. I don't think I could take something like that on.

Question - do the doors on our trucks separate or was this cut?

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I've noticed a lot of guys use these support bars between the door jams.

What does this do? Is this something I need to have since I have the doors off and all the other panels.. I'm close to removing the body from the frame

[notsolo]

The Tub is like a floppy noodle, the reinforcement bar holds the door opening strait as possible while repairs are done. Any welding that is needed will not interfere with the door closing correctly. Usually the bar is set when the top is on to insure correct alignment...... I think the pieces from LMC are rubber..I am about to glue the rubber door pieces to my hard top, same as the ones #15 in LMC cat- , I can get you a photo of them tomorrow.