She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

suspectdon · 08-16-2011, 12:57 AM

First post long time lurker.

For the last 5 years I've been visiting the site, to get inspiration for my 10 year project. I went to tech school for a two year degree in machining and when I got my first machinist pay check in 2001 I ran out and bought my Blazer, the top came off two days later and she's been a heck a good time ever since.

I first did a lot of mechanical maintenance repairs (brakes F/R, steering box, hubs, ball joints ect..) Then I drove her as much as I could and got hooked, I think it was the late night drives with the girlfriend that really got me hooked.

It wasn't until 2006 that I started the rust repair on the rockers and forward quarters, since then I've moved multiple times decided to go back to school to be a packaging engineer to design packages and test them (break stuff). A few weekends ago I found a set of rust free doors on craigslist, the doors were a major stopping point for me because they were out side my skill level for repair. So after ten years of ownership and 5 years of neglect I finally got back to wrenching on her over the last couple weekends and even started to score....some great deals on used parts.

I'll post pictures of the previous work until this last weekend...

suspectdon · 08-16-2011, 12:59 AM

bullet holes, new doors, some paint prep work.

suspectdon · 08-16-2011, 01:01 AM

New to me tires and newly painted wheels.

suspectdon · 08-16-2011, 01:05 AM

Motivational photo shoot.

blue70k5 · 08-17-2011, 08:40 PM

Really cool man, good to see someone who's been patient with their build...

suspectdon · 08-18-2011, 08:47 PM

Thank you blue, It has been a long wait!

My uncle and I are starting body and paint work this weekend.
I'll also be doing some engine clean up and removing the grill.

I haven't decided if I'll take the bumpers off yet.

They we put on some time in the late 70's early 80's when it was in Texas...welding right to the frame.

What do you guys think? should they stay or go?

suspectdon · 08-18-2011, 08:53 PM

Does anyone have a measurement from the top of the axle to the frame on a stock suspension setup? (Front and rear)

Ridnhi · 08-21-2011, 09:28 PM

I'm a fan of stock bumpers. Your front one doesn't look too bad, it just looks thin from top to bottom. The rear looks small too. If I were to have custom bumpers on mine I would want them thick and beffy. my 2 cents, but great looking rig, keep up the work!!!

suspectdon · 08-25-2011, 10:22 PM

Paint this weekend! we had to delay for more primer, we ran out on this last Sunday!

suspectdon · 08-25-2011, 10:27 PM

Thanks Ridnhi, I just picked up a parts truck with good bumpers and some other nice bits, like a dent free grill!! I'm picking it up on this Saturday.

Ridnhi · 08-25-2011, 11:49 PM

I love parts trucks!, I tend to want to keep them. I fiancé keeps me grounded though and politely let's me know we don't need any more yard art. Hopefully you make out well with it.
Posted via Mobile Device

suspectdon · 08-26-2011, 12:23 AM

I'll be posting stuff for sale on here maybe even by the end of the weekend.
Having parts move down the road is more important to me that getting top dollar.
so look for some deals! lots of make offer type stuff.

more progress photos.
blue single stage paint with 25% flatener

suspectdon · 08-26-2011, 12:26 AM

paint

suspectdon · 09-01-2011, 12:07 AM

I picked up a parts truck over the weekend, crazy ride home!
I now have chrome bumpers in great used condition along with a dent free and crack free grill!

suspectdon · 09-01-2011, 12:08 AM

the ride home!

suspectdon · 09-01-2011, 12:22 AM

I have some yard art of my own too, but this one is just to rusty to justify putting it on display for the neighbors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridnhi

I love parts trucks!, I tend to want to keep them. I fiancé keeps me grounded though and politely let's me know we don't need any more yard art. Hopefully you make out well with it.
Posted via Mobile Device

ntd · 09-01-2011, 02:29 PM

cool truck, same color as my '72
I got rid of my top also and had a bikini top made for it to keep the damn sun off my melon here in san diego.
I would keep the bumpers especially if they are welded to the frame.
get some of that rustoleum truck bed liner in the gallon can and do the bumpers with them, I used it on my bumpers and on the floor from the firewall to the tailgate, just brush it on after a good cleaning.
I'm in the process of putting a bb 402 in place of the sb350. we put it in the hole last weekend and I just finished cutting holes in the firewall so I could get the valve covers on.
I will take some pics and post later

Nick

Ridnhi · 09-05-2011, 11:58 PM

Looks like you got alot of good stuff with the parts truck. That hatch looks really nice!
Posted via Mobile Device

VA72C10 · 09-06-2011, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridnhi

Looks like you got alot of good stuff with the parts truck. That hatch looks really nice!
Posted via Mobile Device

The best way to purchase (good used) parts is to buy a complete truck and take what you want off and sell the rest

suspectdon · 09-08-2011, 12:19 AM

the parts truck was good to me!! take a look

I decided to go with a different color, Horizon Blue from 1974 and added 25% flattener.

suspectdon · 09-08-2011, 12:23 AM

with or without trim rings??

VA72C10 · 09-08-2011, 12:30 AM

I usually am a fan of rings but I think it looks better on your truck without.....looks tough!

blue_69 · 09-08-2011, 04:31 AM

i agree with VA72C10 it looks tough without the rings. The paint looks like it turned out great!

rsavage · 09-08-2011, 06:38 AM

Blazer looks great. Nice job!

ntd · 09-08-2011, 11:51 AM

hey that's my truck you got there....minus the paint job and bigger tires....and yours is probably running too huh ?
lol

looks good, time to get it muddy...

mine has the wood grain panels on the sides, I've got an idea for them though, I'm gonna try and remove the woodgrain on the panels with my pressure washer and try to clean them up enough to look like polished aluminum...hopefully the pressure washer will get that sticker crap off.

08-16-2011, 12:57 AM	#1
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5) First post long time lurker. For the last 5 years I've been visiting the site, to get inspiration for my 10 year project. I went to tech school for a two year degree in machining and when I got my first machinist pay check in 2001 I ran out and bought my Blazer, the top came off two days later and she's been a heck a good time ever since. I first did a lot of mechanical maintenance repairs (brakes F/R, steering box, hubs, ball joints ect..) Then I drove her as much as I could and got hooked, I think it was the late night drives with the girlfriend that really got me hooked. It wasn't until 2006 that I started the rust repair on the rockers and forward quarters, since then I've moved multiple times decided to go back to school to be a packaging engineer to design packages and test them (break stuff). A few weekends ago I found a set of rust free doors on craigslist, the doors were a major stopping point for me because they were out side my skill level for repair. So after ten years of ownership and 5 years of neglect I finally got back to wrenching on her over the last couple weekends and even started to score....some great deals on used parts. I'll post pictures of the previous work until this last weekend... Attached Images

08-16-2011, 12:59 AM	#2
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 bullet holes, new doors, some paint prep work. Attached Images

08-16-2011, 01:01 AM	#3
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 New to me tires and newly painted wheels. Attached Images

08-16-2011, 01:05 AM	#4
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 Motivational photo shoot. Attached Images

08-17-2011, 08:40 PM	#5
blue70k5 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Galveston, Tx Posts: 114	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 Really cool man, good to see someone who's been patient with their build...

08-18-2011, 08:47 PM	#6
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 Thank you blue, It has been a long wait! My uncle and I are starting body and paint work this weekend. I'll also be doing some engine clean up and removing the grill. I haven't decided if I'll take the bumpers off yet. They we put on some time in the late 70's early 80's when it was in Texas...welding right to the frame. What do you guys think? should they stay or go?

08-18-2011, 08:53 PM	#7
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 Does anyone have a measurement from the top of the axle to the frame on a stock suspension setup? (Front and rear) __________________ 1971 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=479865

08-21-2011, 09:28 PM	#8
Ridnhi Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Marion, IL Posts: 719	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 I'm a fan of stock bumpers. Your front one doesn't look too bad, it just looks thin from top to bottom. The rear looks small too. If I were to have custom bumpers on mine I would want them thick and beffy. my 2 cents, but great looking rig, keep up the work!!! __________________ 1972 K5 Auto 4x4 factory air 2007 Silverado extended cab Z71

08-25-2011, 10:22 PM	#9
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 Paint this weekend! we had to delay for more primer, we ran out on this last Sunday! __________________ 1971 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=479865

08-25-2011, 10:27 PM	#10
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 Thanks Ridnhi, I just picked up a parts truck with good bumpers and some other nice bits, like a dent free grill!! I'm picking it up on this Saturday. __________________ 1971 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=479865

08-25-2011, 11:49 PM	#11
Ridnhi Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Marion, IL Posts: 719	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 I love parts trucks!, I tend to want to keep them. I fiancé keeps me grounded though and politely let's me know we don't need any more yard art. Hopefully you make out well with it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 K5 Auto 4x4 factory air 2007 Silverado extended cab Z71

08-26-2011, 12:23 AM	#12
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 I'll be posting stuff for sale on here maybe even by the end of the weekend. Having parts move down the road is more important to me that getting top dollar. so look for some deals! lots of make offer type stuff. more progress photos. blue single stage paint with 25% flatener Attached Images __________________ 1971 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=479865

08-26-2011, 12:26 AM	#13
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 paint Attached Images __________________ 1971 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=479865

09-01-2011, 12:07 AM	#14
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 I picked up a parts truck over the weekend, crazy ride home! I now have chrome bumpers in great used condition along with a dent free and crack free grill! Attached Images __________________ 1971 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=479865

09-01-2011, 12:08 AM	#15
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 the ride home! Attached Images __________________ 1971 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=479865



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09-01-2011, 02:29 PM	#17
ntd Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: san diego, ca. Posts: 51	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 cool truck, same color as my '72 I got rid of my top also and had a bikini top made for it to keep the damn sun off my melon here in san diego. I would keep the bumpers especially if they are welded to the frame. get some of that rustoleum truck bed liner in the gallon can and do the bumpers with them, I used it on my bumpers and on the floor from the firewall to the tailgate, just brush it on after a good cleaning. I'm in the process of putting a bb 402 in place of the sb350. we put it in the hole last weekend and I just finished cutting holes in the firewall so I could get the valve covers on. I will take some pics and post later Nick

09-05-2011, 11:58 PM	#18
Ridnhi Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Marion, IL Posts: 719	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 Looks like you got alot of good stuff with the parts truck. That hatch looks really nice! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 K5 Auto 4x4 factory air 2007 Silverado extended cab Z71

09-08-2011, 12:19 AM	#20
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 the parts truck was good to me!! take a look I decided to go with a different color, Horizon Blue from 1974 and added 25% flattener. Attached Images __________________ 1971 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=479865

09-08-2011, 12:23 AM	#21
suspectdon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 48	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 with or without trim rings?? Attached Images __________________ 1971 K5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=479865

09-08-2011, 12:30 AM	#22
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 I usually am a fan of rings but I think it looks better on your truck without.....looks tough! __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

09-08-2011, 04:31 AM	#23
blue_69 someday Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: canastota,new york Posts: 629	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 i agree with VA72C10 it looks tough without the rings. The paint looks like it turned out great! __________________ Click Here to search ebay for all 67-72 parts My 72 CST blazer build 72 CST Blazer 4x4 67 2wd swb ( project onion crate ) 86 4x4 lwb plow truck 40 x 60 foot barn to work on all this stuff

09-08-2011, 06:38 AM	#24
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 Blazer looks great. Nice job! __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

09-08-2011, 11:51 AM	#25
ntd Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: san diego, ca. Posts: 51	Re: She may not be perfect, but she's a heck of a good time when her tops off! (71 K5 hey that's my truck you got there....minus the paint job and bigger tires....and yours is probably running too huh ? lol looks good, time to get it muddy... mine has the wood grain panels on the sides, I've got an idea for them though, I'm gonna try and remove the woodgrain on the panels with my pressure washer and try to clean them up enough to look like polished aluminum...hopefully the pressure washer will get that sticker crap off.

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