tjs 72 Blazer Build

[tjsblazer]

Well I didn't get much done this weekend as I had hoped but that's the way it goes.
I did manage to get a coat of wax done. I purposely hadn't installed outer handles, locks, mirrors, or emblems yet. Soooo easy to polish this thing without any of that stuff to go around. I may do another coat next weekend before I install those items.

[tjsblazer]

I was cleaning up some light housings specifically the tail and reverse housings. I'm surprised they are just the galvanized on the inside and not finished in white. I'd think they would give off more light with a white inner to reflect better.

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by tjsblazer

I was cleaning up some light housings specifically the tail and reverse housings. I'm surprised they are just the galvanized on the inside and not finished in white. I'd think they would give off more light with a white inner to reflect better.

White painting the insides is a common modification. I think I've seen a thread or two on it around here somewhere

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

White painting the insides is a common modification. I think I've seen a thread or two on it around here somewhere

Hey Chris, I did some searching and I found a couple of threads with pics where the inners had been painted a reflective silver (chrome like) paint. But haven't found any gloss white yet. I'm really debating this though. Most modern tail / marker lights are white backgrounds. I am assuming this is to maximize the light output.

[DeadheadNM]

The front bumper lamps for 71-72 were originally white on the inside. Here's one of a set of NOS pieces I have that show the white.

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

The front bumper lamps for 71-72 were originally white on the inside. Here's one of a set of NOS pieces I have that show the white.

Yeah I hear ya Pete but the tail and reverse weren't. They just kept that bare galvanized finish on them yet painted the front signals. I don't get it.
I've 90% talked myself in to painting those interior surfaces white also unless someone tells me why it is a bad idea. I think I'll use a white header paint. Good heat resistance from the hot bulb. LOL

[tjsblazer]

Pete wondering if you have removed the column yet on your teardown. I am looking for the length of these 2 bolts that secure the column bracket to the engine side of the firewall. I know the upper one is longer than the outboard one because the nut on the inside of the firewall is recessed. I'm just not sure which one it is in my pile o' bolts. I didn't separate and bag near enough.

Borrowed pic of the 2 ones I'm talking about. (these aren't correct finish, just showing the location).

[DeadheadNM]

Jeff column isn't out yet but I can pull those this weekend and measure if that works. I'd say no harm in painting the inner lamp housings - I may do the same now that you mention it.

[tjsblazer]

Yeah thats fine Pete. I just put a hardware store 5/16 in there for now. My guess is the long one will be about 1.250 in length but right now I can't find one in my pile.

BTW. I haven't forgotten about the rear seat and belt pics. I just haven't gotten to that yet. Any time right now I trying to work on under dash stuff.

[tjsblazer]

A word to the wise it is much easier to fasten the pkb cable without the fuse panel in place. I had started to hang the wires and then realized. Pulled them back out (I hadn't made and connections yet). Much easier hand access.

Another item, I am using Inline tube cables. Ain't no way you are going to get this replacement firewall grommet on the cable. Nothing comes undone on the cable to be able to slide it on. So I had to put a slit in it to put it over. Can't tell once it is installed. It was a real PITA to get it to seat because the cable housing is so stiff. Lots of hand soap on the grommet and a couple of cuss words later and it got done.

[tjsblazer]

I have two different radios, both with really nice faces so I thought I should bench test them first to make sure they still work properly before I bolt one in. Both worked fine but, when I was undoing the speaker connection on the back it was stiff and then it finally let go. The momentum released my hand back in to the speaker and I put it through the dust cover.

[Tom Vogel]

Boy, this all brings back some recent not so uncussworthy memories. lol

[hemi43]

My parking brake cable was plastic coated, and the only way I could fit that PITA grommet was to enlarge the hole.I went through two of them !!

[tjsblazer]

I've made headway on some of the wiring. I am using an American Autowire upgrade harness set for this truck which is a nice way to go if you are doing anything beyond stock. It comes with 6 additional built in circuits, 3 battery and 3 ignition. The downside is other than at the fuse panel you have to temporary route, crimp pretty much every terminal, put together the connections and then loom back the wires. It isn't hard, just tedious. I've gotten most of the under dash done, I looming it in factory style vinyl wrap. I have the rear harnesses cut to lengths and terminals on. I'm have to remove it yet and loom it and install the connections. Then it will be done. I haven't started on the Engine room and Front lighting yet. I have to buy a Heater harness. This kit just uses the stock one which I didn't realize and mine was in rough shape. A few progress pics from today.

[ochre 72]

Looks great. Could you tell me where you got the vinyl wrap?

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by ochre 72

Looks great. Could you tell me where you got the vinyl wrap?

There is a few different places but I got mine at Inline Tube's ebay store. It was inexpensive there. Works good. Same as factory. Sticks to itself only, not the wires. Link here.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200913703021...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[DeadheadNM]

Jeff here's a pic to start with - one is black phosphate and uses a (captured?) washer as shown the other is a bolt that affixes the brake booster bracket to the firewall and has a natural or zinc finish. Will pull and measure later today. I do not suspect the column has been previously removed.

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Jeff here's a pic to start with - one is black phosphate and uses a (captured?) washer as shown the other is a bolt that affixes the brake booster bracket to the firewall and has a natural or zinc finish. Will pull and measure later today. I do not suspect the column has been previously removed.

Ah this makes sense Pete. I forgot about the shared Brake parts to that top location because I have changed to a Hydroboost unit so it doesn't fasten there. I think that is why I couldn't figure out what the bolt should be. I guessed right on the side one though. Thanks.
This is a also great picture to see the position of the column to the support bracket.

[DeadheadNM]

The outer black bolt does have a captured washer as shown and a 1/2" head. It's the same bolt as those used to affix sheetmetal which as the inner fenders to the outer fenders with one exception: the captured washer is larger. Pic shows said bolt (bottom) compared w an example to affix inner to outer fender (above).

[tjsblazer]

Pete, when you do pull the column out can you take a look at how the ribbon wire and connection for the turn signals, etc inside the cab routes around the column / pedal area. I'm struggling a bit with what the proper or best routing is.

[jlsanborn]

Hats off on the wiring job!

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by jlsanborn

Hats off on the wiring job!

Thank you. I'm maybe 1/3 done. If I could get a solid 10 hours without interruption I think it would be done. Since that never happens, it will be another month.

[DeadheadNM]

Jeff sorry for my delay - I had already pulled the wiring by the time you posted and I probably should have but didnt take photos documenting the in-dash wiring. I'm happy to lean under and take pics of the in-situ wiring in my k1500. Pete

[1rippen6]

A little late but following along.

[lower50's]

Wow very sweet Blazer, you have done an amazing job. Funny that you bought it in Phoenix AZ. I bought my DD in Phoenix 2.5 years ago 1987 Jimmy original 29 year old paint. 0 rust, I also have a factory upside down number on my frame. Funny thing about a DD I have very few pictures of it.