1990 K5 Blazer Build

[Nathaniel0712]

Well Now that it is running and driving great there are more issues. The title is lost, so we are now in the process of applying for a duplicate, which for some reason can take a very long time in Illinois. Hoping to get plates soon, id like to take her up to michigan this winter to try it out offroad and in some deep snow, possibly around new years. There is a nice state recreation area in near Manton, Mi.(cadillac area) Like i said, rust is the next biggest issue on this beast, but i dont want to cut the floor out of it Until after the plowing season. Over the next few week i do plan on building a rear storage unit, too bad i really dont have time to fix the real issues first. I will also be trying to use the stock rear bumper to build a tire carrier, not really sure how well that will work/hold up though.

 

[Sock Puppet]

She's coming along really well! I like the flat black rear bumper, too. I seem to remember the stock rear bumpers on those are pretty flimsy, so I don't know that I would waste the time trying to use one as the platform for a spare tire mount.

 

[Nathaniel0712]

Thanks for the info, They seem stout but when the weight of a tire is added im not really sure how it would work. Ill probably just fab something out of angle iron and steel plate.

 

[chilliwak]

Any updates on that fine Blazer:Wow1: Nath?:ylsmoke:

 

[Nathaniel0712]

Yeah, still waiting on title. Illinois wont issue one becuase apparently it is to old to issue a title if a title is lost, now trying to get one through wisconsin. once i get the title i can proceed with the rust repairs etc. as soon as i get title i will have the truck back on my lot, ill post an update when that happens.

 

[chilliwak]

Well good luck on getting your title. I love those military vehicles....

 

[Nathaniel0712]

So its been a while since an update on this rig. I've cut out all of the rusted metal in the floors and began replacing it with galvanized sheet metal over the summer. Unfortunately i still do not have title and it doesnt look like ill be getting one anytime soon and as a result will not be completing the floors or rockers until i get title. at this point i am looking into ways around the title issue as well as around the rust issues. I found a 79 k20 on craigslist with everything except the motor for 600 bucks. According to the seller there is no rust on the cab at all which is a plus and he has title. I hope to be able to pick this up when i get back in town and swap my motor, dash, wiring, fuel injection and plow over to it as well as any other parts. It has a th400 in it but i may swap in the 700r4 for the overdrive and because i know it works. If he doesnt have it still on the 2nd of november i will continue looking for a rust free or minimally rusted blazer that has title and no engine/trans or just a tub with a title. i have also found a few cabs and short beds so im also considering putting a regular cab on it and chopping down a bed to fit over the rear. If anyone has a blazer that is wrecked and not rusty w/ title or one without a motor within 250 miles of chciago let me know as im very interested.

Interested in hearing everyone's thoughts.

 

[Nathaniel0712]

Heres some pictures of the beggining of the rust repairs. Note that this is only about a 1/3 of the metal that i've cut out so far. this is why i'd like to get title or a new tub before continuing.

 

[Nathaniel0712]

thinkin about doing this

 

[Bushcoat]

I did that^^^^^ with an 87 K5 blazer (rolled in a grocery store parking lot ********), 89 1/2 ton 2wd cab, and a 96 short bed shortened down 10". It was a pretty cool little truck that went lots of places. Since it was a short truck, I was going to put in a short cummins (4bt) but never ended up finding one before I sold the truck

 

[Nathaniel0712]

yeah it'd be good becuase i found a cab with title so at least id be able to get it registered and get some use out if it. Keep the plow and make some cash instead of it sitting behind my work. I would like to keep it a blazer though as i would be able to use the 2001 silverado work truck seats that i bought for this rig, plus i think it looks better as a blazer but its useless unless the body is good and has a title.

 

[Nathaniel0712]

A little update:
So ive put a deposit on a nearly rust free 1980 chevy truck cab, would have it at my shop however i was told that it was off the truck, in the air and ready to be dropped on the trailer which was far from the truth when i arrived at the seller's house. we tried lifting it off many different ways but with just two guys it wasnt happening and his cherry picker wasnt up to the task. I am going to pick it up thanksgiving weekend and we will be using a bobcat to make sure we get it off and loaded.

So for $300 i got a cab, 2 doors, all the glass, the full interior, no rust and most important of all, a clear wisconsin title which i can use to register the final vehicle.

for the shortbed i am thinking of just using the rear portion of the blazer until i have the rest of the funds to buy a rear bed.

I still need a new oil pan and have to reseal the trans pan due to leaks. I have the 700r4, but i am thinking about doing a sm465 swap sometime next summer.

Found a really good deal on some bfg a/t 35/12.50/15 tires, a whole NEW set for $720 shipped. Would like something more agressive but the price and size are hard to beat and this rig will most likely see more street miles than off road miles as i will be living in the city for at least another year. Hope to begin the cab swap Dec. 15 when i am on winter break.

 

[Walker]

Keep it up brother, your doing great work!

 

[chilliwak]

Nathan, I am liking the progress. Keep up the good work and lets see some updates with LOTS OF PICS soon! I enjoy following your build. Cheers, Chilli...

 

[Nathaniel0712]

Like i said should have more pics/work done begining dec 15. Thats at least when i plan to start tearing the blazer body off. currently trying to get as many parts together as possible and selling parts i wont be using such as the pro comp wheels and worn bfg's, plow, removable top etc. I have a lot of maintenance work to do as the last time its was legally registered was 2003. once i get the body off ill be replacing fuel and brake lines, painting the frame maybe motor as well. once the swap is done ill be doing the brakes, wheel bearings, resealing trans and engine and replacing lights, ujoints etc. I may also need a new steering box as the wheel has a lot of play in it.