The Wanderers build

[superbuickguy]

since I was finishing exhaust on my dually, I figured I'd finish the blazer's
test

and fitted

then moved stuff around and did bunch of rewiring (with more to come)... as that isn't really picture worthy....
tomorrow's task... need to get some diamond plate

 

[superbuickguy]

today's purchase. diamond plate

first, take the 18 ga plates that were on it originally and make them into templates

then cut them out - was fighting the plasma tonight so it got the death wheel treatment

then tack in place

then weld tabs on the brush bar

drill holes in the plate for wires

fully drill out the holes...

then tack in place

side view

I'll full weld it off the truck... and this should answer the question from before about these bumpers not being very strong.... the 1/8" plate plus plating the underside should make this pretty stout without needing to add overloads.

also will cut holes for driving lights in the bumper

 

[superbuickguy]

a highly exciting activity - to wit - watching paint dry was accomplished tonight

also pulled the bumper off and started assembling/welding it

installed tow loops

welded them in

then finished welding the front seam. I'll grind this to blend it

once that's done, paint and reinstall

 

[superbuickguy]

started the evening with the exciting task of cleaning whatever nastiness was the PO put onto the top rails

then started the mods for the front speakers - this is 'done'

basically, you can screw them over the panels - but that looks as hooky as it sounds, not to mention that they don't really fit

I trimmed and screwed them on

then removed, put epoxy on the stock covers, then reattached

next up, pull the screws out (after it dries) then cover with fiberglass then bodywork and install...but that is 'coming soon'
as is grinding the welds from last time.... I just couldn't get myself to breath more grinding dust tonight

 

[superbuickguy]

first speakers... no picture, not sure what happened but they are now painted and ready to reinstall
and for those counting, receiver for a Blazer is different then a pickup

but I wanted to see if it fit - and it does. Mods coming soon

onto the front bumper.... paint

still wet (will be flat when dry)

what does interest me.... my wife is enamored with this... Her Jeep is about ready to hit the road, she has a Colorado diesel but for some reason she likes this one... we will see, I suspect once she drives it, the love affair will be over but she's trying to get me to finish it and leave it in Sandpoint for her 'backup vehicle'....

 

[superbuickguy]

Getting closer, front bumper

first problem, bolts are too long

second is I can't get the winch in with the bumper bolted up

which is a good thing,
power is on

wasn't going to hook up the power to the light in the logo, but it's useful red means not ready
white is working (and green when it's ready to go)

so the problem with the receiver hitch.... thing is, a 'stock' one won't work - so I'm thinking I'll fix two problems at once.... weld and bolt plates to the side of the receiver then bolt it to the frame - thus putting the entire assembly in tension rather than compression while under load

anyway, tomorrow finish up the rear then work on the molding. Once that's done get to finishing the interior. Problem is the rear panels aren't even started yet .... it'll be a couple weeks before they get back from the upholstery shop... Inside, install the stereo, fix the inside lighting, bolt down the center hatch, make seat brackets, wire things up....
also have ARB lights coming but probably not for a few weeks....