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Yet another LONG build thread

BCGPER

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
I've been looking for a project for several months now, and with the extra garage room I have now the wife was cool with it too. So, I decided I'd like to have another 68 Vette. Searched for a while, and found a decent one. So one day the two of us were out running errands or something, so I called the guy to look at it. As soon as the wife saw it was another Vette (I guess I forgot to tell her that part), all hell broke loose. Remember Linda Blair's head spinning? I saw that!

So, to keep the peace, I decided to pass on that one but not the new project. I've always been a fan of 1972 Chevy trucks, so that's what I decided on and she was ok with that choice (I told her this time). Then the wheels started turning............ I really don't need another truck, I really want another damn Corvette!

Now, she's been bugging me for 30+ years to build her a 72 Blazer, so I'm thinking I'll build the Blazer then she'll have no choice but to sign off on the Vette (we'll see how that plays out in a couple years). The search was on! Looked at a bunch, but couldn't find "the one". My wife is somewhat handicapped, so an auto and A/C were a must. Found a well optioned one that was pretty rough. Made the guy a low ball offer, that he refused, so I just let that one go. A couple weeks later, that offer looked good to him (I think his wife wanted the driveway back), he called me and said he'd take the offer. Took the wife with me today to pick it up, she was less than impressed..... :)

It's been sitting for a couple years since being involved in a minor collision, so I got it home and tinkered with it a couple hours and got it running pretty decent. Handed the keys to her, and said "Happy Birthday". I dont think she realized untill that moment that this one was hers! She took it out for a ride. When she returned, she was one happy camper.

Soo.............. The (un) build begins.
 
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Bear T

Bear T

Tacoma free since '93
Location
Boulder, mt
Looks like this could be a fun one. On a side note, you could come down to my shop, we have a 69 vette w/427 that we rent out if you need to curb your withdrawls.
 
BCGPER

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
More show than go. The toughest thing this will see is probably a snow covered speed bump, thats why I have a jeep right?

But, I'm sure it'll see the snakes for a shake down before the paint goes on..


mbryson said:
This should be kewl. What's the plan? Resto type thing with a mild lift or kewl trail rig?
Click to expand...
 
Bart

Bart

Registered User
Location
Arm Utah
Love that era of Blazer. I had a fully optioned 72 Jimmy, a/c, windows, locks, the works. Love the style. Another one I wish I had back. Good luck on the build. Beckie is a lucky woman.
 
DaveB

DaveB

Long Jeep Fan
Location
Holladay, Utah
I built up a 72 3/4 4x4 and drove it for many years. Wish I hadn't sold it. I used to have lots of spare parts for them but gave most of it away.
 
BCGPER

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
Progress (or lack there of) report:

Pulled the front clip off, and cleaned up the engine bay. Rust issues so far are better than I'd expected. However, I did find some rust in the drivers front door pillar. I was hoping to avoid replacing a pillar, but it looks like I have no choice.

Anyway, engine compartment cleaned up decent. Slapped on some rattle can, and things were looking good. While I was reinstalling the oil filler cap, I stuck my finger inside to see if there was any sludge. No sludge, but one rocker felt loose. Damn, I just painted it! I don't want to pull a valve cover to check it out, but common sense tells me not to let it slide.

So, I pop the cover, and what do I find???
 
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BCGPER

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
Well, I've seen this happen a time or two. Figured bent push rod. Pulled it only to detetmine it's in perfect shape. Weird! Reassembled, and adjusted the clearance. All seems good, but I notice there's about 1/8" more thread sticking out of this rocker than the others. It's got to be a lifter failure, so the top of the engine comes apart.... :-\

Opened up the engine. All lifters look brand new. WTF????

Then, that dim lightbulb come on in my head. Get out the calipers, and start checking the rocker arm stud heighths. Sure enough, the #2 exhaust stud was standing 1/8" taller than the others!

So, I spent today installing new rocker studs. :mad2:

Got it assembled (again) around 7pm, and fired her up. She runs smooth as silk now. It was running pretty poorly, I just figured a basic tune up would cure things. It amazing what that eighth cylinder will do for performance! :D
 
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BCGPER

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
Well, it's been a week and progress has been slow. I guess I should quit playing so much and get this thing running..... Nah...

Anyways, got the engine running great! But, running it without a fan, I could hear the water pump making a little noise. So, out with the old and in with the new. Got the front fenders straighten up, and squirted a coat of paint on the inside (they were orange, hence the need for a color change).
 
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BCGPER

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
Changed out all the belts and hoses, and converted the A/C system over to R-134A while access was nice and easy. Got the front clip assembled as far as I can for now. I can't reinstall the fenders until after I replace an A pillar, and both rocker panels. So, the way she sits now is the way she'll be for a few weeks. Got to get a few things ready for Delta, so I won't have any time to work on it till after that. There's that playing thing again. :D
 
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