K5 blazer needing work

[BlackBlazerBoy84]

ok heres the story i just got into the whole mechanical field and dont know a whole lot about mechanics but i have a few friends that do and are willing to help me out. just recently i got and 84 k5 blazer custom deluxe, one of my friends took a look at it and told me what it really needs fixed, this is what he gave me:

1) needs new intake manifold gasket
2) needs diff gaskets for front and rear
3) new oil pan and pan gasket
4) body bushings
5) steel plates to be fitted and welded for the places in body where rusted out
6) front wheel bearings


so basicaly im askin all you ppl on here that got a lot more exp that i do, if whether i should keep it and get make a learning experince outta restoring an old blazer, and besides this site where i might find good reliable parts for a reasonable price, for what i listed

[wyldman]

I would restore it,it's not that hard.Lots of good help here to help you get the job done.

Most of the stuff you listed isn't too hard.The intake manifold is pretty easy,and the parts are cheap.You don't need gaskets for the diff's,just use silicone.The oil pan is a little tougher,as it's hard to do it lying on you back.The body will be a big project,but lots of repair panels are available to repair it.The wheel bearings are pretty cheap and easy,just getting the hub stuff apart can be a little tricky.Again,lots of good help on this site to guide you along

If you really want to restore it,I would pull the drivetrain out of it,and give it a complete once over.It's a lot easier to do stuff (both mechanical,and body) with it removed.

There are a ton of parts resources for the older body style chevies.LMC,JC Whitney,etc,etc.Most of the mechanical parts can be had at your local parts house,or GM dealer.You can also check out www.coloradok5,com for more ideas,and repair advice.

Good luck,and welcome to the site ! :D

Oh,and check out www.chuckschevytruckpages.com for tons of info as well.

[BlackBlazerBoy84]

oh yea i also live in MD where emmissions and overall inspections are the hardest anywhere to pass, i saw you talking alot about emmisions in the cat thread, any idea how to reduce mine so it'll pass?:headwall

[cat320]

Those old K5's are real rot pigs you will have to do bodie work on tailgate area and in back of the front seats near the wheel well. those are just some of the areas that I rmember being bad.

[wyldman]

Cat is right about the rust,but you can get all the parts you need quite easily.They are rebuildable.There is an article outlining the rear floorpans on the Colorado K5 website (link above).

If the motor is healthy,and the cat is good,then it should pass without any problems.A good tune up wouldn't hurt if it hasn't been done in a while.

[BlackBlazerBoy84]

oh and i just realized this outta be in the 83 78 chevy forum not this one if one of the mods csn move it, i'd appreciate it

[wyldman]

Originally posted by BlackBlazerBoy84
oh and i just realized this outta be in the 83 78 chevy forum not this one if one of the mods csn move it, i'd appreciate it

OK,I moved it for ya. :D

[BlackBlazerBoy84]

ok heres a link from ebay of the truck, i plan on getting more pics with what needs work and pics after the works done.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2482780109&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOAB:MT:6

oh and i tried searching chucks chevy truck pages for installing step bars and prices and couldnt find anything. anyone know how hard they are to install and what prices are? my fiance is pregnant ands gonna need help gettin up there:D

[wyldman]

The step bars aren't too hard.You may have to drill some holes in the frame rail to get them bolted up.

Prices will depend on what you go with.The cheaper bars will rust and corrode quickly.Westin has a good warranty against corrosion,and they will replace them if they rust.