Discusion and accounts relating to the 'Blazer.'
It is currently without a battery and has a fractured windshield. Yesterday I put silicone on the big main crack to try and stop water from getting in (there is a stinky puddle on the floor.) If any of yous people want to come help clean her up just say so. I am mostly free.
I wonder if you can buy a 40lb bag of that silica gel. That ought to dry her out! We probably should buy a new window for it. We probably should have about 2 years ago. But yeah, I'm up for helping some time. Maybe we can get the 4wd working properly. And let's rip those running boards off!
Down with the running boards! I agree. Then build some real one. And a brushguard to protect any new windshield it might get. And a cammo/matte green paint job. I just love the strangely ugly and alluring look of matte green primer.
I have the windows open at the moment trying to dry her out, but its only a matter of time before it starts raining again. I should start her up and let her idle for a while with the floor vents on full blast and hot. That should at least make a nice steamy environment within. Might start growing some jungle plants or flesh eating mold if I'm not careful doing that.
We need to get it a racing flywheel and a carbon driveshaft. Then get an engine from a 93-2000 Camaro and put that in (from 2.8l to 3.4l in a single (and relativly cheap) bound) then we might be making close to 160hp before all those 20% rather then the 120 it makes now (if it even makes that much anymore.)
http://forums.s-series.org/viewtopic.php?t=52754 <- A little about replacing s-10 engines
From Wikipedia:
1986-1993 - 2.8 L (173 cu in) LL2 V6, TBI, 125 hp (93 kW)/150 lb·ft (203 N·m) (VIN R)
A.k.a: Gutless. The 3.4 is better, but only a little. Better off with a 350 but that's allot more work.
Another place to read about engine swapping, this time for a V8.
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f10/swapping-heres-a-list-of-parts-and-answered-questions-23481/
Worth looking at if for nothing more then the phrase "Keep in mind; ANYTHING is possible with Time, Money, and a Welder ;)"
:) A v8 would change everything. The Blazer would be like a totally different vehicle...and a lot more fun!
A 302 would be nice. Plenty of power and a little lighter then the 350. A 350 would probably cost less and be easier to get parts for.
Blazer, blazer
She does amaze!
Her console stank
Vacuum hoses brazed
Her simplicity
Never hurt a man
Never let him down
Never left him strand[ed]
....
Ok, that's all I got. But yeah! We should get the Blazer back into camping mode. Next weekend might be a good time for me to help out with the happenings.
Do we need to do anything with that second battery's wiring? Or is that ok?
The second battery stuff needs a stern looking-at. Just to make sure there is nothing miss behaving back there. And maybe isolate the inverter more. I though I had it hooked up so it got power when the car was on only. But what I wired into might be on when I think its not. I have plenty of low current relays if we need to give it its own.
And nice poetry :)
I know where you could get a 302 V8 for cheap haha. Its from a Ford though...
Don't forget to add fixing the c-clamp based 4-wheel drive system to your list of things to fix.
Haha... yeah, that's right. I bought the new part. I just need to put it on.
A 302 would be awesome if it came with a mounting kit and a tranny...
I got it a new battery and "washed her down." Now she needs her inners scrubbed a little. Perhaps a good f'breezing and vacuuming. Just so we can get it all dirty again, of course. But with new, clean dirt. Not that old, smelly dirt.
Cool. Sorry I got too busy to help last weekend. Are you and Brad working Monday? I have it off, I'm pretty sure (for the 4th)
We probably get it off as well. I would have to check to be sure though. Thinking of doing something:?
Yeah, we should do something! I don't know what or why. I certainly don't know where (as that will be a very, very busy weekend on the roads and in the camping areas). Perhaps even just some Blazer prep, angle grinding, or spray painting (I acquired an old safe which could use a fresh set of paint)
I would be up for a paint-off. The blazer needs it in more then a few locations. Mainly the hood. And the bumper, thanks to the bumper buddy. We could get some cheap spray paint, or we have about 7 gallons of the free dump paint. Its a nice 'non-descript gray" in color. That would not be a good outdoor truck paint. But it might work as a safe-primer.
All the spay paint I put on the blazer last year is coming off. I will have to get better paint this time.... or look into how to make the cheap stuff work. "Oh internet..... "
:) Yes, "oh internet...!" I was going to sneakily link every letter of that phrase to a wide range of topics of interest I have...but instead I got sucked into reading some comments on a nonsense blog. So...forget that idea.
BUT, the Blazerin' idea I do like. Very much. I will have lots of "free" time on Sunday (which I just now remembered to be the 4th) and Monday. I'm gettin' itchy. Can't stay out of woodds umuuuch loonggerrrner!
Let's go! (soon)
I vacuumed it today. And sprayed mold killer. And sprayed f'breeze all over in it. Now its mostly cleaner and smells better. Time to get it dirty again!
Blazer, blazer camp-camp
Blazer, blazer... CAMP CAMP CAMP!
She seems to be running good. I added some tranny fluid as that's all that was low. But the radiator.... and the windows... ugh. Oh and the paint. Know of any insanely cheep metal primer (http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=41)?
Insanely cheap? No...but I did see that bed liner rubber paint in a can :) I'm guessing you need something relatively high-temp, though.
I'm not painting the engine, just the hood and some body panels. I think I will go get some of that 'rusty metal primer' today and then do some sanding and painting. I will only do the hood for now to see how it turns out. Want to paint some metal? Got that safe painted yet?
I'll try to update my safe thread in a bit. It'll require more sanding, but a side of two of it is painted.
I figured you were just painting the hood and stuff, but I was thinking you said the paint had peeled off. Maybe it was bad paint and weather, not heat? Anyway, if you want to do stuff, I don't think I have much going on Sunday. What's our camp status?
I am a go for next weekend but not thins weekend I don't think.
The stuff on the hood never covered very well. There were already lots of cracks and then the rust. The cheap spray paint never had a chance. This time I am using a sanding wheel on the angle grinder and removing all the cracked paint and rust. I might even just do the whole hood, I have got 1/3 of it done already. But I need a new sanding disk now (I was using one that we once used on Francine :)) Then I will use the "rusty metal" primer and the matte hunter green spray paint I got. Painting it green one panel at a time...
What color should the blazer be painted? I got some matte hunter green, but its a little too bright for my taste. I was thinking maybe a olive matte or olive drab. Or just leaving it black is an option. Or dark gray. Ideas?
Given the opportunity, how could we not try our hand at camo? I believe every man should pai t something camo at least once in his life. What are we waiting for? :)
Edit, for clarification: yes to drab greens, and possibly browns.
I was considering that. That's part of the reason I wanted to go with the olive drab as a base. It could be a good start to a nice camo job. I had hopped the hunter matte would work as well, but alas. I will just have to use it to repaint the fire pit tables instead. They do need it, after all.
Of then. Drab olive it will be. I am still only painting the hood for now as it had the most rust. I hope to not be needing to remove all the paint already on the blazer to re paint it. Just give it all a light sanding and then a coat of primer and then color(s).
Should we use leaf/branch stencils (ala real tree camo?) I think painting the lower section to look a little like tall grass might work too.
Yeah, I was thinking we could cut some stencils of leaves, ferns, and the like. I'm not sure the best way to make a stencil (which can be used more than twice a day), but I was thinking that it'd be easy to etch something out of any flat, plastic surface you could find. Like old laundry soap containers, milk jugs, etc.
I think they sell thin sheets of plastic made for making stencils. It might be easier to work with then the plastic from various, oddly shaped, containers one might find. But either way it sounds fun and at the same time like a bad idea. But all the more fun for it. :)
Yeah, surely you could find some nice stencil-worthy sheets of semi-rigid plastic at craft stores. And and that would probably be the best idea. I was just thinking in "how cab we use random junk laying around the house" mode. For what ever reason.
Either way: let's do it!
Random junk is cheaper. And the part of me that hates to spend money likes that. But I doubt the stencil making sheets cost e very much.
Yesterday, Nick and I worked on the Blazer for a bit. Its driver-side blinkers seem to have both burned out, possibly due to a short..? We replaced both bulbs and it is back in working order. For now.
I'm sure Nick can explain better what was going on. And about the goo!
Yeah... there was goo. It was some bulb grease or something that had turned to more of a flaky yuck. Like extra thick pimple-goo, all cheesy and gross. But now I can blink! Don't really know what was wrong, but the front bulb did not have the bulb on it when I pulled it out of the housing. It was just gone and the insides looked all melted. So perhaps the bulb broke and it shorted out. The thing has been down a few bumpy roads in its time, so its not unreasonable for it to have cracked under the jarring and bouncing.
I might be betting a donor vehicle for the blazer soon. Its a red 86 blazer with a bad tranny that we want the engine out of... but its interior and body and much nicer the the blazer I haves interior. So perhaps a swap and swap is in order.
Who wants the engine from it? TheBlazer doesn't need a nice interior (for the times I happen to be in it), but it'd be fun to do something to/with the Hobomobile.
The engine in the red truck (S-10) threw a rod or something and is supposedly not worth rebuilding (some mechanic people said they don't last long after being rebuilt. For some reason all the aftermarket rebuild kits suck or something.)
The new vehicle has a headliner (no more mold and condensation), windows that work (rather then get stuck) and possibly better suspension. I rather like the colors on the Hobomobile, but the difficulty of moving all the working parts on the new truck over to the brokenish rig might be more work then moving the working engine to the new truck.
How hard is it to change a windshield? I would hate to leave one without a windshield... that would kill allot of any (little) resale value they had. But moving the headliner over and some of the dash stuff over would be easy.
So we bought the red blazer. It is so red that I am not even going to think of trading mine for it. I think I will take its radiator and head liner though...
How red?!!!1 pix yo!!!1
Man it is soooooo red. You don't even.
Yeah... Pics soon. It was dark last night when I saw it and the guy at the transmission shop wanted us to leave so he could go home. Perhaps there will be pics tomorrow.
On another note, if anyone wants to help swap an engine.... that's what I will be doing this weekend.
I have a Sunday and a yard. Also at least 10 frozen burritos!
Probably going to use my grandmas garage again for this. Your welcome to bring some burritos though :)
I'm not really sure why I said I have a yard. I don't have a yard. That's what I get for posting while at work. ???
This is not exactly blazer related (other then there will be some canibalising from the donor truck)
Here are some pics from the on-going engine swap.
(http://randomland.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/600px_wide/nick/images/PC040293.JPG) (http://randomland.net/node/2702)
(http://randomland.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/600px_wide/nick/images/PC040308.JPG) (http://randomland.net/node/2703)
(http://randomland.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/600px_wide/nick/images/PC050331.JPG) (http://randomland.net/node/2704)
(http://randomland.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/600px_wide/nick/images/PC050353.JPG) (http://randomland.net/node/2705)
Nice. It looks like I missed out on a bit of greasy fun. How does it compare to Blazer-Blue (Aka "Hobomobile")? It looks like it has an in-tact windshield...which kind of puts it a step ahead.
The Jimmy smells strongly of cigarettes, has a mildly wrecked interior and no lock on the tail gate. The windshield also has a big crack running though it. Nothing as bad as the crazy spider web the ol' Hobo has, but one that makes it unusable (I don't think it would survive being removed)
It does have a good head liner. And the carpet is nice compared to the blazers. But I have no idea how to remove the carpet. I would probably be better trying to clean the sticky, tar-like gunk out of the blazers carpet.
So I will be stealing the headliner and the radiator... and perhaps some controls off the dash if they are compatible. Having headlights are are easy to turn on wold be awesome, but I don't know if the plug is the same yet.
Also, the grill on it is nice. And I kinda killed the old the blazer used to have in a misguided attempt to but a brush guard on it. So that will probably be getting cannibalized as well.
We are not yet done with the S-10 revival. The engine came out of the S-10 last night. But GM, in their incomprehensible way of designing things, make it impossible to get the engine out without removing either the front differential/transfer case or dropping the transmission. The problem is that the engine needs to slide forward to get the spline out of it from the transmission. But the oil pan has a huge well in it that stick way down. You can't get the oil pan off because of the same reason. Making the engine bay 4" longer would have solved these problems and make removing the engine into an afternoon task rather then a day and a half headache.
Grrrr.
S-10 Blazer ToDo list! (https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoJq1Y0TrXFjdDlaeC1GTVhGRC1OZFdRSi1TSlRKU3c)
The blazer now requires a key to start.
Replacing the old ignition lock really wasn't too hard. And the new one turns as though it were hot bolt twisting through warm butter - Velvety and smooth.
Changing the ignition lock did not fix the starter issue, however. So I guess its the starting solenoid that is getting stuck/making bad contact. Lucky I have a spare setting about someplace.
Also, I got a replacement dash panel that houses the headlight switch and dimmer. So no more slapping the dash fifteen times to get the lights to stay on!
And I washed it.
I was going to write some asinine, jesting statements about keys and stuff. But no. Instead: cool. It's like the Blazer is getting less sucky!
Yes! Less sucky is my goal.
I tried to install the new headlight switch cluster thing, but it is colliding with the cool switch that I added. (Y'know that big red toggle?) So I guess I will use a little but of sheet metal and patch the side of the dash where the switch is now and move it a little. That will be some doing as I suck at cutting metal. I need a plasma cutter.
Anyway. Tonight I am going to be trying to take off the starter and repair it with parts from the donor blazer. Anyone want to join me?
Wow... I seem to be writing posts and then never submitting them. This was from two days ago.
Perhapsibly. I first need to snatch up some crickets.
Yos. I have some free time Wednesday evening if you want to bust a Blazer. Or fix one (which is more productive, but less alliteratively appealing)
Anyone up for more blazer work today or tomorrow?
Today could work for me. Should we go for another bolt or two?
Sure! The internet says we are doing it right, even. Take a few more bolts out and then slide the support bar forward and then take the two bolts out of the starter and bam.
Also, my new radio should be here today. So I think I will install that in the Pontiac. Hopefully wont take too long for that. :D
Sadly, no more bolts got removed. Though a radio did get installed! Its teeth are blue and it answers my phone calls!
Attempt three on blazer bolting? I will try to do something to it either way tonight.
Oh dear, that was days ago. I should have some free time a night or two this week, though.
I did some work on it on Saturday. I got more bolts out! Now the cross member is off and the starter is off. It will be all kinds of fun getting it all back on :) .
Cool. I like all kinds of fun. Let me know if you want some greasy company some time.
Also, your engine hoist is free, whenever you want it back. I can drive it over or something (not in my car, obviously)
Cool. You get the new engine in already? That was fast! But double cool for the running of the fours!
I found the wing-nut for the air-filter-housing down in the guts of the engine. It was setting on a cross member with a tiny little lip on it. Who knows how many bumpy dirt roads and gravel pits it has hung on for while hiding down there.
Tonight or tomorrow works for blazer fun time!!!!111
I should also get some new tubes for the 4WD vacuum system. If I am going to be under the thing, might as well fix that too. I might even wrap them in aluminum foil or something this time. That braided sheath just didn't cut it.
Oh right...sorry, I kept meaning to tell you that we were done with the hoist but everyone seemed rather undecided as to whether or not we were going to pull out several more engines that need rebuilding. Somehow I doubt that will be happening anytime soon though. So yeah we can get that back to you whenever.
Last time I borrowed Nick's engine hoist I kept it for a couple years... You guys are doing really good comparatively.
Quote from: Brad on Sep 06, 2011, 11:18 PM
Last time I borrowed Nick's engine hoist I kept it for a couple years... You guys are doing really good comparatively.
I guess that depends in whether or not Nick actually got it back yet. It's been several weeks...it's not at my place, so I don't really know. There's still time...they may catch up.
Anyway, Nick, did you ever get that "new" starter in that-there Hobomobile?
Haven't picked up the hoist or put the starter in. Been selling car, making costumes and fixing motor bikes. But soon I will install it. People are getting antsy for me to move the thing out of the barn :)
Well, if you ever want me to stand around and get disproportionately dirty, let me know :)
I have some time tonight!
I was thinking maybe we could get that engine hoist back to you today if you would like it back. We are certainly done with it.
Yeah. I can bring the truck over to get it, or I can just come over to help load it up. Let me know when!
Quote from: zourtney on Sep 22, 2011, 11:45 AM
Well, if you ever want me to stand around and get disproportionately dirty, let me know :)
I can do this too! If Court wants to go do stuff tonight and I am invited then maybe I can bring it over later today? Or you could come get it and I can go back with you...or something like that.
Do you have your license now?! If so I will come help load it and you can drive it over if you like. Otherwise I will go home for the pickup and come get it. Or you might get Courtney to come drive for you, and I will still come and help without the pickup.
Either way, you are always invited to come hang out and get dirty.
Well I still only have my permit, but I am physically capable of driving even if I don't entirely trust myself. But unfortunately my mom has to go to the dentist and my truck will be unavailable for the hauling of the hoist. I was unaware of this at the time I offered to get it back to you...
But yeah! If you want to do stuff sometime today I have nothing planned and wouldn't mind going over there.
Cool. I will bring the truck over after I get off work.
The blazer is back up and running. Now with all the correct bolts. Even better is that the 4WD works again!
Say what?! Impossible!
Let's go break it. :) Camping time.
Another 120 days with no blazer posts. So sad.
I just got a $9.99 off-road light from the harbor. I am going to take the HID setup that was on my bike and put it into the off-roader. (The HID setup was too much of a hassle for using without blinding people, so I put the stock light back in. Might get a cheap, high-powered LED setup for dark lonely roads and deer avoidance though)
Should I try to mount the light on the roof or make a bracket to attach it to the bumper? For wiring the thing, the bumper is the best choice, but for light spread and easy mounting the roof is the best. Personally I am leaning towards the bumper.
Hmm, this sounds like fun. I remember this dilemma, back from when I had my truck. I ended up going for the bumper. But(!) considering the Blazer's off-roadness and always-questionable bumper system, the roof sounds reasonable. And fun.
Viva la camp!
Viva la camp!
I have a replacement for the blazers ever questionable bumper. It seems nice and straight.
Given the difficulty with locating the electronics on the roof (like where to run the wire from, how to store the ballast box and the like) I think the bumper is the best option (also I am lazy and bad at waterproofing things.) I think just off center (right next to the license plate, or where the plate should be) would work. A piece of angle iron with three holes drilled into it is all it would take.
Another thing to consider, I guess, is rocks and branch protection for the light. Ideally there would just be a full brush guard on the front and I could call it good. But as there is not a guard, making a little screen/box to go in front of the light might significantly prolong its life.
And so end the era of the Blazer. It's story goes on, without me in it. It's new owner will be taking it to Vegas, and I hope to good times.