1969 class 3 Blazer build

[Norra 1000]

As most of you Class 3 racers forum members know i have a collection of vintage Vic Hickey built Baja race trucks and cars,My 1969 Chevy C-10 4X4 truck that was first raced in the 1968 Baja 1000 was driven by Cliff Coleman, He was one of Hickeys drivers and he also drove my 1970 Olds 442 and the Banshee and he drove the first K5 Blazer in Baja at the 1969 Baja 500, Well I have been friends with Cliff for some time now and during a TV interview at the 2007 Mint 400 he asked me to build a Blazer so he can race one more time, The next 2009 Baja 500 will be 40 years sence he first race the Hickey Blazer, After a lot of talking iam going to build a new 1969 K5 class 3 race Blazer, My main goal is to build a strong and fast truck that will make it to the finish, Iam going to try to finish not win for me to finish is to win and my co driver is 70 years old, I have several sponcers that are going to be involved and it will have coverage in Dirt Sport, I will try to post photos a lot , We will be working every day to have it ready for the 2009 season, I also welcome any and all input on this build, This is my first attempt at building and running a race truck, I have a great chassis builder that will work full time untill the chassis is done, , the first photos are of the first race Blazer Cliff drove and the project Blazer, Ron

[Norra 1000]

Here are a few photos of 1969 Blazer i will use for the build

[Grimm]

Thats cool man. Keep us posted, would love to see your progress.

[Yikes]

Oh! This is cool! I can't wait to see this progress. Do you intend to build it the same as the original, or are you going to use present day technology? (ie shocks, fiberglass, wheels, etc)

[Blanco]

Is it gonna look as it did back in the day?
That would be so cool! :cool:

[fj40]

Great, this is going to be one of those check everyday threads.

[Norra 1000]

It first started out as close as possible to the original blazer raced in 1969 But with saftey in mind it turned into a new modern day version, I have been talking to Deaver springs, I will run bypass shocks, Hannamans just made me the bulged front fenders, I have about 15 years experance with custom fiberglass so i will splash a mold off the front fender bulge and make a plug to make a mold with fender well bulges of the rear bed sides and i will build a mold for the door skins, When iam happy with the style i will build sereral sets of body panels, I will upgrade the axles and brakes, I will be using Mastercraft 3G seats, BFG Baja TA tires with KMC wheel's and a fuel safe 44 gallon saftey cell, It wont be the best Class 3 racer out there but we will have a lot of fun, We start bending tube Monday, My chassis builder thinks he should be done in 7 to 10 days from there, Iam shooting for the first shake down race to be the mint 400 then on to the 2009 baja 500

[Joe Rockhead]

I have a magazine,Four Wheeler, from Dec 1975, that has a Hickey Dodge Ramcharger featured in it.Not a racer, but a regular four wheeler.Back when Drive Guard differential skid plates and bug shields were big.The only reason I kept it all these years was the article on the Silver Canyon 4x4 trail from Laws up to the White Mountains, outside Bishop.Great trail if anyone is ever in the area, leads to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

[Norra 1000]

This week has been a little slow, I have removed the Motor, tranny, transfercase and the cut up Body, and the today i removed the remaining body, I will have the new 2" die for the Bender Monday so then we can start bending up the 200 feet of 2" 120 wall tube, This week i have been getting the parts list made and a lot of the most needed parts on the way first, And i have a lot of help in the way of sponcered parts, so that will speed up the build, I have to leave for Los Angeles on Tuesday to meet with sponcers and to pick up the new Hannamans fiberglass body panels While iam gone most of the chassis work should be finished

[toddz69]

Another great thread, Ron! Please keep us posted as this goes along. I'm definitely interested in how it turns out too.

Todd Z.

[retroblazer]

Ron Sorry I haven't been able to get back to your email, but I'm in the insane zone now prepping for the 1000. It sounds like you are going in the right direction. Make sure you track down the Pikes. Their truck represents the latest thinking in an all leaf spring class 3.

[Norra 1000]

Thanks Chris, I need to talk to them, Can you point me in the right direction, iam leaving for Los Angeles in the AM to pick up a lot of the parts needed to get this project moving, When you get some extra time give me a call, I have some questions, I also have sent Savage at SCORE several E mails about some tech questions, Do you have any idea how to reach him, Or can i reach out to the Forum for help, I took a look at the SCORE rule book, Its about the Body, After looking ar Roaches Bronco build thread that answered a lot of questions but do i need to keep the original windsheild frame? The original Blazer in 1969 did not have the Frame the rool bar was the mount for a short piece of plexiglass, Here are a few original photos

[Norra 1000]

Iam going to welcome as much info and ideas as i can get, I have built a lot of off road trucks and pro street cars but this Baja Blazer race truck is a first for me, I have been to a lot of races and i have done a lot of research, Here is the basic concept of this Blazer, Its a 1969 Blazer chassis, All the stock body panels will be replaced with Hannamans bulged front fenders and my design fiberglass bed sides and door skins, The springs are going to be Deaver, the front dana 44 axle will be upgraded with new inner C forgings and outer spindles for strength, The inner axle shafts and new forged with top of the line axle U jionts, Upgraded disc brakes and 4.56 gears, The rear diff will be a fabbed 9 inch with Full floater axles and 40 spline spool, The tranny will be a full custom Th 400 with a JW bellhousing and all the best stuff like hardened input and output shafts with torrington bearings installed, Kevlar clutches, I have a new custom built NP 205 transfercase, I build racing engines for a living so the HP is not a issue, I just got a New 1 year old out of date Nascar motor, I need to detune it, Right now it is 700 HP, The seats are Mastercraft 3G, I will run a Fuel safe 44 gallon fuel cell, The chassis will be built by my nephew who is a great chassis builder, I could use help on what shocks to run like Brand, King or Fox, And what style Bypass ? Length ?, Any input would be great, Remember this is my first time building a offroad truck, I just want to build it safe and strong, My main goal is to finish in one piece on time, As soon as the first Blazer is a roller i will start the 2nd Blazer, I need a back up and pre run Blazer, Iam only doing this to have fun, and class 3 could use two more blazers out there, Thanks Ron

[Moss2]

Looks like a nice project and hope I get a chance to see it run. I was curious what gets done in a custom NP205 transfercase build. Other than machining some weight out or maybe making it a single speed? Ours has been the least maintained item on the truck, just oil and seals.

[Norra 1000]

I have a guy that custom builds transfer cases, Iam not sure all what he is doing to it, I do know i will be able go in and out of 4wd at high speed, He has been building off road race set ups for years, Next week when i get back in town i will let you know what has been done to it,

[Blanco]

I do know i will be able go in and out of 4wd at high speed,
I've never tried shifting mine into 4wd high range at 60 MPH, but I dont see why I could'nt. http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/6.gif
Shifting into low, does require placing my trans into neutral though. http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif

Then again mines a 1356, not a 205.

[Norra 1000]

I just got back from Los Angeles tonight, I picked up a load of parts for the race Blazer, Here are some photos of the custom Hannamans front 5" bulged fiberglass for the 1969 Blazer, This weekend we should make a lot of progress on the chassis, I was not set to come home untill next monday but iam trying to get back on the Blazer as fast as i can

[toddz69]

I just got back from Los Angeles tonight, I picked up a load of parts for the race Blazer, Here are some photos of the custom Hannamans front 5" bulged fiberglass for the 1969 Blazer, This weekend we should make a lot of progress on the chassis, I was not set to come home untill next monday but iam trying to get back on the Blazer as fast as i can

Looking good, Ron! I'm looking forward to seeing it on the truck.

Todd Z.

[Yikes]

That's gonna be one bada$$ Blazer!!

[Norra 1000]

My chassis fab guy started bending up the chassis today, So i will start building the body molds because i know i will need several sets of fiberglass, I also could use some input on my rear axle, My plan was to build a 9" full floater, I could use some input on what would be the best set up to build, Like whos floater set up to buy, I have a jig to build the axle housing, I would like to use 40 spline shafts and spool, and i think i will use 4.56 gears

[Dave G]

.... i think i will use 4.56 gears

I think you'd be far better off to run 4.88's if you're planning on using 35's and even lower for 37's (maybe 5.29's) considering how tall the gearing is in the TH400!

[Norra 1000]

thanks Dave, I did the math and thats how i came up with 4.56, But you have done this a lot more then me, The 4.88 would be better , Iam also still working on tire size, Iam going to run the BFG Baja tire, Iam looking at 35 or 37 inch tall, Any input on what one to run?:rolleyes: Thanks

[Blanco]

I run 4:88's in mine & could use more gear with a 35" tire.

I stayed with the 4:88's because I drive it on the fwy's around town.

[Norra 1000]

Thanks for the input:D

[Norra 1000]

I think i will run a Schreiner Enterprises 9" full floater 40 spline axle set up, They seem to have a good set up for the $$, You get a new housing and tubes with the floater set up installed with 40 spline shafts with brake rotors minus the center section for $2200.00, I will order this axle unless you other racers can find a better set up for me to run check it out and tell me what you think, www.9inchfloater.com , Thanks:D

[Norra 1000]

Here is a photo of the axle

[Grimm]

I have talked with him in the past and am leaning towards them myself. They sound like they know what they are doing. They are by far the cheapest on the market and I have called everyone. When I talked with him we had priced it just over 4K with a complete center section installed. If you decide to go with Schriener, PLEASE keep me informed.

[Dave G]

... I am looking at 35 or 37 inch tall, Any input on what one to run?


I'd run 37's. with the herd of 750 hp rototillers out there running 39's, the ruts keep getting deeper, and the berms keep getting higher, so if you can afford the axles to carry them, 37's are your best bet!

[Norra 1000]

I just got my new heads for the race motor today for the Blazer, these should make some good HP, They are raised intake port Nascar style aluminum cylinder heads with Titanium valves, and Jessell shaft rocker arms with the matching intake and new Crower solid roller cam and lifter set up, Next week i will get the short block , Todays photos ae thr new parts sitting on a old motor just for photos

[Blanco]

Seems like you'll have more power than your suspension will let you use.
You might even end up with more power than Raffo. :cool:

[Norra 1000]

How much HP does Raffo make, just because i will have a killer motor that cam make up to 700 Hp does not mean i will use it, I know leaf spring suspension can only take so much but with my motor i want to use the best parts i can get my hands on, the overkill factor is for to build a super strong motor that will last and make some good HP with out standing on it to hard

[Blanco]

How much HP does Raffo make,
You'll have to ask Raffo.
Hopefully he'll be posting his stories from the race when he gets back.
I know he broke his front axle housing. :(

[Norra 1000]

that sucks he broke the axle, Do you know what part broke, I know he is running aftermarket knuckles, And Moss did it again, They have a good race team and truck

[Grimm]

that sucks he broke the axle, Do you know what part broke, I know he is running aftermarket knuckles, And Moss did it again, They have a good race team and truck

Did Moss win, IRC had them finishing 2nd. I'm with you on the HP, but I do worry about being to hard on the drivetrain with ours. 494hp, 540ft.lbs.

[Blanco]

Moss did not do it again!
He came in 2nd. :o

[Norra 1000]

Who won. I saw a post that the Moss Bros won

[Blanco]

Who won. I saw a post that the Moss Bros won


You really need to pay more attention comsideriing your screen name! :rolleyes:

[Broncodawg]

Easy Blanco:confused:

[Norra 1000]

Whats wrong with my screen name, this all started from my vintage truck and car collection of my original race rigs that Vic Hickey built for the Baja 1000, Everything revolves around the Baja 1000 so when the name baja 1000 was open i took it, as for the comment about the Moss Bros winning the baja 1000 this year i got that info from a web site and it seems there info was wrong:confused:

[BajaBronco13]

Whats wrong with my screen name, this all started from my vintage truck and car collection of my original race rigs that Vic Hickey built for the Baja 1000, Everything revolves around the Baja 1000 so when the name baja 1000 was open i took it, as for the comment about the Moss Bros winning the baja 1000 this year i got that info from a web site and it seems there info was wrong:confused:


Baja here is the list off Score's site. The Moss Bros came in second with Skilton and Kellwitz coming in first. Congrats to Kellwitz and Skilton. That's one bad @$$ Bronco killer, lol.


CLASS 3 (Short Wheelbase 4X4)—1.Darren Skilton, Long Beach, Calif./Jon Kellwitz, San Dimas, Calif./Matt McCallum, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Jeep Wrangler, 18:46:15 (33.63 mph); 2.Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif./Ken Moss, Marysville, Calif., Ford Bronco, 21:23:47

(4 Starters, 2 Finishers)

[Blanco]

Whats wrong with my screen name

I never said there's anything wrong with it.
I was just picking on you a wee bit that all. :o

Did you ever get those Picture's my friend Bill let you borrow about a year an a half ago back to him?

[Stephen]

I'm a bit curious about the 205 too, as mentioned by someone who has had a few multi-day road trips to think about such things...
not much to do other than machine some weight out here and there and delete low range. The front drive can be engaged at speed with a stock 205, the synchro'd front output is not going to do anything useful and that's about all there is to it.
Otherwise, all around a good build project, in my slightly educated opinion. Add some traction bars to the rear, you'll probably need them and make sure you carry a LOT of gas. Take it easy on the front wheel travel unless you come up with something to remove the bumpsteer that's typically inherent with leaf springs.

[Norra 1000]

I went with a 205 because of the strength, It is 40 to 50 pounds more then other aluminum transfercases, Iam not worried about that extra weight right now and iam not goint to take any weight out of it, Iam spending time taking weight out of other places that will make a bigger impact, Later i might install a Atlas transfercase, Right now iam working on geting the chassis work done and getting the new fiberglass body panels built and mounted, I should get a lot of work done over the long weekend if my new die shows up for the bender so we can finish the cage, I will start posting photos of that work in a few days,

[Norra 1000]

Does anyone have some input on what center section to use in my 9" rear end, i have been told that Aluminum centers are not the best choice for what we are doing and a after market steel unit would be a better choice, Right now i have a new Strange Aluminum center with 5.29 gears and a 40 spline spool, i have had this one sitting around for a few years and it would be nice to use it

[Blanco]

You should run a nodular pumpkin.

I bought mine from strange & currie makes them too, as do others.

[Norra 1000]

I also have a Strange Nodular center with a Daytona Pinion, i will swap the gears and spool from the Aliminum one to the Nodular case, So with 37" tall tires the 5.29 gears should work fine, And the new 2" die showed up today so we are going to work day and night threw the 4 day weekend, I will post photos each day of the cage build to get input, Thanks

[Grimm]

I wish I could get my build together as fast as you guys. You guys will have done more in a few weeks than I have done in the last two years. Can't wait to see the pics

[Norra 1000]

I have been wanting to build a race truck for a long time, i could only do this with a group of super great friends that have as much drive as i do, Tomorrow i can post the cage photos, we started bending tube right after we ate turkey, By christmass my goal is to have the cage and chassis 100% done with the suspension done and the fiberglass body mounted, well that what i hope, So tomorrow (Friday) you will be able to view and comment on the cage, like i said iam new to this so i can use all the input i can get, And my goal is to have the truck finished and tested and enter the Las Vegas Mint 400, I HOPE ?????:D

[retroblazer]

that sucks he broke the axle, Do you know what part broke, I know he is running aftermarket knuckles, And Moss did it again, They have a good race team and truck

We continue to find new ways of breaking things. We broke the front axle housing on the short side. The tube broke out of the casting of the diff housing. I don't remember hitting anything and when it let go, it was on the flat of the dry lake. We were having a good run. In fact, until Darren re passed me, we might have been leading.

[Norra 1000]

here are a few photos of some of the first tube work, We have a long way to go, we will get the front cage work bent uo tomorrow and the rear down bars

[toddz69]

here are a few photos of some of the first tube work, We have a long way to go, we will get the front cage work bent uo tomorrow and the rear down bars

Ron: Is your shop an old parking garage?

Todd Z.

[Norra 1000]

I rented a 4000 square foot area in a friends warehouse, I is a car dealership from the 1950 era, It has 3 floors, I have been bringing down benders, plasma cutter, welder, tools, as i need them, Its starting to take shape, Its working out good for building the race trucks and storing my extra trucks and projects

[toddz69]

I rented a 4000 square foot area in a friends warehouse, I is a car dealership from the 1950 era, It has 3 floors, I have been bringing down benders, plasma cutter, welder, tools, as i need them, Its starting to take shape, Its working out good for building the race trucks and storing my extra trucks and projects

Very nice! Looks very roomy for you. One of the early Bronco vendors (Wild Horses in Stockton, CA) is located in an old car dealership. It works well for the kind of business they're in.

Todd Z.

[Norra 1000]

I got a little more work done on the cage today, We are about 1/2 the way there on the 2" tube:rolleyes:

[Norra 1000]

Iam back on the Blazer again, The last week i have been chasing down parts and sponcers, Things are going great, I started installing tube again, I hope by the end on this weekend i should have the cage work done then i can get on the suspension, The new Deaver springs should be here in about 1 week then i should be mounting the fiberglass body panels, Here are a few photos of what i got done today, Does anyone have any input on what shocks to run like who make the best shocks, and style, i have a few ideas but a little input would be great,

[retroblazer]

I would recommend that you put a w in your back loop behind the seats. The bottom of the w would rest on the top of the frame rails and the top would the form the bottom of your x-brace. The tube across the bottom should be removed first. The outside of the w would terminate at the junction of your shoulder bar and the outer loop and give vertical support to the outside of the cage. Maybe Roach could draw it in on the picture for us.

[Norra 1000]

I have about 1/2 the tube installed, I have photos of Roaches chassis and cage, There will be a W or X installed in the rear hoop going down to the frame, , The lower bar you see in the photo was just set there for the installation of the rear hoop, the bar needed to be spread out 1/2" before it was tacked, I hope be the weekend we all can see what the cage shouls look like, I need all the help i can get ,thanks Chris

[straightaxle]

Based on this pic, I think we were all a little worried about the curved down bars, based on Petepecas problems earlier (didn't pass tech, had to cut them out and weld in straight ones). If you are going to add more tubing, you should be in good shape. You basically have to have a straight shot transferring forces from the cage hoop to the frame. Picture the truck upside down, still moving forward. You don't want the hoops bending back.

[Norra 1000]

I have about 100 more feet of 2" tube to install, Where the down bars join the rear bars there will be a bar straight down and 2 more angle bars on each side, Then there will be a least 2 more cross bars on top, then the rear hoop will be a X going fron the top of the rear hoop down to the original frame rails and the nurf bars, there will be a bar across the top of the windshield and 2 down bars to the bar on the bottom of the windshield, and there will be a X on the roof area , the door area will have a lower cross bar and a upper cross bar at the top of the door panel and a lateral cross bar, thats the 2" then i have to install the 1 1/2" tube for the dash , seats, and all the other mounts, i hope this should pass tech, the photos you see right now is less then 1/2 the 2" tube that will be installed when its done

[Norra 1000]

I got a little more work done today, I removed the last of the original sheetmetal removed tonight, I hope to have the rest of the cage some what finished by this Sunday, When done i will welcome all the input i can get, I hope i do not have to make many changes to pass tech

[Norra 1000]

I got a few more pieces of tube installed today

[Norra 1000]

I just ordered my rear axle, I went with a Currie fab 9 inch housing with Camburg floater kit with 40 spline 300M axles and Willwood disc brakes and 5.29 gears and spool, Here are some sample photos

[retroblazer]

I just ordered my rear axle, I went with a Currie fab 9 inch housing with Camburg floater kit with 40 spline 300M axles and Willwood disc brakes and 5.29 gears and spool, Here are some sample photos

Just out of curiosity, what made you pick Camburg's gear as opposed to names like the Tubeworks, Cone Industries or Summers Bros.?

[Norra 1000]

i checked around and Camburg seemed to have a good floater set up, I looked at quality verses cost and iam trying to do it the right way first, I have seen a few different ones out there and i have been told that i should go with Camburg, What do you think the best choice would have been?

[straightaxle]

I think there is plenty of quality equipment out there, but Cone is and has been at the top of the list for many years. Probably top of the list in cost as well. I would like to see the Camburg stuff up close one of these days.

[Norra 1000]

Thanks, I took a look at Cone, I will check a little more, Its not to late to change the floter ends, i just want to build this thing the best i can the first time out, What are you running for a rear axle?

[Norra 1000]

I just took another look a tubeworks, Nice stuff and 45 spline

[straightaxle]

[QUOTE=baja 1000;14347]Thanks, i just want to build this thing the best i can the first time out, QUOTE]

I think you hit the nail on the head there. I think you will be money ahead to build it the best to begin with. I started with a very tired second hand Cone rear end that had been in a fire, and we are still using parts to this day from that unit. On the other hand I have been using stock car style housings and we are now ready for our third one. They just haven't been strong enough and have broken or bent after probably 15,000 race miles each, but it costs $450 versus something like $2500 to do it this way. We machined our own hubs but use Cone axles and drive plates.

[Norra 1000]

I got a few more bars installed today on the rear, Now i will install the cross bars on the top and then i can start installing the X on the rear hoop

[retroblazer]

The tubeworks 45 spline axles are cool, but 40 spline axles are more than enough for a class 3. The cost jump is significant to go from 40 to 45.

[Norra 1000]

my plan was to use a 40 spline floater set up, I will talk to Tubeworks today, I need to have the axles here in around 4 weeks

[Norra 1000]

I started on the revised front cage section, This version will work better, and i have whats left of the original body in place so now i can install the mounts, I just bought a 44 gallon fuel cell and i should have it by friday so i hope to mount it this weekend, So far i have bought 10 sticks of 2" 120 wall dom tube 18 feet long, As of today i have used 9 sticks, I just bought 4 more 2" and 4 more 1 1/2" and 4 more 1 1/4", The smaller will be for seat and dash and other mounts

[NRT_Chris]

I just ordered my rear axle, I went with a Currie fab 9 inch housing with Camburg floater kit with 40 spline 300M axles and Willwood disc brakes and 5.29 gears and spool, Here are some sample photos


That is not a Currie housing. The Currie Fab housing will not be out for almost another month. It my have Currie 300m floater axle shafts in it thought.. Looks real nice

[Norra 1000]

I pulled that photo from Camburgs site, i will be using Curries fab 9" housing with there 300 M 40 spline axles, And then the floater kit will come from Camburg and the braskes will be from Willwood, I know the new housing will not be available for another month thats what iam waiting on right now

[NRT_Chris]

I pulled that photo from Camburgs site, i will be using Curries fab 9" housing with there 300 M 40 spline axles, And then the floater kit will come from Camburg and the braskes will be from Willwood, I know the new housing will not be available for another month thats what iam waiting on right now

I checked with the engineer this morning, the fab housing should be ready to go by Jan 19..

One other question, why 300m? If i were you i would go with 4340 40 spline. I don't know your budget but 300m axles are going to run you about 1400.00 per pair and the 4340 is going to cost around 900.00 per pair. Thats 500.00 difference that may be better spent on other things..

[Norra 1000]

The 300M are more but the extra insurance is great, I think its worth it

[Norra 1000]

These photos are from a few days ago,I need to bring my camera home from the shop to down load the new photos, The X in the rear hoop is done along with the X on the top roof bars, We are welding now and i will post some photos this weekend, And the photos of the center section is the aluminum 40 spline 5.29, i talked about before,The new rear will be steel version, I guess i can keep the aluminum set up in the chase truck as a spair for a easy swap

[Norra 1000]

Here are a few photos of the final design of the rear hoop, I went with this style because #1 I looked at the Score tech info #2 And a lot of other designs, #3 And then i liked Roaches Green Bronco design I liked his desing the best, There was more tube then required by Score but Iam trying to do it right, I hope this style is OK, I received my 44 gallon fuel cell bladder Wednesday and i will get it in the Can next week and get it installed then, I got a call from Deaver and my new Springs shipped last Tuesday so i should have them by mid next week then i can start installing the springs and new shackles, This weekend i will install the mock up Motor, Tranny and Transfercase so i can start the firewall and floor, I hope in two weeks to be working on the custom body molds so i can get the new fiberglass body mounted, We should see some work getting done now:D

[Grimm]

What shackles are you gonna run? Looks good. Out of curiosity, how are you gonna run your radiator tubes? What material are you gonna use for that? We probably did it a little differently than most.

[straightaxle]

Here are a few photos of the final design of the rear hoop, I went with this style because #1 I looked at the Score tech info #2 And a lot of other designs, #3 And then i liked Roaches Green Bronco design I liked his desing the best, There was more tube then required by Score but Iam trying to do it right, I hope this style is OK, I received my 44 gallon fuel cell bladder Wednesday and i will get it in the Can next week and get it installed then, I got a call from Deaver and my new Springs shipped last Tuesday so i should have them by mid next week then i can start installing the springs and new shackles, This weekend i will install the mock up Motor, Tranny and Transfercase so i can start the firewall and floor, I hope in two weeks to be working on the custom body molds so i can get the new fiberglass body mounted, We should see some work getting done now:D

Looks really good! You won't have any problems with tech. I know where I would want to be in an earthquake...........

[Norra 1000]

The new Deaver Springs will be here in a ferw days, When i take a look at the springs and bushings from deaver i will design and build the shackles to suit my needs, I have a few drawings and photos to go from, As soon as i think i have a design i will post them for all at CLASS3RACING.COM to give me input befor the final build, As far as the radiator that radiator a helper just threw it up there to see what it looked like, Thanks for your questions

[Norra 1000]

Grimm, Do you have any photos on the rear mounted radiator set up, And if any other members have photos of rear mount radiator installs can you post some photos for me to take a look at, Thanks:D

[Grimm]

There are a few over in our build thread in the Race Team forum. Boulder Racing, not one of the "bolded" threads yet since we havn't officially raced yet. I will see if I can get you any with more detail.

[Norra 1000]

I set in a temp Motor Tranny and Transfercase today, now i can start building my floor and firewall, And this is not the 205 iam using you will notice the slip yoke on this one, I should get the Deaver springs Monday

[Norra 1000]

I received the new Deaver springs today, Now i can finish the tube work and move on to another part of the Blazer

[Yikes]

Really enjoying watching your build. I like the direction you're taking it and can't wait to see the end result. Raffo's gonna have some leaf sprung competition for sure!!

[Norra 1000]

Thanks, This is my first build like this, Iam trying to build it right the first time and Raffo has been helping me with his mistakes he made in the past so we can do it right the first time out , Chris is showing a lot of interest in this build, He is looking forward to another leaf spring truck getting out there and he is looking forward to going for a ride or to drive it and the end weight of this Blazer:eek:

[retroblazer]

Really enjoying watching your build. I like the direction you're taking it and can't wait to see the end result. Raffo's gonna have some leaf sprung competition for sure!!

Pike's brand new Dodge was a great start. Besides, any non-Ford adds to the diversity of the class.

[Norra 1000]

We got the back half of the cage welding done tonight, Now we can mount whats left of the original sheet metal and the move on to the floor and fire wall, and get the suspension mounted

[Blanco]

:D nice!

[Grimm]

That is one stout rear main hoop!!!

[Norra 1000]

Thanks, I want it to be as safe as i can make it, I know i made the Blazer a little more heavy with all the extra tube but i think its worth it sence i got rid of the steel body it will all even out, This is the first cage and chassis work i have ever done and the good input from other racers like you and Moss make me feel like iam doing something right, now i need to finish it and get it out in the dirt so we can have some fun, Thats what it is all about FUN, And i just got a web site tonight to show all my Vintage Vic Hickey race trucks and cars and the current race program, It should be up and running in a short time, www.hickeyracing.com , :DRon

[venomous]

just stay with the 40 splines, they are more than strong enough. I never broke them with 680 hp and 37s. The other side benefits are Price$$$$, unsprung weight and also the 40 splines will give you a little bit of flex to help take the impact out of the rest of your drivetrain and let it last a little longer.

[RSB3]

Looking really good, been following closely and check saily for new pictures! Ron what size/length Deaver springs did you end up going with for the front and rear? I am assuming your 69 should be close to my eventual 73 build.
Anxiuos to see what you do for the supports.
Thanks for all the pictures,
Bob

[Norra 1000]

The Deavers were 100% custom for my Blazer, Iam running a fiberglass body so iam a little lighter then most trucks, First we will talk about the rear, the front mounting location is the same as stock, The rear shackle eye was moved back 5 1/2" to make the springs longer to help make more travel, The fronts were also 5 1/2" longer in the rear also and the front eye was moved 1 1/2" forward and 1 1/4" down and i moved the front axle to the top of the spring to give it a little more length, Iam getting close to building the mounting brackets and shackles, Tomorrow iam mounting whats left of the original body, Windshield frame and A pillar, Then i will hang a gutted stock set of steel doors to locate the B pillar and rockers, Later i will install the custom fiberglass door skins, Next i will start on the firewall and floor

[Norra 1000]

I have a need fore some input, Whats the prefered spair tire set up, I see some trucks with 1 and some with 2, Is it good to carry 1 for short races and 2 for the 1000, Iam getting ready to build the spair tire mounts, I want to mount 2 in the center facing forward but then i need to move the fuel cell forward and then ther is no room for a 2nd small fuel cell for extra range, The 2nd choice is to mount the 2 tires side by side on the rear, That gives me some extra roomfor a 2nd cell, That brings up my 2nd question, How big of a fuel cell is needed, Right now i have a 44 gallon and that should give me a 200 mile range, Is that about right, 5 mpg? so i should be able to make a safe 150 mile run and use 30 gallons? Please give me your advice :D:D:D:D:D

[retroblazer]

All of us have debated the tire issue before and most of us have concluded that although it's rare to need both spares, in trucks like ours, you're toast if you don't have a spare. Two is the way to go on a long race. You will not get 5mpg. I don't know if the JeepSpeeds get 5 mpg. I would assume 3.5-4. Your spare tire location looks good to me.

[Norra 1000]

thanks Chris, 5 mpg was a guess, What about how much fuel to carry, Is 44 gallons enough?

[straightaxle]

4 to 4.25 mpg on a good day. I wonder if the fuel injected guys do any better? We have based tank size by the distance between BFG pits, which is typically 100 to 145 miles. We only have a 32 gallon cell, but carried and used a 12 gallon aux tank at the 1000. I was ready to go to one spare, then we had two flats at the same time at the 500.

[Norra 1000]

Thanks for the great info:D

[Norra 1000]

I got whats left of the original body mounted tonight, and mocked up the original doors so we can mount the rockers and rear door jam, Tomorrow we start on the floor and firewall, When we are done with that i should have the new fiberglass body ready to mount, Iam looking forward to what it looks like when the custom one off fiberglass body looks like when its installed,

[Blanco]

Moving along nicely. :D

[Stephen]

Keep in mind there's a difference between what a cell will hold and how much fuel you can use out of it. A short flat bottom cell can retain a LOT of fuel and the pickup location can help or hurt you. Driving style and conditions can be big too, I've seen the same 33 to 35 gallons of usable fuel go less than 100 miles and more than 150 with different drivers. I suspect your K5 will be capable of really low milage, mostly due to the anticipated motor output.

[steves118]

dont forget to fill your tank and pump it out through your fuel system to see how much useable fuel you really have, i made this mistake once.

[Norra 1000]

Thanks I have been told a 44 gallon fuel bladder might hold 38 to 40 gallons of usable fuel, Next week should be a good week, This weekend we got all the mounts installed on whats left of the Cab of the Blazer and the rockers and B pillar is mounted, They still need to be trimmed but the doors work, I know right now they are the stock steel doors but i needed to install them with the wildow and A pillar so i can line up the main body so it will be straight so when i hang the fiberglass body panels it all will be straight, Monday we mount the springs and then Iam on building the body molds, Liam will build the floor and firewall then he can build the dash and console, I hope in about 10 to 15 days the 7 body molds will be done and parts can be made, Iam looking forward to seeing this thing with the body skin on, About that time the Mastercraft 3G seats will be here along with the new King shocks and Axles:D

[Norra 1000]

Now the nasty starts, Even though i have around 12 years fiberglass experance iam not looking forward to building the custom body molds but it needs to be done, When i bought the front fenders i has a splash mase off the rear 1/2 of the front fenders so if i use a left and right rear then put them together it will make a correct flare then i can trim it and bond it to a bed side then i can make a mold off it and then make the fiberglass bed side, Its a lot of work but it will be a 1 of a kind when Iam done:cool:

[Norra 1000]

Here are the trimmed bed sides, Tomorrow i will mount start the bonding and molding

[Norra 1000]

Here are a few photos of working on the Bed sides getting ready to build the mold, The first side is ready and today i will have the 2nd side reads to lay gelcoat and fiberglass on the plug so the final mold will be done, That should be done by this Wednesday, I get the chopper gun in about 10 days I hope to have all 6 molds done by then, The door skin molds will be easy, I have mint metal doors ready to splash and the front fenders are ready to mold and here are some photos of reinforcing the front of the rear spring mount, Sence we did not have to move the mount i thought we should just reinforce it to save time from making it from scratch, the rear hanger needs to be moved back and the front and rear of the front springs need to be build 100%

[Norra 1000]

here are some shots of reinforcing the front spring mounts

[Norra 1000]

Also the custom 9" front and rear axles are taking a lot longer to build then thought, So Iam now building a extra set to use right now, Iam using a 9" rear, It will be back and top braced, and a 40 spline and spool -Disc brakes,the center will be a 9" open with 35 spline axles inner and outer , The front is my design that i have built before, I will use a 26" wide 9" center, It will mount on top of the springs with 3 1/2" DOM tubes, I will use Ried Racing dana 60 Cs and there dana 60 knuckles and i just bought a sent of new Billet steel CNC machined spindles and Billet steel hubs,QAnd i will use custon brake caliper mounts to use 1/2 ton calipers to save a few pounds, I went with dana 60 knuckles and spindles for the larger axles and U joints, This set up will weigh about 35 to 40 more pounds then a 44 knuckle and spindle set up, I think the extra strength is worth the extra weight, In the photo the mock up 9" rear will be under the spring when built, And when i get the new race axles i can swap them in and use these in a pre runner or as a back up set

[Grimm]

Or you could sell them to me:D ha. I'm envious of your guys skill and knowledge to be able to throw that stuff together and make it work.

[Norra 1000]

I will build you a set:D

[BAJA Silt Swiming]

thanks for posting all of the great pics they look great keep up the good work:D

[Blanco]

thanks for posting all of the great pics they look great keep up the good work:D
You should start your own thread telling us a lot more about your EB. http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/16.gif

[Norra 1000]

Blanco, Just to let you know Baja Silt with the last post is working with me building my Blazer and he will be my Co Driver after Cliff Coleman drives 1 race, Liam is doing a great job, After the Blazer is done Liam wants to build a Class 3 Bronco so he can watch the rear of my Blazer in future races, here is Liam working or trying to work :D

[BAJA Silt Swiming]

as a builder on this blazer everyone can be assured that somewhere on this truck for all to see there will be a sticker that says "I WISH I WAS A BRONCO":D and thanks for letting me be a part of this project, it is a honor working with you. i look forward to the long hours and late nights because the payoff of going to BAJA and racing this tribute to the beginning of the greatest race ever is the real reward!!!!

[BAJA Silt Swiming]

due to popular demand i will be starting a thread sood

[Norra 1000]

I received some parts this week, This is what iam using to build my front axle, I got a new Currie 9+ housing then i bought some DOM axle tube, Then i got a set of Reid Racing dana 60 inner Cs and dana 60 knuckles, Next week i will get the new 4340 CNC spindles and 4340 CNC hubs, Then it gets all welded up and trussed, The center section is a Strange Aluminum with a 35 spline open center and 5.29 gears, It looks Liam likes it by the way he is riding it:D

[Blanco]

Looks like your enjoying riding a 9" a bit too much. :cool:

[Norra 1000]

You are looking at my 960 axle, 9" center with dana 60 outer spindles hubs knuckles, And here are a few photos of the rear frame during the box in process

[Norra 1000]

During the pr5ocess of mounting my new cuctom Deaver springs, The front spring mount did not need and relocations so we talked and thought the best thing was not to build a new front mount 100% from scratch so we went the route to reinforce the factory mount by welding the original mount to the frame and then welding 3/8" plate to the outside and a gusset to the center, there is also a 3/8" plate on the inside, The ends of the deaver springs are 3 wrapped springs so the diameter is larger and that made it so it would not fit in the original pocket so the pocket was cut out and a piece of larger diameter 3/8" thick pipe was installedn and then everything was 100% welded, It should be strong, this is more of liam's handywork:D

[Norra 1000]

I got the can last week for my ATL 44 gallon fuel cell, We will install the 44 gallon fuel cell in a way so i can install a 22 gallon ATL fuel cell for the long range of the Baja 1000 if we feel its needed

[Blanco]

Those mounts look beefy.

[Norra 1000]

Thanks, We are trying to make this thing strong:D

[Norra 1000]

I got my new 3rd member today, The aluminum Strange i have went to the front axle, The one i got today is for the rear, Its a Mark Williams Nodular center section with Billet steel bearing caps with a Mark Williams 40 spline spool with 5.29 gears and Billet aluminum pinion support and 4340 billet yoke, This should work

[Norra 1000]

Here is the finished bed side ready to make a mold off it so now i can build my fiberglass bed sides, It took to long to build these but it will be worth it when you see the body on the Blazer

[Norra 1000]

Here is the finished bed sides plugs, I will lay up the fiberglass this Saturday, My front axle should be back from the fab shop thats doing the welding, We also did a test spray of the body color Iam thinking about

[Blanco]

I'm assuming your gonna run the original colors? :confused:

[fj40]

(insert smiley eating popcorn here.... I dont have that one):D

Great work Baja, any ETA on the truck racing?

[Blanco]

(insert smiley eating popcorn here.... I dont have that one):D
http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/16.gif
Or how about an Eric Cartman eating Popcorn instead. http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/1a_spcartman.gif

[Norra 1000]

My plan was to race at the Mint 400 bt iam not sre if thats going to happen, Then the first race will be the Baja 500, And the Blazer coler will be the original Blazer racing Hickey red,

[Norra 1000]

photos:D

[Yikes]

Looks awesome!! That color is perfect.

[drbyrdman]

I got the can last week for my ATL 44 gallon fuel cell, We will install the 44 gallon fuel cell in a way so i can install a 22 gallon ATL fuel cell for the long range of the Baja 1000 if we feel its needed

how much did the fuel tank run you

[Norra 1000]

The ATL 44 gallon fuel cell cost $700.00, I bought the bladder new from a guy on ebay for $395.00 that from ATL would have been $700.00 and then i bought the can from ATL for $300.00 reg price is $500.00 for the can they gave me a deal if i ran there stickers

[Norra 1000]

The axles should be done by next week, The tranny and motor mounts will be done by tuesday, Wednesday we will start on the floor and firewall, The new Mastercraft 3G seats will be here next week so then i can attack the steering and brake assembly positions, i just bought the gauges and new Lowrance 10" GPS and the next 3 weeks should be a good turn around in the build, by then the entire body should be mounted with the interior sheet metal work done, I hope?

[Joe Rockhead]

That is a really nice shade of red.Do you have a paint name or number,or is that a custom blend?

[Norra 1000]

Its just saftey red, I can get the PPG paint code for you, This was the test spray, Now when all the new fiberglass body panels are done 3 sets of each panel will go to the paint booth to be sprayed base coat with clear, I want the truck to look good when its first seen, Iam not sure what color the frame and sheet metal dash and fire wall and floors will be, The dash should be low gloss black, I was looking at black or more at silver for the frame and cage

[petepecas]

Do it in silver.

[Norra 1000]

i was going for silver, That will show cracks better then black also:D

[vistaracing1]

you are going to town and it looks great! great to see such energy, i feel so guilty looking at all your work i'm going for another beer. cant wait to see / hear that thing run, thanks for all time sharing your build!

[Norra 1000]

I received the Mastercraft seats today, Now we can get back to work on the floor of the Blazer, I had to take time away from the Blazer to get the 1969 Hickey truck ready for Vegas, Fired up the new motor a few days ago, Runs killer

[Norra 1000]

Liam's ready to race well he looks ready, We are back on the Blazer build

[Norra 1000]

I know its overkill but we are building the main firewall and floor section out of 2" Then all the rest of the floor and firewall and console will be 1 1/2" , I just want this thing strong and take a hard crash, I hope we do not find out how strong it is,

[Norra 1000]

Its been a little while sence i have done work on the Blazer and posted the work, I had to take time to get my Vintage truck ready to show at the Mint 400 and i had some sponcers pull back due to the economy, with that in mind i had to regroup and get a new plan, Now most of the cost is out of my pocket, first is the axles, With my background i can build just about anything so i gathered up the parts to build my own design front axle, It started with building a Jig to narrow a ford 9" axle then make adapters to install the DOM tube with Reid Racing Dana 70 inner C's after the housing is built i will install the braces and i will use Reid Racing Dana 70 knuckles and 4340 spindles and 4340 hubs with 6 on 6.5 bolt pattern, I will use custom 35 spline axles and Wilwood brakes, The center section is a Mark Williams with 5.29 gears and a ARB air locked,Tomorrow i will bore the centers for the alignment bar,Here are some photos building the Jig, More to come

[Norra 1000]

here are some more parts photos , i hope to make some fast progress to make up for the lack of progress the last month, I will post new stuff everyday now, I do not want to load it all up in one day, Tomorrow i will tell what race tire company came on as my main sponcer during the Mint 400 event,:D

[drbyrdman]

very nice!

[Broncodawg]

Great meeting you guys at the Mint and congrats on the tire deal.
You do awesome work and eagerly await every new post.

[Norra 1000]

In the past with My Vintage race truck Vic Hickey ran with Goodyear tires, So i contacted Goodyear about sponcership and they showed interest, But after we made a deal for the new Kevlar tires only with no support and told 2 times my tires have shipped and then put on hold both times and then they would be at Vegas when i showed up and that did not happen I was getting unhappy and after talking to a friend Ivan (Ironman) Stewart he interduced me to Travis Roffler at General tire, Things went good and General tires came on board for the 2009-2010 race seasons 2009 is mostly for testing, I will be running the General Grabber Competition 37-12.5-17 race tires and flying there Red-White and Blue paint well a least i can keep part of the red i wanted,We have springs on the truck and it should have the new front axle installed in a week

[Norra 1000]

Iam just about done with my front axle jig I need to make 1 more axle alingment bushing, Here are a few photos, Next week i can get the housing welded up,

[Norra 1000]

the rest of the jig photos, Now its time to measure it up, Cut the tubes and start welding, By the end of the week i will have a finished axle, I hate spending big $$ on parts i can build myself and if this works out i can do some more axles for others also

[TimmyD]

Right on. I'm interested to see how this turns out.

[Norra 1000]

I received my new General Grabber Competition race tires today, 37-12.5-17, They look bitchen and i cannot wait untell next week so i can bolt them on, The new race wheels should be here next week:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Blanco]

I like the tread pattern. :)

[tnt]

I need to pay more attention, I thought this was a restoration project:o

[TimmyD]

I'm shopping for some new tires myself. What was you major desision on General tire vs the others?

Looks awsome!

[Norra 1000]

This is not a restore project, Iam building a 40th anniversary tribute blazer from scratch, I have several sponcers that have came on board, tonight i should have the front axle cut to size in my new axle jig i built, Later tonight i will post some better axle photos, Here are some for now

[Norra 1000]

I started fitting the tubes to the housing, Tomorrow i will press the innes C's to the .005" press fit tubes then it will start looking like a front axle

[Yikes]

....005" press fit tubes...

Wow! That's a lot of press. Looking great! Are you going to set the C's up square and compensate by over clocking the centersection, or set it up with the caster angle in place on the jig?

[Norra 1000]

I will set the center degree then set the caster lay back on the C's than with the alingment bar in place i will tack it togeather and then start on the skid plate and front center plate and then i will build the top and front truss

[Norra 1000]

I machined the axle tubes for the inned seals and We got the housing welded up today, Got the pinion set and the caster set, Now we will fit the armor skid plate for the front and then the truss

[Yikes]

Looking good! Now, there's a knuckle breaker. Did that tool sing a bit?

http://www.class3racing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1416&d=1240216395

[Norra 1000]

Yes it made a little noise untill i put a clamp on the end of the bar

[Norra 1000]

How do you post the larger photos?

[Grimm]

Doesn't look like a whole lot of room between the housing and the knuckle. Are the pictures deceiving? How are you gonna mount the leaf springs? Nice work as always

[Norra 1000]

They will work, I need to cut into the housing a little bit, I welded up the top truss tonight, Tomorrow i will start on the spring pad mounts

[Salttoy]

Work looks AWESOME!!! Any idea of how much the truck is going to weigh when your complete?

[Norra 1000]

I have no idea what it will weigh, I do not even know what Raffos or Moss trucks weigh, I know i have a lot of tube and The factory sheet metal is only 45 pounds and the Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber body should only 40 pounds, It should be light for a full size truck, I also want to know Raffo and Don Moss what does your Bronco and Blazer weigh? I will bring 4 scales down to the shop to weigh all 4 corners to find out what the front and back is I want my % just right at that time i will move my 2 spair tires and 44 gallon fuel cell forward or more back to get the ballance just right, This is my first off road truck i have built i hope it turns out good? :cool:

[retroblazer]

4500-5000#

[Norra 1000]

Yesterday we did the top axle truss, Tonight we just about got the front truss cut and fit, Tomorrow we will weld it up the we can build the spring mounts

[Blanco]

Looking STRONG!

[Norra 1000]

Thanks, We are building to WIN !:D

[straightaxle]

Somewhere around 5000#, and getting heavier.

Work looks great!

[Norra 1000]

Thanks for the info, Iam looking forward to some day to getting in the dirt with you and team Moss, I hope i can run hard and try to keep up with you guys, Your Bronco is the reason my Blazer is built the way it is, If a leaf spring truck has any chance of keeping up with you i need to do everything possible to build it the best i can, I hope to have the front axle installed next week

[Norra 1000]

Iam getting a little closer to finishing the axle, I fit the truss tonight and will weld it up in the AM, Then i can finish the skid plate and then the spring pad mounts

[Norra 1000]

The housing is done and all that is left is to build the spring pads, That will be done by the weekend, This custom 9" front axle housing took a lot more to build then i thought but i think it will be strong, It looks heavy but its not, The dana 70 Cs and 60 spindles are about 17 pounds moer then a 44 and there is less then 15 pounds of bracing and plating and sence iam running a aluminun 9" center the finial weight is about 15 pounds more then a dana 44, When its 100% complete i will weigh the 9" front and a dana 44 axle to see, Iam looking forward to getting the front axle installed in the Blazer next week:D

[Blanco]

http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/awesome_dude.gif

[Norra 1000]

Thanks, Iam trying to do a good job, This is the first race truck i have build, I have built several 9" front axles before, But they were for rock crawlers, Iam trying to get a ton of work done over the next month if iam going to get a 100% restore done on the 442 for the NORRA 1000, Iam haveing a custom body shop do the blasting and body prep and paint, I will do the assembly, I hope to have the body back in 4 to 5 weeks, Then it should take 3 to 4 weeks to assemble, After working on this Blazer the 442 will be easy, Its just a big jig saw puzzle, I have way to many projects, And i also have to replace all the axle and wheel bearings and take out the 12 to 1 roller motor in the 69 truck and build a 9 to 1 motor for the NORRA 1000 event, I dont need a killer motor for that i just need to finish and run mexico pump gas :):D:confused::cool::eek::rolleyes: :)one smile for each project Iam doing right now Any one want a job building building vintage and new off road race trucks, I will pay you the same as Liam gets He is my lead fabricator, He workd for Red Bull and Monster Energy drinks:D

[Blanco]

If I lived closer, I'd spend my spare time helping you out...

[Norra 1000]

You are helping me out by running this site, The Blazer would not be what it is if this site was not here, So you are helping me every time i use this site, I will need to get some C3 Racing decals when the paint goes on the body skins, I do most of my research here:D

[Blanco]

Thanks for the cudos.. :o

& Let me know when your ready for the stickers & what color.

[Norra 1000]

You pick the color of the decals, remember i got sponcered by General tire and i will have the General tire paint job thats Red White and blue with stars and stripes:eek:

[Yikes]

Finally!! A promising build thread on C3R. Haha!! I'm a part of the "other" group. This is my favorite thread. Your progress is tremendous and the fact that you're building it yourself gets huge points. I'm very excited to see it in person. I will be there for your first race. I love Broncos, but that thing gives me wood every time I see it. One things for sure, your race won't ever end because the front end broke. Ha!!

[Norra 1000]

hanks, As soon as the Blazer gets close to being finished we are starting the Bronco for Liam my race team will have 1 from each side,

[Norra 1000]

getting closer

[BAJA Silt Swiming]

Thanks, Iam trying to do a good job, This is the first race truck i have build, I have built several 9" front axles before, But they were for rock crawlers, Iam trying to get a ton of work done over the next month if iam going to get a 100% restore done on the 442 for the NORRA 1000, Iam haveing a custom body shop do the blasting and body prep and paint, I will do the assembly, I hope to have the body back in 4 to 5 weeks, Then it should take 3 to 4 weeks to assemble, After working on this Blazer the 442 will be easy, Its just a big jig saw puzzle, I have way to many projects, And i also have to replace all the axle and wheel bearings and take out the 12 to 1 roller motor in the 69 truck and build a 9 to 1 motor for the NORRA 1000 event, I dont need a killer motor for that i just need to finish and run mexico pump gas :):D:confused::cool::eek::rolleyes: :)one smile for each project Iam doing right now Any one want a job building building vintage and new off road race trucks, I will pay you the same as Liam gets He is my lead fabricator, He workd for Red Bull and Monster Energy drinks:D

don't let ron fool you i'm his slave..... but i love being part of the project because it is so cool and ron has become a great friend, and we work together well. great minds think alike.... and the energy drinks arn't payment they are there to keep me going outherwise i would fall asleep on all of those late nights working with ron. thank you everybody for the positive coments they really keep me and ron energized so please keep them coming...... thank you so much LIAM (the weird guy hyped up on redbull in all th photos)

[Norra 1000]

I got my issue of this months Dirt Sports, I saw that they used my Vintage Hickey truck fot the back drop of a interview with KJ Howes the founder of the Mint 400

[petepecas]

getting closer
Wow, looks like Caterpillar parts!
Seriously, congrats on the build, looks pretty good.

[Norra 1000]

Thanks but the cool part it is not that much more heavy the a Dana 44 axle

[Yikes]

Hungry for my daily fix. Update?

[retroblazer]

Thanks but the cool part it is not that much more heavy the a Dana 44 axle

We want to see it hanging on a scale. Like a big marlin.

[Norra 1000]

Raffo, i do know for 100% sure it will be lighter then the Tomato Blazer:D

[Norra 1000]

The front axle is done and iam installing it in the front springs, And then i can put the rest of the outter axle parts on, Photos tomorrow, I have been working on the NORRA project

[Blanco]

Look at what I just found.

YouTube - Baja Blazer

YouTube - Baja Blazer

[Norra 1000]

Those Videos were old, I will shoot some new ones, Also even though Iam working to get the 442 ready for the NORRA event, there still is some work still going on with the Blazer, Todat i received my KC HID Pod lights, Now i can build the light bar

[Grimm]

Any Updates on the Blazer?

[Norra 1000]

The Blazer has been sitting waiting for the NORRA 1000 race to get over, I have ben spending all my time getting the 442 ready for the race, And i just locked the deal up, Rick Johnson from Team 71 General Tires trophy truck will be doing most of the driving and i have General Tires backing us also, We are going in to win Class 1 and we want the overall win also, Last weekend Rick johnson won the Baja 500 in his Trophy Truck

[retroblazer]

Is it photo shop or is it real? Blazer oh blazer,where did thee go?

[Blanco]

Is it photo shop or is it real? Blazer oh blazer,where did thee go?
I was singing that song at primm... :p

[Norra 1000]

After the NORRA 1000 in April we will finish the Blazer, I hope?

[litebulblsc]

I can't wait till you start making more progress. You are doing a great job

[Norra 1000]

I had a lot of energy to get the Class 3 blazer ready, This was to be my first race truck i built and raced, I had a lot of help and support on the project but after the NORRA vintage race came up i had to make a choice finish the Blazer of restore and race the James Garner 442, This is such a high profile car that i had no choice, after the ton of sponcers that came on board the 442 when its time to get back on the Class 3 project Blazer i will have more support from those sponcers, The 442 will be a race car but i cannot run it 100% all out due to the high value of the car dont get me wrong it will be ran hard thats why i broght Trophy truck driver Rick Johnson to handle the driving, All i told him was i wanted to leave the starting line then he can get behind the wheel Iam thinking of my many sponcers the sport and the race fans not myself, if i was thinking of myself i would drive the entire event to get all the glory, Iam happy being a team owner, Now iam getting away from the Class 3 project So as soon as the NORRA 1000 is over i will focus 100% on the Blazer as we need more Chevy entrys out there, I cannot wait for the first Class 3 race:D

[63chevyll]

That NORRA race sounded so cool.

It would be cool if they did more of those,

I would like to build a early 70's long bed to race in

[Norra 1000]

send ma a PM with your phone # and i will call you with that info, Its to much to post

[Norra 1000]

Hi Ronald!

Got a tracking number for me like you promised me for the past two nights?

Your god dam cover was shipped to you yesterday, When you sent me your cover for me to make a mold off it i told you it would take time,I gig not hear from you for a long time! now i take a look many web sites and you make up and blast me with a lot of &%$#@, when i get back to the house you will have your dam tracking #, Quit texting me over and over and over and blasting my on every site you can register on, I said i would send it, and i sent it , and later tonight i will send the tracking #

[Norra 1000]

all i do is work 16+ hours a day restoring preserving and sharing the history of Vic Hickey, Iam sorry this deal worked bad for you, It was over 1 year sence i have received a e mail or a call, As everyone here knows if iam not working on my vintage race cars iam working in the motion film industry for long periods of time, you should have called me on my cell phone that i gave you and all of this could have been avoided, This will be my last post on this subject, i will PM you the tracking #, Thanks

[Broncodawg]

Wow, This calls for a drum of popcorn.

[Norra 1000]

This is BS Iam not even going to respond

[AngerIssues]

I will give Ron the benefit of the doubt for now.

I have not met Ron personally (that I can recall :cool:)... and I guess this is none of my business. I don't know your agreements about the loaner.

What I will say, however, is that Ron is doing some really bitchin' things for desert racing and spending a POOP-load of money doing it. If he is using your diff cover to make a mold... that isn't cheap. NOR is that hood he bought, nor the 442 he bought, nor the Hickey truck... the list goes on.

I sincerely do believe Ron wouldn't "steal" anything. Hell, he'd have probably bought it from you for 3x any price you wanted, if he'd known he was gunna get this much grief.

Let's get back to racing and building... and racing... and building. (do we EVER get to stop building????)

ken :p

[BAJA Silt Swiming]

I consiter my self a frend of ron and I have known him for a few years now and have spent 100's of hours working with him on his projects such as the class 3 blazer. I frankly am honored to know such a true, honest and hardworking person that I am honored to call my friend. I have nothing to say to the acuser. Ron is a verry buisy man and he works verry hard. Misunderstandings like this can do damage to someones reputation and this hurts me deeply to see this hapen to such a good person. I hope the acuser understands this and realizes that a retraction of previous statments and an apology is not expected but would be a gracious gesture to show that he just possibly could have overreated in this unfortunate situation. Sincerly BAJA Silt Swiming.

[Yikes]

Ahhhh mannnnnnnn! I saw this at the top of the list and thought there was going to be a new pictorial update of the progress.

[Norra 1000]

as soon as the 442 is done the Blazer build is back on, as you have seen in the background of the 442 build the Blazer has been getting dusty, That is over in 3 months

[drbyrdman]

1664084915@craigslist.org
Saw this on craigslist

[Blanco]

1664084915@craigslist.org
Saw this on craigslist
Clicking that link just puts me into my g-mail account.
Can you post the link differently?
I think you copied & pasted the contact link?

[richcomstock]

Any updates?

[BAJA Silt Swiming]

any updates?
i farted

[Norra 1000]

Here is what the 442 turned out looking like,And thats the driver of the car in the photos Rod Hall but Not the first photo he is a Bronco guy and my fab guy, To bad after the car was finished we had a motor problem and the cam went flat, Thats what i get for not building it myself and using a roller cam like every one of my motors have, Now its time to get back on dusty projects like the Blazer :D

[4x4dudester]

Any updates? Baja 1000?

[k5james]

Bringing this back up any chance you still have the mold for your rear fenders? I'd love a set for my 72.

[straightaxle]

Any status on the keg of Tequila we were promised at the Baja 1000?

[Moss2]

Found this on RDC. Read post 161. Unfortunate to hear, hopefully things turn around for him.

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php/63499-NORRA-1000-James-Garner-442-race-car-restoration-in-progress?p=1240082#post1240082

[Norra 1000]

Iam getting back to the shop I ending up finging out that i had cancer in a few places, the finding it fast was good and the operations stopped it, I have 1 more to deal with in 2 weeks but iam good and after a long vacation Iam back on the Blazer build i got tired of it sitting in the shop and now it bust ass time, and i think with the better health i will keep the 442 but i dont think it will make NORRA but i have a few people that have interest in racing it, I will race my 1969 Hickey truck with Cliff Coleman the original driver the raced the truck in the 1968 Mexican 1000, I will get some updates on the olds and i will post a link the Olds that made the cover of Hot Rod Magazine March 2011 and there is a 8 page story inside,And here are a few dusty photos of the Blazer sitting in the shop showing that nothing has been done sence last year But the custom fiberglass body molds are done and things should happen fast now, I just want to get in the dirt and have some fun,Thanks Ron

[retroblazer]

Best of luck with the health issues. We all wish you well and look forward to seeing you in the dez soon.

[Blanco]

the Olds that made the cover of Hot Rod Magazine March 2011 and there is a 8 page story inside,
Ron asked me to post this link being he was having issues doing it. :confused:

http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/hrdp_1103_grabber_oldsmobile_442/norra_mexican_1000.html

Cool spread I must say. :)

[BAJA Silt Swiming]

Heres a pic of all of us right after the car was done. 5 minutes before the test drive. Build team from left to right. John, Rick (rons brother), Ron (owner),Rons dad, Me Liam on the far right. It was a fun project, I wish I dident have a full time job I would have slept at the shop and worked night and day. It was a fun buid with a great team. Ive started my own company now designing and cuting parts. Liam @ LoCoFoMoCoRacing.com
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e231/longhornliam/IMG_2129-1.jpg

[Blanco]

Cool pic!

Thanks for sharing! :D