Pulling the body off our project 1973 K5 Blazer DIY. No lift required. Jimmy Build.

After realizing that we are never going to get this project Blazer clean enough with just a pressure washer, we decide to pull the body off our 1973 K5 GMC Jimmy. The full convertible Blazers are delicate, so we are keeping the top on and the doors closed for support as we lift off the body using floor jacks and 2x4s.
WD40 and heat is used to remove some rusty body bolts. Time to prep the frame for the sand blaster. Project Restomod!

[@TheAkjody]

WOW. Cheers to you brother! I am not the only one... :D I did this all by myself when I was 26. Might do it one more time with my Dodge quad cab 4x4 (56 now in May). I used 4 custom built sawhorses. Two extra tall handyman hacks. Several ratchet straps. I ended up disconnecting ALMOST every bolt, wire and I DID remove and reinstall every piece of glass. AND, during the process converted it to California VIN and added in AC. I remember, being a woman, even Army, that that tailgate and the spring was super heavy and difficult. Can't remember why but it was heavy to do alone. Doing a Dodge 2nd gen Quad cab should be easier. I did it before, its smaller, however I am 30 years older now+ It took me two weeks and I had to do it alone in the California Desert 29 Palms. Dang it was a LOT of work.

[@CrankAddict]

Tailgate is tough to do alone!

[@38score17]

Teamwork makes the dreamwork!! Good effort!!

[@Aint1S]

Honestly, she's not OSHA certified, but your trick did it. I'm really impressed by your old lady though... Tough gal for sure! Also, Willie Wonka and a team of underling Oompa Loompas for man servants, hilarious! I bet you're a proud father for sure! 🤣👍🏼👍🏼

[@chrisb8441]

Love the build I too have a 1973 k5 blazer I’m wanting too do a budget restore on I’m a little leery about pulling the tub off like you did though !! How come you didn’t brace everything up and welder tubing across the doors and across everything ? Did you have any twist or misalignment when you put the tub back on the frame

[@CrankAddict]

Sorry for late reply. The torque boxes are pretty strong and keep the body straight. Be careful about cutting out rusty panels, however, unless you brace the body. But lifting the body did not seem to be a problem.

[@chrisb8441]

Ok million dollar question if you did it all over on the removing the k5 body !! What and how would do differently in the braceing and removal as you know I’m going to be doing mine very soon looking for more ideas on ways to do it yours so far seems to be the best

[@CrankAddict]

I would do it the same. Just be careful and move the chassis to fit the body and don't bump the body to get the mounts to line up. When you remove the cross bracing, it is easy for the dangerously move around.