What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rwhite692 · 03-21-2014, 02:37 PM

Hello and thank you to all who contribute to these great forums. I have been a long time lurker and just finally got around to registering here.

I have been on the lookout for a first generation K5 Blazer for a long time. My Dad bought one new at Pape Chevrolet in Port Washington, NY (1970 model, medium copper color) in March of 1969, which he handed down to me when I became old enough to drive, and I kept that one through 1992 when I sold it to help fund the purchase of my first house. By that time, New York winters and road salt had just eaten it alive. And there was little aftermarket sheetmetal available back then.

So fast forward to today, and my life in Northern California. Like many folks, I have a lot of other projects, but have been watching these gen1 blazers from afar for a long time.

When looking for a blazer I knew I wanted one with a manual trans (since my first one was M/T) and was hoping to find a nice one in relatively "stock" condition. Unfortunately, really nice blazers fitting that description are way out of my price range.

So anyway, I found this rough '72 on Craigslist and closed the deal last night. I wont say what I paid for it here but suffice it to say because it is not running it was easier to make a really good deal.

Sorry for the poor pics, will have better ones once I get her home.

Here's what I know about it so far:

The owner has had it since ~1990.
Has been parked and under a tarp for the last 14 years
non-original engine (400 small block)
Has an aftermarket (black poly) fuel tank
Needs outer rockers and partial floor pans
Entire rear bed is in great shape
Sunroof (Damn why did they have to go and do that!)
El-Cheapo bolt-in roll-bar
Tailgate is excellent (straight / no rust)
Doors are excellent (straight / no rust)
Front Fenders are excellent (straight / no rust)
6" or 8" (?) lift - all suspension (no body-lift)
Missing front bumper
Diamond-plate steel rear bumper that must weigh 100 lbs
Rear hatch frame fiberglass is cracked (but glass is not)
37" tall tires are dry-rotted
Western Bullet Wheels, Baby!!
The Owner removed the front and rear seats to start in on the rust repair, went through a divorce, seats got left behind at a prior residence and are now long gone.
Original Glove Box door is gone (dang!)
Original color is (I think) Orange

I will post some better pictures and questions when I get it home, first order of business will be to make sure it turns over, then do all the basic stuff to get it running (hopefully!) so I can move it around while I repair the rust. It definitely can't be driven, on these tires.

I'm on the lookout for a pair of the wide "Utility" Bucket Seats and a rear bench seat!

rayray767 · 03-21-2014, 06:58 PM

Nice truck

**thelonerife** · 03-21-2014, 06:59 PM

Very good stance.

jaros44sr · 03-22-2014, 12:04 AM

Try contacting 6t727t2, i think he had a set for sale. If not, post put a WTB in the classifieds, great, comfortable seats, ive got the utility seats in mine......

Nice start to a good classic truck...

mtully79 · 03-22-2014, 08:44 AM

Congrats on the purchase

Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

briank · 03-22-2014, 10:24 AM

Rwhite692, just an fyi and I may be wrong but unless your truck came with utility buckets, they may mount different. Others will correct if Im wrong. I have k5s with both and would swear theyre different mounts in the floor but the winter has been so bad here I havent even looked at mine for months.

**Ol Blue K20** · 03-22-2014, 11:12 AM

Nice find, congratulations. ....let me know if you don't want the brush guard. ..

BLUE THUNDER · 03-22-2014, 06:32 PM

Very Nice!!!!!!

67swb72klb · 03-22-2014, 06:37 PM

good find always liked the Bullet Wheels

rwhite692 · 03-23-2014, 02:04 AM

Thanks guys! I have a lot of work to do on this truck. I will be getting it home this Thursday evening. I have challenge in that a bunch of my co-workers are planning a 4-wheeling trip toward the end of May. I don't think I will be making the trip, LOL, its one thing to get this truck to run, and another entirely to have confidence in taking it out into the Sierra foothills. Needs tires too. I.m pretty sure it still has a points distributor so I will stab in an HEI for sure. Probably a new carb since the one on it has been on there forever and is probably a mess...

DAVERJ · 03-23-2014, 07:18 PM

Looks exact like mine when I started on it 14 months ago!!Get after it !!

Tinkermc · 03-23-2014, 09:19 PM

Wellwelcome to the Forum, 1 thing you must do is HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR BUILD.

rwhite692 · 03-23-2014, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinkermc

Wellwelcome to the Forum, 1 thing you must do is HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR BUILD.

Absolutely!

rwhite692 · 03-28-2014, 02:33 PM

Well, she's home!

Went and picked it up last night, this thing is just narrow enough to fit on my car trailer, LOL.

I only had a minute this AM before heading off to work, to take a few quick phone pics.

The owner was able to give me a stack of receipts for various work he's had done over the last 24 years he owned the truck.

Not sure how that later model steering column got in there. I will definitely put an original type back in, I despise the GM column w/the key on the column.

Do all of the columns from 67-72 trucks and blazer/jimmy interchange?

I'm pretty sure that the truck was indeed orange, originally.

Apparently, he had some sort of toolbox or something that he used to keep chained up in the back.

Anyone recognize this particular brand / type of lift kit? The front springs look a bit "flat" in the center - but now, as I recall, the ones on my old 70 looked kinda similar (?) any thoughts?

Tbruz · 03-28-2014, 04:45 PM

Nice starting point.
I just PM'd you about a column.
Tbruz

rwhite692 · 04-28-2014, 12:56 PM

Well here's a ten-point update:

1. Dropped out the poly fuel tank out, flushed it out with hot water and castrol super clean, wasn't too bad in there considering the truck sat for 14+ years. Blew out the fuel lines, Replaced all of the rubber lines to the tank and installed a new pickup/sending unit. Added an inline fuel filter for good measure.

2. Dropped a battery in, turned the key, no crank. Found a vintage 80s alarm system under the dash. Removed all of that crap and re-connected IGN wire where they had tapped into it. She cranks!

3. Dribbled a little gas in the carb (Has a Carter AFB edelbrock on it) - She runs! but won't keep running, carb is a total mess.

4. Rebuilt the carb (Gotta love the AFB for being easy to rebuild - a one-beer project)

5. Carb back on - Running....and runs GREAT! No smoke, runs smooth

6. Radiator leaks

7. No brakes whatsoever! (ebrake works!)

8. Pulled it into the shop and got it up on the lift (exciting with no brakes)

9. Every U-Joint on this truck is toast.

10. Hafta start somewhere, so tore into the front axle. Decided to upgrade to new Yukon 4340 axles, of course new ujoints, ball joints, hub bearings, seals, new Warn locking hubs, rotors, brake calipers. Degreasing 42 years of caked-on grease sludge, and bead-blasting everything took me more time than anything else...

That's about it for now. Looks like one of my front springs may have a broken leaf or two (sagging) so ordered up a pair of Tuff Country 4" springs, will replace those next...Then on to the rear axle...Driveshafts...

1tuff71 · 04-28-2014, 02:43 PM

Let me know if you decide to dump the axle truss/ skid plate you have on yours. I'd be interested if priced right.

Bluechevy68 · 04-28-2014, 02:50 PM

Dude,

You are going to be driving this thing in no time. Congrats.

mcmlxix · 04-30-2014, 05:31 AM

The STEPS are Hickey Enterprise parts. Maybe the truss' too. They are period correct aftermarket parts and some of the guys collect those parts....

http://brochures.slosh.com/frame.shtml?blazer/hickey

Cohl · 04-30-2014, 09:55 AM

Sweet!! What's goin on with the brackets, chains, and locks in the bed?

rwhite692 · 04-30-2014, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cohl

Sweet!! What's goin on with the brackets, chains, and locks in the bed?

LOL, I know, looks like a dungeon. The previous owner said something about having a tool box back there, he used to drive it with the hardtop removed so I guess that was his security system...

rwhite692 · 04-30-2014, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

The STEPS are Hickey Enterprise parts. Maybe the truss' too. They are period correct aftermarket parts and some of the guys collect those parts....

Indeed I remember these things, from way back in the day. I don't think they will be staying, as I plan to make up some rock sliders for the sides out of DOM tubing.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 04-30-2014, 07:07 PM

Nice score on the new blazer... Id see about getting the top repaired as its a single wall top kind of hard to find these days..

Sacramento70 · 04-30-2014, 07:52 PM

cool truck.. looks like a fun project

1tuff71 · 05-01-2014, 08:03 AM

Yea I know some guys do collect the old school stuff, funny thing is you don't see any trucks restored with this stuff on their trucks, so what's use in saving it. Sell it off and make a couple $$. I used to live in El Dorado Hills outside Sacto right down the road from the Rubicon. still have family there so coming to pick up the parts is no problem if you'd like to sell. My truck is a original Cal truck that I have been working on since 06' and I dig the tall old school look . BTW the truss is from GO RHINO. Thanks and good luck with your build and don't beat that classic too much on the rocks.

03-21-2014, 02:37 PM	#1
rwhite692 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Tracy California Posts: 98	What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Hello and thank you to all who contribute to these great forums. I have been a long time lurker and just finally got around to registering here. I have been on the lookout for a first generation K5 Blazer for a long time. My Dad bought one new at Pape Chevrolet in Port Washington, NY (1970 model, medium copper color) in March of 1969, which he handed down to me when I became old enough to drive, and I kept that one through 1992 when I sold it to help fund the purchase of my first house. By that time, New York winters and road salt had just eaten it alive. And there was little aftermarket sheetmetal available back then. So fast forward to today, and my life in Northern California. Like many folks, I have a lot of other projects, but have been watching these gen1 blazers from afar for a long time. When looking for a blazer I knew I wanted one with a manual trans (since my first one was M/T) and was hoping to find a nice one in relatively "stock" condition. Unfortunately, really nice blazers fitting that description are way out of my price range. So anyway, I found this rough '72 on Craigslist and closed the deal last night. I wont say what I paid for it here but suffice it to say because it is not running it was easier to make a really good deal. Sorry for the poor pics, will have better ones once I get her home. Here's what I know about it so far: The owner has had it since ~1990. Has been parked and under a tarp for the last 14 years non-original engine (400 small block) Has an aftermarket (black poly) fuel tank Needs outer rockers and partial floor pans Entire rear bed is in great shape Sunroof (Damn why did they have to go and do that!) El-Cheapo bolt-in roll-bar Tailgate is excellent (straight / no rust) Doors are excellent (straight / no rust) Front Fenders are excellent (straight / no rust) 6" or 8" (?) lift - all suspension (no body-lift) Missing front bumper Diamond-plate steel rear bumper that must weigh 100 lbs Rear hatch frame fiberglass is cracked (but glass is not) 37" tall tires are dry-rotted Western Bullet Wheels, Baby!! The Owner removed the front and rear seats to start in on the rust repair, went through a divorce, seats got left behind at a prior residence and are now long gone. Original Glove Box door is gone (dang!) Original color is (I think) Orange I will post some better pictures and questions when I get it home, first order of business will be to make sure it turns over, then do all the basic stuff to get it running (hopefully!) so I can move it around while I repair the rust. It definitely can't be driven, on these tires. I'm on the lookout for a pair of the wide "Utility" Bucket Seats and a rear bench seat!

03-21-2014, 06:58 PM	#2
rayray767 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 1,136	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Nice truck

03-21-2014, 06:59 PM	#3
thelonerife Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Clarksville TN 37043 Posts: 8,702	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Very good stance. __________________ Chuck 68swb Fleetside build ''Choncho'' http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=374892 My trailer redo http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...69#post5893869 Chuy my 59 bug http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653798 Putnam 87 GMC Shop truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707687

03-22-2014, 12:04 AM	#4
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,421	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Try contacting 6t727t2, i think he had a set for sale. If not, post put a WTB in the classifieds, great, comfortable seats, ive got the utility seats in mine...... Nice start to a good classic truck... __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

03-22-2014, 08:44 AM	#5
mtully79 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Acworth, GA Posts: 441	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Congrats on the purchase Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

03-22-2014, 10:24 AM	#6
briank Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Leland, Il Posts: 1,503	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Rwhite692, just an fyi and I may be wrong but unless your truck came with utility buckets, they may mount different. Others will correct if Im wrong. I have k5s with both and would swear theyre different mounts in the floor but the winter has been so bad here I havent even looked at mine for months.

03-22-2014, 11:12 AM	#7
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 15,834	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Nice find, congratulations. ....let me know if you don't want the brush guard. .. __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man

03-22-2014, 06:32 PM	#8
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Very Nice!!!!!!

03-22-2014, 06:37 PM	#9
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,449	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! good find always liked the Bullet Wheels __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

03-23-2014, 02:04 AM	#10
rwhite692 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Tracy California Posts: 98	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Thanks guys! I have a lot of work to do on this truck. I will be getting it home this Thursday evening. I have challenge in that a bunch of my co-workers are planning a 4-wheeling trip toward the end of May. I don't think I will be making the trip, LOL, its one thing to get this truck to run, and another entirely to have confidence in taking it out into the Sierra foothills. Needs tires too. I.m pretty sure it still has a points distributor so I will stab in an HEI for sure. Probably a new carb since the one on it has been on there forever and is probably a mess...

03-23-2014, 07:18 PM	#11
DAVERJ Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Pownal VT Posts: 73	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Looks exact like mine when I started on it 14 months ago!!Get after it !!

03-23-2014, 09:19 PM	#12
Tinkermc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, Va Posts: 3,027	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Wellwelcome to the Forum, 1 thing you must do is HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR BUILD.

03-28-2014, 02:33 PM	#14
rwhite692 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Tracy California Posts: 98	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Well, she's home! Went and picked it up last night, this thing is just narrow enough to fit on my car trailer, LOL. I only had a minute this AM before heading off to work, to take a few quick phone pics. The owner was able to give me a stack of receipts for various work he's had done over the last 24 years he owned the truck. Not sure how that later model steering column got in there. I will definitely put an original type back in, I despise the GM column w/the key on the column. Do all of the columns from 67-72 trucks and blazer/jimmy interchange? I'm pretty sure that the truck was indeed orange, originally. Apparently, he had some sort of toolbox or something that he used to keep chained up in the back. Anyone recognize this particular brand / type of lift kit? The front springs look a bit "flat" in the center - but now, as I recall, the ones on my old 70 looked kinda similar (?) any thoughts?

03-28-2014, 04:45 PM	#15
Tbruz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Windham, NH Posts: 226	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Nice starting point. I just PM'd you about a column. Tbruz

04-28-2014, 12:56 PM	#16
rwhite692 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Tracy California Posts: 98	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Well here's a ten-point update: 1. Dropped out the poly fuel tank out, flushed it out with hot water and castrol super clean, wasn't too bad in there considering the truck sat for 14+ years. Blew out the fuel lines, Replaced all of the rubber lines to the tank and installed a new pickup/sending unit. Added an inline fuel filter for good measure. 2. Dropped a battery in, turned the key, no crank. Found a vintage 80s alarm system under the dash. Removed all of that crap and re-connected IGN wire where they had tapped into it. She cranks! 3. Dribbled a little gas in the carb (Has a Carter AFB edelbrock on it) - She runs! but won't keep running, carb is a total mess. 4. Rebuilt the carb (Gotta love the AFB for being easy to rebuild - a one-beer project) 5. Carb back on - Running....and runs GREAT! No smoke, runs smooth 6. Radiator leaks 7. No brakes whatsoever! (ebrake works!) 8. Pulled it into the shop and got it up on the lift (exciting with no brakes) 9. Every U-Joint on this truck is toast. 10. Hafta start somewhere, so tore into the front axle. Decided to upgrade to new Yukon 4340 axles, of course new ujoints, ball joints, hub bearings, seals, new Warn locking hubs, rotors, brake calipers. Degreasing 42 years of caked-on grease sludge, and bead-blasting everything took me more time than anything else... That's about it for now. Looks like one of my front springs may have a broken leaf or two (sagging) so ordered up a pair of Tuff Country 4" springs, will replace those next...Then on to the rear axle...Driveshafts...



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04-28-2014, 02:43 PM	#17
1tuff71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clarkston, Michigan Posts: 461	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Let me know if you decide to dump the axle truss/ skid plate you have on yours. I'd be interested if priced right.

04-28-2014, 02:50 PM	#18
Bluechevy68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: London,KY Posts: 299	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Dude, You are going to be driving this thing in no time. Congrats.

04-30-2014, 05:31 AM	#19
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! The STEPS are Hickey Enterprise parts. Maybe the truss' too. They are period correct aftermarket parts and some of the guys collect those parts.... http://brochures.slosh.com/frame.shtml?blazer/hickey Attached Images __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE Last edited by mcmlxix; 04-30-2014 at 05:38 AM.

04-30-2014, 09:55 AM	#20
Cohl Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gardnerville, NV Posts: 134	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Sweet!! What's goin on with the brackets, chains, and locks in the bed?

04-30-2014, 07:07 PM	#23
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,589	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Nice score on the new blazer... Id see about getting the top repaired as its a single wall top kind of hard to find these days.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

04-30-2014, 07:52 PM	#24
Sacramento70 Blazer Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sacramento, ca Posts: 249	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! cool truck.. looks like a fun project __________________ 1970 Chevy blazer

05-01-2014, 08:03 AM	#25
1tuff71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clarkston, Michigan Posts: 461	Re: What have I bought? A 72 Blazer! Yea I know some guys do collect the old school stuff, funny thing is you don't see any trucks restored with this stuff on their trucks, so what's use in saving it. Sell it off and make a couple $$. I used to live in El Dorado Hills outside Sacto right down the road from the Rubicon. still have family there so coming to pick up the parts is no problem if you'd like to sell. My truck is a original Cal truck that I have been working on since 06' and I dig the tall old school look . BTW the truss is from GO RHINO. Thanks and good luck with your build and don't beat that classic too much on the rocks.

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