Thinking about buying a '79 Blazer, have questions...

[closer9]

Just have a couple questions, please. I've been browsing online, but still have questions...

My dad is picking up a '79 4WD Blazer this weekend with what he believes to be a fresh 350 and stock 350TH. I don't know much more than that, other than it's very clean, no rust, no major dents/dings, and says interior is in pretty decent shape. He's not really that interested in keeping it. He's more of a pickup kinda guy. Well, I have a '94 Ram 1500 4WD with 3" of lift, 33's and a 5-spd. I absolutely love my Dodge, but if the wife and daughter want to go with me anywhere it's very cramped with the shifter, and we're planning on a little brother or sister soon. It's not my daily driver, and neither would the Blazer be. However, the Blazer just seems more family and camping friendly. We have 4 vehicles tagged right now, and 5 is just too many to keep up with, so the Dodge would have to go. I realize this is a Chevy board, and I really don't want to get into a Chevy vs Dodge kinda thing, just want your opinions, and what to look out for. I've never owned a 4WD this old. I will miss power windows, locks, tilt, cruise, fuel injection, no manual hubs and overdrive, but I guess those are all things I can add later. I will also miss the 8' bed, but I have a nice 5'x10' flat bed trailer that hasn't been used much since buying the Dodge. It also seems like Dad has a complete TPI setup off a Camaro that I could probably talk him out of pretty easy.

What kind of things should I be watching for specific to these trucks? Also, I don't dislike the round light front ends, but I much prefer the later shorter front ends with the square lights, especially around 1990. I'm assuming fenders, hood, grill/bezels, and maybe a core support would be needed to convert?

Also, how hard is it to remove the top? What about the back seat? Does it fold down, or just remove? How hard is it to remove? What's the largest tire I can fit without a lift? (it's currently got steel wagon wheels with tiny street tires... ) Are these truly a Chevy/GMC pickup with the obvious exceptions? If you were in my position, what would you do?

I'm not looking for a hard core crawler or mud truck. Just a nice work/play truck that can go most places. Wow, typed a lot more than I thought I would, but I really appreciate anyone who has read this far.

thanks!!!!!!!