What have I bought? A 72 Blazer!

[rwhite692]

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!