Considering A Blazer/Jimmy Need Input

[slowridr]

Today I was trying to load a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Pacifica. Ended up having to put it on the roof. That got me to thinking. I want a truck. But I want something different and rare. I use to own an 86 K-Blazer but always liked the 69-72 Blazer cause you could take the entire top off. So here I am. I think I want to go for it!

What kind of stuff should I be aware of when looking. For starters I want a drivable Blazer/Jimmy it doesn't have to be perfect by any stretch. Actually that would be better for me cause I want to actually restore one myself. I am not afraid of working on a car but it at least needs to be able to be driven home and a little around town during the week.

With that said your input is very much appreciated.

[swyfor5]

Just do it! Best body style ever-69-72 K5's!

[SeventyOne]

I would say as long as the windshield frame and floor look decent everything else can be remedied. And for that matter the above aren't deal breakers just harder repairs. Also when I say "floor" I mean the foot well areas - the first layer of sheet metal isn't bad to replace but if that is showing decay usually the sub-flooring/structural metal below will need fixing - and THAT is what you're worried about.

Other tips:
check to see if all the top bolts are in

check the door hinges and metal around them for cracks

look for cracks in the fiberglass top and hatch

check for cut fenderwells, if that's a deal breaker (the first truck I bought had cut fenders and since I wasn't too familiar with the body style yet I didn't notice for awhile and it sucked when I found out lol)

check for cracks on the front spring hanger especially on a lifted K5 (also check for cracks around the steering box)

check for cut up dash if that bothers you

....ehhh everything else is just usual used car junk to look for...good luck!

[bouncytruck]

First gen blazers rock, but a 4x8 sheet of plywood won't fit in the bed with the hatch closed.

[slowridr]

Yea I know (re: 4x8 plywood). But I use to fold the rear seat up against the fronts in my 86 K5 and with the gate down do OK. I just noticed though looking at the pics that the seats dont fold forward on the 1st gen K-5s. Am I correct with that?

[BBrendal]

Originally Posted by slowridr

Yea I know (re: 4x8 plywood). But I use to fold the rear seat up against the fronts in my 86 K5 and with the gate down do OK. I just noticed though looking at the pics that the seats dont fold forward on the 1st gen K-5s. Am I correct with that?

Yep!

[mcmlxix]

Originally Posted by slowridr

Yea I know (re: 4x8 plywood). But I use to fold the rear seat up against the fronts in my 86 K5 and with the gate down do OK. I just noticed though looking at the pics that the seats dont fold forward on the 1st gen K-5s. Am I correct with that?

Correct. Rear seat doesnt fold. You can get creative and make it fold or come up with a quick release setup fo the rear.... I bought some 3rd row seats from a Tahoe and will mount them later. They fold and have quick release levers... shoulder style seat belts are built in, but they wont match the look of stcok seats....

[slowridr]

I don't mind modifying a bit. I would like to keep the truck looking close to original though. So say if I change to the Tahoe seats (which I thought of doing already) I would maybe upholster them to look like the 1st Gen Blazer seats or something. I would like a blend of old and new if that makes sense.

By the way, has anyone compiled a list of "bolt on" updates say for suspension parts like axle, disc brakes, and the like?