Looking for a Blazer

[asolde]

What are the do's and don'ts when looking at Blazers to purchase? I really want to own one bad! I have just started looking for one but there are not many around my area. I am wanting a nice blazer that has already been professionally restored. I know how to look at the pick up trucks but a little uncertain about blazers. I am going to look at a 1969 after xmas.

[truckster]

The main differences would be in the top - what kind of shape it's in, do you want a single or double wall, how's the hatch and hardware? Look at the rocker boxes, because they stiffen the body to make up for the lack of a roof. Check to make sure the doors close and open solidly and the gaps are even - if they're not, that's a sign that the body is tweaked. Also look at the windshield frame for rust. If you're already familiar with the 67-72 trucks there shouldn't be too much else you would be surprised by.

[rsavage]

I am assuming you are looking at 4X4 Blazers as you are looking at a 69. Doglegs, rockers, torque boxes, toe boards where they meet the floors, the corners of the windshield frame under the triangular weatherstrip (hard to see if the top is on it), rearmost body mounts, and floor of the bed around the wheel wells and at the very back are common rust areas. Educate yourself on what should be correct. If it has been professionally restored, it should have the right motor and accessories under the hood i.e. correct intake, carb, air cleaner, radiator and shroud etc. etc. Inspect the wiring harnesses under the dash and under the hood - if they don't look neat and new (no birds nests) then an important step in the restoration was skipped. Make sure it has the right driveline and stock suspension in it - axle changes, lifts, different transfer cases etc. all detract from value. Check the VIN against the one on the title and against the frame and drive the vehicle. Take some cardboard to lay on and carefully inspect the underside - bring a flashlight. You are in Texas so one with a working original AC would be a plus. A good one fully restored that didn't start out as a rot box will generally go for at least $18000 at the very low end and to the mid 20's on up.

[70k5kid]

You may want to reconsider a 69 as none had factory disc brakes up front. You may find a late 70 with discs as they were a factory option that year (They look very similar) as they were in 71, I believe they were standard equipment from 72 on. Also you might bring a clean small magnet with you to look for body filler behind the doors at the front of the Quarter panels and just ahead and behind the rear wheel wells as these spots are prone to rust and so repairs (just be sure to ask permission before checking and make sure not to DRAG the magnet on the paint. GOOD LUCK!!

[asolde]

Thanks for the information guys. I have two Blazers I am going to look at one is a 1972 and the other is a 1969.

[70cst]

Great info all ...

[noco-k5]

I have a 1970 and bought it without knowing much about Blazers. I agree with buying one with front disc brakes. It made a huge difference in mine after swapping disc brakes. You would be better off finding one that already has them.

[original-71]

Iam in kingwood also brother are you going to look at the mustard yellow one on craigslist ? If so pm me i know the guy
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