First Gens Going Extinct?

[7D2N]

Just thinking, If I wanted to start building one today it would be alot of work and money. I have been looking for little things and don't see many Blazer parts out there anymore and what I find is expensive. So to build with aftermarket is time consuming and getting expensive. Thoughts.

[hemi43]

Blazers for their rarity are one of the easiest trucks to restore. Not too many vehicles out there that will be worth more after a full restoration. Try that with a Ramcharger for example and you will lose your shirt.
Not sure what Blazer parts you're looking for, but anything you need will be available somewhere.
As far as time consuming and expensive, I totally disagree. I was able to do a total body off restoration in just under 10 months which would be impossible with most other models.
Why wait? Start your rebuild today and post some pics.
Good luck, it's well worth it at the end.

[1970cstblazer]

A lot of them were crushed and/or parted out in the '90's. I scrapped at least three in that period and saw scores of them in the j-yards around here. They were rotted trash even then.

What few piles of crap are left have been dragged out of the woods and barns and put up for sale for ridiculous money due to reproduction parts availability. I'm glad I bought my Arizona parts truck donor 22 years ago when they were still reasonable and bought the other parts over the course of that time for my 1970.

Parts, NOS, new repro, or used are very expensive today.

[hevy_chevy67]

I don't think its a Blazer specific thing, the aftermarket parts are available to essentially build one from scratch if a guy wanted. Blazer or not, its just so stupidly expensive to do a frame up even with doing the work yourself. That is what's killing it, and every time you see one for sale its all done up or is a rotten piece of crap that is going to need the parts catalogue thrown at it.

I'm doing a Blazer right now and I keep telling myself this is probably the last major build I'm doing. I just want to get to the point where I can drive it, wrench on it a little bit, and enjoy it.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by hevy_chevy67

I don't think its a Blazer specific thing, the aftermarket parts are available to essentially build one from scratch if a guy wanted. Blazer or not, its just so stupidly expensive to do a frame up even with doing the work yourself. That is what's killing it, and every time you see one for sale its all done up or is a rotten piece of crap that is going to need the parts catalogue thrown at it.

I'm doing a Blazer right now and I keep telling myself this is probably the last major build I'm doing. I just want to get to the point where I can drive it, wrench on it a little bit, and enjoy it.

I must have gotten lucky with mine. I was able to find a southern truck close to me and got it for $10K CND (about $7K US), and now have a total of around $35K CND (about $25K US). It was a frame off restoration, but I did all the work. Mind you, this was back in 2015 before the prices of these trucks went through the roof.
It gets driven daily in the summer, and I've put 30000 miles on it since. Was definitely a good investment.

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by hemi43

I must have gotten lucky with mine. I was able to find a southern truck close to me and got it for $10K CND (about $7K US), and now have a total of around $35K CND (about $25K US). It was a frame off restoration, but I did all the work. Mind you, this was back in 2015 before the prices of these trucks went through the roof.
It gets driven daily in the summer, and I've put 30000 miles on it since. Was definitely a good investment.

Nice truck! Based on today's market you got a smoking deal. In Alberta, I saw one for sale last week that looked clean but it was painted entirely with raptor liner. $45K Candaian and looks like it sold.
I paid 3,500 CDN for mine. Essentially bought a frame, vin, and a tub that needed work. The cost adds up quick.

[raggedjim]

I don't think they're extinct, I still see them from time to time. But I do think they have come to a point that the regular guy can't afford to own one.

One day all the cool stuff will be owned by rich guys and regular good ol' boys will not be able to buy one. Glad I got mine when I did.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

I don't think they're extinct, I still see them from time to time. But I do think they have come to a point that the regular guy can't afford to own one.

One day all the cool stuff will be owned by rich guys and regular good ol' boys will not be able to buy one. Glad I got mine when I did.

I think we are already at that point. My Son would love to build something like a squarebody, but even those have become unaffordable. Seems like only yesterday we were building these.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by hemi43

I think we are already at that point. My Son would love to build something like a squarebody, but even those have become unaffordable. Seems like only yesterday we were building these.

You're probably right, I haven't bought or sold anything lately so I'm always surprised by the prices people I know have spent on trucks lately.

[bambbrose]

It's just inflation and our minds holding onto old pricing.

What was 10K in 2018 is 15K today.
50K is 75K
etc.

We think it's out of control expensive but its really just the new reality for all vehicles, not just 67-72.

[7D2N]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

I don't think they're extinct, I still see them from time to time. But I do think they have come to a point that the regular guy can't afford to own one.

One day all the cool stuff will be owned by rich guys and regular good ol' boys will not be able to buy one. Glad I got mine when I did.

Roger I agree, I don't see them on the road anymore.

Originally Posted by bambbrose

It's just inflation and our minds holding onto old pricing.

What was 10K in 2018 is 15K today.
50K is 75K
etc.

We think it's out of control expensive but its really just the new reality for all vehicles, not just 67-72.

Yes, but I think building a first gen K5 is a little different.

[A1971Blazer]

With the popularity and value of the current market, a Gen1 K/5 is a great investment.
I bought these two several years ago. Now I could easily double my investment. Plus, I'm able to drive and enjoy them.
blue '70 black '72

[1970cstblazer]

That's great and all but doesn't help a hobbyist who wants one now. Prices for junk projects are around $5k-10k. They are priced out of the grasp of normal middle-class incomes.

I am in the same boat as you, but mine will never be sold at any cost. I have owned it since 1987, and dad bought brand new in March 1970.

[DeadheadNM]

I miss the days of whole pickup and Blazer part outs.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

That's great and all but doesn't help a hobbyist who wants one now. Prices for junk projects are around $5k-10k.

Well, that hobbiest will have to restore a different model or brand. First Gen Blazers right now are the hot ticket and while the prices did come down on them I think they will remain high for a number of years until the next fad.

I attend SEMA frequently, and I could see the trend change back in 2015 and predicted that cars, especially street rods were on their way out and trucks were the way to go. I sold my 28 Dodge not because I wanted to, but because it was the right time.

I'm a Mopar guy (hence my user name) and have built many many cars over the years and my Blazer is the first Chev. Not my first choice, but if I had decided to restore a Ramcharger or a Trailduster I would have lost my shirt on it. It would have cost twice as much to restore, twice the headache and would be worth half as much as the Blazer.

Trucks are still a good investment for a couple more years, but I'm trying to figure out what the next fad will be. I'm starting to see a lot more Japaneese cars at SEMA, but it might already be too late as prices have risen dramatically on these too.

[raggedjim]

Not really a fad type of guy. I buy what I want and then keep it until I decide to get rid of it.

[1970cstblazer]

Not in this for the financials either. To each his own..

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

Not in this for the financials either. To each his own..

I'm not either, but not into losing my shirt either. I've had my Blazer 10 years and drive it everywhere, but If I knew these were going to lose 80% of their value in the next couple years, I would consider building something else.

[truckster]

I bought my Nevada Blazer in 2007 for $1500. I spent another $100 to get it running.

So far I've rewired it and rebuilt all the mechanicals. I'm into it somewhere around $7k now. I've been offered several times that amount, but I'll never sell it. It's the vehicle I enjoy driving more than any other.