Whats The Difference?

[bmg9b]

Does anyone know what the differences between a '71 and a '72 Blazer are? Looking at buying a '71. Also, what does CST mean? New to the whole scene. Thanks a bunch!

[makovai]

I'm not the best one to answer these questions, but i was here first so I'll start. CST means it a custom. Has fancier interior, molding, and twinkly shiny stuff. It was the better package, however didn't mean it had more options. I have a non CST that the spec sheet in the glove box is full. It has a ton of option that CST did not come standard with.


You'll have to get your 71 to 72 question answered but someone that has more knowledge than me. I'm kinda a newbie too.

[LUV2XCLR8]

Doors are the main differance that pops in my head off the bat, the 72
doors had a screw near the wing window for more stability of the vent.

(Top right side of pic, looks like a recessed screw hole along the top)

[bouncytruck]

Welcome to the board from the pacific northwest.

The differences between '71 & '72 are fairly minor. There was a minor grill change, but most people don't notice the difference, including me. There was a change to the pattern on the seats and they added an extra support to the door due to some splitting issues.

Most repop parts are based on the '72 because it was the highest production run of all the first gen blazers.

CST is "CUSTOM SPORT TRUCK". It is a trim level package. Generally considered to be the more desireable Blazer. They had some extra shiny stuff as makovai mentioned. Most, but not all, had AC. There are some non CST rigs out there with more options, but not many. CST also had "woodgrain" on the side moldings.

If your looking to buy a rig, depending on the condition, there are certain areas that can be common "problem" areas to watch for.

Rocker Boxes - structural support under the body below the doors. These are common rust areas and until recently, reproduction parts were not available. They are still a pain to replace from what I've heard

Windshield frame - these get rusty and finding a solid one can be difficult.

door pilars - rust issues

rear pilars by the tailgate - yup, more rust

[Pop's72]

The rear view mirror in the 72 will be stuck to the windshield. The rear view mirror of the 71-69 Blazers/Jimmys hangs from a bracket that is secured to the windshield frame.

[RunTMCfan]

I like both the CST and standards. At times the lack of trim on the "standard" model is very appealing to me. They have such a nostalgic look to them. I really dig my CST though.

[bouncytruck]

There are some standards with side moldings too. My '72 isn't a CST, but it has the black & chrome side moldings...

[Blazer1970]

'72s also have molded plastic inner door panels while '71 and older have the vinyl covered flat metal panels.

[71jimmy]

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

Doors are the main differance that pops in my head off the bat, the 72
doors had a screw near the wing window for more stability of the vent.

(Top right side of pic, looks like a recessed screw hole along the top)

OK guys, I thought we covered this already. The screw in the door by the vent window was ALSO in pre-'72 Blazers/Jimmys. It is only the pre '72 TRUCKS that did not have this.

So the only difference in the doors is the door panels.

[jakeslim]

Originally Posted by 71jimmy

OK guys, I thought we covered this already. The screw in the door by the vent window was ALSO in pre-'72 Blazers/Jimmys. It is only the pre '72 TRUCKS that did not have this.

So the only difference in the doors is the door panels.

i was thinking the same thing(the screw thing).

[vtblazer]

Welcome to the board.

Fairly minor differences between the years, all seem to be covered above.

What's the grill difference Bouncy? (never noticed either )

Somewhere in 71/72, emissions were creeping in to. (charcoal canister)

[special-K]

Yeah,the charcoal canister and different fuel tank venting on`72s,door panels,mirror,and Highlander package in`72 are the only differences I know.Oh yeah,some`72s had the rare tow hooks!
Bouncy,what are the differences in grille and seat pattern?You`re holding out on us?

[makovai]

If you can't decide wether you like the CST or the standard, you could get one like mine. A standard according to the glove box sticker, but has a drivers CST door and emblem. For the first 2 months i thought i had a CST, but turns out i have a CST drivers door.
Oh well.....its what i have and I'll work with it

[71jimmy]

My '71 jimmy has the charcoal cannister and the appropriate venting etc. And I think this started with the '71 models.

Now then, how about a smog pump? Do the '72s have a smog pump? Or is that a '73 up thing? Or only a California thing? Any ideas?

[bouncytruck]

My understanding is that the grill was painted slightly different, but I am unclear on how, what. Similar to the difference between the 69 & 70 grill. Maybe I'm incorrect.

[pound41]

The differences in the doors are the dimple where the screws are most/all have the plastic caps. There is a odd ball seat pattern that is a black pattern that looks like a camaro design. I have one as a replacement sat I have owned 2 72's that have had them. There have been a few picks of them

[Kager67]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the difference in the two grills is around the headlight trim rings. The 71's had a black ring around them, the 72's were all shiny. The plastic inner grills were the same as far as I know( but I've been wrong before).

[bouncytruck]

Kager, you might be right.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by Kager67

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the difference in the two grills is around the headlight trim rings. The 71's had a black ring around them, the 72's were all shiny. The plastic inner grills were the same as far as I know( but I've been wrong before).

Looked through the 'red' book and at the end of every chapter where it reads "facts" it does mention 'minor trim changes' buts that's all it say's.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by 71jimmy

My '71 jimmy has the charcoal cannister and the appropriate venting etc. And I think this started with the '71 models.

Now then, how about a smog pump? Do the '72s have a smog pump? Or is that a '73 up thing? Or only a California thing? Any ideas?

All I know is it lists "California Emissions" on the VIN-spec sheet.So,they are a different breed.Probably since`65.
Back to the original question,differences between 71/72?The answer could be,"none to speak of",and it wouldn`t be all that wrong. But,not here.No...not on the 67-72 site.We are all about nitpickin`details,right? Like,on the`71s the wing-nut on the air cleaner was solid-cast and on`72s they were stamped. Or,the fuel tank on a`72 holds .02 gallons less fuel because of a different pick-up unit. Also,`72 Blazers with Soft Ray glass are marked with a different print than on`71s...Made ya look!!

[ClassicStyle]

Notice the Black around the headlight trim.
71'


Notice the Silver around the headlight trim
72' (my truck)


-Cameron

[special-K]

So,did the`72s also not have the black accent around thesurround like`71s?

[72 CustomCamper]

Originally Posted by special-K

So,did the`72s also not have the black accent around thesurround like`71s?

My 72 pickup has the original grill in it. It has the black around the surround. The grill in that red truck has been replaced look at the pop rivit heads...


Chuck

[72 CustomCamper]

I circled in yellow where the 71's had the different black paint on the grill...



Chuck

[hotrodhomi]

Originally Posted by 72 CustomCamper

My 72 pickup has the original grill in it. It has the black around the surround. The grill in that red truck has been replaced look at the pop rivit heads...


Chuck

I thought the pop rivits were stock?