K5/jimmy Shopping

[MN Rooky]

I'm looking for advise. I started looking for a K5/JIMMY project truck. I'm new to them and wondering is there anything I should look for or look out for? Are certain years better mechanically then others? I plan on looking at a 1970 JIMMY this weekend.

[bouncytruck]

1972's had the most "modern" advancements as they all had disk brakes up front and a few minor updates or problem areas fixed at the factory. They also had the highest production numbers.

1970 was the first year of the Jimmy, but the second year of the Blazer. Also, 2wd's were introduced in both the Chevy and GMC lines in 70.

69-70 would have drum brakes all the way around. In 71, they were an option. Many of the drum trucks have been converted. because breaking is crucial.

In 72, they introduced the single wall hard top, which was lighter and easier to bolt/unbolt because the bolts thread down into the bed from the top. The single wall top also has dome lights. The single wall is considered more desirable and thus worth more.

As for trouble areas for rust, watch the rockers, rocker boxes (a structural support box under the body behind the rocker panels for when the top is off), the windshield frame (pop the top off and look closely all the way around the frame), the A, B and C pillars. Floor boards are common rust areas too. Replacement panels are available for just about any body panel that is common to a pickup.

[1969k10stepside]

Disc brakes were standard on all 71 models 2 and 4wd.Finding a differential with discs with the same gears as in the back would be cheap and easy to find so if you do get a pre 71.I like the 71s better since they have the metal inside door panels,and the rear view mirror isn't on the windshield itself,but if you get a 72 (which has a rear view mirror on the windshield and not the windshield frame,the plastic inner door panels,and the rear frame is a little different) you might get one with a single wall top,plus it may have the holes for both tops.

[SteelMohawk]

Try not to get a modified engine, unless you are certain it was done correctly. The PO of my blazer put tons of money into an engine, but put it together incorrectly, I have spent the better part of 2 years trying to figure out how to fix all of his screw ups. I almost wish the blazer I bought had NO motor, the hassles I have went through.

[MN Rooky]

I just got some pictures of the one I was going to look at. Looks to be pretty solid, on interior in it though. He is asking $800 for it. He said the engine was strong. What do you think?

[Chevyman63]

That thing is a piece of junk...where was that again?

J/K that looks, from here, like a good deal, but only you would know that for sure. In my opinion, the windshield frame would be the hardest thing to fix, but it also depends on your skills, abilities, time, or who you know that could help you out.

A good deal to one person may not be a good deal to someone else.

[bouncytruck]

You could part that truck and cover your $800 investment. It appears fairly solid from the pictures, especially for a mid-west truck. When you go to look at it, unbolt the top and look for signs of rust on the windshield frame.

[Huck]

The body is everything on Blazers and Jimmy's. Look at the rear floor where it bolts to the inner quarter panels "UNDER the carpet or mats!!". check for bondo on the windshield inner frame above the sun visors. There are long metal "torque boxes" that run parallel to the door rockers --they support the body with the top off. You want them solid!!
99% of Blazers and Jimmy's rust at the bottom of the B pillar--that is the vertical section just behind the door--the leading edge or the rear quarters--especially the lower corner.
At $800. if it is fairly solid you are fine.
--auto or stick (auto more desireable to some) Huck

[jcfoote60]

it looks like a single wall top from what I can make out. is the rear hatch intact? like everyone else said, check the pillars and under the carpet....made that mistake years ago and have donor blazer as a result..not that that's a bad thing!

[DANTES JIMMY]

I Dont Care What Kind Of Shape It Is In It Is For Sure Worth 800 Bones
Esp If It Runs

[1969k10stepside]

I agree.It looks like a single wall top.I think it's worth that.I bought mine running for $350 complete but the body wasn't in that good of shape as that one is.

[MN Rooky]

Thanks guys for all your info. I will check everything out.
The way he discribe the condition of the Jimmy I will bring the trailer with me. Now I have to wait until this week to see it. The seller was busy today. He did mention that he had 2 other tops for it that were in better shape. He said I can have both but the single wall that is in the picture is trash. I will let you know if I'm a proud owner.
Thanks again,

[70gmcjimmy]

Originally Posted by MN Rooky

I'm looking for advise. I started looking for a K5/JIMMY project truck. I'm new to them and wondering is there anything I should look for or look out for? Are certain years better mechanically then others? I plan on looking at a 1970 JIMMY this weekend.

Hi MN Rooky, That truck is a "buy it now" in my opinion. A couple of the normal problems that were mentioned earlier look OK in the pass. side pics like the rocker and B pillar areas. I would sell those wheels and tires though. There will probably be front drum brakes on it and a lot of people put that down but for most normal driving applications the disks have a small advantage at best. I love my '70 drum brakes and all!

I got a big Ol' Bud that moved back to Albert Lea 'bout 7 years ago I can send over "convince" you to buy it! He 6'5" and was MN arm wrestling champ in the 60s for a year or 2. Out here in western South Dakota we called him "Dick in the Dirt"!----Well he's just old as dirt now--LOL
If you buy it as most of us recommend I hope you keep it GMC!

Later---DAC

[MN Rooky]

70GMCJIMMY,
You're darn right it's going to stay a Jimmy. I don't see many of them anywhere. When I started I was looking for a blazer but I came across this one. I hope everything comes together to make this happen.

[70gmcjimmy]

Cool MN Rooky, He must have done the top conversion to put that single wall top on it, re drilling holes in the top of the bedsides, but the pics don't show the top being trashed. Sweetens the deal if you get the original style double wall top(s) too. Single wall tops were only available in 72 I believe.

Later---DAC

[myraley]

That is a great deal! I agree with SteelMohawk, though. Dont buy a modified engine, trans, etc, like me. I'm only six months into my two years to fix previous owner mistakes. But for 800 bucks, I think any 1st gen is a great deal.

[hgs_notes]

Good luck on your search. I'm in Sleepy Eye and found two jimmys at junkyards, enough parts to put one together. Everything you find in this area that has not already been restored is rusted, BAD. But don't let that stop you, almost every part is available through vendors on this board. If you travel to bring one back that is in better condition, you'll find there is less rust, but still rusted and will still need a lot of the same repairs.

But accoording to the pics you have and the price, it's definitely a good buy. Try to get as many other parts as the guy has. If there is stuff laying in the weeds or behind the barn, ask to see it and load it all up. If you end up not using them, sell them here or elsewhere for more parts money, you'll need it.

I'll be in Albert Lea tuesday, wheres that blazer at again?

[Burt4x4]

Please please get rid of thoes wheels

[MN Rooky]

Getting a little nervous. I tried to get a hold of the seller last night and still haven't heard back from him. So close I can taste it.
Yes, the wheels will be one of the first things to go up for sale. If I can ever get the chance to go pick it up.

[Chevyman63]

Good luck on the purchase...and I agree with you guys, those wheels are just wrong!

[MN Rooky]

I looked at the Jimmy today. So SAD! It was a bit of a train wreck. I was ready for the floor pans and rockers to be shot. But the A and B pillars, bumpers, wind shield, cab supports, heater core, master cylinder, water pump, power steering pump, grill, the tops, and one door were all shot or missing. I was misled on the windshield frame. It looked in pretty good condition at first. At the bottom corners it had been welded. So the bottom was original and the top of it had been replaced already.

My search will continue. If you know of anything near southern MN please drop me a line. Thanks for everyone input on what to look for and look out for.

[oilyrag80]

Man to bad your not closer to az I just picked up my 3rd blazer its a 69 and 98% rust free. Im thinking of selling, its hard to justify having 3 of the same truck!

[ClassicJimmy]

Paid $800.00 for mine & had to trailer it home. It was worth it! Minor rust, but all in all a solid 71 Jimmy!

[lks dcvn]

Yup - that right there is a classic case of 'rubbing it in your face'...

Nice find for $800 - that truck in Ohio would be worth 3-4xs that just for the shell.