1970 C10 or 1972 Blazer

[Tomahawk30]

I have an opportunity to acquire a 72 Blazer from the second owner, but it would cost me my almost finished 70 C10 SWB (project Sprout in my sig). He's asking $10k cash, or we have a potential three-way trade lined up that would land me the Blazer. I know that it is a matter of taste as far as which is more desirable, and I do really like the Blazer. I own the C10 free and clear, so it is basically just a title swap if we do the trade. For reference, this is the Blazer I'm looking at:
http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/cto/3216429261.html

Here's my real hangup: NADA book value on the C10 is more than double the book value of the Blazer ($9200 vs $4225). I know that book value has little bearing on the market value of our trucks, but at the same time if the bank would loan me 9k for the C10 in a pinch, and only 4k for the Blazer, I think that it does have some extra intrinsic value. And I would think it would make it easier to sell if a buyer could actually get a loan for the sale price for a local bank (like I always use).

The Blazer is nice, about a 10 year old restoration with no issues other than needing a new fuel sending unit. Not the original color, but never lifted, uncut dash, etc... My only real hangup with the potential deal is the vast difference in book value. I'd like to hear everyone's opinion on the comparitive value of the Blazer versus that of my 72 C10 with a basic driver quality resto (all bodywork done, new paint, new engine, new interior, new wheels and tires, etc...). Would you do the deal, or would you pass? Am I making too big a deal out of the book value, or is that a legit concern?

Thanks all!

[OldCreek]

Although I LOVE driving around in my K5, in your situation I'd much rather drive around in a truck that I built up.

Besides, your signature shows that you already have a Jimmy?

[Tomahawk30]

I do have the Jimmy, but I'm in the process of selling it. I love driving it, but I want something a little more unmolested and streetable. The lift and tires is just kind of a pain in the butt for what I use it for, and by the time I replaced it all I'd be spending as much as buying a clean driver anyway. And I want to get rid of the loan that I have on the Jimmy... Whatever I keep I'll own free and clear, which is part of why I'm considering the trade. If I can only keep one, the Blazer is more useful to me with my family, but I don't want to give away value if it is a lopsided swap.

[70cst]

WOW...

I am not sure what I would do

[MikeyMan]

How much $ do you have invested in your truck?
If I've spent $8K-$10K, plus all my time, I'm keeping my truck.
If I've only spent $4K-$5K, I'd consider the Blazer.
My bet is you've spent tons of cash, and a lot of sweat equity on your truck.
I'd probably keep my truck if I was happy with all the work done on it.
Do you really think the Blazer is worth the $10K asking price?
Seller offering many trade options would have me a bit worried.
Anything you get will have potential problems and require extra $.
Sometimes you're better off sticking with what you already have and know (value & trust)

[Tomahawk30]

Good points Mikey. I honestly don't know what the Blazer is worth at this point. According to the NADA classics guide, its worth $4200, which I think is pretty ridiculous based on the actual market for a clean Blazer.

I'm actually only into the pickup about $5500 at this point, and I'll probably be closer to $6000-$6200 by the time I buy new bumpers, mirrors, carpet, dash pad, and a few more pieces of trim. I don't have a TON of time into it even. Bought it in February just because of the deal I got on it. Traded another truck that my son and I worked on for a while last summer for all the body and paint work, and a rebuilt engine installed. I've been pretty frugal on this one, and was able to barter for most of what I needed so far.

I guess the real question, then, is what would the C10 be worth on the market when it is finished. It isn't a frame off resto, but it'll be a very clean driver with no rust, body, or paint issues. I know ebay isn't the most reliable tool, but based on completed listings that I checked out last night, a clean Blazer tends to sell for a bit more than a clean driver Custom10. Or at least that's the impression I got... I know its hard without finished pictures of the truck to guess, but I was under the assumption that it might be worth 7-9k range?

[Tomahawk30]

Any other input? Assuming relatively equal condition, which rig has more value today? A 72 Chevy Blazer 4x4 or a 70 Custom10 2wd SWB?

[cdowns]

i think you should throw away that useless moronioc "BOOK" and think for yourself

[noco-k5]

Check Ebay to see what they are both going for. Book values and craigslist prices don't tend to reflect the actual market in my opinion. Seem like two completely different vehicles I would just acquire or keep the one you would rather drive more.

[notsolo]

Not having seen the blazer in person it is a tough call.... Blazer's have some hidden issues with the torsion boxes...then there is all the running gear on a 40 year old truck....photo's of the Blazer look good, can you get more, under the hood and body...Good luck....

[rsavage]

Not sure where NADA is coming up with its values but I don't believe they accurately represent the current market. All things being equal, Blazers have been selling for significantly more than a like condition SWB truck in most cases I have observed, especially when restored to factory condition. You really need to look the Blazer over and determine both its condition and where you want to take it to on the restoration. Pluses are that it hasn't been lifted and cut up.

[big_al_71]

Keep the truck t least you know what is in it and there are no surprises.

[Tomahawk30]

Thanks for all the input guys! I basically told them that until I can look it over in person and drive the Blazer, there's no way I'm committing to anything. The "restoration" was 11 years ago, and we all know that everyone has a different definition of that word. He hasn't been able to provide many more pictures (a few of the rocker boxes, which look great, one of the engine, and a shot of the SPID sticker). I'll actually be taking a work trip on Monday and will be up where the Blazer is, so if he still has it I'll look it over.

As far as "book" value, I agree that it is both ridiculous and useless, except in the capacity that it determines what a local bank would be willing to loan using it as collateral. Where I might be moving and buying a new house in the next year or so, I felt I should at least take that into consideration. And like Big Al said, at least I know what I have with the pickup. It'd probably be a much easier decision to just keep the pickup if my 9 and 10 year old weren't already bummed about me selling the Jimmy. They love riding in that thing!

[Tomahawk30]

Anybody ever check this site out? Pretty cool idea actually...
http://collectorcarpricetracker.com/

[POS1]

Originally Posted by cdowns

i think you should throw away that useless moronioc "BOOK" and think for yourself

I kinda agree with this. The money is about a wash (screw what the book says - a good convertible K5 is worth more than 4200 bucks), so you need to simply think about what you want. And since the body styles are entirely different, I would start there. You want a pickup or an SUV (I know, I hate that term too on these old trucks)? The second question is, "if I want an SUV, am I willing to give up my helluva-lotta-my-time pickup for it?"

Me, I'd rather own an old school SUV. Actually, I did exactly what I advise - I'm selling my 1966 C20 pickup and I already bought the '71 Suburban. For me, it was a no brainer. I just like the SUV thing way better, not to mention - how often do you see a three-door Burb driving around? Never. I see lots of pickups. I like driving stuff you don't see too often.

[gerfunken]

For what it's worth.... if you feel that it's a deal, go for it... at the end of the day what's going to matter is that you don't feel like you've been cheated.

[Tomahawk30]

I finally got a handful of better pictures, and the first thing I thought was "Wait a minute... it's not black!" Sure enough, I asked and he said it is a really dark blue over a really dark primer. Could've fooled me. Anyway, It's a pretty clean Blazer for sure, but not enough for me to want to trade my truck for it. He did offer to take a substantially smaller cash amount if I was to just buy it, but I think his final offer is probably the fair price for a mechanivally sound 10 year old driver resto. I'd still have to get Uncle Jimbo sold (the 72 Jimmy), but I'm considering just buying it. Wish it was black though.... It really needs some trim as it is pretty Plain Jane as it sits without lower or tailgate trim. Needs some shiny stuff to break up the vast panels of (apparently) deep dark blue.

Here's a link to the pics I have:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jakesau...7631231136850/