Getting Hard to Find: 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
This Blazer can be found on here on eBay, in Sun City, Arizona, and comes with lots of factory extras, including a 350 V8 engine, Cheyenne equipment, and a 4-speed transmission. The bidding is currently at just over $500, with six days remaining. Hagerty states that the average value of a ’72 Blazer is $11,800, so if you could fix this car up without spending too much money, you might even be able to make a nice profit.
While this SUV looks fairly solid on the outside, the interior seems to tell a different story. The carpet looks to be in decent condition, everything else looks worn. If you weren’t planning on fully restoring this car, I think the interior could look presentable with seat covers.
And now for the bad news: There’s an extensive amount of rust you’ll have to deal with. Unfortunately, this is one of the only pictures showing the rust damage, but the seller clearly states that you’ll have to be able to do some major welding. The ad says that there is rust in the front floor box, bracing, and inner and outer rocker. So, there’s a lot of work here.
The engine, is currently not in operable condition, and it looks pretty rusty, and dusty. The seller doesn’t say how long the car has been sitting, but just from looking at this picture, I would say it has been awhile. The 350 cu. in. engine was first introduced in 1967 with the Chevy Camaro. It was found to be a reliable engine and by 1969 it was an available option in almost all of their cars. When running, this would be a great engine, as it was the nicest option available on this Blazer in 1972.
Long story short, there are a lot of unknowns here. But, assuming it doesn’t go for much more than $500, this Blazer could be a good deal, even considering the amount of work that will need to be done just to get this thing drivable. What do you think? Is it worth fixing, considering it is so complete with factory upgrades? Or does the substantial rust and non-functioning engine make it better off as a parts car?
Comments
How can you use a Hagerty value for a parts vehicle?
I am sure it is not in the 11K range in any event.
I think the article is implying that you could pick it up cheap enough to make a profit on it if you were to put some money and work into it then sell it for the Hagerty average of $11,800.
Even then, I’m skeptical. This thing is a long way from being an average truck.
I’ve always liked this version of the Blazer/Jimmy. Just about everything you need is readily available. And it looks like you’re going to need everything. I’m sure it didn’t originate in AZ because there’s too much rust. No doubt you’re going to be doing a full body-off resto but it isn’t impossible; I’ve seen a lot rustier turn out very well. I’d ditch the headers and run stock manifolds with dual exhausts. You can get all the power you’ll ever need with a bone stock 350 and maybe a 300 hp 327 cam, or a Torquemaster. But then, as they say: ‘The sky’s the limit.’
Probably the best looking Blazer there was. Only problem, like any tall, short wheelbase vehicle, is that you need a kidney belt when driving it.
Top dollar for this vehicle in shown and unknown condition is 2k. All are worth building, not all builds are profitable or for profits.
They get their structural integrity from sheet metal torque boxes which I do not think are available any more. And since there are no photos of them and the rest of the rust is so bad, I expect they are pretty bad. And that means the doors no longer close properly and there is a lot of stress on the fibreglass top.
I bet it brings 6k
Sold for $3,851 (?)