Original Paint: 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer CST
This 1967 Chevrolet K5 Blazer is a sad sight left exposed to the elements. It needs love, but the news isn’t all bad with this classic. The prevailing weather conditions in its location mean that although there is some dry surface corrosion, this Blazer is rock-solid. It sports its original paint, leaving the new owner to choose between preservation and restoration. The K5 is listed here on Craigslist in Brentwood, California. The seller set their price at $29,500 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising project.
Chevrolet released its First Generation K5 Blazer in 1967, based upon the underpinnings of its K10 Pickup. The company had the Ford Bronco and International Scout firmly in its crosshairs, producing a vehicle with styling that was more modern and crisp than the competition. This Blazer rolled off the line during the initial production year and wears what is claimed to be its original Dark Yellow paint. It looks pretty tired, but treating the exterior to a dose of polish might be worthwhile for those intent on preservation. The panels and paint look surprisingly good for their age, opening the possibility that the Blazer could return to the road as a genuine survivor. The best news for potential buyers is the lack of penetrating rust. The new owner will probably treat the existing surface corrosion to prevent deterioration, but this build requires no grinding or welding. The trim condition ranges from presentable to restorable, and although most of the glass looks pretty good, the windshield is cracked.
Chevrolet followed a “tried-and-true” path with its new Blazer. Buyers could choose from four engines also available in the K10 Pickup range. This Blazer’s first owner selected the range-topping 350ci V8. That small-block originally sent 175hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed TH-350 automatic transmission and a dual-range NP-205 transfer case. The Blazer would have comfortably cruised on the open road at 70mph, while the inherent smoothness and torque delivery of the V8 made it ideal for tackling harsh terrain. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to realize this Blazer doesn’t run. The engine is partially dismantled, but the seller assures us that the removed components are included. The cylinder bore corrosion means the new owner faces a rebuild as part of the restoration, but with parts readily available, that shouldn’t pose many challenges.
A previous owner removed the original seats from this Blazer, swapping in later buckets. However, the seller sourced a set of genuine ’67 Blazer seats, including them in the sale. Their condition is unknown, but the interior requires plenty of TLC to return to its former glory. Alternatively, the buyer could scrap everything and pursue a custom look that suits their taste. As with any project, there are no hard and fast rules.
This 1967 Chevrolet K5 Blazer needs work, but the bones are there to create something genuinely special. Preservation is a viable option, although restoration and a custom approach are appealing alternatives. The lack of rust makes it ideal for someone considering a first build, while some DIY-ers will have itching fingers as they examine the supplied images. What path would you choose? Are you tempted to follow up on those thoughts now that you know what it offers? I wish you luck if you do.
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Comments
Gosh who edits this these? Perhaps nobody
Exactly.
Blazers were introduced in 1969.
Yes 1969 first year blazer and this one is a 1972 would make a nice truck not something that is made from cheap recycled metal and plastic clips what a truck should be rock solid.
Not to beat a dead horse, but GM didn’t produce or offer the Blazer until 1969. The front facia was the same on 69-70 models. The Blazer in the article is either 71-72. The only cosmetic difference in those two years was the placement of the rear view mirror. Was moved from being screwed to the windshield frame on 71s to being glued to windshield in 72. If seller provided the info on this vehicle and claims it as other than what it is, it’s suspect.
Adam must have been in a hurry or…
I can get past the ’67 repetition but golly this thing has been neglected.
I think $30k for this is optimistic but I have seen worse priced for more. To me I wouldn’t restore I would preserve it with some upgrades however being one who actually uses my cars and trucks I would build it for off road fun.
The side marker lights say 70,71or 72. I don’t remember Chevrolet building a 67 Blazer and side marker lights didn’t come on vehicles until 1968, so get your facts straight, Lol
I have owned multiple first and second gen K5s since the mid 70s. My favourite are the convertible versions which ended after the 1975 model. I have owned my ’75 for almost 20 years, and enjoy top-off motoring, in good weather spring to fall. It is in my shop right now being treated to stainless exhaust, and other upgrades in preparation for spring.
I sold my first gen ’71 Jimmy back in 1978, and still miss it. I would like to add another one to my collection, but have yet to find one that is not rotten, or otherwise pooched.
I really love the one for sale here. If it were within a days drive, I would be very interested. This one was relatively well equipped for a first gen K5 with 350 engine, TH350, posi, and Cheyenne pkg.
While some would balk at the asking price, I believe it is in the current market ballpark. The old saying applies here: “Can you find another one like it?” Solid, mostly original, not rotten ones like this are hard to find, and priced accordingly. While many rides found on Barn Finds would cost significantly more to restore than they are worth, K5s are often the exception. Parts are widely available, and mostly affordable. They are also easy to work on. The lack of major rust on this one keeps the body and paint costs somewhat affordable. On many vehicles, a full interior re-trim can break the bank, but not on early K5s. The only job I might send out, is having new seat-covers installed. Most of the interior, other than door-panels and carpet is painted.
While less original versions would be suitable for a resto-mod, I would restore this candidate to original condition.
How sad. $30,000 for a truck that 10 years ago, would be lucky to touch $5,000.
True that. 10 years ago, $30K would buy you a nice one, and now they range from $50K to $100K….. Some asking even more.
Sorta like C2 Corvettes (one of my other addictions.
I judge it two ways, at 5k project with potential, at 30k worthless piece of junk.
There is no way this pos is worth 30 gs. People need to wake up from there dream world!
I agree. You can ask anything you want for what you own. If the price is excessive they either don’t want to sell or they’re greedy. All that aside, I would love to see what percentage of vehicles priced like this actually sell for anything near the asking price. Before seeing the asking price I figured it was worth 5-7000. And that was only because of no rust through. My opinion is they’re asking 5x what it’s worth
People are paying (overpaying) for the memories, not for the vehicle itself…it would be a cool truck once restored but from a practical perspective it would be more cost-effective to buy a modern equivalent.
Bronco , blazer both where rust buckets early in life. Ummmmm NO! 30 grand ? Sadly deep pockets will buy it, here in the Twilight zone.
Sounds fine. So big bucks can buy it, put more in it and drive it till it morphs into stage-II P.O.S. and driven off to planet zorbo.
Amazing what kind of stupid money floats around our world.
Tell me what wasn’t a rust bucket in the 60s-70s when driven in salt,mud,water etc…
Yes, I think this may be a 1971 or 1972. I couldn’t see how the center mirror was mounted (71 has it on the top of the windshield and the 72 has it glued to the windshield). I owned a 72 that unfortunately rusted out in lots of places I did manage to get over 200,000 miles on it though! The truck shows the same rust areas mine did and I bet the floor pans will need replacing. My 72 had a 307 V8 (2bbl and 3 speed tranny).
The title says 1972 so I assume that’s what Adam really meant.
That’s a 71 or 72 grille and side markers alright. I had a 70 and it’s grille was aluminum also but had a divider across the center opening. The rockers, inner and outer, and probably the floor at least at the kick panels are gone and I sadly don’t even need to look. The fiberglass in the roof is rotten and it will try and spread at the back when you take it off which you have to do to clean up the windshield header. If he had it priced reasonably it would take the 30k to make it worth 30k, maybe. How do I know this, see 70 model referenced above LOL.
I judge it two ways, at 5k project with potential, at 30k worthless piece of junk.
$30K? Oh, come on!!! (I wish I could do all caps but that’s not allowed)😤