Brawny is the first word that comes to mind when checking out this 1976 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, equipped with a 454 V8 and manual transmission. That’s quite a pairing, and this torque-rich engine likely hauls quite well with the row-it-yourself option. The Blazer is an Arizona truck, so it’s said to be solid in all of the right places with none of the typical rust that plagues these square bodies when found in the rust belt. This one wears its patina proudly, and has an extra dose of attitude thanks to a light bar on the roof, upsized wheels and tires, and a front push bar. You can find the Blazer here on eBay with bidding to $9,100 and the reserve unmet.
The Blazer looks like it could be sporting a lift kit, too, or it could be an optical illusion helped by the larger wheel and tire package. The paintwork isn’t pretty, but then again, it needn’t be on a truck like this with a reputation for being a bruiser straight from the factory. In fact, it’s mildly pleasing to see one that isn’t in pristine condition, so you won’t be afraid to actually use the truck or park it places you’d find other trucks, like a trail head or beach parking lot. The chrome bumpers still present well, and the Blazer’s body panels look reasonably straight down the sides. The wheels appear to have a lower offset given how they protrude a bit.
Now, while we like trucks wearing a little bit of patina, the interior is typically where things fall down a bit. Throw in this being an Arizona vehicle wherein the sun be relentless and cause plenty of damage and you have a combination that almost guarantees the cabin will need some work. That’s OK by me, as this is the perfect truck to clean up the inside and leave the exterior as roughshod as ever. The seats could be redone, re-attach the map pockets, and perhaps replace the cracked dash – not easy work, or cheap, but it will make a world of difference. The seller notes the Blazer is equipped with non-functioning factory A/C, power steering, power brakes, and a removable top.
The engine has clearly been detailed not too long ago, sporting fresh block paint and chromed valve covers. The air cleaner is sporting some chrome, too, so there was clearly a focus by a previous owner to get the under-hood area looking fresh, and the deal with the bodywork and interior later. That’s fine, because a 454 deserves all the love and attention you can offer it. This Blazer may not be the prettiest K5 on the block, but it’s a truck you can actually use, and that’s what matters most with a rig like this. The stance is perfect and I’ve love to hear this Blazer rip through the gears with the torque-monster V8 at full song. Would you restore the exterior or leave it as-is?
Wow !!! This brings back some great memories.
My first pick truck was a 1976 Chevy 454, 4 Barrel,
Glass Pack mufflers, and wide ass tires. As a 17 yr old kid
I was in Heaven !!! The torque that truck had was unbelievable. I wanted to put a loud Steam Train Horn in it.
That would have been cool. GREAT MEMORIES !!!!
Someone needs to call Dennis Collins this would be a good one for his shop to redo upto modern standards.
It’s at least one turn too many. Every car this dealer is selling seems to be at an inflated price. Dennis Collins is getting so many calls about potential purchases he can afford to be picky. No way is he paying retail, or close to it.
Steve R
Item location:
Lincoln, Nebraska
Went from the province of Northern Ontario to Alberta with my parents and 3 siblings whilst towing a tent trailer. This was back in the early 80’s. Fun times.
Perfect as is…
I don’t think the 454 is original to this vehicle. Factory literature doesn’t show it as available. http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/GM%20Trucks%20and%20Vans/1976_Trucks_and_Vans/1976_Chevrolet_Blazer_Brochure/1976%20Chevy%20Blazer-08.jpg
I always liked the Blazer/Jimmy in Square Body configuration. Came close to buying one back in the day when I worked for GM. I sure wouldn’t kick this one off my driveway but it wouldn’t be there long before it was treated to a rust removal and a respray. I would gut the interior and redo it while I was at it. And I would also remove the “Masculinity Enhancement Device.” Lots of them done back in the day and I replaced universal joints by the 24-Pack. They sit high enough in stock configuration and driveline longevity is greatly increased.
The 454 was definitely NOT an option in any GM 4×4 back in the day. Biggest engine was the 400 SBC, and to get that you had to opt for the automatic and NP 203 Full-Time 4×4 transfer case. I would like to have a look underneath and see what transfer case this is running. When the Square Bodies were introduced in ’73 you could get the 205 Part-Time transfer case but in ’74 GM went ALL-OUT Full-Time both automatic and manual transmission. I don’t think they offered Part-Time again until 1977. I could be corrected on that but when I worked for GM I never saw a Part-Time 4×4 from ’74 to ’77. I know that GM didn’t offer Part-Time with an automatic until ’79. I ordered my ’79 GMC with Part-Time but due to delays with the adapter between the 350 transmission and the 205 transfer case I had to settle for the 203. Back to wanting to look underneath, I would like to know if this sports a 203 transfer case that has been converted to Part-Time. There were a few conversions done out west and they were all disasters because you needed to lock the transfer case in 4×4 mode in order to keep the chain turning which carried oil up to the major components on top. No one did that and I overhauled a few of those for that reason. I might add that I converted them back to Full-Time.
Am I the only one that noticed the equalizer under the dash? Possibly a Pioneer BP 320