Older Blazers and Broncos are becoming popular restoration candidates, and examples in good condition can cost a pretty penny. This 1973 Chevrolet Blazer, for sale here on eBay in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, with a Buy-It-Now price of $8,750, needs some work before it can be described as being in good condition, but it could be a pretty cool ride with enough effort.
Based on Chevy’s half-ton truck, the Blazer was introduced in 1969 to compete with the Ford Bronco and International Scout. This truck is from the first year of the Blazer’s second generation, and as such it has the fully-removable top. Beginning in 1976, only the rear portion of the roof was removable. While the half-removable top was likely safer and better at keeping moisture out, it couldn’t be as much fun.
The seller says this truck has been sitting for a few years, but it will start and run long enough to drive onto a trailer. However, the transfer case is said to pop out of gear, so trailering is the only way it’s going anywhere long-distance. A spare transfer case is included, so that one issue should be easily remedied. The seller goes on to describe relatively minor rust in a few panels, and says that the truck needs a full restoration. Based on the photos, I’d say that’s an accurate description. While the truck appears to be mostly complete, there aren’t many areas that won’t need to be addressed to bring this truck up to driver status.
Someone at some point in this truck’s life decided some aftermarket engine bolt-ons were called for to try and get some more power out of the truck, but the seller doesn’t provide many details about the condition of the engine. This truck is rough in a lot of places, but it’s also a lot more solid and complete than anything of this vintage that I can find on the East Coast. Overall, it would make an excellent candidate for a restoration, and whomever restores it will have a great ride when they’re done.
I always liked this version of the Blazer/Jimmy and would love to see something like this at my place. I might add that the bodies were better come 1975 and up. Not at all fussy about headers; I hate superheated engine bays. Stock manifolds will flow all the exhaust you need for driving that truck. I’d like to see the undercarriage of this truck to see if it’s got the full-time or part-time transfer case. I don’t think I saw one with factory part-time 4×4 all the time I worked for GM; at least not before 1979. Anyways, if this one was converted, I’d be cautious because the part-time kits usually don’t work very well; I’ve seen some massive repair bills on them. I see the A-C compressor has taken a powder and I would ensure that that device was back in place and working. I might add that I would use R-12 substitute.
Given where the price of these are going lately I don’t think it’s a bad buy. Square body parts are plentiful and relatively cheap.
The price has to be a mistake for the condition that it is in, right?
In the first picture it looks like the right front corner has been hit and pushed back.
Where are you going to go with it after paying almost 10K for this?
Fly it to the moon.
What would you expect one to do with the truck…? ..Fix to your liking and drive it.
I thought it was overpriced. Then, I saw that the A/C compressor was included. Suddenly it seems like the deal of a lifetime!
I like the gen-1 Blazers better, but these run a close second for me. What’s the fun if you can’t take the whole top off?! Seems fairly solid in comparison to many out there. These rusted easily, even in the southwest. I wish Chevy had offered a bigger engine option. My 78 Plymouth Trailduster Sport came from the factory with a 440, and I wish I had never sold her!
For a good chunk of the 2nd Gen you could get a 400 SBC in them. I’d hardl call that insufficient.
I didn’t know that. Love learning new stuff about vehicles! Thanks Andre.
up until 1975, they still have a full removable top.
I think it’s a buy. Spend some time and a few dollars on it and you won’t regret it.
Again where do they get there price ideas? Number 4 condition of a 73 blazer is only 3500 and thats being generous calling it a number 4. All I can say is do your home work before you pay what these people ask.
I agree, the seller is aiming high. But unfortunately he’ll probably get it, or somewhere close to it. So many people jump in without doing their homework. “Some paint and new carpets and I’m all set!” Over the last year or two, there’s been a good handful of 2nd gens that sold at auction for $17,000-20,000. And a few with complete restoration and engine upgrades going for $30k or more. So there’s someone out there that’ll pay up!
I had a 1973 Blazer back in the early 80s .I had to replace the rockers and front fenders and repair the rear quartrers. Then I painted it black with a white top and white pin striping and 2 rebels flags hung across the rear side windows.{that a long time before all this southern flag crap started} I got a lot of thumbs up driving her even to her to the beaches of N.C. and the 4 wheel drive worked great. If they had only used better metal back then.Bruce.
I want one of those..wont pay $8750
Dunno what some of you are whining about, that tailgate to the tub is solid. As well as pans and rockers. All pieces are there. You could even get mid eighties blazer axles and t- case. Possibilities are endless. Most of these are long gone.