I disagree with the position that all old cars have to be shiny and restored. For some, it’s the elegance of patina (not in this case), but for others, it’s that they can still be useful vehicles without being able to see yourself in the paint. I think this 1972 Chevrolet Blazer fits that second category well. It’s being auctioned here on eBay at no reserve with bidding just having cleared $1,500. The truck can be picked up in Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Don’t get me wrong, you could restore this truck, I just don’t think it would make economic sense to. However to make it a working vehicle that you can take on gravel roads without worrying about the paint and still drive to Target to get that shelf that’s on sale wouldn’t take too much. The seller does tell us that it has a lot of rust and that it’s been sitting for years.
The fact that it still has a solid-looking bed floor surprised me a little. Perhaps this seller’s definition of rust is more like my own as opposed to the “if you can’t see through it, it’s not rusty” attitude of some eBay sellers. This is one of 44,266 K5 4WD Blazers produced in 1972 according to 67-72chevytrucks.com.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find a VIN decoder that could tell me which V-8 (307 or 350) was originally in the vehicle, although the seller says it’s all original under the hood. I can believe that based on the appearance.
Seats? You may be on your own for them, although that just gives you a little more flexibility. Late-model bucket seats are quite common on craigslist around here–you should be able to put a nice pair in and some inexpensive carpet (or spray bed liner?) for less than $500. And apart from going over the engine, driveline and brakes that’s about all I’d do to this Blazer. Any takers?
Top and grill surround are worth more than the rest of it.
I got my blazer out of field for $3500 with no frame, this one may be a good deal. I love not having to worry where I park it.
Looks like a decent project.
Up around $3500….the new Porsche beater……
I bought a running, driving one of these in the same color in 1998. It was complete but rusty, and I paid $800. Spent the weekend cleaning it, put house carpet down over the holes in he floors and just picked at it while I drove it. Simple, basic truck. It was easy to work on and a lot of fun. Most of the time, the roof was off and I adapted an old canvas boat top as a bikini top. After about 30,000 miles and four years, the rear blew on me and I sold it, still driveable on the front hubs, for $800. I decided I wanted a better base to build a proper, clean first gen Blazer. Imagine my surprise when I learned that 15 years ago these were trading in the $5000-7000 range for clean examples. I still keep my eyes open, but the prices have only gotten more outrageous. I hate to say it, but as a decent project basis, I’m not surprised at the auction numbers. If it was close to me, I would consider bidding myself.
I definately agree not all old vehicles need to be shining. This K5 has indeed taken some wear, but still seems to be a doable candidate for a potential swamp monster or universal carrier where you don’t need worry about paint chips or minor dents.
Bought an almost identical(however not that beaten)71 K5 out of Missouri almost 20 years ago.It served as my first ‘learn to weld,paint and everything in between’ project.Still have it,and despite its mediochre finish it’s a fun gravel road and trail toy ,it’s great for towing my 22foot Stingray or a trip to the local recycling center, most important I DO NOT worry about dings or scratches!
The K5 here has a stick(always a plus in my book),the missing interior just keeps bidding low(those OE seats suck anyway).Fix the mechs,install some Corbeau buckets with 5points ,brush floors with bedliner ,remove any rust and paint it Cat yellow!
love the color, here is one I saw at goodguys
Good info, I had never checked production of my 4×2 72 Blazer, I wonder how many left of 3357? No wonder a few people pester me to sell it.
This one is worth saving, doesn’t seem to be high with the options list but nonetheless they are fun. Parts aren’t plentiful but are available. Being a 3 on the tree my guess is that its a 307 under the hood. This one is a fence build, saveable to restore or just turn into a trail/mud rig, but not too dead to retire it yet. Hopefully it finds a good home. My dad had two and still owns one ’72 4 speed 4×4 jimmys and currently enjoys his ’72 cst equipped 4 speed 4×4 blazer. The jimmy awaits resto. All 350 equipped and fun in the summer with the top off. The jimmy is same medium olive color but originally equipped with black top. Will be neat side by side at car shows.