This 1972 Chevrolet Blazer K5 CST is the top-of-the-line model for the year, with the upgraded trim and other cosmetic touches that would have likely made it one of the pricer Blazers you could have bought new off the lot. That’s why it’s a bummer to see vehicles in condition like this when you know they were drop-dead gorgeous when new; alas, the good news is this Blazer can still be saved because it’s certainly not past the point of repair. Find it here on eBay where it’s listed as rusty but very complete. There’s one bid to $3,500 and no reserve.
The Blazer is located in West Point, Virginia, and still wears old-school Virginia plates. The seller notes that while it is complete, almost every panel will need rust repair of some kind. The seller says the tailgate is “…very rough,” even though I wouldn’t have called it that just by looking at it. While every panel needs some work, the listing clarifies that some of them have big dings/dents, while others need rust repair. The chrome still looks tidy, and the seller confirms it still opens, closes, and locks as intended. The removable top is also said to be in great shape.
The interior was originally optioned with the cool “Highlander Orange Plaid” upholstery, which definitely needs to come back if you choose to restore this Blazer back to showroom condition. The seats have been redone, and in a much less attractive pattern. Despite the rust, the listing highlights just how complete this Blazer remains, including the factory tilt steering column, gauge package, chrome gas cap, pedal trim, OEM roof rack, and an early Western snow plow mount with controls (no plow). The interior colors indicate that the exterior color is original, or at least has been repainted in the correct scheme.
The seller believes the engine is the original 350, but doesn’t offer any verification by way of confirming if the numbers match. The engine will need a new carburetor (and untold other repairs / maintenance). It is paired to a Turbo 350 automatic transmission with disc brakes up front. Obviously, you want to keep it numbers matching, but it won’t be the end of the world if this engine comes out and goes on a stand while a modern replacement is dropped in. The frame is said to be solid, so if you can deal with panel repair, there’s a chance this Blazer CST could be a diamond in the rough.
“Rusty project!” says the seller, “This is a complete project that has all the parts you need”…all the parts you’ll need to replace, maybe, like the hood that caved in on the drivers side, the window glass in the drivers door, the wheels are toast and I’d definitely want a look underneath considering the replaced passenger door (crash damage?) as well as the snowplow blade attachment (potential for frame damage).
Have to say, though, the period correct under dash 8 track tape player is a nice touch.
All in all, you have to appreciate the sellers honesty and optimism. If it has a straight solid frame and the buyer has mechanical/body repair/patience/money this COULD be a decent project.
It’s nice to see one of these from points east that hasn’t totally dissolved from the road salt. Out west we got spoiled because there was very little salt used and these came through with few problems other than just getting worn out. This would be a nice unit to restore and drive. I wouldn’t change a thing except maybe to install an HEI distributor.
I guess some people has money coming in the easy way. No way would I pay $3,500 for that. Way too much work to be done. Their might be $500 worth of parts their. I ,d say to get the mechanics,fuel system and brake system alone would hit $2-$2,500 and that is just a start.Theirs alot of rust under neith it. You,d have to take the body off and put it on a rotessiory and do alot of floor and support work on it. I,d pass as soon as he said $3,500,but I ask him where was the $3,500 worth at on it. I can,nt believe people will still pay it.When they can keep looking and find,em in running condition.
I hate to say it, but nice price. Readily available parts, wood block simple. Air conditioning. Wish I still had mine. I paid $800 for mine in similar shape, but that was in 1998. If it was closer, I would be all over this. The upside is there to restore this, but freshen and drive is also an option.
These are getting more rare by the day. Someone jump on this and make us proud.
I agree with Johnny that there is a lot of rust on this one. The frame boxes are completely gone. When I restored mine in 2005, the rust in the seams was really challenging to deal with. This would have 10 – 20 times what mine had. It’ll need a lot of panel removal and a rotisserie restoration. Might want to consider a swim in a phosphorus tank too. Costs will be huge. Labour of love, I think.
This is funny to see – this looks almost identical to my own ’71 K5; colors, options and all! This is probably how it’d end up if I put it under an oak for 25years.
We can see that its torque boxes are completely gone and it’s in this area where the floors meet the inner/outer rockers up to the lower door frames these K5s will rot. Also the windshield frame is prone to rust damage.
Luckily for the next owner the aftermarket has followed along meaning as good as every panel (even the mentioned windshield frame) are available as repops. Back when I did mine everything that was K5 specific had to be adapted out of pickup parts. Today this example is ‘doable’ but it’ll a LOT of work. On the other hand, good luck finding anything but forest find 1st gen K5s below 10k…
Well Johnny ,here’s how it works ;
You take a long box pick up, for example,which in this condition might not be worth $3500.You do all the work you are talking about and you’ve got a twenty thousand dollar truck-TOPS .
You take a desirable body style ,and a last year,factory air, Blazer is VERY,and your work and money spent in restoration,yields a 6 figure collectible.
I like that math,and have 3 of these.This will go for nearly double the current 3500.
Nice that you have 3, but keep dreaming. Not a 6 figure collectible!
Now up to $5200, 4 days left, 224 watchers. The market is there. Do I think it’s six figures restored, nah. But Hagerty lists a #1 at $51,500 and a number 2 at $33,700. I think you would get your money back if that’s why you’re doing it.
That’s IMO the problem with those who bid this kind of $ – they’re seeing them worth 30k when done and they might get that – after spending 30k in the process.
Even as a Blazerholic I see K5s in such condition as 1k vehicles. As long as body mounts are intact I’d say let it stay an old truck with beater appearance. Fix the brakes, kick the 350 back to life, get that top off and enjoy as is. You’ll have just as much fun (IMO more) with a rough but reliable low-budget Blazer than a restored one that’s too nice to be used on the trail
Past $8,000 now, still two days and twenty three hours to go. Can still find running life long California Blazers with no rust in the 10 to 14k range now and then. Most will be in need of cosmetic freshening, but still a way better deal than this one.