In the automotive world, is there anything more American than a ’72 Blazer parked under a wide Oklahoma sky? If so, don’t tell the eBay bidders who have already offered $25,000 for the pleasure of taking it home (and there are still seven days left on the auction). This orange K5 is being offered as a (most likely) original Oklahoma Blazer that was bought as a restoration project when the owner decided to simply make some repairs and drive it. Located in the city of Crescent, it has a long list of repairs and maintenance and looks like it’s ready to enjoy, wherever you live.
The nice thing about Chevy trucks of this vintage is that the optional equipment is listed on a “plate” in the glove box. This Blazer was clearly ordered by someone with money to spend, because it is a suitable forerunner of the optioned-out modern SUV. It has the biggest engine available, the 175-horsepower 350 small block, which is also equipped with air conditioning, not bad for a truck in 1972. The seller says that the air “blows cold but needs attention,” as the high speed setting on the fan doesn’t work (and the switch has been changed). It has been serviced with new R12, hoses, filter/drier, POA valve, and expansion valve – refreshing. The transmission is Turbo Hydra-matic, which is a Turbo 350 based on the undercarriage pictures. The seller says that the engine runs well except for a little smoke on startup at times, and since it doesn’t use an appreciable amount of oil, it could need something as simple as new valve seals.
In addition to the “big” engine, automatic, and air conditioning, this Blazer has the CST Package, which included, according to the brochure, “luxury trimmed” buckets, chrome bumpers, a console, added insulation and undercoating, extra trim, and carpeting. The interior is “well-worn and the seats are from a later model Blazer,” according to the seller. You may decide to refurbish the interior, but the seller has given you a head start by doing some of the mechanical dirty work, including the following:
- new body mounts
- seals in the transmission, axles, and transfer case
- u-joints
- new brake pads, hoses, and turned rotors (Blazers came standard with discs up front)
- cooling system hoses
- fuel pump and sending unit
- wheels and tires
Being a four-wheel-drive Blazer clearly adds to its popularity, and while it isn’t rust free, it’s solid enough that you know it was never a rust bucket. The seller has performed some rust repair, including outer rockers and some patches on the quarter panels (which is why the lower body is painted black). Otherwise, the paint is original except for the driver’s quarter panel, which was “repainted and…scratched again.”
Repainted and scratched again. Good for the seller! Even though values of these beautiful Blazers are following their first-generation Broncos from the competition across town, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be used as they were intended to be. Let those new tires see some gravel, and if you accidentally brush a tree or two out on those lonesome two-tracks, so be it.
New R12 ? I didn’t know the stuff still existed save for an undercover place that charges $150 per once. But at least the hoses do look nice and new. Upon close up the Quadrajet was upgraded to an electric choke model. Always fun to see the truck like environment and dashboard compared to the 73 up that was a total departure and more car like. The price might be a bit high but it should find a new home soon
We use the name POA valve…..
Thanks for the correction; I copied the seller’s nomenclature without double checking, and I don’t work on air conditioning very often.
For those who are interested, POA stands for “Pilot Operated Absolute,” and according to “Classic Auto Air,” it “prevents the Evaporator from freezing by bypassing excessive system pressure” on older GM and some Ford cars and trucks.
I have four of these but want an orange one. This one has more rust than mine do so no use spending that kind of money.
No high speed fan. I’m Certified in Automotive Air Conditioning IMACA , Heating too. I would think it be the High Speed Blower Relay or in line fusible link.
You are correct Ron. High speed blower relay/resistor or fuse link.
Getting to look like “let’s post Bob’s cars” time. Our ’72 came with the AC in a box, 4 speed on the floor, 350, and rubber mats. Great fun.