Every day, the supply of vintage square body trucks grows smaller. The Chevrolet K5 Blazer has been at the top of the list for many collectors and brokers for some time, but we’re getting to the point where trucks that were once destined for the scrap heap are now desirable projects. This 1969 Chevy Blazer wears original paint and does run and drive, but it also has a fair amount of rust to address. Find it here on eBay where bids are approaching $4,000 with no reserve.
Despite looking sorely neglected, the original color scheme with the white removable hardtop makes for an attractive combo. The body will need significant rust repair, but fortunately, every panel you’ll likely need is available on the aftermarket or on some dry desert or plains state truck sitting in a boneyard (if there are any of those left.) One of the trucks I sold out of the north Georgia property was literally a K5 Blazer body with no engine, no interior, and the remnants of the frame. We sold it in three pieces: the hardtop, the front clip, and the rear tub. It still cleared over $1,000.
The interior is still present but obviously bordering on useless. The frames may still be good, and the cushioning is intact but exposed. The door panels may be salvageable, but even with the carpet removed, you can see the floors will need some work. But what’s most important here is that the Blazer is highly original with all of the VIN tags still present that match up on the title and the frame. If you wanted a truck to restore, it’s always a good bet to start with one that remains highly original despite being in the advanced stages of decay.
The seller explains in the listing that the previous owner “went through” the engine and the brakes, whatever that means. To be fair, however, the engine bay is the most presentable area of the whole truck, and the block paint looks practically new. Somewhat unusually, this Blazer comes with a three-speed manual transmission, and my non-scientific research indicates most of these were equipped with automatics. I’m not sure if the row-it-yourself option is driving more interest here than if it were an automatic, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Do you think this Blazer will end up completely restored?
Yes there are replacement parts available and in the case of this Blazer it’s going to use everything that’s out there to bring this one back. To be honest, used to see yard trucks in better shape. You younger folks, these were junk yards, wrecking yards, salvage and recycling came much later. Probably will be used for parts, can’t see the restoration of this truck. It’s rough and that’s being generous, but have been wrong before.
I thought I was wrong once too…. Turned out I was wrong.
Just for the record, tis’ no squarebody, they came out in ’73. These, even though they had square looks, were called the “Action Line” trucks. I’d have to think by now, any decent one of these has been found, and this is all that’s left. I think the seller, in regards to going through the motor, probably just “went through” a couple spray cans of paint, but I’m sure it runs great regardless. Too far gone to spend a dime on any appearance items, just run ‘er through the muck, as intended. A good 4×4 is really hard to find, because they all look like this and most are relegated to that cabin up north with a plow, sitting on a lawn chair, body long gone. It’s a good find.
Certainly agree with all of that. About as rough as they get. Having stripped our ’72 down to the frame to catch developing rust I can tell you there is more rust in this one than you can see. Too bad. They are lots of fun.
Please start your restoration with the air cleaner. Best of luck with the rest of it.
It looks like a POS – but TBH most any unrestored 1st gen K5 that you’ll find that looks better than this will most likely need the same panels replaced as this one. Considering how much of the metal that’s gone it’s almost surprising how ‘good’ the rear bed floor appears to be. It’s such a sorry sight considering how fun vehicles these can be not to forget it’s a first year K5 that was made in such low #s.
I really can’t see it usable as a parts truck either as there isn’t much left of any interest other than the stick setup. Yup, most everything you’ll need for it can be bought as repops today but expect to end up very familiar with the staff at LMC (and an inevitable divorce)
If the body is that rusted the frame must be pretty bad.Ebay picts don’t show much of the frame area.All it needs is most every thing.
All the iron underneath is in very good condition. Just needs sheet metal. Parts truck? Not even close.
That air cleaner is on my 8hp Briggs leaf blowers. Someone will restore this, looks better than many a bronco I have seen here.
Square body ????
Kudos to the seller for being honest, but it would take triple the asking price to bring this back so it’s not just a yard driver as he put it. He either inherited it or bought it for about 1500. That crack in the hardtop is problematic and the reflectors and light missing is a red flag as well. Good luck
I don’t think you can get the bedsides for these trucks. I have owned 8 of these and restored a few of those.
Southern Kentucky Classics now has full bed sides as well as complete tubs available.