The hot vintage 4×4 truck market makes a rising tide that’s boosting old SUV values everywhere. Suddenly that rusty hulk in the back yard looks more like a commodity than a “someday” project. Sadly this 1972 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer in Stockton, California lacks a title, but the fairly complete and well-appointed Chevy would certainly make a nice retro project for someone who can sort out the paperwork. White with a parchment interior, the highest trim-level Cheyenne CST (Custom Sport Truck) package, air conditioning, and 350 V8, the four-wheel-drive classic demonstrates General Motors trucks adaptation from utilitarian commercial haulers into capable family adventure vehicles with car-like features. The listing here on eBay has attracted at least four bidders and a market value above $4800. No part of this truck is ready for daily use, so plan on a complete overhaul.
So, uh, what’s the story with the ratchet strap holding the brake pedal up? Check out that ComforTilt steering wheel: fairly unusual in a ’70s truck. The Kelsey-Hayes trailer brake controller suggests this beast spent time pulling something more than a small boat trailer, though anyone buying an SUV specifically to tow a heavy trailer would probably have upgraded to the long-wheelbase Suburban. The three-speed automatic transmission with 3.73 gears would have made for reasonably easy pulling. The tachometer is handy too, though let’s hope this Blazer didn’t see much activity near redline. Check out all the factory options at GMHeritageCenter.
The 290 HP 350 cid (5.7L) V8 could be original. Power brakes and steering would have complimented the air conditioning and other features on this well-loaded Blazer. That surface rust suggests lengthy outdoor storage – normally an indication that the underside would be even worse. Luckily the Chevy small block, one of the world’s greatest engines, is easy and cheap to repair or replace. Unlike Ford’s nimbler and unique-bodied first-generation Bronco, GM based their two-door off-road explorers, the Blazer and GMC Jimmy, on the pickup truck platform, making them larger and more profitable, a formula that Ford adopted in 1978.
The factory manual throttle sometimes served as a truck-driver’s budget cruise control, or for PTO control, but nothing here shows evidence of a PTO winch. The all-white interior suggests the buyer enjoyed high style and didn’t work in an oil field or other gruesome environment. The removable white top and white paint would combine with the air conditioning to keep passengers cool. Along with all the creature comforts, this Blazer gained heavy-duty front springs and the heaviest tires available, 10-16.5 inch wheels with RR2 On/Off Road Flotation-Type truck tires. It’s not every day you see a vehicle piled high with options AND heavy equipment. What sort of buyer do you think ordered this interesting white Blazer?
With all the rust under the hood I’m wondering which river they pulled it out of..pretty sure the underside is crusty too.but someone will probably pay the man or woman what they want to get to own an old rusted blazer
If memory serves me correctly, truck no longer has 16.5 inch wheels. They were a three piece, tube required wheel that got banned in the 80s. If your vehicle with those tires was registered, you drove it to a dealer and got 5 new tires and wheels. If the wheel locking ring failed during a tire replacement, it would fly off under pressure, and could injure or kill the mechanic.
looks like the perfect rig to bury in a river bank to stop the bank from washing out! pure junk
1- There was no provision for a PTO on the Turbo 350
2- 16.5 wheels were not offered on these, 99% of 16.5 wheels were eight hole wheels. Stock Blazers never had eight lug hubs.
3- Clue to people writing these articles, do some research on your subject vehicles, before committing it to print.
1 -No provision for PTO on the TH350 itself but the transfer case can be so equipped
2 – I also thought 16.5 wheels were not offered but its SPID label clearly states it left factory with them
3 – While none of us like to be wrong we all do mistakes from time to time. It’s impossible to keep track on all the specs for every vehicle passing over the BF desk, that goes for both the staff and everyone contributing. I like this site because even though I know a lot of vintage cars I still enjoy to learn something new most every time I visit the site. Particularly at this time of year we should remember to play each other better – not criticize each others for doing fully repairable mishaps
Wishing everyone a happy holiday!
My Dad bought one of these brand new. White, but black interior and no CST package. It rusted like they did back then. I bought in the 1980’s ansdrkve it a couple years.
If memory serves, in 1972 the truck 350 with a 4 bbl. was rated at 175 hp, nothing like the 290hp you mentioned. I can assure you it was no rocket.
This one’s way to beat to consider.
Good for parts. The column would be good for a 55-57 truck as would the front and rear suspension. Can’t tell what else butit is rough. Can’t save them all…