This 1977 Chevrolet K5 Blazer is the kind of truck you’d buy if you’re looking for a square body you can actually use. The truck is a bit rough around the edges with some rust present but nothing approaching the likes of what vehicles from the rust- and snow-belts look like. The appealing traits to this Blazer beyond the lifted ride height, gnarly tires, and off-road ready bumper is the two-owner history and attractive color combination. It’s hard to get into a K5 Blazer these days for less than $10,000, but the condition here may indicate it’s possible if the seller’s reserve isn’t too high. Find the Blazer here on eBay where bidding is at $6,800 with the reserve unmet.
Now, there’s other evidence this Blazer hasn’t exactly been loved. The overspray on the tires is one big giveaway, and I don’t even understand where that red paint came from. The tires appear to be fairly new, too, so the origin of the red spray paint doesn’t make much sense. Regardless, the rest of the paint on the body looks decent for a driver, and the wheel and tire package at least isn’t too oversized and seems like a visually attractive upgrade for a K5 like this. One of the best things I ever did to my ’89 Isuzu Trooper was to find a set of wheels with just a low enough offset that the General Grabbers poke beyond the fenders; it’s a great look on a square body truck like this.
The Blazer gets a ton of “cool points” simply for having a removable hard top, and a K5 like this with its roof removed is an image I will always associate with summertime USA. The interior of this truck is similar to the outside: it’s not bad, but there’s definitely room for improvement. Someone sprung for the custom-embroidered bucket seats at some point, getting the classic Chevy bowtie into the headrests. The rest of the seating surfaces look pretty decent, and the truck is equipped with a generous center console. The front cloth upholstery may not be original, as the backseat appears to retain the original surfaces it came with. The dash is covered up with a fuzzy protector so we can’t see if there are any cracks in the pad; the fake wood trim still presents reasonably well.
A 5.7L 350 V8 is about as cheap and cheerful as it gets for a truck with a low cost of ownership. I’m not sure if it’s my eyes playing tricks on me, but the hose extending from the air cleaner to the radiator panel appears to be wrapped heavily in electrical tape, which is a rudimentary fix once enough holes and cracks develop to create some serious vacuum leaks. That’s at least what it looks like to me, but I could be wrong. Regardless, it’s fitting in terms of the character of this truck, which is that of a ruffian that doesn’t spend too much time primping in front of the bathroom mirror. This Blazer seems like a truck you could enjoy as-is or is potentially a smart choice for a restoration project. Which path would you choose?
Not that many “cool points” for me with the roof….From 1976 on, only the rear section comes off. I got my first one, new in 1976, and was Very disappointed to learn only the rear section was removable. I have owned multiple K5s since then, and currently have a 1975 that I have been using (full top off) in the summers for almost 20 years.
The truck for sale here is in relatively good shape for a ’77, and well-optioned. If you don’t mind not being able to remove the whole roof, it might be a cool ride. The graphic equalizer, and CB bring back memories.
If it were mine, I would likely return the sires and suspension to stock. I rarely go truly “off-road”, so the added unsprung weight, steeper driveshaft angles, and extra load on steering /brakes would not be worth it for me.
I did have bigger tires, and the same swing-away tire carrier on one of my K5s
and the extra load on the tailgate ended up ruining after some off(and on)road bumps.
Hi Cam, do you think it would be feasible to convert a post 75 to the full removeable roof. With the lack of earlier models and the price!!! there seems to be many more of the later models around to convert, You would have to do the windshield and rail change and the doors of course. Anyone you know ever attempted this? I don’t car about the originality but I would want the full removeable top. I owned a 78 Ramcharger with the same but the doors had the post wrap around unlike the Blazer and Jimmy which I never liked. It took away form the full convertible appeal.
Steve:
The conversion is actually somewhat popular. I have seen them done before with varying degrees of success.
I too have thought of doing the conversion on a ’91K5 (last of the square-bodies).
Ideally you will have access to a rotten/wrecked ’73-’75 K model for parts and reference measurements.
You will need the full fiberglass roof, the top of the windshield frame, and some door parts.
The easiest part is the doors: for ’73-’75, GM just used regular pickup truck doors and cut them. Note: they did also have some extra brackets installed inside to keep the glass in place. Sources like LMC Truck sell the caps that cover the cuts.
Next (after removing the windshield) carefully measure and cut the A pillars near the top of the windshield, and replace with the section from the donor truck. This is cleanest/easiest way and will have the spots to attach the roof in the correct location.
Then cut the B pillars flush, and patch the holes. You now have a convertible!
*Before you do this……You should be aware that the floors in the convertible Blazer bodies were different. There were torque boxes
built in adjacent to the rockers to prevent body flex (when roof is off).
I am told there is noticeable, but relatively minor flex experienced in conversions with the roof removed.
I have never been happy with GM’s decision to move the “Blazer” badge on to smaller SUVs. I often dream of what it would be like as a current full-size model, with removable roof.
Auction was ended early. This probably sold off eBay before the serious bidding started. Good buy for someone looking for a square body Blazer that’s rough enough around the edges that someone can feel comfortable beating on.
Steve R
Thanks for the info Cam. I have done a lot of bodywork over the years as well. I now restore Classic motorcycle paintwork in my retirement. Mostly Kawasaki Triples but do anything that people send my way. I still paint with Candy paint as the factory did. The latter Blazers and Jimmys were so nice with all the trim as well. Possibly fabricating an “X” cross member would aid with the convertible conversion. I spent 10 years as a welder and fitter/welder when I was in the trades before going back to school and becoming a Dental Assistant which led to a 27 year career with DND. I owned over 50 classic cars prior to raising a family of 6 children so unfortunately was out of the market for 30 years. anything classic is out of reach now. I owned 4 Stingrays, 3 C-2’s and 9 early Camaro’s, 3 of them 69’s including a Z-11 pace car. Don’t own even 1 now though I bought and sold an 02 35th Ann Camaro and a WS-6 T/A convertible’s over the past couple of years. Affordable at $15,000 but hard to find at those prices as well. My e-mail is courchesne.as@sympatico.ca
Front bumper over kill , people get upset over sbc in Ford’s ,what about rear Superduty step bumpers on front of Blazer with the Xtra general Lee brush guard
My stepdad had a K5 Blazer when I was a kid, 305 4 speed with the super low “granny” first gear, which essentially made it a 3 speed. But it was a great suv and never left us stranded. Being in southwest PA it had some rot around the front and rear fenders, but the interior and drivetrain were in great shape. He sold it with around 65k miles on it for $3500 in 1988, and my mom was amazed that it held its value so well. Another vehicle I’d love to own someday, but I want a ’91 with the 350 and 5 speed.
Is that a Warn 8274 out front ? 👍