Project Phoenix: 1973 K5 Blazer Restoration - History - Trucks 4x4 @ Off-Road.com
Trucks & 4x4 »

Price and Compare Vehicles:
New, Used, and Powersports    Go button

Project Phoenix: 1973 K5 Blazer Restoration - HistoryProject Pheonix
Publish date: Oct 1, 1998
By:  Donald K. Duncan
Source: Chevy at Off-Road.com
History and Background     About 4 months ago, circa June 1998, I was looking at brand new Yukons. I had just sold my '86 GMC K3500 4x4 to my brother-in-law and was in the market for a replacement truck. I liked the GMC but it was more truck than I needed and I really wanted a 350 rather than a 454. I wanted a reliable 4x4 that got reasonably good gas milage, could carry 4 or 5 people comfortably and get to (and back from) hang-gliding sites without fear of breakdown. I also wanted a full size vehicle that could double as a pickup. There was this one particular Yukon that was slightly lifted, with nice wheels and some bolt-on customization goodies and was very, very nice. Then I saw the sticker price: 
$40,000. 
About that time, the GM strike began and I reconciled myself to the fact that there would be no good deals on new Yukons for the forseeable future.   After recovering from the sticker shock I remembered Dean's beautiful blue '74 Blazer. It was for sale. I would have bought it immediately but given the smog laws in California I really wanted a '73. Besides, his had a 454 and got 9 mpg which was exactly the reason I sold the K3500. I figured for $40,000 I could build a truck to die for that would fit me to a "T" (actually I'm hoping to finish for under $20,000). So began the search for the truck. Searching for '73 Blazers in this area is interesting. They are usually sold by the time you get to the seller's home. After a few weeks of searching I eventually located and purchased an old beater on its last legs with a fair amount of rust. It's dripping oil, the seats are supported by 4x4 wood supports and what remains of the paint is a putrid factory cinnamon color. I probably could have held out a bit longer and found a better example of a '73 Blazer, but oh well, I have the pink slip now. Besides - I saved it from the scrap heap and it has a good home. 
Questions or Comments about this page should be directed to: duncan@off-road.com.
We cannot guarantee a response to every letter we receive.
Comments from our Readers
midnight.walker06 / berwick, PA, UNITED STATES
 Posted Oct 27 2007 11:34PM
very nice blazer i have the same exact edition but a 74, im replacing the ignition on it right now but im kinda stumped at anew thing im trying was wondering maybe if some of yall could help me, i want to wire a push button ignition under the dash and just mold over the original steering case, someone give me some advice and tell me how to do it cause i have no clue lol. thanks for your help my email is (midnight.walker06@gmail.com) all help is a appreciated
Read More Comments
post a comment
Please complete the form below to post your comment.
Bold = Required
Email Address Your email address will NOT be published.
Display Name appears with your comment
City
State
Country
Remember me: YesNo
Comment read our privacy policy
Note: does not support HTML
All comments submitted are subject to review, and may be delayed before posting. We reserve the right not to post comments.
About the Author
Untitled Document
Sponsored Links
HOLY CRAP Or Your Money Back -
Once you try it - we dare you to drive without it. To learn more click here.
Off-Road Videos -
Check out over ten years of extreme 4x4 action, product testing and the Off Road Nation at play. Baja racing to rock crawling, ATVs in the sand to motorcycles in the dirt, it's all here. Rate them, share them and upload your own.
ATV Reviews -
Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, Kawasaki, Can-Am. First rides to long-term tests, check out the latest in ATVs, UTVs and Side-by-Side vehicles of every make and model. Read expert opinions and follow custom project vehicles.
Own your very own Off Road Superstore.....
How many times have you pondered the idea of owning your very own off road shop? Let the staff at Off Road Innovations, one of the largest aftermarket off road accessory dealers in the US, help turn your hobby into a profitable career. Go to www.offroadinc.net for more info or just call 800-809-6088.
MSD Ignition Rebate!
Fire up with MSD Ignition and receive Cash for Cruising! Click on the link to find out the latest cash back rebate from MSD.

Enewsletters

Stay on Top of All the Action:
Sign up for Off-Road.com's Enewsletters

Source: Chevy at Off-Road.com, 10/1/1998
Click here