Project Phoenix: 1973 K5 Blazer Restoration - History - Trucks 4x4 @ Off-Road.com
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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. 
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Comments and Questions 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
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Source: Chevy at Off-Road.com, 10/1/1998
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