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1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Cheyenne

J

jbrncj

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Joined
Aug 20, 2021
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Location
California
Hello,

My name is CJ and I am new to the forum. I joined because I just inherited a 1979 K5 Blazer Cheyenne from my dad that recently passed from covid and I am not sure what to do with this car. By all means, I am not a car enthusiast. I remember riding in this truck as a small kid ( I am 27 now), So, it's holding some sentimental value.

Some facts about the truck:
  • It is currently stored in an outside storage facilty parking lot under the sun in Southern California.
  • The truck has not been driven since at least 2005. Hasn't been moved since 2005 presumably.
  • I have the original equipment/factory window sticker and owner's manual.
  • See pictures attached on the current condition.
My thoughts and questions:
  • It would be really nice to get the truck running (AT the very least). What would it take and what kind of cost would I be looking at?
  • As much as I would want to keep the truck, I think it would be unreasonable for me to try to restore it and try to sell it instead.
  • What advice could you give me about this truck?
See Pictures and let me know what you think!

Thanks

Image Links
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I would give it a
1)good tune up an keep it as a Sunday driver
2) new tires obviously
3) wash it, then wash it again an then wash it one more time. have a shop shoot a new coat of clear coat.

or you could sell it as is an hold on to the memories of your late father (my condolences)
 
Well I'm a sentimental idiot when it comes to old Chevy trucks, as my truck was purchased by my dad brand new. And I will never sell it. But you have to ask yourself what you want. Do you want to get it running and drive it? Or sell it and make a quick buck? What value is it to you? You could end up spending quite a few dollars to get it running, but not really driving down the street. Do you have a spot to take it to at your place? Or does it have to stay in storage? That could drain your funds as well. To a lot of guys on here, that Blazer would be a fun project. Maybe it would be better to let it go and let another guy bring it back to life. Sorry, more questions than answers....
 
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You've got at least $1k probably in needing some tires and other costs to get it running plus quite a few hours of work that could be expensive if you're not experienced. Body is what it is. Honestly, there's not alot of financial value in the truck, so I think you have to decide whether to keep it for the sentimental value or sell it and move on. I inherited a non-running 53 Willys M38A1 Army Jeep. I spent more than half of what I got for it just to get it running again. Food for thought.

Best of luck to you.

Charlie
 
Sorry to hear about your Dad.

If your ability to work on it is limited and you have to send it to a shop it's going to get expensive quick. Most of us here do our own work so outside of the parts it wouldn't take much to get it running.

Paying labor is going to be heavy though. Here's a short list to bring one back to running as long as it was running when parked:
Change all the fluids. Diffs, t- case, trans, engine and coolant.
Replace all rubber hoses in the fuel system and rubber brake lines.
Repack wheel bearings on the front axle.
Inspect/replace front brakes while repacking bearings.
Inspect/adjust rear brakes, replace wheel cylinders if leaking.
Rebuild carb.
Replace ignition items, cap/rotor, plugs/wires
Replace battery

It's good list that most of us could knock out in a couple of weekends if not one. These trucks are really simple and fairly easy to work on. If you are willing to learn and get some basic tools we all are willing to help you along the process. It can stay in the family and you'll have a really strong connection to it for sure.
 
Like some others, I tend to be sentimental about these things and would lean towards keeping it, if it were me. I still have my first vehicle that I got from my grandpa. That's been over a quarter century now. (Man, I feel old.)

That said, it's your truck, do what you feel is best for you and your situation. Would make a difference if you have the space to store/work on it, budget for parts, etc.

You said you weren't a car guy, but if you ever wanted to learn to work on them, this would be a great place to start. Its a relatively simple machine to work on. The parts availability, interchangeability, etc is excellent for the most part. Plus, it's a fun truck to have when you get it going.
 
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