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74 K5 Blazer, Repairable or not?

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  • Total voters
    21
D

Dirtbag D

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Hi Everyone

So I've always wanted a fully convertible (pre 1975) K5 Blazer but never really had to money to buy a decent one because they are rare and expensive. I somehow acquired one for FREE the other day that is in very rough shape.

My question is, do you guys think it's worth repairing? To give a little background of me I've never none an engine swap but am somewhat mechanically inclined. I've never done body work either but I do plan on doing 90% without hiring it out. Maybe give some friends beers to come and help out.

I haven't had the chance to fully go through this thing but I'm going to list what I've noticed it all needs while I was loading on the trailer:
Engine, Trans, rear end, full front clip minus hood, fuel lines, possibly fuel tank, door jam pillars, quarter panels, some floor work, seats, probably new wiring, driver side topper glass, rear topper glass, rear gate, rims and tires. Frame is solid, hood is good, windshield is good, and I think the front doors are salvageable.

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This ^^

Worth it? It depends on your budget and desire. Know up front that it's unlikely you'd ever come close to recovering your money (if that were a concern).

Imo, it's too far gone. From your pics it looks like ALL of the sheetmetal needs to be replaced, even free projects have a point of no return. I'd do like Rivman suggested and salvage the full vert parts (windshield frame, top, doors and ALL associated hardware) and graft it on to a later Blazer that's in much better shape that will also likely be optioned better.
 
So basically I would sawzall the top off a different blazer and with some modification be able to use my full convert top?
 
Wow, that brightens my day up knowing its fairly simple. Now I'll be hunting for a different blazer. Maybe I'll actually have this thing road worthy by the end of next summer.

Thanks for your help guys
 
Couple Questions
1) is the frame from the 74 same as the newer models? My frame is solid and may want to keep it if I find one with a less desirable frame
2) can I use the doors from the 74 on the newer models instead of hacking the door frames off
 
The door shells will interchange but be aware that the trim (inside / out) changes over the years.

The frames changed in the late 70's when the rear seat floorboards were lowered and again in 81 with the newer front clip, not sure how interchangeable yours is with the later tubs.
 
We junked my 75 with way less rust than that barnacle. I'd look over that windshield header really close as the rust on the lower a-pillar isn't really promising. I'd be really curious how the header looks under the lip of the top where the seal should be but probably is rotten or missing.

I don't mean to be a downer, but just being realistic.
 
Keep everything that is salvageable that you can store.
Interior/ exterior trim trim, seat tracks, switches, on doors and or door parts . Aft window tracks are unique as well as door caps.
Keep the top if you can or at least the front half.
Windshield frame if good for a conversion.
Gas filler neck if good.
Anything you think is good keep.
If you choose to keep the frame keep the vin tag from the drivers door frame.
 
That crud should wash off with a good scrubbing and a pressure washing..if that fails it can be sanded smooth and repainted--its a lot of work though...you might find a better used topper for cheap if you look around...
 
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