X2! I was patient and I ended up with the green Blazer you see below this sentence for $5000.Don't get impatient, that's what will get you in trouble. Keep an open mind about things and you will end up with what you want not what you settled for.
CK5
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Blazer Buying tips...Finally bought one....
- Thread starter simpleman83
- Start date
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
So I just checked on craigslist again and found this!!!
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/503986212.html
Since there is no phone number I emailed him and told him I wanted to look as soon as possible. I'm not really sure what "the engine bay needs some buttoning up" means but hopefully its running and in good order and not that the engine is about to explode or something. Although from the other repairs he says were done, I doubt he would have attacked those with an engine that didn't work. I figure since I emailed him 20 minutes after he posted it I got a good shot at this one. Looks like a ridiculous deal to me if its running good. Hopefully he'll call back soon. How much of PITA is it to change the clutch in the 465? I guess I'll do a search now.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/503986212.html
Since there is no phone number I emailed him and told him I wanted to look as soon as possible. I'm not really sure what "the engine bay needs some buttoning up" means but hopefully its running and in good order and not that the engine is about to explode or something. Although from the other repairs he says were done, I doubt he would have attacked those with an engine that didn't work. I figure since I emailed him 20 minutes after he posted it I got a good shot at this one. Looks like a ridiculous deal to me if its running good. Hopefully he'll call back soon. How much of PITA is it to change the clutch in the 465? I guess I'll do a search now.
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
ok, so now I feel like I'm talking to myself but... The guy just called. He said that basically he took apart the wiring for the TBI and so it doesn't run right now because the wiring is not connected. He sounds pretty mechanically sound and said that he has turned the cam over on occasion to make sure that the engine is not frozen. So, wiring scares the crap out of me, I'm sure I can tackle this, and it seems like a ridiculous deal if thats all I have to do to get it back together and running. He said he just got a power wagon and turned into a dodge guy and has no interest in the blazer any more. What do ya'll think? How much of a PITA is it going to be to clean up after someones wiring? I've seen stuff about the painless wiring harnesses and stuff, would doing this help? Not sure if I want to risk this but it can't hurt too much, .. or could it? I mean its only $1400. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
You probably have right to be concerned. If he is true, and you are comfortable, then you may have a good deal on your hands. However, if there are other problems that he didnt mention/didnt know about... then you may spend more time and money then necessary to get it up and running.
I agree with what a few others have said, take your time and be sure its right... if it was a simple fix, then I am sure the guy would have put it back together so that was running. Its easier to sell a running vehicle then one that isnt.
I agree with what a few others have said, take your time and be sure its right... if it was a simple fix, then I am sure the guy would have put it back together so that was running. Its easier to sell a running vehicle then one that isnt.
If it was me I would wait for one from the Southeast. We are not going to have the salt ands other fun stuff in those hard to clean places that the NE and definitely Chicago area will have.
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
I knew people wouldn't think this is such a good idea. I think this is an incredible deal if I can get it to run again, the problem will be troubleshooting what is going on with the wiring to get it to work. I'm not afraid of a little work and time and frustration. Just afraid of getting so frustrated that I give up and can't get it working.
So he sent me an email with a few more pictures and then this sentence:
All of the connections are there and if I recall correctly, attached. The work required in wiring is in the charging and starting systems. It also has new cap, rotor, plugs, wires, etc.
Does this mean anything in particular to anyone? what does it sound like to ya'll? seem like something crazy or will it be possible to track down whats wrong and fix it?
So he sent me an email with a few more pictures and then this sentence:
All of the connections are there and if I recall correctly, attached. The work required in wiring is in the charging and starting systems. It also has new cap, rotor, plugs, wires, etc.
Does this mean anything in particular to anyone? what does it sound like to ya'll? seem like something crazy or will it be possible to track down whats wrong and fix it?
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
Starting w/out wiring?
So, I am going to look at the above blazer tonight and I'm wondering if there is anyway that I could hear it turn over and actually hear the motor running and stuff? If possible I'd like to check all drivetrain components to make sure they will work after I correct all the wiring issues. I know buying this may sound like a terrible idea but its got all the goodies I want including TBI and 465, which are pretty big things in my opinion but of no good if they won't work after I get it running. So, if there is a way to start this thing up and hear it run at least could you please help me out? Also, what wires would need to be attached for the ghetto startup to work?
So, I am going to look at the above blazer tonight and I'm wondering if there is anyway that I could hear it turn over and actually hear the motor running and stuff? If possible I'd like to check all drivetrain components to make sure they will work after I correct all the wiring issues. I know buying this may sound like a terrible idea but its got all the goodies I want including TBI and 465, which are pretty big things in my opinion but of no good if they won't work after I get it running. So, if there is a way to start this thing up and hear it run at least could you please help me out? Also, what wires would need to be attached for the ghetto startup to work?
Hooking up stuff to start it is pretty simple, if you just need to hear it turn over to make sure it will get a remote starter switch you just hook those up to the starter and pull the trigger, it won't start if the ignition switch is in and functional. Its almost as quick to just hook up the battery and starter though
Thats pretty inexpensive. I prefer mechanical work to body work so I would say go for it. try to get a feel for the guy. If he has 10 other cars and trucks lying around none of them finished then run like hell.
I have offered to get a truck running for free if he doesn't sell it to anyone else, just so I can hear it run and stuff. If he says sure to that you are usually safe to just go ahead and buy it.
A non running truck is always a risk I bought a blazer that was supposed to have all sorts of electrical probs replaced the disty and made 800 bucks off it.
Thats pretty inexpensive. I prefer mechanical work to body work so I would say go for it. try to get a feel for the guy. If he has 10 other cars and trucks lying around none of them finished then run like hell.
I have offered to get a truck running for free if he doesn't sell it to anyone else, just so I can hear it run and stuff. If he says sure to that you are usually safe to just go ahead and buy it.
A non running truck is always a risk I bought a blazer that was supposed to have all sorts of electrical probs replaced the disty and made 800 bucks off it.
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
thanks for the advice, I dont' know what all is hooked up is the problem, I'm thinking that if I just talk to the guy and he seems pretty straightforward and would be willing to let me do that, even if I dont' have one, then its probably a good deal. would the starter have to be hooked up to anything for the engine to start? I'm thinking no, but all the other wires for the TBI and stuff would need to be in place.... Correct?
How did it go?
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
Put a hundred dollars down on it till I can get a trailer and pick it up. The guy was real cool and had a full garage and stuff, just seemed like he had moved on to other things. I got him to turn the engine manually and went through everything he had done with it. Still think its gonna be a great deal once I get it up and running. Thanks to all those who helped me with my decisions....Hopefully I'll get it back here this weekend and get into it. Can't wait to get started, looks like you guys are going to be my new best friends....
Good luck with it.
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
thanks man, I'm just excited to get it back here and get moving on it. Its gonna suck till I actually get it started up, I'm just going to want to get it running, then it'll be something else, then something else.... I'm sure never ending...
You are oh so right. Neverending, neverenough, neverrunning, never whatever. Just look at some of the usernames around here.
Anyways, we all help out as best we can. Besides, with you in Atlanta, you have a lot of guys close by, some with their own shops to help out, although not necessarily for free.
Anyways, we all help out as best we can. Besides, with you in Atlanta, you have a lot of guys close by, some with their own shops to help out, although not necessarily for free.
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
Thanks, I'll definitely look into those shops when I need them, I'm sure that I'll get to know people round here pretty good over the next long period of time.
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
radiator question
So the guy has a 2 core radiator that will come with it for $1400 or if I don't want to take that one and just go buy my own 3 or 4 core and let him keep the 2 core he'll knock $100 off. Should I just take the one he has and install it or go pick up a 3 or 4 core with the $100 plus whatever it costs? Good news is that I do get the new clutch for 13 or 1400....
So the guy has a 2 core radiator that will come with it for $1400 or if I don't want to take that one and just go buy my own 3 or 4 core and let him keep the 2 core he'll knock $100 off. Should I just take the one he has and install it or go pick up a 3 or 4 core with the $100 plus whatever it costs? Good news is that I do get the new clutch for 13 or 1400....
reddog64
1/2 ton status
bigger is better...
a 3-4 core can be had for 1000 bucks... new...
a 3-4 core can be had for 1000 bucks... new...
simpleman83
1/2 ton status
Holly S@&% thats an expensive radiator...
Randy92782
1 ton status
I'm guessing he meant 100 hahahahaha but still funny.
Good luck on it and hope to see pics soon
simpleman83,
I looked and looked for almost 3 months before I found what I was looking for. I picked up an 85 with a new GM crate motor in it, 98K original miles (documented), it's a Silverado, no rust or bondo, from the second owner. Got it for $3500 and after checking out 8 or 10 Blazers of various vintages and wading through a lot of crap, I was happy to find this one.
One of my criteria was I didn't want a project I had to tow home. Been there, done that. I wanted a clean rig that needed little, if any, repair.
I know what you went through and can't wait to see how it turns out! I wish ya the best.
Here's a pic or two of what I ended up with:
Keep us updated on how things are going!
Michael
I looked and looked for almost 3 months before I found what I was looking for. I picked up an 85 with a new GM crate motor in it, 98K original miles (documented), it's a Silverado, no rust or bondo, from the second owner. Got it for $3500 and after checking out 8 or 10 Blazers of various vintages and wading through a lot of crap, I was happy to find this one.
One of my criteria was I didn't want a project I had to tow home. Been there, done that. I wanted a clean rig that needed little, if any, repair.
I know what you went through and can't wait to see how it turns out! I wish ya the best.
Here's a pic or two of what I ended up with:
Keep us updated on how things are going!
Michael
