I just picked up a 1986 K15 Jimmy with a SM465, which is quite literally my dream truck for 2 grand, and was just wondering how uncommon a Jimmy/Blazer with a factory manual transmission is? I'm sure they aren't exactly rare by any means, but out of the several dozen I've looked at online I can count the amount of manuals I have seen on one hand, including the one I just bought.
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
Blazer/Jimmy w/ SM465 rarity
- Thread starter ‘86JimmyGMC
- Start date
Rare as in uncommon, yes, but not necessarily more valuable.
Honestly, the ‘85+ hydraulic clutch pedal set up is probably the most valuable aspect.
Honestly, the ‘85+ hydraulic clutch pedal set up is probably the most valuable aspect.
What kind of shape is it in? What are your plans for it?
Not horrible, but not super great. I've seen people try to sell worse for more. I'm planning on doing a resto, and using it as a summer daily. I have an 89 S10 I inherited from my grandpa that I redid over the winter, which is my current summer daily.
Needs new rockers and wheel well arches. They aren't rusted more than an inch or so above the arch, but the bottoms are crusty. I'm just going to get wheel arches from Tabco and replace everything under the body line. It had a full rubber floor mat, so drivers side floor needs to be replaced, as well as the edges of the back cab floors. Everything in the middle, and weirdly enough the passenger is solid, even has the paint on the underside of the floor yet. The bed floor is solid. So far all I can tell is, it needs new Rockers, Drivers floor, maybe 4 inches of back cab floor edge, and new wheel arches. I'm sure there'll be a couple more things, but I feel like I did alright. Especially Considering I'm in MN, and everything else for 2,000 here, and more, needs a whole new truck.
They are pretty common. Lots of govt ordered ones were manual. Some guys love them, some wouldn't buy a manual. Its personal preference. I have 3 manual squares and 2 autos, they both have their place.
As stated above, the hydraulic manual ones are most desirable. The mechanical linkage doesn't work very well on technical off road. The hydraulic pedals and the hydraulic bellhousing are different from '85 up so those are the rare parts for someone doing a swap. Since they are getting harder to find expect $500 each or more these days.
As stated above, the hydraulic manual ones are most desirable. The mechanical linkage doesn't work very well on technical off road. The hydraulic pedals and the hydraulic bellhousing are different from '85 up so those are the rare parts for someone doing a swap. Since they are getting harder to find expect $500 each or more these days.
They are unfortunately rare. Unfortunate there are not more of them.
Martin
Martin
I still have never seen an oem 81-91 k5 manual truck in person. And I seen a buttload of crap too by now.
Yep the pedals are high dollar items to a clown like me that converted one from auto to manual. It's really unique in a sea of automatic equipped trucks for sure. Value is truly dependant on who wants it. I'd say if the buyer was under 30 chances are they don't know how to drive a stick and less likely to shell out bucks for it.
People under 30 can’t afford project square prices let alone the pedal prices if they wanted.
Fair point.
I’m actually 18 lol. A Squarebody Blazer has been a dream truck for me since i was 12-13, and I’ve always wanted a manual. I just so happened to find one that the guy had sitting. He wanted to keep it in the worst way, but he never had time to work on it and wanted to see it on the road even more. I just got super lucky, I think.
My son is 25 and he just rebuilt a 465 and a 205 to go in his 87. Pulled the 700 last week. Now he is debating pulling the 350 for an LS he has sitting on the floor. Glad to see some young folks keeping these projects alive.
No denying we all want to build something no matter the age. It’s just harder and harder every year. Just gotta get lucky sometimes.
Hey kid…. Never let that truck go.
I agree an 18 yr old getting into one of these is definitely not the norm but still cool nonetheless.
You found the motherlode for info on these trucks so read up and fire questions in when you aren’t sure.
I agree an 18 yr old getting into one of these is definitely not the norm but still cool nonetheless.
You found the motherlode for info on these trucks so read up and fire questions in when you aren’t sure.
And please don’t put 28” wheels on it with rubber band tires
Absolutely not. I love the way the truck ralleys look, and I have a set from a Blazer my father had 30 or so years ago. I’ll be throwing those on, with the biggest tire possible without rubbing or anything. I’ll just have to figure out what that is lolAnd please don’t put 28” wheels on it with rubber band tires
I’ve always been into the older stuff. Grew up around it, so newer never did anything for me. This truck is 100% something that I’ll never give up willingly.
Post some pics.
Martin
Martin
