Can i get an opinion on buying this k5

[Irishmic]

Is asking $12,000 for this. I had a company take a look and I am concerned about the leaks. It did sit in a barn from 2010 to 2016. All leaks are from unknown origins; oil, transfer case, power steering. Missing a tailpipe, transmission fluid and coolant old and unsure of last change.

I have the full report in the pictures, no rust but will need interior replaced and outside painted. Original engine, probably will need a new one over the next 1-2 years.

I'm wondering if this will be more trouble than it's worth. I will not be doing any of the work FYI.

I have a lot more pictures of thr truck from many different places so of you wanted anymore pictures to see anything please ask.

Thank you for taking a look and I appreciate any thoughts you might have.

 

[TJ1978]

Buy it... and do the fixes yourself. Nothing major according to your notes, or can't be shown how to do from members here. It's better to do what you can yourself, helps you get aquatinted with your vehicle. These vehicles are going for more $$$ than usual, so it goes, but $12 is a bit high.

You'll need new tires as well.
Offer $10k and see what happens

 

[cheavyk10]

IMHO that is a $7,000 rig, but with today's crazy prices and lack of k5's out there I could see why they're asking so much. It does look original and unmolested.

 

[Irishmic]

Buy it... and do the fixes yourself. Nothing major according to your notes, or can't be shown how to do from members here. It's better to do what you can yourself, helps you get aquatinted with your vehicle. These vehicles are going for more $$$ than usual, so it goes, but $12 is a bit high.

You'll need new tires as well.
Offer $10k

Probably should add its going to be $2300-3000 to ship it to me. We are on total opposite sides of the country. I was thinking 10k from the start but with shipping I'm seeing it as 12-13k. But I also don't see much out there as is. I really only want 86-88 so a small window.

Looking to get it to be something like this truck

 

[TJ1978]

Some guys here may be able to help with transport. But if you're paying shipping I'd haggle ask low as they will go. But k5's in that condition don't pop up too often. The ones out here in Arizona are beat up or really expensive and the number available ss getting smaller and smaller each year.

 

[Irishmic]

Well I'm wondering if i should wait around and find one for 20-30k that has been redone, lifted, painted, new engine and just no issues?

I just am worried with the seals having leaks is this the beginning of issue after issue. I understand no one can say but what's in my head for concerns. I do know there is not a big availability.

 

[tRustyK5]

It's a 34 year old truck being driven daily, yes it will have issue after issue...but most will be minor, and easy to fix. These rigs are super simple to work on, and if you are wanting one you need to get your expectation aligned with reality. A $30,000 built K5 will likely have as many or more issues to be honest.

None of those oil leaks in that report would scare me. All within normal, especially for the age.

 

[Irishmic]

It's a 34 year old truck being driven daily, yes it will have issue after issue...but most will be minor, and easy to fix. These rigs are super simple to work on, and if you are wanting one you need to get your expectation aligned with reality. A $30,000 built K5 will likely have as many or more issues to be honest.

None of those oil leaks in that report would scare me. All within normal, especially for the age.

Thank you for the information and being blunt and frank. But you have me looking with a clearer head.

 

[TJ1978]

Hahaha,
My PS seeps, oil, seeps, tranny a bit.. front diff. You just top off the fluid and keep cardboard under it. Even $40K will have issues and that would piss me off more than $10k that leaks a little.

 

[muddybuddy]

If i may ask, why 86-88? TBI started in 87, and the grill was the same 85-88. If you are planning to do work/have work done, then would open it up to 81-88 (or through 91, and you can swap core support and headlight setup to 85-88 if desired).

 

[Irishmic]

If i may ask, why 86-88? TBI started in 87, and the grill was the same 85-88. If you are planning to do work/have work done, then would open it up to 81-88 (or through 91, and you can swap core support and headlight setup to 85-88 if desired).

Has to do with first car, s-10 and the years just hold significance. I have seen 85 and 86 are the same no changes. So the answer is probably just being foolish and what my mind would like.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

Something to keep in mind is we have all seen lots of "redone" 30k blazers that are just lipstick on a pig type of build with it all thrown together, and not done properly.

In my opinion an original daily driver, even with normal oil leaks is a better buy than a flipper special with a hacked ls swap and shiny paint job.

 

[82355]

Too much money for that Blazer. If you want to spend stupid money, buy one from Restore A Muscle Car.

Martin

 

[flatland]

Fewer good solid k5's showing up around here(GA). Most are either ragged out and rusty but cheap, or restored and pricy.
Not doing work yourself means repairs will be pricier. Nothing wrong with that, just need to keep it in mind. Sometimes I too just want to drive it and not work on it all day.
With that said, a solid truck with a bad motor or transmission can often be found pretty cheap. Even with shop labor a crate engine is not that expensive to put in. Labor to replace is 800-1000 around here. Ask around for recommendations on shops in your area.
Rust or body damage can get pricy to have repaired. And repainting.
Good luck in your search, I hope you find one you can enjoy for years!

 

[Blue85]

I will not be doing any of the work FYI.

OK, so figure 3-4x asking price to get it done. There really aren't any shops working on these old rigs except high $$ specialty places. Shame since these vehicles are easy to work on and all the information is already posted on this forum...

All of those screen shots don't mean much to the experts here (whoever is putting all that info in charts is trying to sell a vehicle?) Pictures talk a lot more. If you like it exactly the way it is, then you can probably get it on the road for less than 2x the asking price. Obviously if you're really shopping you'll at least put down the phone and look at the pictures for real (and the truck!)

 

[Blue85]

Probably should add its going to be $2300-3000 to ship it to me. We are on total opposite sides of the country. I was thinking 10k from the start but with shipping I'm seeing it as 12-13k. But I also don't see much out there as is. I really only want 86-88 so a small window.

Looking to get it to be something like this truck

View attachment 410426

If you're going to pay somebody else to do everything to be like this truck, be realistic:

• source 3/4-ton axles, get the right gears installed and do the swap: $5k
• Figure out the right drivelines to make it work and install: $2.5k
• Buy wheels/tires and install: $2k
• Do the prep and put a shiny paint job on: $3.5k
• Find new interior parts (seats, carpet, door panels, dash pad) and install: $2k

We can argue the costs here, but old trucks require an owner with time and wrenches or willingness to write many big checks.

 

[Blue85]

no rust but will need interior replaced and outside painted

"No rust" is a tall claim. Some equate it to mean "you can't see any rust when standing next to the truck", which doesn't mean there isn't already creeping rot that needs addressing. Demand proof, by getting pictures of the whole underbody. If you're really a savvy buyer, you'll require the carpets pulled up to prove.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

And pull the hardtop at least back a few inches, there is a notorious spot around the hardtop bolts that can rot out and you will never know until the top comes off.

 

[Irishmic]

"No rust" is a tall claim. Some equate it to mean "you can't see any rust when standing next to the truck", which doesn't mean there isn't already creeping rot that needs addressing. Demand proof, by getting pictures of the whole underbody. If you're really a savvy buyer, you'll require the carpets pulled up to prove.

I sent a company to do an inspection. I have 105 pictures, they are ase certified mechanics and the company is called lemon squad. The company is paid for by me to write up the report I have in the pictures. I talked with the guy he said it was a good truck, no rust, he thought it was in good shape.
I felt that I would get good input here and I think I have been. It's good to hear what people think who have a lot of knowledge on these trucks.

 

[max 02]

Why the big tow mirrors?

Looks good from the couple pics.
If you have more pictures post them up.
Oil leaks are going to be expensive if you don’t fix them yourself.

I’ve been fixing leaks on my daughters 02 Dodge Cummins when I have time. She is happy I do that for her. My 2012 Duramax has some leaks. Not bad enough that I’m worried about it but certainly not going to a shop to get fixed. Old blazer is super easy to work on if your willing, have the time, and a place to do it. Otherwise you going to have a big purse to hit it with.