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Finally some pics

Entropy

Entropy

1971 K5 Blazer w/350
 Premium
Joined
Feb 8, 2001
Posts
87
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19
Location
Colorado
Ok, finally dragged my truck out, got it started and running again and am getting ready to do some steering/suspension/front end work. First plan is to convert from manual steering to power (so the wife can drive). I have most of the parts for that already. Additionally, the Q-jet 4MV requires a rebuild and I'm losing brake fluid as well. BTW, you're looking at a 1971.

Overall it's in pretty good shape. This was a Colorado truck that my Dad bought new and gave to me a few years ago. There is some rust - principally in the floorboards, the bed in back, a bit in the rockers, 1/4 panels an inner fender wells. This truck is pretty much completely stock. It does have a relatively new stock 350, and a bit bigger tires, but that's it. Oh wait, I did put in a 37 gallon gas tank when the original went bad. The extra range is great, but filling it almost gives me a heart-attack. Tranny is the 4-speed with the super low granny-gear for 1st - so it's really a 3 speed. BTW, anyone know if it's possible to add an overdrive?

Anyway, here are the pics:

blazer1.jpg



blazer2.jpg


Odometer shows 90k - it's turned over once:
blazer3.jpg



Engine compartment looks pretty rusty!
blazer4.jpg


Anyway, my LOOONG term plans are to basically restore this thing to it's former glory with perhaps a few modifications. I also need a new exhaust system bad. Right now I have a single 2" tailpipe! I'll probably go with a dual exhaust in the future. The current tires are 31" on the stock rims - amazingly I still have the original hubcaps.

Anyway, any questions/comments are most welcome!

Andy
 
Good looking K5! Very cool that your dad bought it new.

I'll let others discuss the overdrive issue as there are options but beyond my knowledge level.
 
Nice looking blazer, the history is great also.
 
Nice! I like the faded original paint look.

my Dad had a '68 long bed 4wd the same color long since sold :(
 
She's a peach! :saweet:

Once the obvious safety, reliability issues are addressed..... you could make a few small changes that would really improve the look and enjoyment considerably.

1. Clean up the wheels and repaint them original white again. Polish up those classic hubcaps. Maybe remount the tires with the white letters on the inside, or get a new set of blackwall tires.

2. Replace that steering wheel with something less painful to hold. Maybe install a new dashpad while you're at it.

3. Maybe.....just maybe spend a little time cleaning all that garbage out of the interior and give it a thorough vaccuuming and cleaning.


Other than that, it's a cool looking ride. The fact that it's a one-owner is a great story too. :thumb:


:usaflag:
 
Thanks all the kind comments! I'm trying to figure out what exactly I have. I know I have an SM465, but am assuming I have an NP205 transfer case. I also believe I have the standard axles which are, IIRC, a 12 bolt rear with 3.73 gears and a dana 44 in front, correct?

Yeah, driving on the highway is not much fun - 65 is about the limit or it sounds like I have the thing floored.

It also looks like my radiator leak is a lot worse than I thought - drained 1/2 the radiator overnight through multiple little holes, so it looks like replacement time there too.

So much work, so little time...
 
If you have to replace it anyway, try to get a 4-core radiator if you have the tiny 2-core. I'm guessing Texas is just as hot as Cali and the extra cores seemed to help mine a lot.
 
Yes, I'm in San Antonio, so it does get hot and I do have the smaller 2-core. Any opinions on going aluminum or is a standard 4 core plenty good?
 
I've heard the aluminum ones are not worth the money on these rigs. The standard 4-core is probably plenty paired with the right thermostat. I'm using a 180degree now. 195 was too hot in the summer time.
 
Nice ride. If you plan on a lift and bigger tires you won't need and overdrive. BTW, what gear ratio do you have in the diffs? X2 on the where are you in Texas ?. I used to live in Austin before moving to Idaho. Also, I'd like to get a bigger gas tank for those long treks into the mountain. Where did you get yours and how much did you pay for it?
 
Nice rig.

Standard 4 core is fine, you will need to order the parts that hold the radiator in. 2 brackets on bottom of radiator and 2 on top that are wider for the 4 core radiator.

You should have 12 bolt rear and 44 front. You have power drum brakes so you can change the booster and master cylinder for disc, you will need the bracket that is shorter to go behind the booster that attaches to the firewall and score the parts for disc conversion, also might look at adjustable proportioning valve and maybe resdual pressure valve. there are several threads on here about the disc conversion and what people have used.

I don't have any experience in the power steering conversion so I will leave that to the experts.

Yes the transfer case should be an NP 205, there are several pics on here to help you identify it.

Have fun and bring money!!
 
When I first bought mine, it would barely run 65. GIve it a good tune up, plugs, wires, put in an HEI and loose the points if it still has it. Go through the carb, make sure the muffler is not packed full of rust goobers.

As an added bonus, the cam in mine was going flat. But worry about the minor tune up things and the safety items first.
 
I wish my parents could kick down stuff like that! That is awesom and with the originallity of the thing I'd keep it stock through and through. That is also the only other K5 with the same top I have (that I can remember)
 
I don't plan on lifting this - it's pretty much gonna be stock - possibly restored one day.

Gearing for the diffs is 3.73 according to the papers I have (still have the original invoice! Original purchase price was $4119.70 btw!). I currently live in San Antonio, Texas, but will probably be moving next year (wife is military).

I do have drum brakes on the rear, but don't plan on changing them anytime soon. I have to find a fluid leak though, because it drops quite a bit when driven, though the brakes seem to work fine. The booster and master cylinder look to be in pretty poor shape, so I'll probably start there.

I still have points - original distributer and all. HEI would be nice at some point, but for now changing points every so often is no big deal.

The carb is in serious need of a rebuild. I'm considering sending it out because the finish is shot and I'd like to restore it.

So for now, I'm just looking to get the front suspension/steering done, brakes, carb, radiator and probably an exhaust system by this spring. Gotta get it done so I can move!

Thanks again everyone for the nice comments, warm welcome, and helpful advice!
 
There is an option to a complete HEI distributer install. I have a friend that works at an auto parts store who told me about something called Pertronix Flame Thrower. You just remove your cap and rotor, remove the points and condenser and replace them with a little electronic box that sits right where the points and condenser were. The original cap and rotor go back on and away you go. I used to have to reset the dwell and points every 8 to 10 months. Since putting in the Flame Thrower I haven't looked under the cap for almost 2 years and she purrs like a kitten. The Pertronix FT ran me about $90 at the auto parts store, but I've seen them cheaper on E-bay. There is also a matching coil you can buy, but I'm still using my original coil.
 
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