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Should I buy this Blazer?

dconway32

dconway32

ShakyJedi
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Hi All,
I'm new to the forum and wanting to get some advise from the community. I have had 2 Ford Broncos in the past and am looking to change it up and go to the Chevy K5 Blazer for my next truck.

I'm seriously considering buying this Blazer from Gateway Classic Cars in Houston:
https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/HOU/1638/1986-Chevrolet-K10-Blazer

There are a number of minor things that need to be fixed on it, such as high beams, horn, tail lights, and the right blinker (Assuming the blinker is a simple bulb swap). In the Broncos this was usually due to the central relay that was notorious for going out and was cheap and easy to fix. Wondering if that's the same kind of thing on the Blazer.

It doesn't have much of a paper trail, and they are telling me its the original TR400 tranny that hasn't been rebuilt at all. It's a 5.3 vortec engine and the miles on the odometer are assuming to be roll over miles at least once. Sounds like the A/C unit hasn't been converted to R134a but they did confirm that it works, however, there is no heater. Assuming that I would just need to install a heater fan on that. Not sure if that's a big deal or not.

I live in OK and am going to have to buy this sight unseen most likely, which I've never done before and am nervous. Planning on getting some financing through JJ Best and they will inspect it and give me a report on it at least before the purchase.

Just wanted to reach out and get some advise from you guys on what you think about this truck and any recommendations on what price I should offer on it or just walk away from it.

Thanks in advance for any help on this!
 
dconway32 said:
Hi All,
I'm new to the forum and wanting to get some advise from the community. I have had 2 Ford Broncos in the past and am looking to change it up and go to the Chevy K5 Blazer for my next truck.

I'm seriously considering buying this Blazer from Gateway Classic Cars in Houston:
https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/HOU/1638/1986-Chevrolet-K10-Blazer

There are a number of minor things that need to be fixed on it, such as high beams, horn, tail lights, and the right blinker (Assuming the blinker is a simple bulb swap). In the Broncos this was usually due to the central relay that was notorious for going out and was cheap and easy to fix. Wondering if that's the same kind of thing on the Blazer.

It doesn't have much of a paper trail, and they are telling me its the original TR400 tranny that hasn't been rebuilt at all. It's a 5.3 vortec engine and the miles on the odometer are assuming to be roll over miles at least once. Sounds like the A/C unit hasn't been converted to R134a but they did confirm that it works, however, there is no heater. Assuming that I would just need to install a heater fan on that. Not sure if that's a big deal or not.

I live in OK and am going to have to buy this sight unseen most likely, which I've never done before and am nervous. Planning on getting some financing through JJ Best and they will inspect it and give me a report on it at least before the purchase.

Just wanted to reach out and get some advise from you guys on what you think about this truck and any recommendations on what price I should offer on it or just walk away from it.

Thanks in advance for any help on this!
Click to expand...
I am probably not the right person to answer this but they have the 5.3 vortec and they didn't bother to put the overdrive transmission with it and although there is some work done here, I don't see anywhere near $20k worth of truck. $10k tops.
But that's just me.
And for $20k, there better be not be any little problems like light bulbs or the like
 
Paint looks nice and sounds good but a few negatives, Dash hits door panel that is far from original and OD indicator without overdrive. I would ask for a stack of receipts for stuff that you can't sees like brakes, shaft u-joints, heater core and bearings. Just a few random things I'm going to the parts store to get now :haha:
 
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I have to agree, it'd probably be worth around $10k as a really nice Blazer BUT it's not a $20k truck. For $20k I would expect it to be nearly flawless. A quick look through the pics shows a few things I'd question -

1) what could be cracked door panels (upper rear corners)
2) hacked stereo installation?
3) missing brake pedal pad
4) dented rear bumper
5) dented tailgate trim
6) missing dome light lens
7) busted dash trim (pass side a/c vent area)
8) upper radiator mounting brackets don't fit
9) something weird between the battery and core support - is that carpet padding?!?
10) engine wiring just doesn't look like a high dollar conversion (my bet is underneath the engine covers and electrical tape, the wiring needs to be cleaned up)
11) transfer case dropped but no lift kit (tubing spacers are below the frame, they should be above - incorrectly installed and proven to be problematic in this position)
12) grille emblem missing

This is just a quick and obvious list, I could post more but I think I've made my point. Again, for $20k this truck should be at the next level of high quality above simply having pretty paint, pretty tires & wheels and being pretty nice.
 
Or rusty driver’s side mirror or missing a lug/lug nut on the driver’s front. Wonder what other ‘little’ things are wrong. And what’s up with that shifter with the B&M shifter on it floating in the air? I agree, price they’re asking is way too much. Looks like they just slapped some pretty paint on it. If I was thinking of spending that much on a vehicle I’d make a trip there to see it in person.
 
I agree
I dont see 20k in that
Look over the CL in your area
Granted some out there are rough but if you are willing to drop 20k an still have little things to wrk out
Imagine how much better YOU could build one for less than that one
 
Pass... if you have $20k to spend, keep looking.
Hell, Ill sell you mine for $10-12k

These outfits bank on shiny paint and deep-ish pockets.
 
I agree too, not $20k truck. Door panels look like they were painted quickly and already wearing off. Looks like a lipstick job and not in a good way. Trying to wow you with paint job and 5.3....the rest looks mediocre at best. Do not like the tranny shifter either and the quick solution was raise it from floor so the 4wd shifter would not interfere.
 
Man thanks so much for all the quick comments and advice! I can see I joined the right forum!! I was thinking that I'd be making an offer of $15K. But with all the stuff you guys mentioned I'd be happy with offering 10K and walking away if they don't take it..... The main thing was that it was the paint color I was hoping to have and the wheels and rims style I wanted without having a massive lift on it so that i can still fit it in my garage.
 
I actually saw that one.... I've been on the hunt for a while now. It's nice but for a daily driver, those tires would be a mess. I had those Swampers on my last Bronco and they were miserable driving down the street with them. They got tore up real quick. For that price, I could lower the lift a little bit, put some AT's on it and maybe get it painted for a few grand and still be under $20K though. Maybe I need to put it back on my list.....
 
dconway32 said:
Man thanks so much for all the quick comments and advice! I can see I joined the right forum!! I was thinking that I'd be making an offer of $15K. But with all the stuff you guys mentioned I'd be happy with offering 10K and walking away if they don't take it..... The main thing was that it was the paint color I was hoping to have and the wheels and rims style I wanted without having a massive lift on it so that i can still fit it in my garage.
Click to expand...

You were their target too. Pretty paint, tires and wheels....that was their focus to draw you in. After looking at it more in depth, it really does need quite a bit more. The 5.3 is nice, if executed well and correctly. Keep looking....
 
jeff in co said:
You were their target too. Pretty paint, tires and wheels....that was their focus to draw you in. After looking at it more in depth, it really does need quite a bit more. The 5.3 is nice, if executed well and correctly. Keep looking....
Click to expand...

Thanks for your feedback... after all the comments I'm really not very pumped about that one anymore....
 
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