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What year K5 to buy?

zj4play

zj4play

1/2 ton status
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Oct 10, 2008
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Location
orange county
Hey there, my names Josh and this is my first post on your board. I am in the market for a new (old) blazer and would like advice from all you pros out there on what year to buy. I live in CA and really like the idea of the full convertible so that gets me into the 1969-1975 years. I like the round headlights that are on the 1970-1972? But I am sure I can put that grill on any of the years? The NP205 is on all the years I am looking at right? Not too worried about the axles as I have a D60 and 14 bolt already to go. As to the motor, I have a 496 that will be ready to swap in next month so not too worried about that either. Just want to know if there are any pros or cons between the years. Thanks in advance.
 
It looks like your sold on the full convertible.
To me... It would just be body preference... I like the box (73+) style, but that's just me. You would have to just figure out which body style you like more. I would believe that neither one are going to be all that easy to find in decent shape(as far as rust issues), again... this is all just in my opinion.
 
Even out here, they all have bodyrot somewhere on them.
I like the frist gen's but, they are too pricey. 73-75's are more affordable.and more of them.
Also depend what your going to do with it.
If you wheel it, better not be afraid of body damage cause it's gonna happen If so go with the later model, parts are cheap and plenty of them.
 
I prefer the 1st gens also, but I was building a trail rig so I built a '75. I just couldn't bring myself to beat a 1st gen.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I just talked to the guys at Offroad Design, and their coilover kit works on the 1973's and newer, so it looks like I need a 73' to 75'. Good point on the body parts and replacement...the blazer will get used and dented. Rust?, oh well.
 
zj4play said:
Thanks for the input guys. I just talked to the guys at Offroad Design, and their coilover kit works on the 1973's and newer, so it looks like I need a 73' to 75'. Good point on the body parts and replacement...the blazer will get used and dented. Rust?, oh well.
Click to expand...
Added bonus is that '75 and before are smog-exempt in CA.:D I like the looks of the first-gen better, but I'd rather have '73-up if I was just gonna thrash on it (like my '73 K20).
 
well it looks like you have big plans with the coilovers and all. something to consider depending on your budget and whats out there, you can always do a full vert conversion. thats just something to consider and good luck finding the 73-75!!!!
 
Thanks again. Yeah, I realize I can do the full convertible conversion on the 76' and newer years, but like Throttleissues said...I don't have to smog the 75' and older. I have a ramjet 496 that will be finished soon and it will need to find a home. If anyone knows of a 73' to 75' for sale in southern california (costa mesa) let me know :)
 
73-75 could/probably have the np203, 73 was the first year of the 203 and the worst year of the 203 as well (cast iron tailhousing not interchangeable w/ other 203's). Most manual trannies had the 205 behind them, except some rare 74 models w/ a 465/203 combo.
 
go 73-75 and never look back. I love all the years, and you can make any of them full convertible with not TOO much effort. If you lived anywhere else in the US i'd say it doesn't matter just find the best deal, but when residing in the great state of Nazifornia you must abide by the rules (or have a ton of $$ for smog shop bribery)
 
As far as body what does it matter. 73 up you can cut off or bolt on however you want it to look.
 
75' or older in California only I say, stay smog exempt or deal with headaches.
 
onetonbb74 said:
73-75 could/probably have the np203, 73 was the first year of the 203 and the worst year of the 203 as well (cast iron tailhousing not interchangeable w/ other 203's). Most manual trannies had the 205 behind them, except some rare 74 models w/ a 465/203 combo.
Click to expand...

Aren't most 1973's NP205's?

Martin
 
zj4play said:
Thanks again. Yeah, I realize I can do the full convertible conversion on the 76' and newer years, but like Throttleissues said...I don't have to smog the 75' and older. I have a ramjet 496 that will be finished soon and it will need to find a home. If anyone knows of a 73' to 75' for sale in southern california (costa mesa) let me know :)
Click to expand...

No chit. I live in Costa Misery. Over in Eastside. Where are you?
 
Can't do anything above a 75' do to smog issues. Unless I found a diesel, possible. I have an 86' Chevy crew cab diesel I was going to shorten and buildup as a trophy truck (obviously not as trick) but I wanted something smaller. I really like the style of the 1st gen, but will wind up with the 73'-75'. Already some choices on Craigslist :)
 
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