Everyone Likes Pictures! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cleszkie · 05-11-2009, 08:06 PM

Some pics of my Blazer for the masses to scrutinize! I've owned it for over 15years and will never part with it. It is what I call a "20-footer" (at 20 feet it looks great). It gets used all the time, and has just recently been retired from daily driver status. Many upgrades over the years including the 14 bolt full-floater rear, Dana 44 3/4 ton front (8-lug), 16.5x10 steelies with 3/4 ton dog dish caps, 4.10 gears, TH 350/350 combo, and countless other small things. This rig has survived cross-country trips, several trips to and from Telluride Colorado from SoCal, and serves as my tow vehicle for trips out to Johnson Valley, CA. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, and has NEVER left me stranded. Enjoy the pics!

cleszkie · 05-11-2009, 08:07 PM

More...

cleszkie · 05-11-2009, 08:08 PM

Still more....

cleszkie · 05-11-2009, 08:09 PM

Last.

1956cameo · 05-11-2009, 08:41 PM

Great looking rig! I love the Ochre and white interior combo. Hoping to find one in that combo myself someday, either that and blue with white interior.

bigblazerboy · 05-11-2009, 08:47 PM

love the blazer. what are the wheels from? i love the wheel and tire combo

dirty trucker · 05-11-2009, 08:52 PM

Do you have any up-close pics of your tow hooks?? I bought some 69-71 hooks off e-bay, and they don't fit a 72'. I was too cheap to buy the extreme bend hooks. Thanks

*ksjh1316* · 05-11-2009, 09:50 PM

Nice ride I need to see pics of the Bronco and Jeep in the garage too. Those are pretty cool as well

BLUE THUNDER · 05-11-2009, 10:45 PM

I love your Blazer. It gives me something to look foward to. I def hope to see more pics of it. Later, Mario. BTW, the color rocks!!!!!

bouncytruck · 05-11-2009, 11:19 PM

Looks great!

Jtrux · 05-12-2009, 08:44 AM

That's definitely a nice truck, I think you have the first factory 3/4 ton blazer.

**Yukon Jack** · 05-12-2009, 10:01 AM

Wow, that is super nice - love everything about it.

Tell me what you think of those tires.

Gotta like the upgraded axles. I swapped in 3/4 ton axles into my K5 when I was getting it roadworthy.

Who made your bikini top?

I can't blame you for never getting rid of it!!!

**jaros44sr** · 05-12-2009, 10:52 AM

Nicely done...tasteful, but not overstated. Beefy, but not bulky

How's it trailor?

bouncytruck · 05-12-2009, 12:41 PM

How does that spare fit with the factory swing-away? Do you have any issues with it being too heavy?

**Thealien** · 05-12-2009, 12:51 PM

Niiiiiice

cleszkie · 05-12-2009, 01:58 PM

Bigblazerboy - The rims came from the rear of two 1968 Ford Camper Specials. GM also made these size rims, but I was not able to find any. Having them made custom is too much $$$, so I went with the Ford units. The backspacing is such that they do not stick out past the fenders very much, but tuck in nicely. They are 8-lug and measure 16.5x9.75.

Dirty Trucker - My tow hooks are not the OEM style big bend units. They are just some standard, off the shelf hooks. They bolt to the bottom of the frame rails, not the side like the OEM.

1972CST - The tires are 35x12.50x16.5 Parnelli Jones Dirt Grips. These tires actually measure a true 35 inches, unlike many other tires advertised as such. The lift is from Superlift. 6 inches front and rear with leaves plus a one inch block in the rear to level it off. Superlift drop drag link, braided stainless extended brake lines front and rear from Goodrich, CV rear drive shaft.

ksjh1316 - I could post some picks of the Bronco and Jeep, but I might get flamed! I am an equal opportunity 4x4 lover, so I don't discriminate. I collect em all. Yeah, I'll post some.

Blue Thunder - I say go ochre or go home! Many people don't like it, but it is the original color (not paint) of the truck. A true 70's color!

Yukon Jack - As I mentioned above, the tires are 35x12.50x16.5 Parnelli Jones Dirt Grips. I bought the tires about three years ago and they have worn remarkably well. They are supposed to be very well balanced from the factory, and this agrees with what I experienced with the tire balancing when they were mounted. They have an E rated sidewall, so they are stiff. Not a great off road tire for that reason, but I chose them because I tow alot with the Blazer and the stiff sidewalls make a HUGE difference in the handling when you have a trailer trying to push you around. I used to run BFGs, and the sidewall flex made it too scary to tow with. The bikini top is actually made for a 1970s Jeep CJ 5. It is the same width as the Blazer windshield frame. I just had an upholstery shop modify the front to snap into my pre-existing Bestop snaps on the windshield frame. Top cost about $50.

Bouncy Truck - The spare tire is a 35x12.50x16.5 BFG A/T mounted on a stock 6 or 7 inch wide 3/4 ton rim. It has been on there for several years with no problems. I do use all of the backing plates for the rack. One thing that definitely helps with the support of the tire is that the inside sidewall of the tire actually presses against the bumper. This keeps the tire from wanting to move around, twist, or bounce.

OARNGESI · 05-12-2009, 01:45 PM

Nice blazer

72BlckButy · 05-12-2009, 02:19 PM

Great looking Blazer!

**Yukon Jack** · 05-12-2009, 02:27 PM

Very cool about the 70s Jeep CJ5 bikini top working so well. I got a local upholstery guy to make custom bikini tops for the first gen K5's but that $50 CJ5 beats the heck out of the price he has them listed at!

lgdpt · 05-12-2009, 04:24 PM

Another local! I will look out for you!

70rs/ss · 05-12-2009, 06:18 PM

Oh no that looks too rough to roll in, you better let me take that off your hands so no one scrutinizes you for it.

NAH, that is a sweet Blazer and I'd roll it, and smack anybody that talked crap about it! The wheels and tires are good looking on it and over all it is too cool!!

swyfor5 · 05-12-2009, 06:31 PM

Awesome K5! More pic's?

cleszkie · 05-12-2009, 07:18 PM

70rs/ss - I thought for sure someone was going to call me out on the dirty, undetailed engine bay! It may not be pretty, but its all there, and it works. I don't clean in there to often because it only takes one trip out to the desert to dust it down again, and I do the desert alot!

cleszkie · 05-12-2009, 07:30 PM

As requested, some more pics. One from camping in Telluride Colorado, Moab Utah, Zion National Park, Laguna Salada dry lake in Mexico, and Guadaloupe Canyon in Mexico. These are all reposts from a year or more back, so I apologize for those who recognize them. Enjoy!

vtblazer · 05-14-2009, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleszkie

As requested, some more pics. One from camping in Telluride Colorado, Moab Utah, Zion National Park, Laguna Salada dry lake in Mexico, and Guadaloupe Canyon in Mexico. These are all reposts from a year or more back, so I apologize for those who recognize them. Enjoy!

I remeber those, liked it then, like it even more now.

Great to see a blazer purpose built and used for that purpose, congrats!

05-11-2009, 08:06 PM	#1
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Everyone Likes Pictures! Some pics of my Blazer for the masses to scrutinize! I've owned it for over 15years and will never part with it. It is what I call a "20-footer" (at 20 feet it looks great). It gets used all the time, and has just recently been retired from daily driver status. Many upgrades over the years including the 14 bolt full-floater rear, Dana 44 3/4 ton front (8-lug), 16.5x10 steelies with 3/4 ton dog dish caps, 4.10 gears, TH 350/350 combo, and countless other small things. This rig has survived cross-country trips, several trips to and from Telluride Colorado from SoCal, and serves as my tow vehicle for trips out to Johnson Valley, CA. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, and has NEVER left me stranded. Enjoy the pics! Attached Images

05-11-2009, 08:07 PM	#2
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! More... Attached Images

05-11-2009, 08:08 PM	#3
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Still more.... Attached Images

05-11-2009, 08:09 PM	#4
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Last. Attached Images

05-11-2009, 08:41 PM	#5
1956cameo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Angleton, TX Posts: 2,219	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Great looking rig! I love the Ochre and white interior combo. Hoping to find one in that combo myself someday, either that and blue with white interior.

05-11-2009, 08:47 PM	#6
bigblazerboy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: richmond, va Posts: 304	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! love the blazer. what are the wheels from? i love the wheel and tire combo __________________ 1995 tahoe lt 4x4 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3856942

05-11-2009, 08:52 PM	#7
dirty trucker Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: AuGres, Mi Posts: 82	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Do you have any up-close pics of your tow hooks?? I bought some 69-71 hooks off e-bay, and they don't fit a 72'. I was too cheap to buy the extreme bend hooks. Thanks

05-11-2009, 09:50 PM	#8
ksjh1316 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 1,599	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Nice ride I need to see pics of the Bronco and Jeep in the garage too. Those are pretty cool as well

05-11-2009, 10:45 PM	#9
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! I love your Blazer. It gives me something to look foward to. I def hope to see more pics of it. Later, Mario. BTW, the color rocks!!!!!

05-11-2009, 11:19 PM	#10
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Looks great! __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

05-12-2009, 08:44 AM	#11
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! That's definitely a nice truck, I think you have the first factory 3/4 ton blazer. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

05-12-2009, 10:01 AM	#12
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,687	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Wow, that is super nice - love everything about it. Tell me what you think of those tires. Gotta like the upgraded axles. I swapped in 3/4 ton axles into my K5 when I was getting it roadworthy. Who made your bikini top? I can't blame you for never getting rid of it!!! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

05-12-2009, 10:52 AM	#13
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,798	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Nicely done...tasteful, but not overstated. Beefy, but not bulky How's it trailor? __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 05-12-2009 at 10:53 AM.

05-12-2009, 12:41 PM	#14
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! How does that spare fit with the factory swing-away? Do you have any issues with it being too heavy? __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

05-12-2009, 12:51 PM	#15
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,138	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Niiiiiice



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05-12-2009, 01:58 PM	#16
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Bigblazerboy - The rims came from the rear of two 1968 Ford Camper Specials. GM also made these size rims, but I was not able to find any. Having them made custom is too much $$$, so I went with the Ford units. The backspacing is such that they do not stick out past the fenders very much, but tuck in nicely. They are 8-lug and measure 16.5x9.75. Dirty Trucker - My tow hooks are not the OEM style big bend units. They are just some standard, off the shelf hooks. They bolt to the bottom of the frame rails, not the side like the OEM. 1972CST - The tires are 35x12.50x16.5 Parnelli Jones Dirt Grips. These tires actually measure a true 35 inches, unlike many other tires advertised as such. The lift is from Superlift. 6 inches front and rear with leaves plus a one inch block in the rear to level it off. Superlift drop drag link, braided stainless extended brake lines front and rear from Goodrich, CV rear drive shaft. ksjh1316 - I could post some picks of the Bronco and Jeep, but I might get flamed! I am an equal opportunity 4x4 lover, so I don't discriminate. I collect em all. Yeah, I'll post some. Blue Thunder - I say go ochre or go home! Many people don't like it, but it is the original color (not paint) of the truck. A true 70's color! Yukon Jack - As I mentioned above, the tires are 35x12.50x16.5 Parnelli Jones Dirt Grips. I bought the tires about three years ago and they have worn remarkably well. They are supposed to be very well balanced from the factory, and this agrees with what I experienced with the tire balancing when they were mounted. They have an E rated sidewall, so they are stiff. Not a great off road tire for that reason, but I chose them because I tow alot with the Blazer and the stiff sidewalls make a HUGE difference in the handling when you have a trailer trying to push you around. I used to run BFGs, and the sidewall flex made it too scary to tow with. The bikini top is actually made for a 1970s Jeep CJ 5. It is the same width as the Blazer windshield frame. I just had an upholstery shop modify the front to snap into my pre-existing Bestop snaps on the windshield frame. Top cost about $50. Bouncy Truck - The spare tire is a 35x12.50x16.5 BFG A/T mounted on a stock 6 or 7 inch wide 3/4 ton rim. It has been on there for several years with no problems. I do use all of the backing plates for the rack. One thing that definitely helps with the support of the tire is that the inside sidewall of the tire actually presses against the bumper. This keeps the tire from wanting to move around, twist, or bounce.

05-12-2009, 01:45 PM	#17
OARNGESI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CASA GRANDE AZ Posts: 4,276	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Nice blazer __________________ 70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger

05-12-2009, 02:19 PM	#18
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Great looking Blazer! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

05-12-2009, 02:27 PM	#19
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,687	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Very cool about the 70s Jeep CJ5 bikini top working so well. I got a local upholstery guy to make custom bikini tops for the first gen K5's but that $50 CJ5 beats the heck out of the price he has them listed at! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

05-12-2009, 04:24 PM	#20
lgdpt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 153	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Another local! I will look out for you!

05-12-2009, 06:18 PM	#21
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Oh no that looks too rough to roll in, you better let me take that off your hands so no one scrutinizes you for it. NAH, that is a sweet Blazer and I'd roll it, and smack anybody that talked crap about it! The wheels and tires are good looking on it and over all it is too cool!!

05-12-2009, 06:31 PM	#22
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! Awesome K5! More pic's?

05-12-2009, 07:18 PM	#23
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! 70rs/ss - I thought for sure someone was going to call me out on the dirty, undetailed engine bay! It may not be pretty, but its all there, and it works. I don't clean in there to often because it only takes one trip out to the desert to dust it down again, and I do the desert alot!

05-12-2009, 07:30 PM	#24
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Everyone Likes Pictures! As requested, some more pics. One from camping in Telluride Colorado, Moab Utah, Zion National Park, Laguna Salada dry lake in Mexico, and Guadaloupe Canyon in Mexico. These are all reposts from a year or more back, so I apologize for those who recognize them. Enjoy! Attached Images

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