Blazer Value

[asolde]

Looking for opinions...do you guys think it would devalue my truck if I install this Hickey style roll bar in my Blazer. I had the roll bar fabricated and fitted in my 1969 K5 but I want to install it in my 1972 K5, should fit right? Main reason I want to install it, is it looks cool and it adds safety if I were to ever roll the Blazer. I don't like the idea of drilling holes in my Blazer either since it is original. So what are your opinions

[IronCanine]

I can't imagine that it'd devalue that Blazer in the least, especially if it's a period style bar. I also think it's the smart thing to do, especially if you're going to drive it. That being said, I don't like the look of a bar with the top on or off and have struggled with the decision myself. I have decided to go no-bar, but wouldn't begrudge anyone who thought otherwise.

[DeadheadNM]

Trying to make the same decision for the same reasons. Aesthetically I prefer the clean look of top off no roll bar but I also like to use my arms and legs, etc. A period correct roll bar would not deter me from buying a 4wd K5.

[bouncytruck]

I don't think it will devalue your rig. As for safety, it probably isn't a huge amount of protection, but a bit more than not having one. I'm with IronCanine and have made the decision to not add a roll bar but I wouldn't remove one if I bought a rig with a nice one installed.

[hold24]

I'm looking for a 72 blazer too buy and would perfer to find one with a period correct bar.. I like the looks and the added safety. I'm also looking for a stock blazer as well...

[68panelman]

I had the same thoughts about the rollbar, Although I've never liked the looks of them, I thought I had to have it for safety reasons. Then noticed how many convertible cars do not have rollbars. Where I live the only 4 wheeling is on the beach, a nice salty place my blazer will never see.

[DeadheadNM]

Example pics:

[Chulisohombre]

Without a rollbar you're likely to die or be fairly injured in a rollover. The top doesn't offer a ton of protection but helps. If you're topless then the windshield pillar is not strong enough to hold up 5000 lbs from crushing you. I like the look of a rollbar and I finally found one to Put in Mine again. It will not devalue your truck in any way as I see it as adding a safety feature and imho looks better than not having one. Just do it correct since yours looks to be in beautiful shape and you'll be fine.

[Chulisohombre]

That pic above makes me wonder if they lived. The cop is staring at what could be a fatality.

[Senorx]

Can anybody post up more pics of these period correct rollbars? I cringe when I look at the one in my K5. I will definitely be adding some new type of rollbar soon.

[DEISS]

Ive got one of those old Hickey roll bars in my Blazer, often think of going from 4 point to 6 point, but as far as looks go, a Hickey 4 point in a topless first generation K5 is timeless, my 2 cents.

[Chulisohombre]

I had a six point on from the previous owner. I cut it out because they put it I. Lopsided. It really bothered me they didn't take the time to measure and put it in right. I just found a duel hoop 4 point to put back in. I think it's going to look much tougher with it than just a standard bar.

[1972 Jimmy]

Originally Posted by Senorx

Can anybody post up more pics of these period correct rollbars? I cringe when I look at the one in my K5. I will definitely be adding some new type of rollbar soon.

Here is a pic of my Jimmy with a true Hickey Roll Bar.

[Moreyel]

WOW.....looks great! And so does the Blazer!
Love the Orange.
What's the height difference between the front and rear lift?

[Chulisohombre]

Looks like a six inch lift on both sides. But the slope of the driveway makes it a illusion of higher rear. Looks like to Me.

[tjsblazer]

I'm debating this myself. I like both looks. Curious, did you have build off of a drawing or is it complete custom for your truck? Where did you have if fabbed up?

[asolde]

I had it fabricated off of some drawings I found on this web site however these drawings are only good to use as a reference they are not the most accurate. So when I had the roll bar fabricated we fitted it as we went along.I had it done by a local guy here in Houston.

[jjzepplin]

I made mine 2wd but am keeping the rollbar in as it provides a rear strapping point for my Jeep style bimini till I can find a full conv. top that I like. After that I think it will come out and be for sale. My truck is lowered and has front and rear sway bars so it's not going to roll over me thinks.
I think they look fabulous on 4wd Blazers though.
Yours might be a bit nice for drilling holes in. I don't think I would even drive that nice of a truck. Doesn't look like you will be doing any real 4x4ing in that nice of a rig so you must be putting it in for aesthetic reasons?
Of course you might be 4x4ing some day and wish you had one.
I see your problem now.
Fwiw-I was in a 50mph t-bone accident in mine and went spinning down the highway with 6"lift and 36" Super Swampers and no sway bars-hit a curb with both sidewalls front and rear and it just jumped the curb. Thought for sure I was gonna roll but it never even tipped.

[1972 Jimmy]

Originally Posted by Moreyel

WOW.....looks great! And so does the Blazer!
Love the Orange.
What's the height difference between the front and rear lift?

Originally Posted by Chulisohombre

Looks like a six inch lift on both sides. But the slope of the driveway makes it a illusion of higher rear. Looks like to Me.

Thanks guys!! The Lift is a 4" BDS spring lift. I'm running 33" x 13.5" Nitto Mud Grappler tires. The 33's make the truck look like it has a larger lift than it really does. The back end does sit about an inch higher when the top is off and the gas tank is less than a 1/4 full.

Asolde,
Your truck looks great! Be careful in when fabing up a roll bar directly from prints. The interior width of a single wall vs a double wall it quite a bit different. Make sure you compare actual top interior clearance to what you want to build. Good luck!! Make sure you post some finished pics!!

Eric

[Chulisohombre]

Your 33x13.5 is what threw me off then. As wide as they are they looked more like my 35s and 5 inch lift. Looks like a good stance though.