79 Blazer, In England. Opinions.

[Grizz1963]

Evening all.

Just back from a road trip, my 4th to the USA

Full story report here, CLICK LINK.

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger

I also have this 1966 C10 Short Fleetside, currently in lit form......

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=585901


Been breaking my head about this 1979 Blazer in two wheel drive form for a few days.

As seen in June 2016 below when I saw it a few miles from home, it then disappeared and resurfaced last week, for sale.

They are rare in England.

Rough as a Badgers Butt.

But would you?

V8 Auto




Comments, opinions and suggestions welcome.

Talk to me.


I created this thread on UK Retro cars forum to ask opinions and advice.

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...y-blazer-price


I will copy and paste the rest of my photos and comments on here in one big posting.

Again, I ask you guys for opinions And advice.

The idea is a safe drive, no great resto at this point as I need to get back onto the 66.

In England we have a yearly inspection for roadworthiness without which you cannot get insured or taxed to use the car on the road.

This was the last report.

Agreed, rough and all that.

I guess one needs to look at what it is, for what they want (not cheap, like a used 10 year old Kia Rio or VW Polo) but probably less than one could land the same car for here on my drive.

It may be here in the U.K., so you can say import costs are not relevant, but they are to me as one knows that regardless, you still have to find another first to compare prices. Not as many around as 10 year old dailies or for that matter 40 year olds.

I think that looking at the advisories on its last MOT test, which by the way was the first in 11 years.

Yes, it was parked there for 11 years growing fungus and moss on its glass fibre rear half.



Waiting for insurance company guys to open up so I can speak with a human.

Let’s see what transpires


A qoute from a good friend......

[quote author="@disasterbus" source="/post/2450544/thread" timestamp="1538210550"]Personally I don't need it, it's too wide for my drive so I've nowhere to park it, I already have too many cars, I don't have the cash to spare, I don't have the skills to weld it up, I can't afford to run it, it doesn't have 4 seats and it simply isn't practical.

So, following that rational review my decision would be.......

Hell yeah, get it bought, get it home and worry about everything else later!!
[/quote]


[font color="e61930"]It will fit my drive, just.

I have loads of space to park it.

I am selling Prozac, so need a car.

I have cash to spare, banks are not making it worth my while.

I have a new welder.

I can’t afford to run it, or maybe I can.......

It has four seats, technically 5

The rear converts to flatbed truck, tailgate drops, rear roof comes off.[/font]

Where do I deliver it???



So, if I were to buy this car.....

It’s name has already been given by DarrenH on here.

Tippex.


Guess why?





Quick video around it.

CLICK LINK.

https://youtu.be/sLldCzEizgo





Yup, it is a big thing.



Driving force.

And yes, aircon has been removed. No concern to me.



So now you have a better idea of what I am looking at.

Love the electric rear glass, operated from dash or with key in tailgate.




And no, it still was not enough motivation to get me to just randomly hand over cash. Even a half an hour on the phone to @kevfromwales had me thinking it’s a great idea. Yet I woke this morning wondering if this little Berlingo that has been running and performing faultlessly for 19 months as an adjunct to my company car Ford Focus for when dirty jobs needed doing, really needed to be replaced with a Big, Dirty, Nasty Fossil Fuel Guzzling Monster that would be costing me pretty much 10 times as much to run and own than the Berlingo.

Not the car in question, though it is American too.




Prozac stood in the background, truly Kicked to the Curb, looking on as I fawned over the bid smelly beast for hours.




Tailgate too drops, turning it into a cavernous skip on wheels.

Love the electric rear glass, operated from dash or with key in tailgate



Inside the rear bench can fold forward or be unbolted too.



Folded forward access via front passenger seat.



I spent about 30 minutes under it, and the only rust was this hole in the corner by the drivers footwell.

The rest of the underside is shockingly rustfree.

Fenders and hood, conversely are rough, rotten but absolutely functional.

This does not scare me. Couple of hours cutting, welding, undersealing and job done.





Where your wallet goes to get raped.


It has done about 1100 miles in 10 months.

Current miles



MOT miles 10 months ago.





Thank you all for any input and advice.

[68Timber]

Buy it.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by 68Timber

Buy it.

Morning John

08.15 here. A lovely day, thanks for the reply.

That seems to be what loads of people are saying.

Especially the ones who dont have to justify the spend to their own conscience

The price in US Dollars for the car, excluding the road tax and insurance which is $650.00 per year is around $3900.00

All the aircon stuff etc has been removed.

As you can and cannot see, the fenders are nicely rusted and cost double the USA price to get here with shipping and taxes. So will be staying there.
The hood is pretty bad too.

Would you still buy it??

[Hammered 77]

I'm with John, "Buy it". Looking for one myself but they seem to be as rare as hens teeth. LOL

Rick

[68Timber]

Believe me, I hear you on the money. But as the rust goes down, the price goes up. That's similar to prices you'd see around here for that truck.

[OutlawDrifter]

It's only worth what you are willing to pay.

If you truly want it, and can afford to have it...do it.

Life is too short to drive boring vehicles, and a 2WD K5 is far from boring!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Hammered 77

I'm with John, "Buy it". Looking for one myself but they seem to be as rare as hens teeth. LOL

Rick

Thank you Rick.

Rare as hens teeth seems a phrase I keep hearing.

Is it that bad?.

Will try get a motorway test drive on Saturday afternoon and make a decision then.

Originally Posted by 68Timber

Believe me, I hear you on the money. But as the rust goes down, the price goes up. That's similar to prices you'd see around here for that truck.

My buddy Dennis in St Louis said the same about the price.

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

It's only worth what you are willing to pay.

If you truly want it, and can afford to have it...do it.

Life is too short to drive boring vehicles, and a 2WD K5 is far from boring!

I doubt a Dollar would buy it, so gotta pay the price

Can afford it.

And agree on driving excitement


Thanks guys for taking the time to rely

[buffydores]

Definitely buy it. If you can handle a little body work, there's nothing about that rig that should scare you.

[Hammered 77]

Rian, it's not a bad thing being that rare. It's just that the ones around here are 4x4 or completely rusted away.

Rick

[Lokin4AReason]

parts are easy to come across ( i can understand the duties with international shipping, which is always a killer )

but locating a body with a vin is hard to come across aboard ( esp un modified )

they final decision is, do you want it ...?

[Irish1941]

You should do it. Plenty of Blazer parts all over Germany and Netherlands thanks to US Army leaving hundreds of them behind.
The 73-79 sheetmetal on front is getting hard to find rust free but not impossible.
The rest is same as any other Blazer.
Mechanical is all just 2wd 1/2ton.
I know of a few places in Europe so if you do get it, let me know and I'll guide you in right direction.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by buffydores

Definitely buy it. If you can handle a little body work, there's nothing about that rig that should scare you.

I think you are right.

My C10 is proof.

I just need a bit of fun right now.

Originally Posted by Hammered 77

Rian, it's not a bad thing being that rare. It's just that the ones around here are 4x4 or completely rusted away.

Rick

I certainly prefer rare or not so common.

One of the cars I owned years ago was one of two we could find in England, it now lives in a German museum.

My 1963 Ford Taurus Transit was the only one on the road over here, imported from Germany.

So unusual appeals to me.

Originally Posted by Lokin4AReason

parts are easy to come across ( i can understand the duties with international shipping, which is always a killer )

but locating a body with a vin is hard to come across aboard ( esp un modified )

they final decision is, do you want it ...?

I agree, importing parts is an expensive thing.

And yes, I think it is now a matter of , I want it.

Originally Posted by Irish1941

You should do it. Plenty of Blazer parts all over Germany and Netherlands thanks to US Army leaving hundreds of them behind.
The 73-79 sheetmetal on front is getting hard to find rust free but not impossible.
The rest is same as any other Blazer.
Mechanical is all just 2wd 1/2ton.
I know of a few places in Europe so if you do get it, let me know and I'll guide you in right direction.

That sounds good mate, thanks.

I will need a few bits to get it looking sweet.

Though this is 100% not a restoration

[Grizz1963]

I have looked at LMC to see if they had standard front end springs etc.

Any advice on where to look for the most sensibly priced suspension parts for the front end including springs, shocks and bushes, and rear end bushes too,


This really has to become a driver and not a restoration project.

So things like the front end that is really low, for me needs to be fixed and raised a bit.


Thank you.

[flashed]

That thing is just cool . I agree ,if you want it ,buy it . There is a truck near me I want badly ,its for sale ,but have been waiting for a couple of mine to sell .

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

That thing is just cool . I agree ,if you want it ,buy it . There is a truck near me I want badly ,its for sale ,but have been waiting for a couple of mine to sell .

Thanks John

Have yourself a virtual beer.


Test driving the Blazer truck at 12.30 Saturday after Berlingo had its yearly MOT test.

If its as good on the motorway as it was in residential area then its going home with me.

Prozac the Berlingo will stay as its pretty much costing me nowt to run except tax and insurance which are paid up till February

Fingers crossed and wallet opened

[Grizz1963]

Well, it’s raining outside.

The Blazer has been bought and brought home, a name to be decided when it’s made me smile more.

Did a 10 mile motorway drive this afternoon. It is very comfy cruising at 70mph indicated with more oooommmfff left to do overtaking in the fast lane.

Thank you all for the input, motivation, goading and sensible logic arguments put forward the last 12 days that saw me inside and under it three times trying to make up my dithering mind.

Prozac passed its MOT today as well, so a good day in all, albeit with an empty wallet to show for it all.


So..........

How does it feel?

This thing is at least 4 inches wider than the C10, which I used to reverse down the side of the house in one uninterrupted, if tight run.
This thing I had to readjust four times to get down past the house.

It is huge. Believe me.

I went down to the garage 20 minutes ago, just to go look at it again, and to start it up, and to sit in it, looking around, feeling it.

Then I burst out laughing at myself.

After which I proceeded to climb into the rear, going between the front seats, like a kid would..... yes, it’s that big.

Then I sat in the rear fold down bench seat that is actually a three seater, with seat belts, and again started to chuckle.

I saw where the rain comes in between the body and the fibre glass rear canopy, this is a known flaw, even from the factory 40 years ago..... so I may address it some time.


I did realise there are a few little things that can, but do not have to be done to and for this truck to make it nicer. But nothing has to be done, except for driving it and enjoying it. That’s the plan, honestly.


HAPPY ???

ME ??

HELL YEAHHH !!!


After buying it and doing the paperwork, Lee the owner agreed to drive it over home for me, and have his dad pick him up, his dad lives 4 miles from me. He has some spare wheels, seats etc for it.

But no Towbar, he removed and tossed it recently, so I need to find one........


First gas stop and certainly will not be the last time.



I drove ahead and then pulled over and stopped at a roundabout as I wanted to get a nice in motion photo of the Blazer passing by.

Not perfect, but you get the idea.



QUICK VIDEO OF THE ARRIVAL

Thanks Lee.

CLICK LINK.

https://youtu.be/cuhMP80xs8Q


After he went, I then took the truck and reversed it down the tight drive alongside the house.

Parked up awaiting attention.





Thread to be started some time for those interested in following this one.

Later guys

[Grizz1963]

Thank you guys for all the replies.

I pulled the trigger on Saturday and bought it.

Will carry on writing up its progress on my thrread here http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=585901

And also on here. http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...blazer-project


I am sure you will all see me coming here for advice and guidance but running two threads is possibly not needed.

For anyone interested in my recent USA road trip and a foreigners perception and experiences
http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger

Cheers

Rian.

[Mayor West]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

I have looked at LMC to see if they had standard front end springs etc.

Any advice on where to look for the most sensibly priced suspension parts for the front end including springs, shocks and bushes, and rear end bushes too?

Have you ever come across Classic Industries? I end up buying from them most often when it comes right down to it. Their free PDF catalog is EXTREMELY comprehensive and has very good pricing on most items.

As a long time owner of Rovers (saloon cars, and landies) I completely understand the sting of having to import parts for unique rides. One thing I love about my Blazers is the near unlimited well of aftermarket parts and the knowledge base that can be found. My 1969 Rover 2000 TC was my greatest love and heartache all in one. Few in the US even knew what it was let alone had parts for it; lack of a large aftermarket scene back in its homeland was equally frustrating. Just such a beautiful driving car.

May your new Blazer only give you anxiety when pulling into a petrol station! Best of luck!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Mayor West

Have you ever come across Classic Industries? I end up buying from them most often when it comes right down to it. Their free PDF catalog is EXTREMELY comprehensive and has very good pricing on most items.

As a long time owner of Rovers (saloon cars, and landies) I completely understand the sting of having to import parts for unique rides. One thing I love about my Blazers is the near unlimited well of aftermarket parts and the knowledge base that can be found. My 1969 Rover 2000 TC was my greatest love and heartache all in one. Few in the US even knew what it was let alone had parts for it; lack of a large aftermarket scene back in its homeland was equally frustrating. Just such a beautiful driving car.

May your new Blazer only give you anxiety when pulling into a petrol station! Best of luck!

Well, what a brilliant introduction and post.

I often end up with slightly unusual cars etc, why be a sheep?


In the mean time, a good friend who has a 65 C10 has offered me springs and shocks from his pile.
All the trim from my 66 went to him, so I guess it’s a belated “trade”


Those Rovers have a following here, and on www.Retrorides.proboards.com there are a few.

Sadly in England, the market is too small to sustain a good aftermarket.




I have started welding up my Blazer, and you are right, gas prices will be crippling, but that’s worth all the smiles.




I am thinking of going this route with its paint.



[quote author="@littlepixel" source="/post/2454470/thread" timestamp="1539551120"]@grizz As per your request via PM:



[/quote]



THIS....


Is what I like.

It took a while to get there for me, and without all you guys raising opinions and views, it would not have happened.


I think it is a bit loud with all that green and the contrast on the white.


But why be quiet and retiring when LOUD AND PROUD is all you have left?



Let’s see what the collective has to say.


I have loved the whole Sinclair Gasoline theme ever since I had my 1963 Ford Taurus Transit van.


So this is a good way of rebirhing that idea.


Thank you all for adding to this trucks magic.


There may be other variations too, like the 76 Union gas station theme with Orange and Blue or others that you feel could work.


I think solid colours and no more than three max added to the white, works here.





Monday.......


Back to reality.

[Grizz1963]

May have found a previous owner from a long time ago.

Below some comments from him.


Did that come from a guy in Kent? It looks like one I had years ago. Also 2WD

Not sure Rian long time ago sold to a guy in kent and never seen since it was original 2wd from California was all in primer apart from removable top in cream, i had a heavy duty tow bar welded on as used to pull large trailer pulling yanks from Belgium, have a pic will try and find, same grill though.

Rian Kemp as said not sure if that's the same one but looks like it, but i remember when i registered mine i had to take it to Ashford kent for some reason to have it checked always had mine done local, verry hard to find in original 2wd today, the only reason i sold it i had a 70 3 door suburban from Texas arrive couple months later.

[Sparky dave]

Glad to see you bought it grizz! The way I see it you about got that truck for import costs so got the truck for free! I’m thinking even a heap is worth 5 grand now over here. I’ll be keeping my eye out what you do with it. Prozac I like it!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Sparky dave

Glad to see you bought it grizz! The way I see it you about got that truck for import costs so got the truck for free! I’m thinking even a heap is worth 5 grand now over here. I’ll be keeping my eye out what you do with it. Prozac I like it!

Thank you Dave,

Glad I bought it.

Have added up the spend so far and it just went over £1500.00

As you can see in the main thread, it’s a long way down the road and has a fresh MOT too.