Can you educate me on K5's? Buying first, 73-80 years

[3672300]

Hey everyone just found this forum and love it. Im looking to buy my first K5 as a weekend toy to restore eventually and am finding all kinds of K5s from $1000 to $40,000. What years are most desireable between 1973-1980? What options are most desireable? I want to buy one that is a more desireable year with a couple of desireable options so when it comes time to resell it wont be hard when i get the itch for my next project.

That being said here is what I am finding.....As I weigh these against each other, what are some things to look for, and things to avoid other than rust?


These are all in the $5k range...

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/4727024249.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4749172517.html

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...15/overview/#_

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...9427/overview/

i really like this one, but it is double the price of these others, is it a decent price for what it is? What makes this one so much more valuable than the others?
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/4693639169.html

[K5owner]

I dig the first one and the red and white one. My biggest issue would be rust and issues around the steering box (cracks). The mechanical stuff on these trucks are pretty straightforward. I would look for the one that has the least amount of bodywork needed(greatest expense to fix) and the closest to stock as possible.

[71swb4x4]

IMO the first question should be 73-75 full top, or 76+ half top? If you want the full removable top then that takes several years out of the equation.
Originality seems to be a big push right now. I would look for something with as little rust as possible, and as much original paint as possible.

[russgt]

#1 not the greatest color combo, but looks decent.
#2 Avoid, it looks like a swap meet in a truck
#3 Of the 4, my favorite
#4 seems decent.

Honestly, despite the fact that I love modifying these things, I think that there is more money in a clean stock truck. If resale is on your mind, only do mods that can be easily undone because while dumping in a big block and 8 lug axles may seem cool and work for you, it will probably turn off a lot of buyers.

[68Timber]

No doubt original resells more easily. Something else to consider although it may not matter to you - the backseat passengers did not a 'foot well' so to speak until 78 I think was the first year. Before that the rear seat was bolted to the bed and the area in front of it was level with the area behind it.

The red and white truck looks like a steal at that price. Very original, and you couldn't bring a rough one back to that condition for that price.

[mattybilt79]

I got curious and looked myself at your area cl, k5 prices are crazy like they were in California before the recession hit bad. I spotted a 73 on the Austin cl listed Nov 18 for 2800 bucks that says its one owner and appears to be original paint. I would be all over that.

[77blazerchalet]

Originally Posted by 3672300

...What years are most desireable between 1973-1980? What options are most desireable?...

Oh, I prefer just the '76-'77 years with the 16T5 Chalet camper package option (which was technically the entire vehicle as an option of being a mini motorhome), but then I'm biased that way.

[SilverMiner]

Originally Posted by 3672300

...What years are most desireable between 1973-1980? What options are most desireable? I want to buy one that is a more desireable year with a couple of desireable options so when it comes time to resell it wont be hard when i get the itch for my next project.

Hello 3672300 -

There is lots of excellent advice above, yet I can't help chiming in with my opinions as well.

I think everyone here would agree that the 1973 to 1975 fully removable top versions have always been and most likely will always be the most desirable. Aside from the fully removable top, they have the added advantage of being exempt from emissions testing in most states which adds considerably to their value (particularly in CA). Not an issue where I live, but something to consider.

So, within that age range I'd vote for hunting down a 1975 for a variety of reasons. That is the first year the sliding rear side glass was an option, and also the first year that the HEI distrubutor was standard. The sliding rear glass is a real practical bonus, and HEI is so worthwhile it is something you'd likely add to a 73 or 74 anyway.

Ideally you'll find a Cheyenne (top of the line trim package) K5 with AC (and all the parts intact). If you get particularly lucky, it might even have a factory tachometer in the dash, but those aren't common. Another unique option that I'd pay extra for if I found an original survivor in Cheyenne trim is the manual transmission. I'm not even sure if I've ever actually seen one in the wild, but I know they were made. Nothing wrong with the automanic, it's just that the manual isn't that common, and sure to command extra money at sale time in my opinion.

And if you want to add one more rare and hard to find item into the mix, look for a GMC Jimmy in High Sierra trim. Just not as many made as the Chevy's, and I've always loved thought that was the best looking grill GM ever made.

So I've basically listed my dream K5 - doesn't have to be yours. They are all pretty great, and I honestly can't think of any specific year or option combination that anyone would suggest to avoid. Just find something clean, mostly or completely original, with minimal to zero rust. Being in Texas, that shouldn't be as difficult as some other areas.

Feel free to post more links to rigs you are looking at. I for one find it fun to live vicariously through another buyer, and it's interesting to see whats out there and what others are interested in. And when and if you do buy one, POST LOTS OF PICTURES!!

[Willowrun]

Originally Posted by SilverMiner

Ideally you'll find a Cheyenne (top of the line trim package) K5 with AC (and all the parts intact). If you get particularly lucky, it might even have a factory tachometer in the dash, but those aren't common. Another unique option that I'd pay extra for if I found an original survivor in Cheyenne trim is the manual transmission. I'm not even sure if I've ever actually seen one in the wild, but I know they were made. Nothing wrong with the automanic, it's just that the manual isn't that common, and sure to command extra money at sale time in my opinion.

I purchased this from the original owner a few years back. '73 Cheyenne, AC, SM465, with tach.

Regarding which blazers are the most desirable, as the others have stated, original paint and unmolested engines are what I look for. A lot can be hidden with fresh paint.

[mattybilt79]

Hey silverminer the option combo you mentioned exsisted on a 76 I had. 350/465/205 a/c, tach, tinted glass.

[jlmerie]

I agree with virtually everything said here. I would really stay with the 1973-1975 fully removable top. I know you said K5 and I don't know how you intend to use the Blazer, but one of the desirable options can be the 2 wheel drive. These are fairly rare to find but are still around. I would also repeat what others have said here, RUST is a big problem. Check all over for any signs of rust. Good luck

[SilverMiner]

Originally Posted by mattybilt79

Hey silverminer the option combo you mentioned exsisted on a 76 I had. 350/465/205 a/c, tach, tinted glass.

Yep, as I said above although I personally have never seen one "in the wild" (in person), I knew GM definitely made them. I've seen a few advertised, just wish I'd have jumped on the opportunity back when I had the chance and there were more to choose from.

I wonder why so few buyers back then chose the manual transmission? I have an old Four Wheeler magazine from probably 77 or 78 that complains about the fact that even in the pickup trucks, most dealers did not have a 4-speed on the lot with the highest trim. If you wanted a manual, they were very disappointed that more often than not you were stuck with a Custom Deluxe and no AC. I almost wonder if smog regulations didn't have something to do with GM trying to steer buyers towards the automatic. I don't think I've ever seen or even heard of a Silverado Suburban with a 4-speed although I'm sure one must exist somewhere.

[eighteenninetytwo]

Definitely my fave is the 3rd one. I started on this journey about a year ago after 6 months to a year of research. I settled on Pre 75 (due to No smog laws in CA) and also those are the fully convertible years and i wanted a convertible classic. what I would change? Well i paid $3k for a rust free example BUT there was alot wrong with it because it hadn't been looked after. By the time it's finished so the wife (will) and the kids (can) ride in it I will have probably spent $15k in all for a $10k truck. So the BEST thing you can do is save up at the start and get a well looked after example right off the bat. Stupid thing is i knew this going in but i still did it anyway - because it's fun.

[russgt]

Originally Posted by mattybilt79

Hey silverminer the option combo you mentioned exsisted on a 76 I had. 350/465/205 a/c, tach, tinted glass.

My 76 K5 was special ordered. It is a Cheyenne with a 350/465/205 with AC, tach, and tinted glass as well. What I thought was strange was that the guy selected the "Trailering Special" package but then opted for the 3.08 gears!

Other cool options he chose, G80 locker, N10 dual exhaust, and Wood grained exterior!

[mattybilt79]

That was one of my 76's with the manual trans, was medium lime green and white two tone from the factory but had been completely redone at one point probably in the late 80s. Then left sitting when the trans/t case adapter broke.

[motornut]

that red two tone 79 looks great.
It's what red I'd want my 78 to be!
If your looking for "best parts changing"years,I'd want to say 78 and newer