cost of a'72 blazer restoration - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

blackcloud75 · 12-06-2004, 05:15 PM

I am curious .......I just got 72 blazer and I want to restore it. Not sure the ball park cost of a frame off restoration through somebody or doing it myself.If anybody has any numbers of resources in so. california I am interested.

tim_and_bobbi_blazer · 12-06-2004, 05:33 PM

I've got about $7000 including purchase price in this one. I've got a lot of parts in storage but still have a ways to go.

Good luck

mastercraftkpk · 12-06-2004, 05:38 PM

Just like everything else....it all depends on what you decide to do.

That being said, I am over half way through my frame off/bare metal resto-mod of a '72 Blazer and have spent about $8000 incl the price of the Blazer. Total, I expect to spend approx $15K before I am done. I am doing all body work and assembly myself. All that is being farmed out is the machine work on the original El Camino SS 350.

If you are going to pay someone to do the work, it will cost you over $40K in Texas (prob. more in Cali) to have someone else do comprable work.

**raggedjim** · 12-06-2004, 05:49 PM

Don't restore it! Fix it up, make it look good and drive the crap out of it! I sold the Corvette I was afraid to drive because it was "restored" and bought a blazer I could drive. I'll NEVER have a restored vehicle again... make it nice and drive it, you'll enjoy it more.

Roger

bouncytruck · 12-06-2004, 05:52 PM

A lot of the final price depends on the condition of the truck before you start. A frame off restoration on my '69 would probably cost more than a frame off resto on my '72. The intitial cost of the '72 was over twice what I paid for my '69, so it would probably be somewhat of a wash in the end. It also depends on how much you can do yourself. Since I don't know how to weld or do metal fabrication, I would need to pay someone else to do any welding, etc. Therefore, it would cost me more to do a resto job than someone who posesses those skils (There are some guys on this board that just amaze me with their fabriction skills).

There is a place in Burbank that does restoration/customization. A former board member had his truck done there and it looked pretty good. He sold it shortly after finishing it for less than he had into it.

LUV2XCLR8 · 12-06-2004, 06:00 PM

PO - $28,500 IN THIS ONE ( NOT EVEN PAINTED YET )

ME - $13,200 INCLUDING THE PURCHASE PRICE OF 10K

AND IT IS STILL HAS NOT EVEN BEEN PAINTED YET

P.S. - I HAVE IT INSURED FOR 30K JUST IN CASE

JayDubBlazer · 12-06-2004, 06:28 PM

yeah hope you have a good job, bodywork is expensive espesially on these blazers. Some bodymen don't even like to touch them.

*72CSTC5* · 12-06-2004, 06:47 PM

I have a 72 2wd. The only sheetmetal replaced to date was a couple of floor sections. I am a bodyman by trade and I have around 15-18 thousand in it and its not painted or reassembled yet. They can get expensive. I work for a restoration shop on the weekends and we have a 66 bronco in progress that we will finish up at around 60,000.00 dollars when done.

LUV2XCLR8 · 12-06-2004, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72CSTC5

I have a 72 2wd. The only sheetmetal replaced to date was a couple of floor sections. I am a bodyman by trade and I have around 15-18 thousand in it and its not painted or reassembled yet. They can get expensive. I work for a restoration shop on the weekends and we have a 66 bronco in progress that we will finish up at around 60,000.00 dollars when done.

PEOPLE WHO WORK IN PLACES LIKE THAT SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO POST PIC'S FROM THEIR WORKPLACE

*72CSTC5* · 12-06-2004, 07:08 PM

Sorry! I went to the Houston Autorama this weekend and was with my girlfriend and couldn't believe the quality of the cars that we built that were in the show and she asked me if I wasn't going to take pictures of them for myself and I said no. I do not like to brag about work that I have done. I want to be one of those no namers. I know and feel good about my work to myself. That is enough satisfaction to me. Now the prices that some guys will pay to have work done, that's another thing. This is a restoration shop only and nothing else and the owner chooses what he will work on. The quality there is at that level. Maximum of four cars at a time. Now when I finish my Blazer since it is mine I will post pics. LUX2XCLR8 I would love to paint your Blazer for you at no charge if you were closer to me. That is going to be very nice and you should put a show quality perfect Black paint job on that. No expense spared on that thing.

LUV2XCLR8 · 12-06-2004, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72CSTC5

LUX2XCLR8 I would love to paint your Blazer for you at no charge if you were closer to me. That is going to be very nice and you should put a show quality perfect Black paint job on that. No expense spared on that thing.

ROADTRIP

*72CSTC5* · 12-06-2004, 07:25 PM

Bring it down here on a trailer. You buy the materials and I will paint it and color sand and buff that thing for you. I suggest painting it single stage urethane black first and then block color sand it with 600 and put those stripes on it white that you want and then put about 4 coats of clear over all of that and then color sand from 1000 grit and finish with 2000 grit and then buff. Pre align all of your panels and doors and then drill 1/8 holes in the hinges enough for a rivet to fit through and then disassemble again and then paint and reassemble. I'll even color sand and buff inside the door jambs and fenders for you like we do on our restorations.

LUV2XCLR8 · 12-06-2004, 07:49 PM

Very Tempting

bouncytruck · 12-06-2004, 11:32 PM

Sounds like a good offer. Based on the trouble you had getting it home, you'll have to start lining up the shipping company now.

orangeuavol · 12-07-2004, 12:38 PM

I'm saving the receipts for my frame off 'rebuild' but I'm not looking at them until I'm done...afraid I'll pass out and hurt myself and have to pay a doctors bill instead of my blazer

LUV2XCLR8 · 12-07-2004, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangeuavol

I'm saving the receipts for my frame off 'rebuild' but I'm not looking at them until I'm done...afraid I'll pass out and hurt myself and have to pay a doctors bill instead of my blazer

THIS IS A GOOD IDEA FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER DONE THAT, MY
INSURANCE AGENT HIGHLY RECCOMENDED SAVING ALL RECEIPTS FOR
"PROOF OF VALUE" LIKE I MENTIONED I HAVE MINE INSURED FOR 30K
THANKS TO ALL THE RECEIPTS FROM THE PO + MY RECEIPTS, AFTER
PAINT AND OTHER SMALL MISC STUFF I MISSED I SHOULD BE AT 35K.
THE FUNNY THING IS, IT IS COSTING ME ABOUT $13.50 A YEAR

OF
COURSE THAT COVERAGE IS IF I DON'T DRIVE IT, BUT HEY RIGHT NOW
IT'S NOT FINISHED SO I'M GOING TO RIDE THAT PRICE OUT FOR NOW.

vtblazer · 12-07-2004, 05:09 PM

As already mentioned, it's all in what you start with and what you expect in the end. That being said.
I bought an Arizone blazer that was being sold as "rust free" but ended up needing about 2K just in body work/repairs. Then it cost somewhere around 4K for the paint job. A really nice base/clear paint job but still 4K.
Adding that to the cost of the blazer totals roughly 12K but with everything spent on it I'd say closer to 13K.
I'm actually happy about that number, it turned out pretty good and I'm happy with it.
Typically the previous owners are our worst nightmares. There was a thread about them awhile back, some very scary stuff has been done to these trucks.

You have to remember, once upon a time these were just trucks and driven that way on a daily bases.
Good luck and keep us up to date on you project.

mastercraftkpk · 12-07-2004, 06:23 PM

72CSTC5....I am having trouble finding anyone that will let me rent time in a paint booth in the Houston area. Do you know of anyone that does this?

I have just about got all of the bodywork done and will be hitting it w/ high build & sanding to get it perfect for the Lambourgini Black Metallic BC/CC in about a month.

I want to do the BC/CC in a proper booth.

keota · 12-07-2004, 06:40 PM

I bought my 1970 K5 for $1500. It ran gooid but looked like crap,so,I took on the great task of restoring it.....not to stock but performance minded with everything done top of the line and all top line parts.It's into my fourth year and I'm about 85% finished....still need paint and a little suspension upgrades.Right now I have over $20,000 in receipts. I guess I could have done it cheaper but like I told a guy,with a brand new suv,when asked why I was spending so much on a old truck...I SAID......when I'm finished I'll have a one of a kind classic that's going up in value.....you on the other hand will just have a run of the mill SUV that's going down in value! It's worth every penny and all the time I've put into everytime I turn the key.

blackcloud75 · 12-08-2004, 04:02 AM

Thanks for all the input...Nice looking rides!!!!!!!!!!!

Orangeuavol..................We were just in your part o'the woods for the Vols vs. Irish a few weeks ago. Nothin' but nice folk in Tenn. I can't wait to go back. Way different than So. California!!!! One of the guys here(CA.) at work has Vols season tickets so 7 of us went to the game.Thank all your neighbors for the hospitality!!!!!!!!!!

*72CSTC5* · 12-08-2004, 03:07 PM

Mastercraftpk, is your blazer running and driving or is it pieces? I can see about letting you use some booth time here at my dealership. It is a Blowtherm 2000 downdraft with heat. It would probably have to be on a Saturday though so it will not interfere with collision repair work time. The only setback is that I live in Deer Park and work in Nederland. It is a one hour and ten minute ride from there. Just to let you know where I am at.

**special-K** · 12-09-2004, 08:39 AM

Ask Yoda,a Tibetan Monk,a Shamman,or something.Only they know.Don`t trust Madam Ditra down on the corner,she`s a fake.Basically,the price you pay for a vehicle to restore is a drop in the bucket.It`s a hobby,takes alot of time.Even if you caugh-up big bucks for a restored(be careful)vehicle,It takes more to keep it that way.

mastercraftkpk · 12-09-2004, 01:42 PM

72CSTC5.. Thanks for the offer!!!!!!! I've got it put together w/out engine & drivetrain. I put a tow bar on the front end, so it is mobile. I really appreciate your generosity and may give you a ring.

I will prob. BC the parts individually in my garage while they are disassembled, but may give you a ring for the final BC and CC when it is assembled. The way things are going (and due to finances) it may be a while.

Thanks Again

12-06-2004, 05:15 PM	#1
blackcloud75 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: corona,ca. Posts: 12	cost of a'72 blazer restoration I am curious .......I just got 72 blazer and I want to restore it. Not sure the ball park cost of a frame off restoration through somebody or doing it myself.If anybody has any numbers of resources in so. california I am interested.

12-06-2004, 05:33 PM	#2
tim_and_bobbi_blazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 105	Cost I've got about $7000 including purchase price in this one. I've got a lot of parts in storage but still have a ways to go. Good luck __________________ Thank you Bobbi See my Blazer Restro Pictures HERE

12-06-2004, 05:49 PM	#4
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,478	Don't restore it! Fix it up, make it look good and drive the crap out of it! I sold the Corvette I was afraid to drive because it was "restored" and bought a blazer I could drive. I'll NEVER have a restored vehicle again... make it nice and drive it, you'll enjoy it more. Roger __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 Ideas - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851743

12-06-2004, 05:52 PM	#5
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	A lot of the final price depends on the condition of the truck before you start. A frame off restoration on my '69 would probably cost more than a frame off resto on my '72. The intitial cost of the '72 was over twice what I paid for my '69, so it would probably be somewhat of a wash in the end. It also depends on how much you can do yourself. Since I don't know how to weld or do metal fabrication, I would need to pay someone else to do any welding, etc. Therefore, it would cost me more to do a resto job than someone who posesses those skils (There are some guys on this board that just amaze me with their fabriction skills). There is a place in Burbank that does restoration/customization. A former board member had his truck done there and it looked pretty good. He sold it shortly after finishing it for less than he had into it. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

12-06-2004, 06:00 PM	#6
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	PO - $28,500 IN THIS ONE ( NOT EVEN PAINTED YET ) ME - $13,200 INCLUDING THE PURCHASE PRICE OF 10K AND IT IS STILL HAS NOT EVEN BEEN PAINTED YET P.S. - I HAVE IT INSURED FOR 30K JUST IN CASE __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T Last edited by LUV2XCLR8; 12-06-2004 at 06:03 PM.

12-06-2004, 05:38 PM	#3
mastercraftkpk Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: houston,tx Posts: 333	Just like everything else....it all depends on what you decide to do. That being said, I am over half way through my frame off/bare metal resto-mod of a '72 Blazer and have spent about $8000 incl the price of the Blazer. Total, I expect to spend approx $15K before I am done. I am doing all body work and assembly myself. All that is being farmed out is the machine work on the original El Camino SS 350. If you are going to pay someone to do the work, it will cost you over $40K in Texas (prob. more in Cali) to have someone else do comprable work.

12-06-2004, 06:28 PM	#7
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,883	yeah hope you have a good job, bodywork is expensive espesially on these blazers. Some bodymen don't even like to touch them. __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

12-06-2004, 06:47 PM	#8
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	I have a 72 2wd. The only sheetmetal replaced to date was a couple of floor sections. I am a bodyman by trade and I have around 15-18 thousand in it and its not painted or reassembled yet. They can get expensive. I work for a restoration shop on the weekends and we have a 66 bronco in progress that we will finish up at around 60,000.00 dollars when done.

12-06-2004, 07:08 PM	#10
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	Sorry! I went to the Houston Autorama this weekend and was with my girlfriend and couldn't believe the quality of the cars that we built that were in the show and she asked me if I wasn't going to take pictures of them for myself and I said no. I do not like to brag about work that I have done. I want to be one of those no namers. I know and feel good about my work to myself. That is enough satisfaction to me. Now the prices that some guys will pay to have work done, that's another thing. This is a restoration shop only and nothing else and the owner chooses what he will work on. The quality there is at that level. Maximum of four cars at a time. Now when I finish my Blazer since it is mine I will post pics. LUX2XCLR8 I would love to paint your Blazer for you at no charge if you were closer to me. That is going to be very nice and you should put a show quality perfect Black paint job on that. No expense spared on that thing.

12-06-2004, 07:25 PM	#12
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	Bring it down here on a trailer. You buy the materials and I will paint it and color sand and buff that thing for you. I suggest painting it single stage urethane black first and then block color sand it with 600 and put those stripes on it white that you want and then put about 4 coats of clear over all of that and then color sand from 1000 grit and finish with 2000 grit and then buff. Pre align all of your panels and doors and then drill 1/8 holes in the hinges enough for a rivet to fit through and then disassemble again and then paint and reassemble. I'll even color sand and buff inside the door jambs and fenders for you like we do on our restorations.

12-06-2004, 07:49 PM	#13
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Very Tempting __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

12-06-2004, 11:32 PM	#14
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Sounds like a good offer. Based on the trouble you had getting it home, you'll have to start lining up the shipping company now. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

12-07-2004, 12:38 PM	#15
orangeuavol GO VOLS! Join Date: May 2001 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 724	I'm saving the receipts for my frame off 'rebuild' but I'm not looking at them until I'm done...afraid I'll pass out and hurt myself and have to pay a doctors bill instead of my blazer __________________ http://1972blazer.shutterfly.com/<= blazer build pics It's called golf because all the other four letter words were taken. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

12-07-2004, 05:09 PM	#17
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Restoration Numbers As already mentioned, it's all in what you start with and what you expect in the end. That being said. I bought an Arizone blazer that was being sold as "rust free" but ended up needing about 2K just in body work/repairs. Then it cost somewhere around 4K for the paint job. A really nice base/clear paint job but still 4K. Adding that to the cost of the blazer totals roughly 12K but with everything spent on it I'd say closer to 13K. I'm actually happy about that number, it turned out pretty good and I'm happy with it. Typically the previous owners are our worst nightmares. There was a thread about them awhile back, some very scary stuff has been done to these trucks. You have to remember, once upon a time these were just trucks and driven that way on a daily bases. Good luck and keep us up to date on you project.

12-07-2004, 06:23 PM	#18
mastercraftkpk Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: houston,tx Posts: 333	72CSTC5....I am having trouble finding anyone that will let me rent time in a paint booth in the Houston area. Do you know of anyone that does this? I have just about got all of the bodywork done and will be hitting it w/ high build & sanding to get it perfect for the Lambourgini Black Metallic BC/CC in about a month. I want to do the BC/CC in a proper booth.



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12-07-2004, 06:40 PM	#19
keota Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 52	I bought my 1970 K5 for $1500. It ran gooid but looked like crap,so,I took on the great task of restoring it.....not to stock but performance minded with everything done top of the line and all top line parts.It's into my fourth year and I'm about 85% finished....still need paint and a little suspension upgrades.Right now I have over $20,000 in receipts. I guess I could have done it cheaper but like I told a guy,with a brand new suv,when asked why I was spending so much on a old truck...I SAID......when I'm finished I'll have a one of a kind classic that's going up in value.....you on the other hand will just have a run of the mill SUV that's going down in value! It's worth every penny and all the time I've put into everytime I turn the key. Last edited by keota; 12-07-2004 at 06:50 PM.

12-08-2004, 04:02 AM	#20
blackcloud75 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: corona,ca. Posts: 12	Thanks for all the input...Nice looking rides!!!!!!!!!!! Orangeuavol..................We were just in your part o'the woods for the Vols vs. Irish a few weeks ago. Nothin' but nice folk in Tenn. I can't wait to go back. Way different than So. California!!!! One of the guys here(CA.) at work has Vols season tickets so 7 of us went to the game.Thank all your neighbors for the hospitality!!!!!!!!!!

12-08-2004, 03:07 PM	#21
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	Mastercraftpk, is your blazer running and driving or is it pieces? I can see about letting you use some booth time here at my dealership. It is a Blowtherm 2000 downdraft with heat. It would probably have to be on a Saturday though so it will not interfere with collision repair work time. The only setback is that I live in Deer Park and work in Nederland. It is a one hour and ten minute ride from there. Just to let you know where I am at.

12-09-2004, 08:39 AM	#22
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Ask Yoda,a Tibetan Monk,a Shamman,or something.Only they know.Don`t trust Madam Ditra down on the corner,she`s a fake.Basically,the price you pay for a vehicle to restore is a drop in the bucket.It`s a hobby,takes alot of time.Even if you caugh-up big bucks for a restored(be careful)vehicle,It takes more to keep it that way. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-09-2004, 01:42 PM	#23
mastercraftkpk Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: houston,tx Posts: 333	72CSTC5.. Thanks for the offer!!!!!!! I've got it put together w/out engine & drivetrain. I put a tow bar on the front end, so it is mobile. I really appreciate your generosity and may give you a ring. I will prob. BC the parts individually in my garage while they are disassembled, but may give you a ring for the final BC and CC when it is assembled. The way things are going (and due to finances) it may be a while. Thanks Again

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