Advice for buying a Blazer?

[Aarons72]

So, I have always wanted a blazer and Im coming to that point in life where it's almost time. So, I've never owned one but I know certain parts are rare, not reproduced, always rusted etc...

Would you guys be so kind to give me some pointers for what to look for when trying to find a keeper? Anything special I should keep a lookout for etc...

Thanks so much.

And I havent decided between 2wd and 4wd yet...I may just go with whatever solid one I can find...I tend to lean toward 2wd though.

[BKSS67]

There's no secret to buying a Blazer. Get the best condition, most complete one you can find. If you have to do a trade off, get a rust free one that's missing a few parts versus a complete one with lots of rust.

You can find every part (reproduced or original) especially on this board.

[VA72C10]

I am looking for one myself...well, I have one but its' got more work than I want to put into it...

I'll be looking for a 4wd with a clean body. Two wheel drives are much more rare (which makes them expensive). You can convert a 4wd to 2wd. And likely come out even or ahead once you sell off the 4wd running gear to get 2wd stuff...

I don't worry about the engine/tranny. Those can be found reasonably or an LS swap done...most with nice engines/trans want top dollar to recoup the cost of the drivetrain...

You have the huge advantage of being in Oregon....check washington state and Oregon craigslist ads and I'm sure you'll find something affordable soon.

[Aarons72]

What about the top and hatch? How rare is a good one? I've heard things about single wall vs. a different kind? What's best as far as that goes?

[landy]

I think the single wall tops were only available in the later year first gen Blazers, i.e., '71 or '72, and are considered to be more desirable because they're lighter and less prone to sagging. My '72 has a double wall and seems to be fine.

Broken hatchs/parts are common and I don't believe anybody is making replacement parts. You may be able to find used replacement parts here and on Ebay. However, I don't think I'd make the type of top and hatch condition a primary criterion in Blazer shopping.

As others have said, go for the most rust-free Blazer you can afford. Rust and rot are very common in the first gens and can be expensive to repair.

[Ebstard944]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/4396617339.html
Not mine. There was a better looking one yesterday for 8900, but it is gone now.

[landy]

Looks to be original, which is hard to find. Good price if rust/rot isn't too bad. Looks like it has a lift, though.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by Ebstard944

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/4396617339.html
Not mine. There was a better looking one yesterday for 8900, but it is gone now.

I'd buy that if it was local to me...fix the dent in the fender and bedside the best I could, convert to 2wd and enjoy

[Aarons72]

That's a sick one...unfortunately Im still in the middle of my suburban so the hunt hasn't officially started...just starting to think about it and do so some research.

[Ebstard944]

The hatch looks good (who knows), it looks like the original spare carrier is in it, You can see the CST sides are in it. Or at least 1 is.