Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Chevrolet Blazer K5

VIN – CKY183F105693
Exterior Color – Yellow
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 350 ci V8
Transmission – 4WD 3-Speed automatic
Current Miles – 55,599 (TMU)

Highlights of this Truck

-Recently rebuilt 350 V8 engine and TH350 Automatic transmission
-Converted to desirable NP-250 part-time cast iron transfer case unit
-Rare factory 350 V8 K5 with tastefully modified features

VIN Decoded

C – Chevrolet
K – 4 Wheel Drive
Y – 350 4bbl V8
1 – Series 1 ½ Ton
8 – Blazer body style
3 – 1973 build year
F – Flint, Michigan assembly plant
105693 – Production assembly number

General Overview

Introduced in 1969, the first series Chevrolet Blazer was designed to compete directly with the Ford Bronco and International Scout, all three of which are credited with starting the SUV revolution in personal cars. Having arrived a bit later to the market than the earlier competitors, the Blazer was very favorably received in part due to having larger interior space and lower cost due to sharing platforms with the Chevrolet truck line. The Blazer combined automatic transmission and air conditioning along with other amenities which resulted in top sales in the category, eventually outselling earlier competitors who missed the market need for combined luxury with rugged looks.

By 1973 the Blazer was updated with body design changes, convenience options, a retractable tailgate window, and redesigned removable roof shell. The 350 4 bbl V8 engine with 4WD and automatic transmission operated via chain-driven full time NP-203 or part-time gear driven NP-205 cast iron transfer case, and DANA-44 front/12-bolt rear axle combination. These robust features combined with various amenities made for favorable performance trucks, a feature of continued popularity today.

History and Build Details of This Car

This Chevrolet Blazer is a factory built 4-wheel drive optioned K5 with 350 V8 engine and automatic transmission. The VIN appears on the cross member with correct stampings that match the riveted door plate as well as the GM sticker on the door jamb, all of which bear the matching VINs. Although much of the earlier history of this car is not known at this time, it appears to have been originally finished in Sunset Gold, enjoying a life of modest use and proper care. The engine currently in the truck bears the number 3970010 which corresponds to a 350 cubic inch V8. Although delivered from the factory with an NP-203 full-time case, this case was swapped out in 2021 during refurbishment and converted to the gear-driven NP-205 transfer case which remains in the car today. In 2021 the transmission was professionally rebuilt (59,XXX miles indicated on invoice).

Refurbished over a combination of current and previous owners, the current owner purchased this Blazer in 2021 and has added fewer than 500 miles since purchase. Service invoices from 2022 include a rebuilt engine by Power Performance, San Luis Obispo, CA, which included a .30 block rebore, new valve guides, reconditioning the rods, pressure testing for cylinder heads, competition camshaft, and other details as outlined in the accompanying invoice, Further work included carburetor cleaning and choke repair for the aftermarket 625 cfm Street Demon carburetor, oil change and exhaust replacement with a Flowmaster Super 44 muffler, 3” mandrel-bent pipes, and exhaust mounting hardware.

Prior services performed and parts purchased from 2019-2021 under previous ownership included replacement of various interior and exterior trim pieces, new SBC valve covers, new rear chrome license plate panel, new door sill plates, two retractable seat belts, center console replacement, new taillights with trim, a new seat back panel, new rear chrome bumper, and a new aluminum dual fan shroud and electric fan. Additional parts replaced at this time also included a new exhaust manifold, new GM alternator, Edelbrock intake manifold, Dana Spicer universal joints, spindle bearings, wheel seals, Timken front inner and outer wheel bearings, and a host of numerous smaller parts utilized during refurbishment.

Condition Overview

Today this Blazer presents as a balanced combination of refurbished and original features representative of a largely original Blazer. The 350 V8 4WD platform casts a powerful, muscular stance, raised from stock height with large profile all-terrain tires. The yellow paint is glossy and appropriately prepared for a driver level sport utility vehicle. The inner door jambs, rear bed, and parts of the interior have not been refinished. The hood, doors, and trunk open and shut properly with panel gaps consistent with 1970s American car build quality. A few chips in the paint are noted at some corners and forward-facing surfaces along with some overspray from the repaint. The removable white roof is in very good condition. The dropdown tailgate features the retracting tailgate glass which operates on a manual crank at the tailgate. The refurbishment appears to have been done with attention to period correct trim and details, with upgrades to the engine for ease of modern use. The exterior chrome and various polished trim, emblems, and badges are in very good condition, many of which are high quality reproduction items that have been more recently replaced. The glass, lenses, and lighting have very nice factory finishes overall with some areas featuring newer rubber and gasket materials as part of the refurbishment. The polished aluminum wheels are in very good condition as are the Hancook DynaPro MT tires, all of which are dated coded to mid 2018.

The interior features a satisfying combination of original and refurbished features using correct components and materials consistent with the spirit of sport utility use. The faux woodgrain door panels and black vinyl map pockets are in very good condition as are the bucket seats which have been reupholstered along with the rear bench seat, finished in matching materials. A center console unit is in place fronted by the 4WD selector allowing access to a range of drive settings. Black low pile carpeting is in generally good condition while the gauges, dashboard, and dash pad appear to be original, showing some signs of age. An aftermarket steering wheel has been installed, however, an original type is included. The rear seating area is carpeted and houses a standard sized spare tire with a carpet cover.

Under the hood, the 350 cu. in. engine has been finished with attention to detail favoring a combination of original features and updated components for modern driving enjoyment. Power brake booster, new alternator, Street Demon carburetor, aluminum radiator with electric fans, and Edelbrock intake manifold make for a nice combination of features for this 4WD Blazer. The underside reveals a combination of original features and restored suspension components including Bilstein front and rear shocks, a new 3” muffler and exhaust pipe, the recently converted 4WD gear case, and nicely finished suspension and driveline components. The original finishes appear dry and free from structural corrosion. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension mounting points.

The car starts easily and runs smoothly, delivering a potent V8 sound indicative of the mild performance build completed in 2022 under current ownership. The recently rebuilt automatic transmission shifts smoothly and offers stout acceleration and delightful kick-down when entering the highway. 4WD can be engaged with the floor selector offering various settings for traction and rugged terrain.

Items Included with the Car

This Blazer is offered with a set of four Chevrolet branded floor mats, an original type steering wheel, original type air cleaner assembly and carburetor, a Classic Parts Truck catalog, and original owner’s manual, various small parts, multiple keys, spare power steering hose, a spare set of spark plugs, fuses, and a loose black fabric dashboard cover.

Blazer Walkaround video: https://youtu.be/UZrNV2UCBE4

Blazer Driving video (w/4x4 demo): https://youtu.be/XjJuq_dhHHY

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608