Squarebody Blazer/Jimmy. 73-75 or 76-87 better?

[MisterB]

I'm thinking of adding a SquareBody Blazer or Jimmy to the stable at some point. It would only be driven during the summer, and the top would be off at all times. The rest of the time it would be garaged.

It appears the 73-75 years had a complete convertible roof, whereas the 76-87 have the metal cab roof over the front two seats.

Are the 73-75 super hard to find, and a lot more expensive?

What's the experience like driving both without a top? What are the pros and cons of each?

Suppose another factor, is that the newer SquareBody trucks have some additional refinements in other places

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[Goldie Driver]

I am biased, but had a 74 Jimmy and 3 full removable roof RamChargers.

I'd say the full roof wins, but, harder to find.

However, those year Blazers and Jimmys are probably less expensive than the generation prior ...

 

[Shorty81]

Never had a 73-87 K5, but had a 72 K5 38 yrs ago. Left the top off all summer and pulled a trailer full of dirt bikes to all the local mx tracks. Always full cooler, Alpine with Jenson tri axles cranked.....good times. Can't beat the full removable top.

 

[MisterB]

Sounds like good times. Yeah, the 67-72 Blazer/Jimmy are like 50K for one that hasn't been boogered up and has been restored. I'm not spending that. I have a '69 Chevy truck, and while I like it, I much prefer my SquareBody. It just fits me better and is more enjoyable to drive.

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[Shorty81]

Sounds like good times. Yeah, the 67-72 Blazer/Jimmy are like 50K for one that hasn't been boogered up and has been restored. I'm not spending that. I have a '69 Chevy truck, and while I like it, I much prefer my SquareBody. It just fits me better and is more enjoyable to drive.

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I understand what you're saying. Cut my teeth with the action line trucks (67-72). They are still my favorite. Keep the ole 69!!

 

[MisterB]

I understand what you're saying. Cut my teeth with the action line trucks (67-72). They are still my favorite. Keep the ole 69!!

Oh, it's not going anywhere. I like it. It's just not my favorite

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[Turbo4whl]

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Cool picture @MisterB

 

[Shorty81]

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Cool picture @MisterB

X2!!

 

[MisterB]

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Cool picture @MisterB

What you do, is get on a ladder and take a pic with the hood closed. Then take one from the same spot with the hood open. Then somebody that knows photoshop combines the two pictures and does a little magic to get it finalized

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[Grit dog]

Cool factor 73-75 wins, newer round eyes 2nd place, IMO.
They’re all old enough that any truck could be a basket case pos or great shape.
Luxury and amenities in a nice late model are also a plus, so go for the best value rig you can find IMO. TBI, OD, AC, cruise and power windows are nice on a dd truck but a bare bones 70s model has less things to repair/replace and seem more rugged.
Id want no carpet and vinyl seats if going topless all summer. So I’d consider it a hindrance to have a late model with cloth seats and full carpet.
It’s not like the nice ones are sitting on every corner waiting for someone to buy them, so snap up the first one that’s “worth it.” They’re all cool.

 

[nvrenuf]

Find a later TBI ‘87+ Blazer and do a full top conversion.

Get the benefits of the TBI, the possibility of functional a/c, improved rust resistance and then add the cool factor of a full top. Win, Win.

 

[Craig 85]

Also in '78 the rear foot well is the same depth as the front floors giving rear passengers a better seating position. The rear seat also folds.

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[MisterB]

Find a later TBI ‘87+ Blazer and do a full top conversion.

Get the benefits of the TBI, the possibility of functional a/c, improved rust resistance and then add the cool factor of a full top. Win, Win.

So when you say full top conversion, are you saying the metal roof on a 76-87+ is cut to look like a '73- '75?

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[bucket]

Also in '78 the rear foot well is the same depth as the front floors giving rear passengers a better seating position. The rear seat also folds.

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This is a biggie. The rear footwell isn't so important unless you ride back there, but the folding/tumbling seat is VERY nice if you often haul stuff in the back.

 

[ali_c20]

I have a soft topper on my 79K5 and drive open most of the time. The good thing about the cab over the front seats is that the sun doesn't burn you to ashes when you ride a few hours on sunny summer day. The rear folding bench is really handy and if you need more room it can be easily removed. It's mounted with 2 bolts.
I would love to have a 73 K5 but they are way too expensive.

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