Most truck fans are looking for that special pickup they can completely tear down and build back up to their exact specifications. While that does sound like the dream to many of us, there is a side of the process that many don’t fully weigh out before making the big plunge into a years-long, extensive project. We can find plenty of success stories of folks following through and reaching the other side of the tunnel with their full custom-truck builds, but there also seems to be an equal number of in-progress pickups that, for whatever reason, don’t get finished by the hands that started the job.
Lucio Perez of Greensboro, North Carolina, can relate to having to make the hard decision to pass a project on for financial reasons. Some periods of life just aren’t conducive to funding an expensive hobby.
“My wife and I were also expecting a newborn son, so it was also a matter of finding a vehicle that was more family/budget appropriate.”
“Back in early July of 2014, I decided to sell a full build project that I had simply become burnt out on,” Lucio admits. “My wife and I were also expecting a newborn son, so it was also a matter of finding a vehicle that wasww more family/budget appropriate. We needed something that could accommodate a car seat but was still a ‘truck’—a Chevy, of course.”
After just a few weeks of flipping through online listings for classic Chevy trucks, Lucio set his sights on a K5 Blazer.
“I’ve never been a big 4WD guy, but a lot of the ads I was seeing were for those models, so I just let those pass by,” he says. “I began the search locally and then started to expand further away. One morning, as I was making my rounds on Craigslist, I found the perfect K5—and it was only a few counties away! It was a really clean 1977 2WD Blazer that was currently being daily driven and cared for. Once I saw it in person and took it out for a test drive, I knew I wasn’t leaving without this truck.”
“The frontend was outfitted with modified front lower DJM control arms, and the rear was treated to a parallel 4-link and mini-notch in the frame.”
Lucio did purchase the Blazer—at the end of that same month that he sold off his other project. While he doesn’t mean to brag too much about how much he spent on the truck, Lucio shared that after a bit of haggling, he drove the K5 home after reaching a deal with the previous owner: $2,500 cash plus the .40 caliber semi-auto pistol he was carrying at the time. Keep in mind, this was back in 2014. While deals like this are few and far between in today’s marketplace, we never get tired of hearing about the “good ol’ days” of scoring classic trucks for next to nothing. If that wasn’t good enough, Lucio’s deal was then sweetened when the K5’s previous owner surprised him with boxes full of the original one-year ’77 factory yellow trim, the factory center console, and all the original emblems and valve covers.
With a solid project in the driveway again, Lucio began to work on the truck once he figured out the direction he wanted to go with it.
“Even though I had some extra money in my pocket and a very clean truck to start with, the most challenging part was finding the time to work on it,” Lucio says. “My biggest inspiration for what I wanted to do with my truck came from all the guys and gals out there who put in the time and hard work to build their trucks in their home garages. When I see people cruising in trucks they built with their own hands and who have the know-how to fix it when things go wrong, it is just so freaking rad to me. I wanted to do the same, so I was going to have to carefully carve out a few hours here and there after work and on the weekends to get it all done. But I was looking forward to it.”
To start the project, the original small-block engine was pulled out, painted, and dressed up. It was already running strong, so Lucio figured tearing it apart wasn’t absolutely necessary. What was necessary, however, was beefing up the 355-cubic-inch power plant with a new Holley carb, a better breathing set of headers, and a 3-inch exhaust system complete with a Flowmaster muffler for an aggressive rumble.
“The K5 project took just about three full years to complete. Lucio estimates that he spent a budget-friendly $15,000 to get it to where it is today …”
Next, Lucio wanted to bring the K5 closer to ground. He enlisted the guidance of Adam Ferguson of Your Custom Car out of Kannapolis, North Carolina, to get the job done right the first time around. The frontend was outfitted with modified front lower DJM control arms, and the rear was treated to a parallel 4-link and mini-notch in the frame. Slam Specialties ’bags and dual Viair compressors assist in creating the fully customizable stance that enhances both the driving and the parking experiences. To fill up the fenders, Lucio selected a staggered set of custom-painted front 22×8.5 and rear 24×10 Intro Vista wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes rubber. It’s apparent why Lucio was hesitant to pull the trigger on a 4WD Blazer; he was looking to go low from the very beginning.
Even though the K5 was clean enough, Lucio already had plans to give it a full external refresh that would honor the classic Chevrolet heritage while still adding his own personal twist to its styling. In the end, a cool combination of satin and gloss black paints came together, broken up by that original yellow body trim. Everything else was left stock for the most part, except for the updated LED headlights and shaved tailgate badge. The final look is clean and classy, and didn’t require Lucio to go overboard with extensive body mods.
To further the simple yet effective approach to finish off the project, Lucio ordered seat covers and carpet from LMC, which he proceeded to install himself to quickly spruce up the K5’s interior. The rest of the cabin was simply cleaned, reconditioned, and re-dyed back to factory specs for that overall fresh feel that is perfect for a family cruiser. Spills and stains won’t be too devastating, and the interior will easily bounce back when they do happen.
The K5 project took just about three full years to complete. Lucio estimates that he spent a budget-friendly $15,000 to get it to where it is today—not too bad for an attractive, classic Chevy truck that can haul the entire family to shows or just around town on the weekends.
“While I did have some professional help along the way during the suspension and paint phases of the build, I was determined to do as much of the work as possible on my own,” Lucio says proudly. “I’m not done with the Blazer by any means, as I would love to swap in a big-block 454, add Hart Fab front inner fenders, Wilwood brakes, and digital gauges, but those will all come in time. For now, the K5 looks and drives great, and fits in perfectly with our family lifestyle.”
Lucio Perez
1977 Chevy K5 Blazer
Greensboro, NC
Severed Ties
Shop: Adam Ferguson/Your Custom Car, Kannapolis, NC
Slam Specialties ’bags
Monroe shocks
Modified DJM lower control arms
Dual Viair compressors
Parallel 4-link rear
Mini-notch and bridge bar
Engine: 1977 Chevy 355c.i. V-8
Edelbrock Performer intake manifold
Holley 750 carb
Rams Horn headers
3-inch Flowmaster exhaust and muffler
1977 Turbo 350 transmission
OEM brakes and master cylinder
Shop: 109 Paint & Collision, Mount Gilead, NC
Gloss black/satin black two-tone paint
LED headlights
Shaved tailgate badge
OEM grille and bumpers
OEM low back seats with original tan vinyl reconditioned to factory specs
OEM steering wheel
Stereo: OEM
Wheels: 22×8.5 and 24×10 Intro Vista wheels
Tires: Toyo Proxes tires
How can I refine my search for a classic car?
Searching for the perfect classic car can be overwhelming, but refining your search will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some steps to make your search more effective:
Decide how many results you want to see on each page:
By considering these parameters, you can refine your search to quickly and efficiently find the classic car that matches your expectations and budget.
Refining your search with these strategies will help you navigate through thousands of listings and zero in on your dream classic car. Happy hunting!
How many results per page can I choose to view?
When browsing, you have the option to select how many search results you want to see on each page. You can choose from three different options:
This flexibility allows you to tailor your viewing experience according to your preference. Adjust the number of results to get the most out of your browsing time!
What sorting orders are available for viewing the listings (e.g., lowest to highest, highest to lowest)?
When browsing through listings, you have the option to sort them in various ways to best suit your needs. The available sorting orders typically include:
These sorting options help you navigate through listings efficiently, ensuring you can quickly find what you’re looking for.
What criteria can I use to sort the listings (e.g., date listed, year, make/model, asking price)?
When searching for the ideal vehicle, sorting the listings effectively can save you time and effort. Here are the key criteria you can use:
By utilizing these sorting options, you can tailor your search to meet your specific needs, making it easier to find the perfect match.
How many results can I view per page?
When searching for products or services online, it’s important to know how many results you can view per page. This helps tailor your browsing experience to your preferences and needs.
The number of results shown per page influences:
Choose the option that best suits your browsing style and needs.
How can I set an alert to be notified of new listings?
Interested in being the first to know about new listings? Follow these steps to set up alerts:
By following these steps, you’ll never miss a new listing again. Customize your settings and stay updated effortlessly!
How many 1977 Chevrolet Blazers are currently listed for sale?
Currently, there are 10 listings for 1977 Chevrolet Blazers available for sale. All the results are displayed on a single page. Each page shows up to 15 vehicles, ensuring easy browsing.
Are there any auctions for 1977 Chevrolet Blazers?
Are you looking for auctions featuring the iconic 1977 Chevrolet Blazer? You’re in luck! Here are some notable listings:
? Vehicle: 1977 Chevrolet Blazer
Auction Status: Currently available
? Vehicle: 1977 Chevrolet Blazer
Auction Status: Scheduled, awaiting more details
To stay updated on these auctions and potentially discover more listings, consider visiting the auction site’s main page. Happy bidding!
What years of the Chevrolet Blazer are available for sale?
The Chevrolet Blazer is a classic SUV with a rich history, and several model years are now available for collectors and enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of the years you can find for sale:
Whether you’re a purist seeking the original charm of a 1969 model or prefer the updates seen in the early 2000s, there are plenty of options to suit your tastes.
How many pages of 1977 Chevrolet Blazer listings are there?
There is only one page of 1977 Chevrolet Blazer listings available. All matched vehicles are shown on this single page, with up to 15 results displayed.
What are the price ranges available for classic cars?
Are you curious about the cost of owning a classic car? Classic cars come in a range of prices, catering to various budgets.
For those seeking exceptionally rare or highly restored vehicles, prices can soar above $250,000. These classic carsoften have unique historical significance or feature highly sought-after models and pristine conditions.
On the other end of the spectrum, you can find more budget-friendly options for less than $5,000. These vehicles may require some restoration work or could be entry-level classics, perfect for first-time buyers looking to dip their toes into the world of classic car ownership.
No matter your budget, there’s likely a classic car out there that fits your financial plan.
What are some popular searches for classic cars?
When it comes to classic cars, enthusiasts frequently search for iconic models that have stood the test of time. Here’s a list of some of the most popular classic cars that capture the hearts of collectors and admirers alike:
Muscle cars remain a top choice for many classic car enthusiasts. These vehicles are known for their powerful engines and sleek designs. Popular searches include American muscle legends that have defined an entire era.
Classic sedans and coupes are also highly sought after for their elegance and enduring style. These cars often feature timeless designs and impressive craftsmanship.
Vintage pickup trucks have seen a surge in popularity. These classic trucks are appreciated not only for their ruggedness but also for their versatility and charm.
When searching for classic cars, enthusiasts often look for specific features that make these vehicles stand out:
By understanding these popular searches and key features, you can navigate the classic car market more effectively and find the perfect vehicle that suits your taste and collection.
What types of categories can I browse for classic cars?
If you’re in the market for classic cars, you’ll find an array of categories to suit every preference and budget:
Each of these categories provides a tailored selection ensuring you find the perfect classic car that meets your specific tastes and needs.
What are some of the features of the listed 1977 Chevrolet Blazers?
“The frontend was outfitted with modified front lower DJM control arms, and the rear was treated to a parallel 4-link and mini-notch in the frame. Slam Specialties ’bags and dual Viair compressors assist in creating the fully customizable stance that enhances both the driving and the parking experiences. To fill up the fenders, Lucioselected a staggered set of custom-painted front 22×8.5 and rear 24×10 Intro Vista wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes rubber.”
In addition to this meticulously customized ride, the 1977 Chevrolet Blazer lineup offers a variety of features and options for every classic car enthusiast:
Price points vary across the board, from $9,495 for a solid driver with some rust to $47,995 for a fully restored and upgraded model. Whether you’re looking for a project vehicle or a show-ready classic, the 1977 Chevrolet Blazer lineup has something to offer for every taste and budget. This wide range of options ensures that you can find the perfect Blazer to fit your needs, whether you prioritize performance, aesthetics, or a little bit of both.
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