WHY IT’S RAD!
It’s only original once.
These days, modern fuel injection and power are an LS swap away. Nothing wrong with that, however it is truly commendable when you find a vehicle that has been lovingly preserved and run as purchased off the showroom floor, in this case, for 38 years.
This 1983 K5 Blazer was purchased new by the seller and is unique in that it sports its original, civilian ordered 6.2 liter Detroit Diesel engine combined with a top-of-the-line Silverado package. The original owner (and seller) used the vehicle exclusively around his Lake Tahoe home during the winter, in "all weather conditions." He then sold the Blazer to a friend to serve the same purpose and eventually bought it back, as he simply was too fond of it. Alas, life happens and now his pride and joy is up for grabs here on RAD For Sale.
The truck is said to easily achieve 25MPG and runs excellent with extensive maintenance performed over the course of the last 2 years as listed below:
New belts and hoses
New glow plugs
New power steering lines and hoses
New A/C pump
New glow plugs
Various electronic components
New master cylinder
New wheel cylinders
New brakes
New calipers
New shocks
New 31x10.50 R15 all terrain tires
New fuel pump
Rebuilt starter
New battery
New headliner
New windshield and seal.
The vehicle is said to be all stock with the exception of a check valve being added to the fuel system. Originally, Detroit Diesel Chevrolets would have the fuel bleed back to the tank causing a hard start issue. The check valve prevents this from happening and allows for startup “on the first try.”
The body appears very straight with no real damage other than patina throughout. Extensive underside photos are included in the gallery showing the condition of the drivetrain and undercarriage. The original vynil stripe graphics package is mostly intact and will definitely win you some additional RADcred at a future RADwood event.
The interior shows minimal wear with some splitting of the fabric on the driver’s side front seat, separation of carpet on the driver’s side door panel around speaker, and some scratches on the rear seat back. A Uniden CB radio is installed under the dash because of course it is. The A/C has been retrofitted with R134a and is said to function well, as does the heater.
A clean, California title accompanies the K5. A recent Carfax shows maintenance performed at a Chevrolet dealership through 2005 with the most recent entry being a windshield replacement in October of 2020.
Will you be keeping this one original or do you thank the owner for preserving it as the perfect platform for a BANKS sidewinder turbo kit? Either way, this thing is super RAD and we are very excited to have it here on RFS. Happy bidding!
Modifications
Largely original
Cooper 31x10.50 R15 all terrain tires
R134a A/C
Equipment
WARN front locking hubs
Uniden President AX 24 CB radio
CONDITION
Surface patina throughout
Fabric splitting on front seat
Scratches on various interior surfaces
COMMENTS & BIDS