Ever since the release of the first pickup trucks, aftermarket companies and custom shops have been looking for ways to make them more rugged for off-road driving. Shortly after WWII, a company called NAPCO began offering 4x4 conversion kits for civilian trucks from Dodge, Ford, and GM. Soon, GM started offering these kits as factory-installed RPO options, and then developed its own 4x4 system to meet demand. A few decades later, trucks like this K5 Blazer were built with off-roading in mind, and buyers upped the ante even further by modifying them with lift kits and bigger tires.
The '72 K5 Blazer seen here is modified beyond the wildest dreams of the GM engineers who originally designed the C/K Series platform. It was recently featured by the YouTube channel AutotopiaLA, and it was built by a shop called Rock Bottom Off-Road in Riverside, CA.
We're pleased to see that the Blazer's body retains its timeless style, since it was restored using original-style restoration parts. From the egg crate grille to the wood grain tailgate trim and two-tone paint scheme, this truck is a classic through and through.
However, beneath the surface, this Blazer is anything but stock. It rides on a modified and reinforced frame equipped with massive 12-inch Radflo coilovers, reinforced Dana 60 1-ton axles, Antirock swaybars, and a new fuel tank.
The engine bay features an LS3 engine making 525 horsepower, paired with a 4L80e automatic transmission and Atlas transfer case. You'll also notice the external reservoirs for the massive Radflo shocks, and a Wilwood master cylinder that powers the big disc brakes at all four corners.
This Blazer's interior is equally clean, with custom-reupholstered TMI seats, custom center console, Dakota Digital gauges, and Vintage Air A/C.
A set of 17-inch Vision wheels with 37-inch Milestar mud tires gives this K5 Blazer an elevated stance that's both functional and visually appealing.
Check out the full AutotopiaLA video on this K5 Blazer build below:
Whether you're working on a truck that's more than a little rough around the edges, or just putting the finishing touches on a project that's almost complete, Classic Industries is here to help. Our GM Truck catalog has all the parts you need to restore or upgrade your classic Chevy or GMC pickup. Click the button below to get a free full-color restoration parts catalog: