Chevrolet K5 Blazer

Chevy Enters the SUV Market

Chevy introduced the Blazer in 1969 to compete with the Ford Bronco, Jeep CJ, and International Scout.  Where all of those early SUVs were built on small, dedicated SUV platforms, the Blazer was built on Chevy’s already existing C/K full-size truck platform.  That gave it more interior room than its competitors and made it easier to manufacture, keeping costs down. 

At first, in 1969, the Blazer was only available in four-wheel drive.  It came standard with only one seat (for people who really hate giving rides to their friends), but was available with up to five seats.  The Blazer came with a removable hardtop that covered the driver, passengers, and cab together.  The driver could also opt to drive in the open air.  Engine choices ranged from a 250 cubic inch inline six-cylinder to a 350 ci V8. 

In 1970 Chevy introduced a rear wheel drive version of the Blazer, but most Blazers sold throughout the model’s lifetime were 4WD.  That same year, GMC released the Blazer’s twin, the Jimmy.  GM built this first generation of the Blazer and Jimmy until 1972. 

The Next Generation Blazer

In 1973, GM redesigned its full size trucks and the Blazer along with them.  The new Blazer carried on many features from the previous generation.  It was still available with one to five seats and came with the removable hard top.  Updates included a tilt steering wheel and an electric motor to raise and lower the tailgate glass at the flip of a switch. 

In 1975, the removable hardtop was replaced with a half cab design.  The front passenger compartment was closed off, but the rear still had a removable top.  In 1979, a second seat became standard, while second row seating remained optional.  Plaid vinyl seats were also available that year. 

As fuel economy became a more pressing issue, the main engine for the Blazer became a 305ci V8.  A 6.2 liter diesel V8 also became available.  The reliability of the diesel engine (and the Blazer’s overall sturdiness drew the military’s attention).  The Blazer was developed into a Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV).  CUCVs were used mostly for support duties, such as transporting troops or cargo, and providing access to first aid.  Some Blazer-based CUCVs are still being used by the National Guard and the Military Police. 

In 1987, Chevy introduced fuel injection to is truck engines.  That allowed the company to increase the displacement of the Blazer’s standard engine back to 350ci.  Chevy continued to build the Blazer until 1991.  In 1992, it was replaced by a new full size SUV, the Tahoe.  

Need Blazer Parts?

The original Chevrolet Blazer full size SUV arrived in 1969, built on top Chevy's popular C/K truck chassis and dubbed the K5 Blazer. Originally the Chevy Blazer sported a removable hard top, but that was replaced in 1976, when a redesigned half cab body style was released. The advantage to owning a full size Chevrolet Blazer is obvious. Built on a short pickup truck platform, this increased the interior space while reducing production costs. This was the perfect combination of the power of Chevrolets' C/K truck series and the comforts of an SUV. The Chevrolet K5 Blazer could be equipped with a 250 straight six up to a 350 V8, standard or automatic transmissions, and came in two or four wheel drive. The result was a power packed off-road and heavy towing vehicle with the luxuries of a truck, such as air conditioning and an automatic transmission. Eventually the Chevrolet K5 Blazer was discontinued after its 1994 year; but it is survived by the smaller Chevy S-10 Blazer and the Chevy Tahoe two door SUV. A favorite of off-roaders everywhere for its large size, power, and comfort, the Chevrolet K5 Blazer full size SUV is still seen cruising through the dirt and mud even today.

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The full size Chevrolet K5 Blazer is a versatile vehicle for driving on and off the road in comfort and style. Being off-road capable means your Chevy K5 Blazer parts will wear down, so finding aftermarket replacement parts to keep it running is important. 1A Auto Parts is a supplier of high quality aftermarket Chevrolet K5 Blazer replacement parts. We provide Chevrolet K5 Blazer carpet, exhaust manifolds, headlights, taillights, door handles, window regulators, weather stripping, and more. All of our in stock Chevrolet K5 Blazer parts are backed by the industry's only 'No Hassle' return policy. The Chevy K5 Blazer was built to tear across anything in its path while keeping you comfortable. Our reliable and durable aftermarket Chevrolet K5 Blazer replacement parts are the perfect choice for maintaining your Blazer so you can drive wherever you want, over whatever you want. Don't waste time with the competition, buy your new aftermarket Chevrolet K5 Blazer parts from 1A Auto Parts today.