Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

I recently picked up a 72 GMC 2wd Jimmy with assumed production numbers being around 1100 units.

Over the past few weeks I have been debating on what to do to it. It is in rough shape and will need substantial metal work to bring er back but is 100% numbers correct. It was a base model with very few options.

Seams every 2wd I have seen is a full blown custom, bags, custom interior, LS swap etc........ (I have not found 1 that is in true OEM condition)

So back to the above question, WWYD?

OEM 100% with NOS parts restoration
OEM look but added options and trim levels
OEM look with 4/6 suspension
Full Blown custom.......

Just looking for some opinions (I know they are just like...........everyone has one))) LOL ;)



GO !

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

OEM look with 4/6 drop is my plan. It could easily go back to stock. As far as a 100% correct restoration, I like to see them, but the money difference between a nice build and a restored build is pretty substantial. I also think I would be hesitant to drive a 100% restoration.

Good luck, Rg

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

It's a 72 which IMHO is the least desirable year because that's the year they built the most of these trucks, and no one like all the emission equipment these had. If it was a 69, then that's another story. Maybe someday a 100% Blazer/Jimmy will fetch big bucks, but today it seems everyone want LS power. Best advice I can give anyone, is if you modify these trucks today, don't do anything that's not reversible. I like the look of of a bagged 2wd Blazer also, but you need to ask yourself what will this do to the value of it in 10 years because the equipment you put on it today will be obsolete in a couple years.

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

They did build a lot of trucks in 1972 but not many 2wd Blazers (even fewer 2wd Jimmy's) I have a 1970 2wd Jimmy but I had much rather have the 1972 2wd Jimmy as it already has front discs, and 5-lug wheels.

Most of the 2wd Jimmy's I have ever seen have the 67-68 chevy front end! It's all reverisble (well, unless you really hack it up)

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

Something also to ponder.....

1972 GM Production

Camaro Z28 = 2575
Chevelle SS454 = 5333
Nova SS = 12,309
Corvette convertable = 6508

The 2wd Jimmy is by far the lowest production of any vehicle made by GM in 1972

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

Well, I've had my Blazer and Jimmy for 13 years and they are not easy to find. They are out there and the internet would lead you to believe they are everywhere because if you search for them so many come up, but there are not many true 2wds out there.

Does this mean they are worth more than a 69 Camaro? Nope, but they are becoming more popular and with that popularity I have seen the prices go up. Good for me, but not good for the young guys who are just now figuring out how cool these are. I still think these (trucks included) are a bargain compared to other vehicles I like.

I'm still working on the Jimmy and it will look much more stock than my Blazer (my tastes have changed) but it will not be restored as I don't have the desire or inclination to do that. I just want a cool, reliable ride that stands out from every other car, and the 2wd K5's fill the bill.

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

For my 72 blazer 2wd - I am going with all reversible mods when I found out the rarity on 4 speed trucks with no rear seat, no center console and AM/FM options.

- stock appearance on body and firewall - not shaving it, but using rubber plugs and stock heater delete plates to allow reversal
- static drop - 2.5/4 with limited frame changes (x-member cuts for exhaust)
- stock color and interior
- LS motor/updated trans - OEM drivetrain was long gone - can always revert and I heard the 4 speed trucks are not fun to drive long term

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

I prefer the "restomod" look.
All original body lines, trim, etc.
(even the correct factory colors for the year of the vehicle)
BUT,... I prefer a lowered suspension, (bagged or static), and all the comforts of a new vehicle. (ps, pb, pw, fuel injection, etc)
But my vehicles have to have nice wheels of my preferred size and choice.
I would never consider oem exhaust, so that would have to change even though I like a nice quiet tone now.
Personally I don't like the 67-68 front clip swaps.
There are MANY nice versions, and Mar-K even makes 67-68 side trim for blazers, but I prefer the 69-72 front ends.
Maybe because they are blazer specifc years.

Whatever you do,... build what YOU want.
Not what someone else wants,...

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

That 67-68 side trim also looks good with the 69-72 front ends!

I've already bought some for the jimmy.

I really like how clean this jimmy is, built by soon2blaze

Rg

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

That looks pretty good with the trim.

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

I vote OEM look with factory color paint and added options like CST package. Front disc brakes and electronic ignition wouldn't hurt. Original 350 motor? If so I'd rebuild and reuse it and skip decking the block to preserve the engine ID code.

Of the not many original 2wd k5s, not many seem to remain original.

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

My 71 Jimmy had bags when I bought it. They soon got replaced with dropped springs. Much better in my opinion. Mine was an original I6, replaced with a tired 327 with the distributor rubbing the firewall. It now has a crate 350/700R4 with a pair of Smithys. And of course the 68 front clip. Nice daily driver.

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

I would say that 72 is the 'Most' desirable because of the increased amount of options available. As to smog equipment, these vehicles are smog exempt in most states.
As far as keeping them original, I would think these are more on the line of a tri-five Chevy than an early Corvette or an LS6 Chevelle (thank goodness). That said, I wouldn't personallly cut an original 2wd up beyond recognition either, because they are sought after for a reason. If I wanted a radical custom, I would just get a body and start from there.

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

i found a 1970 last year within 20 mies of my house - non original V8, auto transmission, and seats were long gone. Heck it didn't even have a top or heater....has 67 front clip and a louvered hood (which I sold). Basically a 2WD 1970 tub with matching frame, VIN and Title....

My goal is to static drop the suspension, 5 lug wheels, Disc brakes at a ll four corners, LS twin turbo with auto transmission, single wall top....BUT no modifications that cannot be unbolted or reversed.

And then this will become my daily driver....

Hoping to get it torn down and onto the rotisserie for frame off build yet this year.

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

Sounds like you're looking at this as an investment instead of being in love with the truck, so... in my opinion I know there is interest out there for those 2wd trucks, but honestly I don't personally know anyone that is interested in the 2wd. Seems like every person I know loves the 4wd though. You can sink incredible amounts of money into it either way but I would think the "desirability" of the customized truck would be greater. You could always keep the old drivetrain for a guy that wanted that option, since you've got it. You do a really nice resto on it and I bet you'll find somebody that loves it and will probably pay you more than it's worth. Remember this one: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/04/...rrett-jackson/

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

What did you end up doing with the jimmy ?

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

It is in storage for now.........

Re: Rarity VS Desirability ?
 

Keep er' original!