Chev K5 Blazer

[iamsuperdan]

Started this one recently. This is MPC's Blazer reissue snapper, the Search & Rescue Blazer. I've always preferred the updated look of the 80-s versions, so I'm ditching the round headlights, and updating this to look like an early 80s verion.

First step was to pick up a resin grille. FOund this on EBay. I wish I could remember the seller and give him his credit, because it's a nicely cast piece.

Next up was to sand off the 70s emblems, flatten the hood details, and trim the grille opening. I still need to reshape the front fenders and relocate the turn indicators. Then I'll be filling in the sunroof.

I want the look of the base models, so I'm looking for a correct set of hubcaps. I did find a set of steel wheels from Scenes Unlimited, but the hubcaps are the wrong vintage. Beautifully cast pieces though, so I'm sure I'll find a home for these somewhere.

 

 

If anyone knows where to source a set of these in 1/25, I'd love to know about it!

 

 

Tires. I had again, brought in some pieces from Scenes Unlimited, as I thought the kit tires were too big. In looking at everything though, i think I may go with the kit tires, as the SU tires seema  little skinny. Once I have everything together, I'll mock it up to see.

I have a theme planned for this build, so as soon as the body mods are done, I'll hit it with paint, and the look will really start to take shape.

 

[kelson]

This should be a good looking build,i'm following for sure.

[mikemodeler]

I will be following this one as well. I would suggest to keep looking for a better set of tires and not use the poor example of a tire that came with the kit. Go through the Scenes Unlimited website and also check out Fireball Modelworks- those are my two go to websites for accurate, realistic tires and wheels and both of them offer some of the best product and service.

Search eBay, those hubcaps look familiar. Check with Casey here on the forum, he casts some wheels and might be able to direct you.

[bill lanfear]

I am anxious to see this come together, I like where you are going with it!

[av405]

Looks promising! I'll be following. I too have been looking for those type of hubcaps but have not found any. 

How do you plan on updating the front door frames?

[iamsuperdan]

2 hours ago, av405 said:

Looks promising! I'll be following. I too have been looking for those type of hubcaps but have not found any. 

How do you plan on updating the front door frames?

Yeah...those door frames. I have two options I was thinking of.

 

Option 1: just experimenting with styrene and seeing if it will look right.

Option 2: leaving it alone, and just going with something that is mostly accurate.

 

I'll be starting with Option 1, then depending on those results, will move on to Option 2.

 

 

[Russell C]

14 hours ago, iamsuperdan said:

...This is MPC's Blazer reissue snapper ...flatten the hood details, and trim the grille opening. I still need to reshape the front fenders and relocate the turn indicators....

The MPC '84 GMC pickup already has the fenders done for you, along with the front bumper, and the rounder side mirrors.

[iamsuperdan]

Yeah,  ithought about buying one of those and doing some body panel swaps. But I'm going to try my hand at body mods first.

 

 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Looks great so far!

[disabled modeler]

I like it Dan....that resin grille is close to the one my 1 to 1 truck has its a 84 Chevy Silverado.  The resin grille looks nice and looks to be a Scottsdale grille to me..?

[iamsuperdan]

That grille is definitely mid-80s, so doesn;t match the random Blazer I posted above.

I've had trouble nailing down exactly what grilles and body treatments were available on what years. Single headlights, dual healdights, upright indicators, horizontal indicators, wider door frames, thinner frames.

When I'm done this one, it won't be 100% accurate, but I should be able to acheive the overall look I'm after.

 

 

[av405]

Your resin grill is for a 1981-1982 model. Typically it was the lower-trim Custom Deluxe that had the single headlight grill. Most Blazers didn't have these so that grill is perfect. 

[dieseldawg142]

.......

 

Edited May 9, 2018 by dieseldawg142

[Ron Hamilton]

I sold new Chevrolet Trucks when those were new, and I even had a 1981 K5 Blazer for a demonstrator, which was the most gas thirsty vehicle I had for a demo. It was gorgeous in that it was Black with the Gray Cloth Bucket Seat interior, and about every option that Chevrolet offered from the factory. One of my co-workers sold it for me after I bribed him.  I want to build a model of it, and looking at that grille you have, I am going to get a couple for some projects.

If you get a chance, take a look at Fireball Modelworks FMR 101 set with 15x8 4x4 Chevy Rally Wheels, with the 31,5 Goodrich All terrain TA tires. That is the set up that my friend's 84 K-5 Had on it. The largest ones that the factory would do.

[Agent G]

The original issue "A Team" van had those hub caps included. I'm thinking the AMT "Chevy Rescue Van" kit might have them as well.

G

 

[disabled modeler]

Ether way even if its not 100% accurate its going to be cool.    Id like to make a replica of our 84 Chevy Silverado 4x4 long bed sometime...I already have the previous issue of the 4x4 short bed GMC pickup for the base model.  The bed and grille with be the real challenge for me.

[iamsuperdan]

Thanks guys. Yeah, not 100% accurate, but that won't bother me. The grille isn't the exact one I wanted, but it's close enough that it'll keep me satisfied. 

No pics, but I got the front end shaved down and smoothed. Will hit it with some primer shortly and make sure it looks right, tough to tell with the plain plastic.

Also have the sunroof mostly filled, hoping to get close to done over the Christmas break.