Family-Friendly 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Build

Kid Friendly Transportation and So Much More

When it’s time for the next project vehicle, most folks have to decide whether to buy or build. It’s a serious concern since both options have clear advantages. Build it yourself and you know every nut and bolt. You’re the perfect one to fix it if something breaks. Unfortunately, doing it yourself takes time, there’s lots of parts sourcing, and the results may not turn out as you expected. On the other hand, buying an already completed truck means you will know in a moment if the styling is right and a test drive will fill in any remaining blanks. Purists may scoff at the notion of breaking out the checkbook for your next ride, but they’ll admit that it’s usually cheaper in the end. Rather than waiting years, you could be rolling that afternoon. 

Josh McPherson is no stranger to building cool rides. A staunch C10 fan, he has owned a ’68 and a ’71 along with this 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Besides being a successful mortgage loan officer in Palm Coast, Florida, he is also a content creator for Street Trucks magazine. His last project was a badass 1967 C10 code named “Project Last Chance” and he is documenting the build of a 1993 Dually Pace truck “She Thic” (see Street Trucks’ August issue for Part 1 of the build, and page 70 of this issue for Part 2).

Definitely capable of either buying or building, Josh opted to buy this time and was looking for a kid hauler back in 2018.

“I wanted to get something that I could enjoy with my family so that our two boys Walker 6, and Wyatt 5, could grow up being a part of the classic truck scene, enjoying road trips with us at every opportunity,” Josh says. “Since I’ve been obsessed with C10s since I was a kid, I thought a 2WD Blazer would be perfect choice.”

After considerable research, he found a promising ride in Texas, hopped on a plane, and inspected it in person. A paintjob and engine swap had already been accomplished and the price was right. He struck a deal with the owner who shipped the truck to Florida a few weeks later.

TURNKEY PLUS

When the Blazer arrived, close inspection revealed what he had bought. The new engine was a powerhouse—a 5.3L V-8 from a 2006 Silverado. Already quick in stock form, this one sported a combination of upgrades, beginning with Texas Speed PRC Stage 2.5 ported and polished aluminum heads and cam along with their  LS3 intake and stainless steel air cleaner. Doug Thorley ceramic coated headers feed a 3-inch X-pipe exhaust with straight through mufflers. The dyno sheet confirms that the motor sends 342hp to the 2006 GM 4L60E, upgraded for the additional horsepower by Precision Transmission in Ormond Beach, Florida. Stance for the truck was established with adjustable Belltech shocks on all four corners and CPP 2.5-inch drop spindles.

Although the truck was a turnkey ride from the start, making it your own comes naturally to every serious enthusiast. The personalizing process began with a series of changes designed to transform the vehicle into the perfect family ride. One of the first moves was swapping the original performance (read: really loud!)  mufflers with Borla Pro XS units, still performance oriented but clearly more kid friendly for the two boys. His wife, Lauren, also appreciated the quieter ride, made even better thanks to Noico’s 80-mil Sound Deadening mat applied throughout the interior.

The changes also added a new dimension to the Retro Sound Bluetooth head unit and speakers. The modern technology infusion began with a Digital Guard Dawg keyless entry system and push-button starter kit. Glass was also an issue so he added new all around. Interior upgrades consisted of refinishing the door panels and center console, and then adding new seat belts and carpet. The matching pair of child safety seats in the back seat highlights the fact that this is a full-time, family fun ride.

ROAD TRIPPING ‘BAZER’

Josh loved the look of the Blazer the day he bought it so minimal changes were made to the exterior. He tucked the rear bumper and repainted the roof, then added a hand-fabricated, brushed aluminum grille from Engineered Vintage as one of the final steps in personalizing the ride. The Blazer rolls on a set of 22-inch Corsart Kingpin rims running 30-Series Lexani rubber. Josh has kicked around the idea of doing a full coilover chassis, big brakes, supercharger, and making it into a convertible with a fresh paintjob, but for now he’s going to leave it as-is and drive it a while.

“There are still lots of finishing touches scheduled for the future but we take the kids on road trips with ‘Bazer’ (Blazer was a little too hard for the youngest passenger!),” Josh says. “So the current conditions are perfect for our needs.”

We have saved the best for last, however. The Blazer is not only the perfect family cruiser, but it has also introduced Josh to the C10 community in a big way. After meeting several C10 representatives at the national level, John was interviewed and approved to establish a C10 club in Florida. He worked with a team of people heading charters in Ocala, Miami, Pensacola, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. After 2 1/2 years as head of state, it was time to move on, but he is looking forward to the next chapter with the club, all thanks to the family Blazer that got this “Bow Tie Ball” rolling. It’s something we already know. Trucks add fun to every element of life!

TRUCK SPECS 

 Owner 

Josh McPherson 

Palm Coast, Florida
1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

2006 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L V-8
Texas Speed PRC Stage 2.5 ported and polished aluminum heads
LS3 intake and stainless steel air cleaner
Texas Speed Stage 2.5 truck cam
Doug Thorley ceramic coated headers
3-inch X-pipe exhaust
Borla Pro XS mufflers
Dual 14-inch electric fans
Champion 4-core radiator
342hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
2006 GM 4L60E transmission
2800 stall speed
Engine work by previous owner
Trans work by Precision Transmission in Ormond Beach, FL

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

2.5-inch CPP drop spindles
Belltech shocks
Belltech lowering springs 4/6 drop
Moroso 4.11 rearend

WHEELS & TIRES 

Rims, 22-inch Gunmetal Corsart Kingpins R503
Front Tires: 265/30R22 Lexani
Rear Tires: 305/30R22 Lexani

EXTERIOR & PAINT 

Tucked rear bumper
Repainted roof
Engineered Vintage aluminum grille

INTERIOR

Retro Sound Bluetooth head unit
Digital Guard Dawg keyless entry system
Digital Guard Dawg push button starter kit
Noico’s 80-mil sound -deadening mat
New glass and rubber
New door panels and center console
New seat belts
Matching kid seats in the back