Throwback | Travis Barker’s Battle Wagon

Not everything in life goes according to plan, and not even fame and fortune can change that fact. Travis Barker, who is most notable for his role as drummer for band Blink 182, has also had many obstacles to face. His most recent was completing this ’71 Blazer as an all around urban assault vehicle. The goal was to create a vehicle that could battle the tough streets of the Los Angeles area. It might sound odd to purpose-build a lifted truck to drive the streets of L.A., but if you’ve ever driven the roads there, you know that their surface quality is so bad that having a high-clearance vehicle is almost a requirement.

As a celebrity musician, Travis is well known around globe and has his fair share of greenbacks stuffed in his mattress. This might make you think that he’s pretty much invincible, but you’d be wrong. As you might already know, in 2008 Travis was involved in a plane crash where he is now the only survivor. As he fled—on fire—from the wreckage, he thought that his life was over. His recovery in the hospital during the ensuing months was extremely painful. The one thing that kept him going through all of the surgeries was his love for his kids.

Though Travis is recovered, years later he’s still shaken by the whole ordeal. Because of his near-death experience he’s more involved in his kids’ lives than ever before, and he takes them to and from school on a regular basis. That’s where this 4×4 Chevy comes into play. Travis wanted it to be an unstoppable cruiser reliable enough to take his kids to school and on other (more exciting) adventures. So, whoever was going to build the truck would have to be trustworthy enough to make it a reliable daily driver.

The whole deal started off when Travis purchased the Blazer off eBay and took it to what he thought was a reputable shop in Burbank, California. Six months later, he walked down the road and discovered Delmo’s Speed & Kustom when the shop was still in California. Travis liked what he saw at Delmo’s and it made him rethink some of his decisions. Since the truck had been sitting for long time at the first shop with no signs of progress, he pulled it and took it straight to Delmo’s.

Truck Specs:
Owner
Travis Barker

1971 Chevy K-5 Blazer

Los Angeles, CA

Engine

• Shop: Delmo’s Speed & Kustom
• GM LS3 Crate engine
• Classic Performance Products engine mounts
• 4L70E transmission
• Hughes Performance 2,400-stall torque converter
• Atlas transfer case
• General Driveline driveshafts
• Dana 60 front and rear axles
• 4.10:1 gears
• Fab Fours differential covers
• Holley accessory drive
• Custom intake with K&N filter
• Custom2.5-inch exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers
• Be Cool radiator
• Spal electric fan
• Classic Performance Products aluminum gas tank

Suspension

• Shop: Delmo’s Speed & Kustom
• 6-inch lift leaf springs
• Bilstein shocks
• Classic Performance Products brake master cylinder and 9-inch booster
• Chassis and suspension powder coated by Pacific Coast Powder Coating

Wheels & Tires

• 17×10 Black Rock Yuma Series 908M
• Nitto Trail Grappler M/T 35×12.50R17LT

Body & Paint

• Shop: Lasky Coachworks
• Factory body painted BMW Gray with semi-gloss clear
• GE LED headlights
• Rigid Industries RDS light bar and rear floodlights
• White taillights and markers
• Custom roll cage and canvas top by Empire Fabrication

Interior & Stereo

• Shop: Delmo’s Speed & Kustom/Fat Lucky’s
• Factory seat reupholstered
• Mercedes Black carpet
• Dakota Digital VHX gauges
• Vintage Air AC
• Stock steering column with soft grip three-spoke wheel
• Modified factory radio
•  Eight JL Audio speakers throughout
• Four 10-inch JL Audio subwoofers in custom enclosure
• JL Audio amplifiers

The crew at Delmo’s tore the truck down to bare bones to rebuild it from the ground up. The chassis, 6-inch lifted suspension and front and rear Dana 60 axles were all sent to Pacific Coast Powder Coating to be finished off in black. Meanwhile, the body was sent out to Lasky Coachworks to get its clean, menacing paint job created using BMW Gray and semi-gloss clear. Once back at Delmo’s, the Blazer was reassembled with the addition of Bilstein shocks, Black Rock Yuma series 908M wheels, and Nitto Trail Grappler M/T 35×12.50R17LT tires.

Since Travis wanted to make this beast a reliable cruiser, a GM LS3 crate motor was dropped in and backed up with a 4L70E transmission and Atlas transfer case. The engine is fed by air from a custom intake with K&N air filter and gas from a Classic Performance Products aluminum tank. Spent gasses are released to a custom 2.5-inch exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers. All engine vitals are monitored using a set of Dakota Digital VHX gauges. The engine-mounted compressor feeds the Vintage Air climate control unit. Providing shade and protection is a custom roll cage with a canvas cover all built by Empire Fabrications. The top was also equipped with a Rigid Industries RDS light bar and rear floodlights.

As far as the rest of the build goes, the inside of this truck looks stock with a few minor touches. The flooring was replaced with Black Mercedes carpet and Fat Lucky’s reupholstered the factory seats. Since Travis is in the music biz, it’s a must for him to listen to his industry peers while cruising around. The stock radio was modified to stream tunes to a set of JL Audio speakers mounted throughout and the four 10-inch subs in a custom box mounted in the rear.

Though it’s been years since the plane crash, Travis remains grounded and has yet to get in the air again. With a truck like this, who wouldn’t mind staying close to the surface of Mother Earth? ST

Special thanks from the owner: “Delmo’s for the build, Fat Lucky’s for the sick interior, Lasky Coachworks for the paint and body, Carlisle group for the Black Rock wheels, JL Audio for the sound system, Rigid Industries for the light bar and rear floods and Nitto for the tires.”

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the June 2016 print issue of Street Trucks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How have Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian shared their experience with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer?

Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian have been showcasing their adventures with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer by posting snippets on their individual Instagram Stories. Through these updates, fans get a peek into their experiences and journeys with the SUV, highlighting its features and their personal moments with the vehicle.

What was the auction price of the previous K5 Blazer Travis Barker posed with?

Travis Barker was previously seen with a K5 Blazer, which later fetched an impressive $440,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction.

Why is the Chevrolet K5 Blazer attracting attention in the market now?

Curious about why the Chevrolet K5 Blazer is grabbing headlines and stirring interest among car enthusiasts today? The buzz around this classic isn’t just nostalgia. The allure of the K5 Blazer lies in its dual personality—it’s a rugged off-road vehicle with a convertible option, perfect for adventurers wanting that open-air thrill.

Alongside its versatile design, the K5 Blazer has become a hot commodity in the vintage car market, often fetching steep prices around $50,000. This surge in value is attributed not only to its iconic status but also to its limited availability, driving demand. Whether collecting, investing, or simply yearning for an exploration vehicle with character, the K5 Blazer’s unique features and timeless charm continue to captivate buyers today.

What is the average selling price for a Chevrolet K5 Blazer currently?

If you’re curious about the current market for a Chevrolet K5 Blazer, you’ll be interested to know that it typically sells for around $50,000. This popular choice among off-road enthusiasts has not only maintained its allure but has also garnered significant attention, contributing to its impressive average selling price.

How long was the Chevrolet K5 Blazer produced, and what were some of the popular models?

The Chevrolet K5 Blazer had a production run that spanned nearly 25 years, starting from its debut in 1969 and continuing until 1994. Among the various models manufactured during this period, those produced between 1973 and 1991 gained notable popularity. These models are often celebrated for their robust design and versatile capabilities.

What is the previous history of Travis Barker with the K5 Blazer model?

The whole deal started off when Travis purchased the Blazer off eBay and took it to what he thought was a reputable shop in Burbank, California. Six months later, he walked down the road and discovered Delmo’s Speed & Kustom when the shop was still in California. Travis liked what he saw at Delmo’s and it made him rethink some of his decisions. Since the truck had been sitting for a long time at the first shop with no signs of progress, he pulled it and took it straight to Delmo’s.

But this isn’t Travis Barker’s first rodeo with a K5 Blazer. Back in late 2021, he was seen with another Blazer—this time a striking two-tone black and white SUV. That particular vehicle was courtesy of Dan Hogan and it definitely made waves. Barker drove it for a while, and it eventually caught the eye of collectors, selling for an impressive $440,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction.

Barker’s ongoing relationship with the K5 Blazer model showcases his appreciation for classic SUVs and his knack for turning them into something truly special. Whether it’s through personal projects or high-profile collaborations, each Blazer becomes a canvas for his unique style.

What was the significance of that transaction?

The K5 Blazer sold for a substantial $440,000, indicating its high value and desirability.

What happened to the previous K5 Blazer?

The SUV was subsequently sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction.

Who was involved in this previous ownership?

Dan Hogan was involved, as he provided the vehicle to Barker.

What did the previous K5 Blazer look like?

The earlier K5 Blazer was a two-tone SUV, featuring a black and white color scheme.

Has Travis Barker owned a K5 Blazer before?

Yes, Travis Barker has previously been associated with a K5 Blazer, notably in late 2021.

What are some characteristics of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer model?

Truck Specs

Owner

Travis Barker

1971 Chevy K-5 Blazer

Los Angeles, CA

The Chevrolet K5 Blazer, a model that captured the hearts of off-road enthusiasts, was introduced in 1969 and remained in production until 1994. Known for its rugged build and versatility, the K5 Blazer allowed drivers to experience the thrill of the outdoors with its removable top. This model was particularly popular during the years 1973 to 1991, and today, it continues to turn heads, often fetching around $50,000 on the market.

Engine

• Shop: Delmo’s Speed & Kustom
• GM LS3 Crate engine
• Classic Performance Products engine mounts
• 4L70E transmission
• Hughes Performance 2,400-stall torque converter
• Atlas transfer case
• General Driveline driveshafts
• Dana 60 front and rear axles
• 4.10:1 gears
• Fab Fours differential covers
• Holley accessory drive
• Custom intake with K&N filter
• Custom 2.5-inch exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers
• Be Cool radiator
• Spal electric fan
• Classic Performance Products aluminum gas tank

Suspension

• Shop: Delmo’s Speed & Kustom
• 6-inch lift leaf springs
• Bilstein shocks
• Classic Performance Products brake master cylinder and 9-inch booster
• Chassis and suspension powder coated by Pacific Coast Powder Coating

Wheels & Tires

• 17×10 Black Rock Yuma Series 908M
• Nitto Trail Grappler M/T 35×12.50R17LT

Body & Paint

• Shop: Lasky Coachworks
• Factory body painted BMW Gray with semi-gloss clear
• GE LED headlights
• Rigid Industries RDS light bar and rear floodlights
• White taillights and markers
• Custom roll cage and canvas top by Empire Fabrication

Interior & Stereo

• Shop: Delmo’s Speed & Kustom/Fat Lucky’s
• Factory seat reupholstered
• Mercedes Black carpet
• Dakota Digital VHX gauges
• Vintage Air AC
• Stock steering column with soft grip three-spoke wheel
• Modified factory radio
• Eight JL Audio speakers throughout
• Four 10-inch JL Audio subwoofers in custom enclosure
• JL Audio amplifiers

This blend of historical significance and modern customization showcases why the Chevrolet K5 Blazer remains an icon in the automotive world. Whether in its classic form or a personalized masterpiece like Travis Barker’s, the K5 Blazer epitomizes the spirit of adventure and innovation.

Why does the K5 Blazer attract attention today?

The K5 Blazer remains sought after due to its iconic design, off-road capabilities, and historical appeal, which have contributed to its high market value today.

What is the current market value of the K5 Blazer?

The K5 Blazer continues to attract interest, with its current market value averaging around $50,000.

What unique features contributed to the K5 Blazer’s popularity?

One of the standout features of the K5 Blazer was its removable top, which made it a unique option for those seeking an open-air driving experience in an off-road vehicle.

What is the historical significance of the K5 Blazer?

The K5 Blazer gained popularity as a favored choice among off-road enthusiasts, especially models produced between 1973 and 1991, due to its robust design and versatility.

When was the Chevrolet K5 Blazer produced?

The Chevrolet K5 Blazer was produced from 1969 until 1994.

How do the Barkers feel about their upgraded K5 Blazer?

The Barkers are absolutely delighted with their newly upgraded K5 Blazer. While the exact cost remains undisclosed, the end result surpasses their expectations, bringing them immense satisfaction. The enhancements have truly transformed their driving experience, leaving them overjoyed with the decision.

What previous K5 Blazer did Travis Barker own and what happened to it?

In late 2021, Travis Barker owned a distinctive two-tone black and white K5 Blazer, provided by Dan Hogan. He drove this eye-catching SUV for some time before it was put up for auction. Eventually, the vehicle sold for an impressive $440,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event.

How have Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian been showcasing their upgraded K5 Blazer?

Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian have been giving fans an inside look at their revamped K5 Blazer through their Instagram Stories. Both have posted various snapshots and clips, allowing their followers to catch glimpses of the SUV’s new features and design upgrades. By sharing these curated moments on social media, they provide an engaging peek into the stylish transformation of their vehicle.

What are the historical highlights of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer model?

Historical Highlights of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer

The Chevrolet K5 Blazer, a staple in the SUV market, made its debut in 1969 and remained in production until 1994. This iconic vehicle carved a niche for itself among off-road enthusiasts, offering a unique combination of ruggedness and versatility.

1973 Redesign:A significant redesign in 1973 marked a pivotal moment for the K5 Blazer. This overhaul introduced a more modern look, with a full convertible top that quickly became a favorite feature for outdoor adventurers.

1980s Popularity:Throughout the 1980s, the K5 Blazer gained a loyal following. Known for its robust performance and adaptability, it appealed to those craving a vehicle that could handle both urban environments and rough terrains with ease.

1991 Model Year:The early ’90s brought the final updates to the Blazer lineup. Notably, the 1991 models are often celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts for their engineering refinements and solid build quality.

Even years after its production ended, the K5 Blazer continues to draw considerable interest in the classic car market, with some models fetching high prices. From adventure-ready features to a dedicated fan base, the K5 Blazer stands as a testament to timeless design and durable appeal.

What is the average selling price for a Chevrolet K5 Blazer?

The Chevrolet K5 Blazer, once favored for its off-road capabilities and removable top, is currently garnering significant market interest. On average, this classic vehicle sells for about $50,000.