Difference between revisions of "Chevrolet K5 Blazer"

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{{unreferenced|date=July 2008}}
[[Image:1958-chevy-delray-chevrolet-archives.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1958 Chevrolet Delray 2-Door Sedan]]
''See also [[Chevrolet Blazer]] (disambiguation)''
[[Image:1958 Chevy.jpeg|thumb|250px|1958 Chevrolet Delray 2-door Sedan]]
{{Infobox Automobile
The '''Chevrolet Delray''' debuted in 1954 as an optional trim level on the mid-range [[Chevrolet 210|210 series]] of [[Chevrolet|Chevrolet's]] [[Full-size car|full-size automobile]]. It later became a distinct series of its own.
|name=Chevrolet K5 Blazer
|image=[[Image:74 K5 2.jpg|250px|1974 Chevrolet K5 Blazer]]
|manufacturer=[[General Motors]]
| production = 1969–1994
|class=Full-size [[SUV]]
|assembly=[[Janesville, Wisconsin]], [[USA]]
|body_style=2-door [[SUV]]
|layout=[[Front-engine design|Front engine]], [[rear-wheel drive]] / [[four-wheel drive]]
|successor=[[Chevrolet Tahoe]] <BR> [[GMC Yukon]]
}}
The '''K5 Blazer''' was the smallest full size [[SUV]] version of the [[General Motors C/K Trucks]] family. Introduced to the [[Chevrolet]] line in 1969, the full-size Blazer was replaced in 1995 by the [[Chevrolet Tahoe]]. In 1970, [[GMC Truck|GMC]] introduced its own model of the truck, called the '''Jimmy''', which lasted until the 1992 [[GMC Yukon]]. Both were based on the short wheelbase trucks and were available with either rear-wheel drive or [[four-wheel drive]].
The Blazer's long [[wheelbase]] relative (with an integrated rear body, and doors for 2nd row passengers) is known as the [[Chevrolet Suburban]].


The K5 Blazer and Jimmy had "full convertible" removable tops until 1976. In 1976 GM introduced a half-cab design that was less prone to leaks and slightly safer in a roll-over. These half cabs are convertible starting at a few inches behind the driver/passenger doors all the way back to the tailgate. In 1992 the Blazer was redesigned completely and no longer had a removable top.  
==Model history==
===1954-1957===
The Delray was a two-door sedan featuring an upgraded vinyl upholstery with "waffle-like" pleating, color-keyed to the exterior, along with carpeting and other minor upgrades. The standard equipment was otherwise essentially similar to the regular 210 models. The Delray was offered until 1957, and proved reasonably unpopular.


Smaller models, the [[Chevrolet S-10 Blazer|S-10 Blazer and S-15 Jimmy]], were introduced alongside these trucks in 1983. The original Blazer and Jimmy remained in production until 1991; 1992 saw the introduction of a new K1500 Blazer (and the rebadged '''GMC Yukon''') on the [[GM GMT platform#GMT400|GMT400 platform]]. After 1994, the Blazer was renamed the [[Chevrolet Tahoe]].
===1958===
In 1958, the Delray became a distinct series of its own, taking the place of the [[Chevrolet 150|150]]. The Delray was Chevrolet's price-leading, no-frills model, with the more expensive models being the [[Chevrolet Biscayne|Biscayne]], [[Chevrolet Bel Air|Bel Air]] and [[Chevrolet Impala|Impala]] (the last being a sub-model of the Bel Air).


{{TOCleft}}
Befitting its bottom-end status, the Delray had minimal interior and exterior trim and limited options. As such, this model was popular with fleet buyers such as police departments and businesses. However, private customers could also buy a Delray if low price, economy and basic all-around transportation with the convenience of a [[Full-size car|full-size automobile]] were the primary goals. Also, buyers could order any engine and transmission choice, including the {{Auto CID|348}} V8 and the [[fuel injection|fuel-injected]] {{Auto CID|283}} V8 engines.
{{-}}


==1969-1972==
For the 1959 [[model year]], Chevrolet made the [[Chevrolet Impala|Impala]] its top line series, at which time the Delray was dropped, and the Biscayne, formerly the second-lowest trim level, took over the entry-level position.
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=First generation
|image=[[Image:69Blazer.JPG|250px|1969 Blazer]]
| production_start = 1969
|production_end = 1972
|engine= [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#250|250 in³]] [[I6]] <BR>
[[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#292|292 in³]] I6 <BR>
[[Chevrolet_Small-Block_engine#307|307 in³]] [[V8]] <BR>
[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#350|350 in³]] V8
|body_style=2-door [[SUV]]
|aka=GMC K5 Jimmy
|transmission=3-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic#THM350|TH-350]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]] <BR>
3-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]
4-speed manual
|fuel_capacity=
}}
The original K5 was a short wheelbase [[truck]]. It was available in 1969 as 4-wheel drive only; in 1970, a two-wheel-drive model was offered. There were four choices for power plants: the ''[[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#250|250 in]]'' [[straight-6]], the ''[[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#292|292]]'' [[straight-6]], the ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#307|307]]'' [[V8]], and the ''[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#350|350]]'' V8.


The Blazer was designed and marketed to compete with [[International Harvester Scout]] and the [[Ford Bronco]]. Both of these were originally aimed at the short [[Jeep CJ]] series, which were much smaller than other trucks. The great innovation of the Blazer was to simply offer a shortened pickup truck, which both increased interior space, and lowered the cost of production with a shared platform. The Blazer quickly became popular. For the first time, it married the off-road capabilities of the Scout with the "luxury" features like air conditioning and automatic transmissions routinely available on pickup trucks. By 1970, the Blazer was already outselling both of its older rivals. [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], [[Dodge]], and even Jeep would counter with similar shortened pickups, with the [[Dodge Ramcharger]] and [[Jeep Cherokee (SJ)|Jeep Cherokee]].
==References==
{{reflist}}
==Further reading==
* {{cite book | author = Gunnell, John, Editor | title = The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 | publisher = Kraus Publications | year = 1987 | isbn = 0-87341-096-3}}
* {{Harvard reference | Surname=Biel | Given=John | Authorlink=John Biel| Title=A Glass Half Full: The Story of the 1958 Chevrolet | Journal=Collectible Automobile| Volume=21 | Issue=6 | Year=2005| Pages=8-23 | URL=http://auto.consumerguide.com/product/collectible/index.cfm }}.


The two-wheel drive version came with independent front suspension and rear trailing arms, both with coil springs. The four-wheel drive version had a solid front axle and used [[leaf spring]]s front and rear. Both versions used drum brakes at all four corners until 1971, when the entire GM light truck line got standard front discs.
{{Early Chevrolet cars}}
{{Chevrolet Vehicles}}


There was also a choice between a three-speed [[automatic transmission]] Turbo Hydromatic (TH350), a three-speed [[manual transmission]], and a four-speed Saginaw Muncie (SM465) manual transmission. Two transfer cases were offered: the Dana 20, available only with the manual transmissions, or the NP-205, available with both types of transmissions.
[[Category:Chevrolet vehicles|Delray]]
 
[[Category:Full-size vehicles]]
Engines:
* [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#250|250 in³]] (4.1 L) [[I6]] (1969-1984)
* [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#292|292 in³]] (4.8 L) I6 (1970-1971)
* [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#307|307 in³]] (5.0 L) [[V8]] (1969-1973)
* [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#350|350 in³]] (5.7 L) V8 (1969-1991)
 
Transfer cases:
* Dana 20 - gear driven part-time four-wheel drive
* NP-205 - gear driven part-time four-wheel drive
 
{{-}}
 
==1973-1991==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Second generation
|image=[[Image:Chevrolet K5 Blazer .jpg|250px|Chevrolet K5 Blazer]]
| production_start = 1973
|production_end = 1991
|engine= [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#250|250 in³]] [[I6]] <BR>
[[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#292|292 in³]] I6 <BR>
[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#305|305 in³]] [[V8]] <BR>
[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#307|307 in³]] V8 <BR>
[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#350|350 in³]] V8 <BR>
[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#400|400 in³]] V8 <BR>
[[Detroit_Diesel_V8_engine#6.2L|6.2 L Detroit Diesel]] V8
|wheelbase= {{Auto in|106.5|0}}
|length= {{Auto in|184.8|0}}
|aka=GMC K5 Jimmy
|width= {{Auto in|79.6|0}}
|height= {{Auto in|73.8|0}}
|transmission=4-speed [[Muncie SM465 transmission|SM465]] [[manual transmission|manual]] <BR>
3-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic#THM350|TH-350]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]] <BR>
3-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic|TH-400]] automatic <BR>
4-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic#700-R4|700-R4]] automatic
|fuel_capacity={{Convert|31|usgal|L impgal|1}}
}}
 
[[Image:Chevrolet K5 Blazer.jpg|right|thumb|200px|1981-1982 Chevrolet K5 Blazer]]
[[Image:P5250034.JPG|right|thumb|200px|1987 Chevrolet K5 Blazer]]
[[Image:GMC-K5-Jimmy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|GMC K5 Jimmy]]
In 1973, GM's line of full-size trucks was redesigned and updated. Although [[rear-wheel drive]] Blazers were manufactured until 1982, the majority sold were [[four-wheel drive]].
 
Until 1976, the K5 had a removable convertible top. After this, a half-cab design was used until 1991.
 
Although the [[GM GMT platform#GMT 400|GMT400 platform]] was introduced in the spring of 1987 as a 1988 model, the K5 Blazer, Suburban, and crew-cab trucks retained the earlier platform until 1991. In 1989, the front grille was changed to resemble the squared-off ones used on the GMT400 series of pickups.
 
The K5 Blazer is very popular in the [[off-road]]ing scene. It is a strong truck with the 350 V8 (which was the optional power plant), the gear driven NP-205 and ten and twelve bolt [[axle]]s. It is very easy to upgrade this engine, because there are many companies with performance parts available. Later models produced after 1980 used the chain-driven NP208 transfer case, and the NP241 after 1988.
 
Since 1981 (in the wake of the [[1973 oil crisis|1973 Arab Oil Embargo]] and the [[1979 energy crisis]]), Chevrolet and GMC used the smaller displacement 305s with a 9.2:1 compression ratio. These engines produced nearly as much torque as the 350, giving a similar driving feel. However, these power plants were underpowered and susceptible to [[detonation]] ([[engine knocking]]), especially with the electronic spark control module. To achieve the 9.2:1 compression ratio, the cylinder head chambers were smaller, measuring 54 cc instead of 60 cc. Despite a camshaft swap, some Blazer owners swapped out the 305s in favor of 350s, since the smaller displacement power plant was used in all Chevrolet/GMC pickups and passenger cars.
 
1982 saw the Detroit Diesel 6.2 introduced; diesel-powered K5s are sought after (especially for diesel conversions running [[biodiesel]] and/or [[straight vegetable oil]]).
 
After 1987, when [[Fuel_injection#Throttle_body_injection|Throttle Body Injection]] was introduced in the truck engines, the 350 was made the standard power plant.
 
Engines:
* [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#250|250 in³]] (4.1 L) [[I6]] (1973-1984)
* [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#305|305 in³]] (5.0 L) [[V8]] (1976-1987)
* [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#307|307 in³]] (5.0 L) V8 (1973)
* [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#350|350 in³]] (5.7 L) V8 (1973-1991)
* [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#400|400 in³]] (6.6 L) V8 (1975-1980)
* [[Detroit_Diesel_V8_engine#6.2L|6.2 L Detroit Diesel]] (379 in³) V8 (1982-1991)
 
Transmissions:
* Turbo Hydromatic TH-350 three-speed automatic (1973-1981)
* Turbo Hydromatic TH-400 three-speed automatic (1974-1979)
* 700R4 (4L60) four-speed overdrive automatic (1982-1991)
* Saginaw SM465 four-speed manual (1973-1991)
 
Transfer cases:
* Dana 20 - gear driven part-time four wheel drive (1973)
* NP-205 - gear driven part-time four wheel drive (1973-1980)
* NP-203 - chain driven full-time four wheel drive (1973-1979)
* NP-208 - chain driven part-time four wheel drive (1981-1988)
* NP-241 - chain driven part-time four wheel drive (1988-1991)
 
Axles:
* Dana 44 - Front axle (1973-1977/78)
* GM Corporate 10 Bolt - Front axle (1977/78-1991)
* GM Corporate 12 Bolt - Rear axle (1973-1981)
* GM Corporate 10 Bolt - Rear axle (1982-1991)
 
{{-}}
 
==1992-1994==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Third generation
|image=[[Image:'92-'94 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.jpg|250px|Chevrolet K5 Blazer]]
| production_start = 1992
|production_end = 1994
|engine=[[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#L05|350 in³ (5.7 L) L05]] V8 <BR>
[[Detroit_Diesel_V8_engine#6.5L|395 in³ (6.5 L) Detroit Diesel]] V8
|wheelbase= {{Auto in|111.5|0}}
|aka=GMC Yukon
|length= {{Auto in|187.7|0}}
|width= {{Auto in|76.4|0}}
|height= {{Auto in|71|0}}
|transmission=4-speed [[GM 4L60-E transmission|4L60E]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]] <BR>
5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]
|fuel_capacity={{Convert|30|usgal|L impgal|1}}
}}
 
[[Image:1992 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1992 Chevrolet Blazer Silverado]]
 
The full-size Chevrolet Blazer was updated in 1992 on the new [[GM GMT platform#GMT400|GMT400]] platform and lasted through the 1994 model year. The [[GMC Jimmy]] moniker was dropped from the full size SUVs for 1992, and the [[GMC Yukon]] nameplate was introduced that year. The Blazer platform was known as GMT415, and the Yukon was GMT430.
 
The models were mostly identical to each other save for emblems and identification, grilles, and some trim packages, Cheyenne and [[Silverado]] for Chevy, SL and SLE for GMC.  A Blazer Sport was offered with a flat graphite color applied to the lower areas of the vehicle and fender flares. A GMC Yukon GT was offered in a two-tone paint scheme early on with fender flares, it was then changed to a monochromatic appearance package later on.
 
These trucks had a slightly longer wheelbase than the previous models to improve drivability and towing, but there was no removable top offered, with a hatch and tailgate in the rear. Most were equipped with roof racks. The new frame was strengthened and an independent front suspension design was used.  The 350 throttle-body injected V8 was carried over from the 1991 models.
In 1993 an electronically controlled [[4l60e]] transmission was introduced, darker tinted glass was used for the rear hatches. In 1994 the grille shell was updated and an LED third brake light added.  A 6.5 liter turbo diesel was offered as well.
 
In 1995 the full-size Blazer was redesignated as the [[Chevy Tahoe]] to be sold along with it's new 4 door "shortened Suburban" counterpart, and the interior was redesigned with a new dashboard, seats, and door panels. The Yukon received the same treatment.  In 1996, a new [[Vortec]] 5.7 liter 350 V8 was introduced to replace the old 350 throttle body injection engine, along with [[OBD-II]] diagnostics.
 
A [[Z71]] off-road suspension RPO was offered on these trucks from 1992-1999 which consisted of larger 265/75/R15 tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and some other beefed up items, just like the pickups had.  Contrary to common belief, no 2 door Blazer, Yukon, or Tahoe ever left the factory with a Z71 decal on the side.
 
The 2-door Tahoe was in production up until 1999, the last model year for this 2-door SUV. The 2 door GMC Yukon on the [[GM GMT platform#GMT400|GMT400]] platform was produced until 1997.
 
{{-}}
 
==Miscellaneous==
[[Image:RightFrontCUCVM1009.JPG|thumb|250px|Right Front view M1009 CUCV]]
Around 1981, a prototype K5 Blazer was used as a testbed for a military [[CUCV]] vehicle. Between 1983 and 1986, what is known as the M1009 [[CUCV]] was the production militarized version of the civilian K5. The only differences are the lack of an air conditioner and an additional leaf spring in the suspension. A majority of them are painted [[olive drab]] green or in the [[M81 Woodland|woodland]] camouflage pattern, though some vehicles that saw desert use were painted tan. All M1009s, including its derivatives, are powered with the 6.2 L Diesel power plant.
 
The M1009s have a split 24/12 volt electrical system. Most of the truck actually runs on 12 volts. It has two separate 12v alternators and batteries wired in series, only the glow plug system, the starter, and the jumper cable jack are wired to the 24 volt terminals. everything else in the truck runs on 12 volts. The glow plugs are actually 12 volt glow plugs with a resistor pack on the firewall to drop the 24v down to 12v. This resistor pack can be bypassed and the glow plugs run directly off of the 12v battery. If this is done and the 24v starter is replaced with a standard 12v starter the second alternator and battery are no longer needed. (If this is done then the military 24v slave adapter in the grille will need to be disconnected as well.)
 
Some decommissioned M1009s end up in law enforcement use (e.g. with the [[Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department]]) or sold through government auctions, but a handful are still in use by the [[National Guard of the United States|National Guard]].
 
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{{Early Chevrolet Trucks}}
{{Chevrolet Truck}}
 
[[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Chevrolet vehicles|Blazer]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:SUVs]]
[[Category:1950s automobiles]]
[[Category:1960s automobiles]]
[[Category:1970s automobiles]]
[[Category:1980s automobiles]]
[[Category:1990s automobiles]]
[[Category:Goods manufactured in the United States]]
[[Category:Goods manufactured in the United States]]


[[de:Chevrolet Blazer]]
{{Classicpow-auto-stub}}
[[id:Chevrolet K5 Blazer]]
 
[[it:Chevrolet K5 Blazer]]
[[de:Chevrolet Del Ray]]
[[lt:Chevrolet K5 Blazer]]
[[fr:Chevrolet Del Ray]]
[[ja:シボレー・ブレイザー]]
[[ro:Chevrolet Delray]]
[[pt:Chevrolet Blazer]]

Revision as of 20:01, 2 February 2009

1958 Chevrolet Delray 2-Door Sedan
1958 Chevrolet Delray 2-door Sedan

The Chevrolet Delray debuted in 1954 as an optional trim level on the mid-range 210 series of Chevrolet's full-size automobile. It later became a distinct series of its own.

Model history

1954-1957

The Delray was a two-door sedan featuring an upgraded vinyl upholstery with "waffle-like" pleating, color-keyed to the exterior, along with carpeting and other minor upgrades. The standard equipment was otherwise essentially similar to the regular 210 models. The Delray was offered until 1957, and proved reasonably unpopular.

1958

In 1958, the Delray became a distinct series of its own, taking the place of the 150. The Delray was Chevrolet's price-leading, no-frills model, with the more expensive models being the Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala (the last being a sub-model of the Bel Air).

Befitting its bottom-end status, the Delray had minimal interior and exterior trim and limited options. As such, this model was popular with fleet buyers such as police departments and businesses. However, private customers could also buy a Delray if low price, economy and basic all-around transportation with the convenience of a full-size automobile were the primary goals. Also, buyers could order any engine and transmission choice, including the 348 cu in (5.7 L) V8 and the fuel-injected 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 engines.

For the 1959 model year, Chevrolet made the Impala its top line series, at which time the Delray was dropped, and the Biscayne, formerly the second-lowest trim level, took over the entry-level position.

References

Further reading

de:Chevrolet Del Ray fr:Chevrolet Del Ray ro:Chevrolet Delray