The Ultimate California Cruiser – Danny Rios’ ’72 Chevy Blazer
Danny Rios found the shell of a 1972 Chevy Blazer two-wheel-drive K5 abandoned in a barn years ago. No driveline, no top, no interior, no wiring – just a body on a chassis. Long involved in the local mini-truck scene, Danny needed to decide how to work with this truly rare metal canvas. Friends at Precision Custom Auto Body and Paint in Salinas steered Danny toward Aaron Cushman at nearby Total Performance Motorsports for most of the heavy lifting.
The goal: An ultimate California Chevy Blazer cruiser that mixed traditional beachside vibes with a timeless modern spin. Beginning with the chassis – stance is always important – the Total Performance team utilized a Porterbuilt Fabrication front suspension and four-bar rear suspension along with Firestone air springs controlled by AccuAir components. The fully detailed chassis was also treated to a custom belly pan to tidy up the underside appearance before the Nitto-wrapped Intro Vintage 22×8.5- and 22×10-inch wheels were bolted in place.
For power, the choice was a Blueprint Engines 383-c.i. stroker small block producing 375-horsepower with help from an Edelbrock carburetor and intake. Holley finned aluminum valve covers and air cleaner are color matched to complement the smoothed and painted engine block and 700-R4 transmission. Hedman headers direct the exhaust through a custom stainless system built using Magnaflow components and mufflers.
The Chevy Blazer body has been heavily modified by Precision Auto Body to create a true roadster – just two seats, no side windows, and no top. The windshield was laid back 18 degrees and capped, and the door and quarter tops modified to achieve a smooth and consistent line. The hood was shaved, as was all exterior trim, while the ’72 grille was replaced with a 1969-70 piece.
The bed deck was raised to accommodate the new rear suspension and the tailgate was shaved and smoothed while remaining functional. The front bumper was smoothed, and a custom rear pan was fabricated. All the sheet metal, including custom pieces under the hood, was painted by the crew at Precision Custom Auto Body with a custom-mixed House of Kolor hue called “Sancha Red.”
There’s a lot more red found in the full custom interior, which was created by Daniel’s Custom Auto Interior in Sanger. Apex leather was used throughout, including on the ’65 Chevy Impala seats. Classic Instruments custom gauges fill the stock panel and a custom center console houses various control elements and cup holders, plus the Lokar shifter. Billet Specialties provided the steering wheel, pedals, and handles and wiring came from Painless Performance.
Danny’s Chevy Blazer is a true roadster – no heater or air conditioning. Who would complain when you’re cruising in California in this beauty?
Photos by Terry Lysak
