Blue Blazer – This Sharp-Dressed Squarebody Serves as a Stylish Test Truck and Calling Card
Scott’s Hotrods builds top-notch rides and manufactures a wide range of suspension systems, chassis, and parts. Plugged-in rodders probably know that. But Scott’s also has a cool Chevy Blazer on the road that not only shows off the shop’s construction skills, but also serves as a test platform for its frame and suspension parts.
The Blazer made its way to a few local shows in as-bought condition, then a Scott’s IFS with RideTech coil-overs was installed, followed by a four-bar rear suspension in advance of a road trip to a Goodguys event in Arizona. After that round trip from Tennessee, the Blazer headed to the shop for what was intended to be a simple rebuild.
As is often the case, the basic rebuild soon snowballed into a more involved project. The stock frame was removed and a step notch added to the rear section to achieve the ultra-low ride height on coil-overs. The Scott’s rear four-link setup incorporates a Watt’s link and supports Moser rearend housing 3.70 gears. Front and rear torsion-spline sway bars combine with Wilwood disc brakes to control the handling and stopping. Michelin rubber (295/35R20 in front, 335/30R20 rear) surrounds 20×10- and 20×12-inch Centennial wheels from Hot Rods By Boyd.
Power comes from a 525-horsepower LS3 from Chevrolet Performance. Scott’s custom valve covers top the cylinder heads while Ultimate Headers feed exhaust gases into a custom stainless steel exhaust system featuring Flowmaster mufflers. A Billet Specialties Tru Trac system drives the accessories while a PRC radiator handles cooling chores. A GM 4L75E automatic transmission controls the gear selection.
The body wears subtle modifications, like shaved trim and emblems and one-piece door glass. The 1995 Dodge Navy Blue paint was expertly applied by Kevin Riffey Hot Rods of Knoxville. Billet mirrors and a custom tailgate panel blend with the brushed chrome finish on the front and rear bumpers, done by Advanced Plating.
For the interior, Scott’s turned to a regular collaborator on customer builds – designer Eric Brockmeyer – who created the luxurious look that was executed by Steve Holcomb at Pro Auto Custom Interiors. Trimmed in leather, the custom seats straddle a custom console that houses Pioneer audio controls, window switches, and cup holders. Dakota Digital gauges update the dash and a Sparc Industries wheel tops the Ididit column. A Vintage Air system keeps the cabin cool and wiring from American Autowire directs the electrical needs. Scott’s billet pedals, door handles and other pieces finish the work.
For most people, a Blazer this nice would either be a trailer queen or a rarely driven garage resident. Not this one. The shop crew uses the Blazer to showcase its products and workmanship at events around the country. “We drive it everywhere we can,” says Camren Beattie of Scott’s Hotrods.
A peek inside the Scott’s Hotrods shop this fall would reveal a variety of trucks under construction, from Chevys and GMCs to Fords and even a mid-’80s Dodge. “It’s harder to make a truck look cooler than a car,” Justin says. “You have to be creative.”
This blue Blazer proves the Scott’s team knows how to make that happen, don’t you think?
Photos by John Jackson
