Dave Oyler's Cruiser Is A First-Gen K5 Blazer Reimagined
In 1969, General Motors launched its answer to the popular Ford Bronco with a topless, rugged, body-on-frame SUV known as the K5 Blazer. Styled similar to the heralded C10 of the era, the first-gen Blazer was shorter, taller, and built for adventure. GM built the Blazer on the K10 truck platform, the shortest of the still-new C/K truck line, put a passenger compartment where the bed would be, outfitted them with the most basic of features and options ranging from straight-sixes to 350 V8’s, and marketed them heavily to rugged outdoorsmen as highly competent offroad utility vehicles.
GM ultimately sold a ton of K5 and C10 Blazer’s of varying configuration, and in the decades since they’ve been a popular palette for automotive artistry – they’ve been lowered, they’ve been lifted, and all points in between. Californian Dave Oyler chose the former, turning his K5 into a plush, show-quality cruiser with manners and style well departed from what originally rolled off the showroom floor.
Oyler has been a Chevy guy his whole life. His older brother, Dwight Oyler, introduced him to the world of classic cars, and from an early age, Dave was immersed in the hobby. Dwight’s collection of Chevy Bubble Tops, Bel Airs, and Fords shaped Dave’s automotive tastes, and over the years, Dave built a number of 1967-72 Chevy pickups. His passion for convertibles, particularly his ‘56 Chevy Bel Air resto-mod and ‘65 Corvair Corsa convertible, played a key role in the inspiration for this Blazer build.
The project took root after a devastating accident totaled Dave’s beloved ‘67 Chevy pickup. Instead of finding another truck to restore, he envisioned something different: a vehicle that combined his love for Chevy trucks with his appreciation for top-down cruising. That led him straight to the first-generation K5 Blazer.
It took a year to track down the right candidate. The Blazer, a factory two-wheel-drive model found through one of Dave’s insurance clients, was a roller—no engine, rust issues, and a double-wall hardtop. It was a rough starting point, but Dave had a vision, and that’s all that mattered. The Blazer would be reimagined into something GM never built—a 1972 model with a factory-inspired aesthetic and modern LS power. He called it 68 Imagined, a name that represents what could have been if Chevrolet had introduced the Blazer one year earlier.
For motivation, Dave sourced a low-mileage 6.2-liter L99 aluminum-block V8 from a wrecked Chevy Camaro, found just down the street from his insurance office. The engine was torn down, fitted with a Texas Speed cam, and had both the displacement-on-demand and variable valve timing systems deleted. He also added a high-rise intake manifold and headers for added power. The result is an estimated 500 horsepower, which is more than enough to turn the K5 into a serious street machine.
"The power is effortless," Dave says. "It chirps second gear without even trying. I just tickle the throttle, and it wants to break loose."
Backing the modern powerplant is a six-speed automatic, giving the Blazer solid shifts and highway-friendly cruising ability. While the factory K5 was designed for off-road duty, Dave’s version is all about street performance. That meant dialing in the stance and suspension for a smooth, controlled ride with modern handling characteristics. The entire setup revolves around a full QA1 suspension package, including tubular control arms, adjustable coilovers, and sway bars at all four corners. The coilovers allow for ride height tuning and improved shock control, while the sway bars reduce body roll and keep the Blazer planted through turns.
"With the QA1 setup, it rides like a car," Dave says. "There’s no floating or bouncing around, it just stays composed, even on rough roads."
The K5 rides on Raceline Smuggler 20x9's up front and 20x10 rears (previously U.S. Mag Rambler 20 x 8.5 inch wheels up front and 20 x 9.5 rears), with big brakes all the way around.
One of the standout elements of the build is its exterior. Rather than opting for a full custom look, Dave chose to pay tribute to his previous ‘67 C10 by repainting the Blazer in the same shade of olive metallic green. In a move that tied both trucks together even further, he salvaged the front sheet metal from the wrecked ‘67 and transplanted it onto the Blazer. The result is a classic SUV that looks factory-correct but subtly different, reinforcing the 68 Imagined concept.
"The Blazer didn’t exist in ‘68, but if it had, this is what I imagine it would have looked like," Dave explains.
Inside, the Blazer blends modern creature comforts with classic GM styling. The cabin was completely reworked with a fresh interior, featuring a combination of vintage and contemporary touches that complement the overall them of the build. The heated and full-power seats were sourced from a top-level 2018 Silverado High Country for comfort, while the dash retains its original design but has been restored and fitted with Classic Instruments gauges. Dave also installed a custom audio system with Pioneer speakers and amplifier to enjoy his tunes in style. A billet tilt steering column and upgraded GT steering wheel add some additional modern flair. The attention to detail throughout exudes a high-end, finished feel.
Dave’s sharp Blazer made its public debut at the 2023 Autorama, where it instantly attention from all the right folks to earn first place in its class. For Dave, the recognition was validation that his vision had come to life exactly as he had imagined and that others appreciated the thought he had put into every facet of the build. But this isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a driver, and Dave makes sure it gets plenty of road time.
"If you go to a car show in Sacramento or Hot August Nights, you’re probably going to see me there," he says.
While many classic K5 Blazers stay true to their off-road heritage, 68 Imagined is different. It brings together two eras—a blend of late-’60s C10 styling, modern LS power, and a finely tuned chassis that makes it just as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at. More than anything, it’s a perfect display of Dave’s passion for Chevrolet trucks, convertibles, and the creative possibilities that exist when you combine the two.
At first glance, it may look like a well-restored classic, but one drive makes it clear—this is a K5 unlike any other.
