1969 CHEVROLET BLAZER

Symptoms: Visible rust perforation on frame rails, especially rear kickup and body mounts, Floor pans rusted through, Tailgate and lower fender rust, Sagging body due to failed body mounts

Fix: Frame sections may need welding or replacement; body mounts are 6-8 hours if accessible, but often require cutting out rusted hardware. Floor pan replacement adds another 12-16 hours. This is the deal-breaker on most survivors.

Estimated cost: $2,000-8,000

Typical onset: 80,000+ mi or 20+ years since last replacement

Symptoms: Excessive driveline clunk on throttle tip-in, Vibration at idle, Transmission shifter feels loose or moves under load, Visible engine sag when inspecting from below

Fix: Transmission mount replacement is 1.5-2 hours; engine mounts add another 2-3 hours. Often all three are shot simultaneously due to age and oil saturation. Parts are cheap but access is tight.

Estimated cost: $300-600

Typical onset: 120,000-200,000+ mi or unknown history

Symptoms: Heavy blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Low oil pressure at idle when hot, Loud rod knock or main bearing rumble, Excessive blowby and oil consumption over 1 qt per 500 miles

Fix: Most survivors have tired original blocks or poorly-done rebuilds from the 80s-90s. In-frame rebuild with machine work is 25-35 hours; full R&R and short block swap is 18-24 hours. Budget for freeze plugs, oil pump, timing set, and gaskets.

Estimated cost: $3,500-7,500

Symptoms: Fuel smell in cab or around tank, Hard starting after sitting, Visible rust scale in fuel filter, Fuel tank straps rusted through, Steel fuel lines weeping at fittings or perforated from road salt

Fix: Steel tanks rust from inside out; replacement is 3-4 hours. Steel hard lines often need complete replacement from tank to pump (6-8 hours). Rubber hoses are usually rock-hard and cracked. This is a fire hazard—address immediately.

Estimated cost: $800-2,000

Symptoms: ATF leak at radiator or along frame rail, Low transmission fluid level, Slipping or delayed engagement after leak develops, Rust scale and corrosion on steel cooler lines

Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through at bends and mounting points. Replacement lines are 2-3 hours including bleeding and fluid refill. Often done alongside transmission mount work. If ignored, leads to transmission damage from low fluid.

Estimated cost: $250-500

Symptoms: Spongy or low brake pedal, Pulling to one side, Brake fluid dark or contaminated, Wheel cylinders or calipers seized or leaking, Master cylinder leaking at booster or lines

Fix: Original single-reservoir master cylinders are dangerous; upgrade to dual required. Complete system flush, all wheel cylinders, hoses, and master cylinder is 8-12 hours. Most survivors need a full brake job just to be safe. Budget for hard line replacement if rusty.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Excessive play at steering wheel (more than 2 inches), Wandering on highway requiring constant correction, Clunking from steering box on turns, Leaking gear oil from sector shaft seal

Fix: Saginaw manual boxes wear at sector shaft and need rebuild or replacement (3-4 hours). Adjustment helps temporarily but worn internals need overhaul. Pitman and idler arms usually shot too, adding 2 hours.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200