3,500km road trip journal in a 1970 Blazer
May 16, 2017 – I was in China for 1 week on work. In my hotel room, I was browsing Ebay and came across a 1970 2wd in red. I contacted the seller, got some info, and had a deposit to him within 12 hours.
We agreed to finish the payment when I returned home to Canada in a week, and he’d hold the Blazer until I was ready to fly out to Toronto, ON and drive it back home to Calgary, AB.
For those who don't know, 2wd first gen blazers are rare. 5,500 were made in total, with only 985 being made in the first year (1970). By comparison, approx 75,000 of the 4x4 versions were built between 1969-1972. I've love a 4x4 one too, of course.
Upon returning home, I booked two tickets to fly to Toronto in July. One for me. And one for my gf's Dad. The father of my 8 month girlfriend, to be my co-driver on a 3 day + trip. Needless to say Chris and I were going to get to know each other. Chris is Polish, and I considered him old school which I thought would be to my advantage for some reason.
Between May and July, I had time to burn. So, I found these Blazers online to drool over.
I also planned my Brother’s bachelor party for 18 Canadians, in Austin, TX. It as a gong show (Canadian term). That’s my Dad and I on the right.
I’ve done a few fly in – drive out’s before, so I had a list of stuff for the trip.
Finally July 6th came and Chris and I left Calgary on a flight at 1:30AM. We landed in Toronto about 7:00AM July 6th where Lee, the seller, picked us up and drove us 45 min to his place where the Blazer was.
It’s always exciting/nervous seeing a car for the first time you’ve bought sight unseen. Chris and I hung out at Lee’s for a few hours checking out his shop, getting some info on the Blazer. We finally hit the road at noon.
Entire route:
The blazer drove great. About 1 mile away from Lee’s I realized there was no rearview mirror, and later realized the horn didn’t work. Oh well.
On Day 1 (July 6), we made it 414 miles into the US to Kalamazoo, MI. We were expecting to be dead tired considering we’d been up for nearly 24 hours, but I think the windows down and excitement of the whole day kept us wide awake.
Chris driving, on a bridge as we leave Canada into the US at Sarnia.
Looking North at one of the Great Lakes, Lake Huron.
US boarder
In the US.
Bye Detroit!
Day 1 progress, to Kalamazoo, MI.
Last edited by Ekliptix; 11-16-2020 at 04:04 PM.
Current Cars:
2019 BMW X3 M40i Stage 2, 12.44 at 110mph
1972 Chevy Super Cheyenne C10 Pickup 402 big block, 700R4
2004 GMC 2500HD 8.1L
Past Cars:
1970 Chevy Blazer, 2wd
2003 BMW X5 4.6IS Doushmobile, moneypit
2015 Ford Fiesta ST | Cobb Stage 1, catless downpipe
2008 Corvette Z06 - 11.39 at 123.8mph
2002 Corvette Z06 - 12.10 at 116.5mph
2005 Jeep Wrangler LJ
1993 5L Mustang - 12.59 at 108mph
1989 5L Mustang
1990 Jeep Cherokee
1991 Acura Integra RS 403Honda
Quote
Originally Posted by Aleks
