A lifetime of Vehicle Service

The Blazer Story:

This 1987 Chevrolet K-5 Blazer was purchased new by Mike and Sharon Davis in 1987 at Midway Chevrolet in Phoenix, Arizona.

It has been serviced since new by the crew at Mike’s Auto Tech in Glendale, Arizona. The Davis family became customers of Mike and Kathy’s long before they opened their business in early 1988.

Serving as the family vehicle for many years, It was well traveled and taken on family vacations multiple times. The Blazer was used by each of their 3 children to learn how to drive. And was used for transportation to school and work. The Davis’s youngest, their son Patrick “P.J.” was one last one to take ownership. He stated he was 5 years old when his Dad picked up the Blazer at the dealership. It was his High School vehicle and was even driven to take his date to the Prom. The Blazer met its demise when he blew the engine sometime in 2006.

Shortly after, the Blazer was sold to Mike Draskovic of Mike’s Auto Tech where it sat idle for many years. In the summer of 2014 work was started to resurrect the Blazer for Mike’s youngest daughter Jessica and her husband Justin. A low mile used engine was purchased at a local swap meet and rebuilt and installed. The Blazer was finally back on the road after sitting for 8 years. About 10,000 miles later the transmission and rear differential failed and had to be rebuilt.

In April 2015 the Blazer was involved in a front end collision and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was purchased back from Geico by Mike’s Auto Tech as salvage to be rebuilt and restored.

A ground up restoration was started later that year. The frame had to be straightened first. The Blazer was fully disassembled then all the damaged parts were replaced. Over the next several months, all the body work was completed and was prepped for a complete paint job.

Many upgrades were done along the way. An aftermarket cowl induction hood was installed. The vehicle was painted but did not turn out quite right. Then the Blazer sat again. In November 2016 work resumed.

In January 2017 a show quality paint job was finally completed . Slowly but surely the Blazer was carefully reassembled. Over the next 2 years, more parts were gathered including all new exterior trim, a Billet grill, LED headlights and taillights, custom steps and some other add-on accessories.

Also weatherstripping, new carpet front and rear, new dash and interior trim pieces were ordered. The seats were sent out for new upholstery and came back looking factory fresh. All of the interior trim was either restored or replaced. The carpet and headliner were professionally installed by a nearby upholstery shop. LED lighting was installed to enhance the interior.

The idea all along was to put the Blazer back to its former glory only bigger and better. A 4 inch suspension lift was installed. Also a set of Kelsey Hayes Military style wheels with Goodyear Mud Terrain tires were installed.

In July of 2019, original owners Mike and Sharon Davis were at Mike’s Auto Tech having their Jeep serviced and happened to notice the Blazer

was really looking sharp. Conversation lead to joking about a deal to buy the Blazer back. The next day the deal was made for son P.J. Davis to buy the Blazer back! Lots of work still needed to be done to get it finished. More upgrades and repairs were done throughout.

Exactly 1 year later, in July 2020 the Blazer restoration was finally done. And now back to the original owners, memories and all!

1987 Chevrolet K-5 Blazer Specifications

VIN: 1GNEV18K8HF167984

Current mileage: 178,039

Engine: 350 cubic in. W/Throttle Body Fuel Injection

Engine ID: V0516 USA

V= Flint Engine Plant

0516= May 16 Build Date

USA = 1983 RPOLT9 “M” Medium Duty

4 Bolt Main - Chevy Truck 2500/3500 Series

Heavy duty with steel crankshaft

This was a used engine purchased at a local swap meet

was rebuilt and installed in 2014 at 162K miles by Mike’s Auto Tech

Transmission: 700R-4 4 speed automatic overdrive

• • Rebuilt exchange from J&W Transmissions Whittman, AZ

  • Transmission was replaced in 2015 at 172K miles

Transmission ID: 7TXM143B

Differential: Stock 10 bolt // 3.73:1 gear ratio // Non-Posi

• • Rear differential rebuilt in 2015 at 172K miles

  • Front differential inspected and serviced

  • Transfer case resealed and serviced