When Jeremy Carroll set out to build his 1969 K5 Blazer, he didn’t just want something nice. He wanted the baddest K5 in the country. After three years of hard work, a few choice connections, and likely some wallet-draining moments, he’s got a Blazer that turns heads wherever it goes.
The project began when a buddy called Jeremy up, looking to sell his K5 project. Jeremy wasn’t really in the market, but once he saw the truck’s color, he knew it had to be his. He already had a vision for what it could become. Big thanks go to Justin Wyatt for keeping the build on track and to Jeremy’s crew at Direct Auto Recon for keeping things fresh and clean. Key players like Rob Perry at Smoky Mountain Rod and Customs, Matt Cox at Cox Performance, and Jason Mode at New Creations all played a big part. Of course, Jeremy also gives credit to his wife Jennifer for putting up with his auto obsession, and for tolerating their retirement funds being funneled into what is now a rolling masterpiece.
Underneath that bold custom-mixed paint job, the original frame was fitted with a 6-inch Motor City lift. Stainless steel brake and fuel hard lines keep things tidy, while a stout Chevy 12-bolt rear axle with 4.56 gears transfers power to those big, meaty Nitto Trail Grappler tires. Up front, a Dana 44 axle pairs with Fox shocks sporting dual reservoirs for serious off-road capability. The whole setup rides on 22×12 JTX Forged Melee wheels that demand attention wherever they roll.
Bringing the Blazer to a stop is a Wilwood system with 13-inch rotors and Superlight six-piston calipers coated in satin white pearl. The Wilwood Hydroboost setup helps give the truck plenty of stopping power to match its aggressive style.
The heartbeat of this beast is a 2012 Chevy LS3 6.2L that’s been fitted with a BTR Stage 2 camshaft. A GM Performance intake manifold and Flowtech headers keep things breathing, while a 3-inch stainless exhaust with Black Widow mufflers makes sure everyone hears Jeremy coming. Power gets sent through a 4L60E transmission with a 3,000 RPM stall converter, giving this Blazer plenty of punch when it’s time to hammer down.
While the drivetrain is impressive, it’s the details that make this truck stand out. The shaved fender lights, green-tinted glass, and 1968 truck side moldings give the exterior a smooth and classic vibe. AMP steps make climbing into the lifted truck a breeze, and the entire vehicle is ceramic coated from top to bottom. Charles Camper at Direct Auto Reconditioning laid down a five-year Ceramic Pro Coating to keep that custom paint looking sharp for years to come.
The interior is where this Blazer really sets itself apart. Over 300 hours of custom work went into crafting the one-of-a-kind cabin. The all-white Snowden seats are surrounded by custom-built door panels, a dash cover, console, and speaker box. Each panel has inset LED lighting for a clean, modern glow. Dakota Digital gauges keep Jeremy informed, while a Bluetooth-enabled audio system powered by JBL Stadium amplifiers and speakers makes sure he’s rolling with premium sound. The system includes 6.5-inch front speakers, 6×9 rears, and 10-inch subwoofers for plenty of thump.
Creature comforts like Vintage Air climate control and German square-weave carpet add some refinement, while a Billet Specialties steering wheel keeps Jeremy in command.
After three years of building, the result is a truck that’s as much art as it is machine. Every piece was carefully chosen, and every modification has a purpose. Jeremy’s Blazer isn’t just built to look good, it’s meant to perform too. Whether he’s hitting the pavement or venturing off-road, his K5 is ready for it.
JEREMY CARROLL ‘69 BLAZER
- 2012 Chevy LS3 6.2L
- BTR stage 2 camshaft
- Aluminum radiator
- GM Performance intake manifold
- Flowtech headers
- 3” stainless steel custom exhaust with Black Widow mufflers
- 4L60E transmission
- 3,000 RPM stall torque converter
- Original frame
- 6” Motor City lift
- Stainless steel brake and fuel hard lines
- 12-bolt Chevy rear axle with 4.56 ring & pinion
- Wilwood 13” brakes, front and rear
- Wilwood super light six calipers powder coated satin white pearl line
- Dana 44 front axle
- Fox shocks with dual reservoirs
- Wilwood Hydroboost brake booster
- Wilwood proportioning valve
- Ididit steering column
- 3” body lift
- JTX Forged Melee wheels, 22x12
- Nitto Trail Grappler tires 355/40R22
- Custom mix paint color applied by Brian Yost and Blake Grogan
- LED tail lights
- LMC mirrors and door handles
- Green tinted glass
- Shaved fender lights
- 1968 truck side moldings
- AMP steps
- Ceramic coated top to bottom, inside and out, with five year Ceramic Pro Coating by Charles Camper at Direct Auto Reconditioning
- Full custom-built white interior
- Snowden seats
- Custom built door panels, dash cover, console, speaker box, LED lights inset
in all panels - Dakota Digital gauges
- Bluetooth module audio
- JBL Stadium amplifiers
- JBL Stadium speakers, 6-1/2” front 6 x 9” rear
- 10” JBL Stadium subwoofers
- Vintage Air climate control
- Billet Specialties steering wheel
- German square weave carpet
- Upholstery by New Creations, Lattimore, NC