1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer TUKA

• TUKA runs a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 pushing 525 hp and 487 lb-ft, paired with a Bowler 4L60E transmission and NP208 transfer case.

• A 2016 Toyota Tacoma chassis and suspension, complete with King shocks and custom control arms, redefine its capability.

• More than 3,700 hours of fabrication delivered custom glass, raised bed sides, carbon interior pieces, and a show-quality Galactic Black finish.

A Blazer Like You’ve Never Seen It

The Chevrolet K5 Blazer has always had a certain swagger, but TUKA takes it to another level. Built by Ringbrothers, the Wisconsin shop famous for high-concept restomods, this project wasn’t just about updating a classic—it was about rethinking it. The K5 Blazer rides higher, looks sharper, and is packed with details that blur the line between old-school charm and modern-day performance.

The exterior tells much of the story. The bed sides and tailgate have been raised by two inches to line up more cleanly with the doors, creating a smoother profile. A one-off fiberglass top sits above, incorporating a panoramic glass panel lifted from a modern K5 Blazer. Even the rear glass was borrowed from a Jeep Wrangler and re-angled to fit. The whole thing is sprayed in BASF Glasurit Galactic Black, and the finish is as precise as you’d expect from a shop that sweats every detail.

Power and Performance

At the heart of TUKA is a 6.2-liter GM Performance LS3 V8, a proven workhorse in the restomod world. In this application it’s tuned to deliver 525 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque—figures that dwarf the original K5 Blazer’s numbers by several generations. A Bowler Tru-Street 4L60E automatic transmission manages the shifts, while an NP208 transfer case and Truetrac differential handle the power split when the road gets rough.

The chassis is where Ringbrothers really rewrote the script. They ditched the K5 Blazer’s original frame and instead built the truck on a 2016 Toyota Tacoma platform. That decision brought independent front suspension, a modern steering rack, and sway bars into play, with Total Chaos control arms and King shocks providing further off-road credibility. Extended-travel leaf springs out back complete the package, giving theK5  Blazer composure both in traffic and on the trail.

Cabin Craftsmanship

Step inside, and you’re met with an interior that balances utility with craftsmanship. Designed by Sean Smith and trimmed by Gabe’s Custom Interiors, the cabin features leather upholstery, carbon-fiber accents, and billet switchgear. Dakota Digital instruments bring a clean modern interface, while the carbon steering wheel keeps things light and focused.

It’s not just about looks. Practical touches include a custom spare tire mount behind the rear seat, a front skid plate, and power running boards. It’s clear Ringbrothers intended TUKA to be more than just a showpiece—it was designed to be used.

Built With Intent

Ringbrothers has always operated on the idea that a restomod should feel complete, not piecemeal. TUKA embodies that. Over 3,700 hours went into the build, and every hour shows. As Jim Ring put it, the goal was simple: “a Blazer built for driving in style and playing in the dirt.”

That balance is exactly what sets TUKA apart. It’s a luxury-laden off-roader, a city-cruising classic, and a showcase of craftsmanship all at once. It also made waves at SEMA, a stage where originality is in short supply but execution is everything.

Technical Specification – 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer TUKA

Performance

• Engine: GM Performance 6.2 L LS3 V8
• Output: 525 hp, 487 lb-ft torque
• Transmission: Bowler Tru-Street GM 4L60E automatic
• Transfer Case: NP208
• Differential: Truetrac limited-slip

Chassis & Suspension

• Chassis: Modified third-generation Toyota Tacoma frame
• Front Suspension: Tacoma independent setup with Total Chaos control arms
• Rear Suspension: Custom extended-travel leaf springs and King shocks with air bump-stops
• Sway Bars & Steering Rack: Sourced from 2016 Tacoma

Body & Exterior

• Material: Hand-crafted fiberglass rear top with panoramic roof
• Tailgate & Bed: Box sides and tailgate raised 2 inches for proportional styling
• Rear Glass: Tilted Jeep Wrangler unit
• Paint: BASF Glasurit Galactic Black waterborne finish

Wheels & Brakes

• Wheels: Custom 18 × 11 in HRE bronze wheels
• Tires: Nitto Recon Grappler A/T
• Brakes: Baer six-piston calipers with 14-inch rotors front and rear

Interior & Features

• Dashboard: Carbon-fiber with Dakota Digital instrumentation
• Controls: Billet-machined and 3D-printed switchgear, gear selector, handbrake
• Steering Wheel: Bespoke carbon-fiber ring
• Misc: Gentex full-display rearview mirror with integrated cameras; custom spare tire mount behind rear seat; power running boards; front skid plate; Vintage Air Gen IV climate control

Build Details

• Build Hours: Over 3,700 hours of bespoke fabrication
• Designer: Sean Smith; Upholstery by Gabe’s Custom Interiors

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