If you’re going to remix a classic, you better be sure to make it an outstanding ride. The Ringbrothers took a 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer and implemented an amazing modernization plan. “TUKA” is the Ringbrothers take on what a K5 Blazer might look like if it was produced today.
Under TUKA, you’ll find chassis and suspension parts from a third-generation Toyota Tacoma. The front independent suspension has been outfitted with Total Chaos control arms. In the rear, a custom rear suspension was fabricated, and King shocks were used at each corner. The body of TUKA features a raised tailgate and box sides. A new fiberglass top was made so a panoramic roof could be used from a new Blazer.
“TUKA is distinct from the Blazers we’ve built before, as it melds our knowledge of the platform with updated underpinnings creating our desired on and off-road vision,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Jim Ring. “This project is all about crafting something new and highly functional from a tried, true, and familiar K5 that can be used daily while no stranger to playing in the dirt.”
The grunt for TUKA comes from a 6.2-liter LS3 that’s churning out 525 horsepower. A Bowler True-Street 4L60E transmission and NP208 transfer case send the horsepower to a set of custom HRE wheels.
Sean Smith dreamed up TUKA’s interior and wanted it to have a very user-friendly feel. Gabe Lopez from Gabe’s Custom Interiors was tasked with bringing Smith’s ideas to life. A dashboard made from carbon fiber is home to a full set of Dakota Digital gauges. Other parts of the interior were made from billet aluminum, and even 3D-printed parts were implemented as well.
“Almost every piece of this Blazer is custom,” added Ringbrothers co-founder Mike Ring. “We wanted to leave no stone unturned in creating something wholly unique, designed to embrace the open road and the unbeaten path. This truck is built for driving in style and with modern comfort. None of this would be possible without our trusted partners at BASF, Dynamat, Gentex Corporation and HRE Wheels helping us fulfill our vision and bring the character of this build to life.”
An offroad vehicle doesn’t need to be clunky and devoid of style, TUKA proves this point. The Ringbrothers found a way to make a K5 Blazer easy to look at, have plenty of horsepower, and be able to drive about anywhere.