United Pacific (UP) continues its serious expansion into the classic Chevy and GMC truck market. At SEMA 2025, their booth is anchored by the Sky Bonanza K5, a 1973-1987 K5 Blazer that perfectly displays one of their solid lineups. Restored by Ronnie Wetch of C10 Talk and Big Sky Classics, this K5 shows the difference between a good build and a great one.
Big Sky, Big Power
This Blazer is built to drive. Under the hood sits a modern 6.2-liter LT1 V8 backed by a 10L90 transmission from Atlas Performance, feeding power to 12-bolt and Dana 44 axles. The K5 rides on a four-inch OffRoad Design lift with Bilstein shocks for a pliable, modern ride. The LT1 stays cool via a Camaro radiator and fan setup, plus a Vintage Air Front Runner. BFGoodrich K03 tires on 17-inch US Mags Scottsdale wheels handle grip, while a full Baer brake system with an electronic Bosch booster handles stopping.
A Look Inside the Sky Bonanza K5
The truck’s rugged theme is captured by its Grecian Bronze paint, a sophisticated burnt orange that is perfectly offset by old-school wood grain. An Engineered Vintage grille, painted to mimic factory plastic, sits up front. The all-original body holds an impressive cabin, featuring Chestnut Apex Leather seats, USA1 side panels, and Apex Leather carpet. The tech is fully updated with Dakota Digital telemetry, Nu-Relics power windows, and a Pioneer nine-inch head unit controlling a full Kicker audio system. Details like the leather-wrapped Sparc steering wheel and the awesome bead-rolled firewall show the build’s depth.
United Pacific: King of the Details
This build is all about the finishing touches, which is United Pacific’s specialty. This Sky Bonanza K5 is a rolling showcase for their K5 Blazer catalog. Virtually every lighted component was sourced from them, from the modern LED headlights and parking lights to the LED marker lamps and sequential LED taillights. The clean, chrome bumpers and the specifically chosen ‘Dumbo Mirrors’—which feature integrated LED turn signals—also came from the UP catalog. This intense focus on detail is what sets the truck apart.
More Than Just Headlights
While the high-visibility parts are impressive, UP’s real contribution goes deeper. The firm also supplied a roster of less visible, but essential, finishing components, like the door hinges, door latches, and door internals. This is what makes UP a true build partner. Ronnie Wetch summed it up perfectly: “We take the old stuff, break it down, try to restore it. Then you look at it and say I have an aftermarket that’s just as good, if not better. United Pacific provided a lot for that.”
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