Rare Camper: 1976 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Chalet
This 1976 Chevrolet K5 Blazer is a barn find example of the somewhat rare Blazer Chalet package that featured a Chinook camper shell installed in the bed. They were tidy packages when new, looking about as factory-correct as you could expect out of a truck with an aftermarket camper shell installed in the bed. The shells themselves were nice places to spend time, and you can’t go wrong with a short-bed, single-cab pickup. This one will need a serious cleaning and you should probably count on changing the bed linens. Find it here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,000.
The seller notes that it looks better since he took these photos, and that while there is some body rust, the frame is solid. He no longer has time for the restoration and stopped at installing four new tires. It does run, but he hasn’t driven it any measurable distance, and while I’d love to believe it will trundle happily down the road, I highly doubt that it will. The good news is this is not a complicated project in terms of the underlying truck you’re restoring – parts are widely available, and if it’s already running, that’s one less hurdle to clear. The interior of the camping apparatus, however, is where I’d think the bulk of your effort will be concentrated.
I always liked that the Chalet package featured identical taillights on the camper shell to match the OEM assemblies. Of course, the best part (to me) about the Chalet Chevys is how smartly packaged the Chinook attachment was, with way more space and convenience that you might expect when looking at it from the outside. The seller notes that this particular Chalet package is an early production model, clocking in at number 379, which may make it more desirable if you’re into these factory-backed conversions. While I can appreciate the rarity, I think the asking price is a touch high for the advertised condition.
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Comments
It’s been on FB Marketplace since Dec 5th, a pretty good indication that the asking price is significantly too high. “Some rust” after sitting for years in a moldy forest area? Most lookers can see a problem with that. If it’s cleaner now than when the seller found it, it would be in his best interest to post more recent photos. I snagged photos of this one from a Facebook post of it last July before it was dragged out of where it was parked, the interior was a nightmare of filth. And since I’m the guy who’s been tracking all of these still in existence since 2005 (also former owner of 1977 Chalet #1747 & current caretaker of the ancient blazerchalet.com website, I can say that the line in the seller’s FB ad about “this being an early model makes it even more rare” is … well …, something he won’t be able to prove. The higher serial number units simply aren’t more common from what I’ve observed all this time. The truly rare ones of the bunch are the 3 or so that are a ’76/’77 mixture, where Chinook must have had some leftover ’76 camper units that were plopped onto ’77 Chevys.
See folks? Expertise is not “disposable.”
Can’t believe that the camper survived being hauled any measurable distance the way it was strapped down.
Someone scrub the mold off the sandy beige blazer.
New tire investment.. how about getting it running..
These pictures are horrible and need updating. I suggest drop your price by two grand for two months then repeat until sold…lets see the engine? Interior(s)?
I agree…Check the roof for cracks from straps…
Just two pictures of when he found it. I dunno, with technology the way it is today, he could have EASILY updated the pics. Looks like people today just want the highest price for the least effort.
Am I missing something? I see a parts truck.
Where the seller is located , I’m assuming he is being greedy as his location is a snobby part of his location. I have relatives that live there and let me tell you, his HOA probrably told him to get rid of it. I want to say that the straps over the top means that the shell won’t stay on the bed by itself. Clean it up a little bit and then sell it at your price. And the trailer it’s on for phots means he is just a flipper. ( stepping off my soapbox) have a great day
It’s secured with chains at its axles which should be sufficient to keep this Chalet on the trailer – the straps are probably there to prevent it from leaning out in curves only. Hopefully he didn’t tighten the straps excessively (though I agree it looks loaded…)
We’ve seen far worse methods of securing a vehicle – to me the snail shell is bupkis though
More likely the straps are to prevent the camper from flying off the back of the truck during transport.
Straps keep the pop up part of the shell from blowing off. The shell itself bolts down securely
I also love the identical taillights.
I ask again
Do any of these clowns own and know how to use a freakin hose??
how many models were there?
I C some w/additional pop top (& tent material), some w/smooth…
Agreed – rare duz not mean pricy or desirable.
“…Looks like people today just want the highest price for the least effort….” a continuous problem w/the web. Now we have total market penetration ppl CAN get what they ask – creating ridiculous inflation. I’m the 1st out on most these even tho a ‘value added’ mechanic (far from ‘Flipper’ the dolphin).
The fu#king thing has been sitting under trees for 25 years! Pressure wash it and at least get it fire up. Looks about as top heavy as you can get, have fun rolling down the interstate in a strong crosswind.