You probably already know this because there have been a surprising number of these up for sale here recently, but GM introduced a redesigned truck line in 1973, which ran through 1987 for most models with very few major changes. They were extremely popular and millions were made, in 2WD and 4WD trucks, Suburbans, and Blazer versions. Every once in a while a less-common option was offered, which is the case with this cool 1976 Blazer Chalet. It’s currently for sale here on Facebook Marketplace with an asking price of $14,500 in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Called the Squarebody for obvious reasons, the introduction of Chevy and GMC’s new truck line in 1973 had a vastly different look that set them apart from pretty much anything else on the road. The design was simple and clean, and accentuated their capability as trucks. They could be specified in basic, bare-bones versions as a work truck as well as loaded with conveniences to make them comfortable as daily drivers. Between 1976 and 1977 a collaboration between General Motors and the RV manufacturer Chinook Mobilodge led to this built-on camper option available on both the Chevy Blazer and GMC Jimmy.
The camper body consisted of a fiberglass-reinforced plastic body over a steel frame, which was then mounted to the back of a Chevrolet Blazer or GMC Jimmy. The open space between the cockpit of the truck and the living space of the camper made the interior seem very spacious. Plus, the roof of the camper was outfitted with an expandable top that could accommodate someone up to 6-foot 5-inch tall. The camper portion of this example looks to be in good shape still, due largely to the plastic construction. You can see some rust starting on the cab of the truck though, which is very common with Chevy trucks from this era. Other than the hood, the paint looks good (although you can see the dreaded hood kink on the passenger side of the hook, courtesy of bound-up hinges and hood crumple zones).
The interior of this Blazer Chalet needs a lot of work. It looks as if a restoration was started at some point, then paused. I don’t know if there were various configurations available, but the current setup is different than what is portrayed in this ad.
The cab interior needs some attention as well. The seller claims that there is only 60,000 miles but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s actually 160,000. There is rust in the floors and the seats need to be recovered. There is no info or photos of the engine, but the seller says it runs and drives. These Squarebodies are easy to work on and parts and cheap and plentiful, so it probably wouldn’t be difficult to iron out any issues. Overall, this could be a pretty sweet camper when it’s done. Where is the first place you’d take it?
# 5768 ? How dam many of these things are hidden? I’ve seen more on B/F in the last 6 months than I’ve seen in my life. Nothing but a UGLY BLAZER with a WORTHLESS and EVEN UGLER CAMPER
Opinions are like…..
A$$ Holes ….. Yup I still haven’t seen one of these worth the asking price.
Opinions are like…..
Either these are no fun to drive,
or the sellers are taking advantage of
the crazy prices.
Both? These are the ugliest things (and horrible to drive, I’m sure) I’ve seen since the 4-door ’57 Chevy I just looked at.
Hard to believe anything could be less interesting than the endless string of B-body Mopars, early Mustangs, and Camaros, but here we are.
jeezz.
Not a chev guy but know these. Werent the actual Chalets integrated,
not slid in? I see both. Using the same name for different things (or different names for the same things) is a bit confusing for me.
I’d say get all the wood U can out (looks top heavy already) use glass & metal panels where U can, no BL & only SL if U must lift (off rd tire), & consider it for only driving to, then off rd – for camping…
Guess these things are showing up because of the crazy prices . This one sold before I even opened this email.!!!!
I’ll take my blazer like my Jim beam, neat!!!!!
Forget the camper.