1976–1977 Chevrolet Blazer Chalet: Specs, History, Ownership

1976–1977 Chevrolet Blazer Chalet — The Factory-Sanctioned K5 Camper

Historical Context and Development

The Blazer Chalet occupies a distinctive niche inside the Full-size K5 Blazer family: a short-wheelbase, body-on-frame 4x4 with a factory-sanctioned fiberglass camper by Chinook. Offered only for 1976 and 1977, the Chalet answered a very literal brief of the era—blend the go-anywhere credibility of the K5 with the self-contained amenities of a compact RV. Chevrolet contracted Chinook (a Washington-based specialist known for its Toyota Chinook and other compact motorhomes) to build the molded camper module that replaced the Blazer’s removable rear hardtop. The completed units were sold through Chevrolet dealers as regular-production offerings, not aftermarket one-offs, with the GMC-badged counterpart marketed as the Jimmy Casa Grande.

Corporate timing was no accident. The mid-1970s truck boom intersected with America’s RV craze, and the Chalet arrived as a turnkey solution: 4WD traction, a 106.5-inch wheelbase for trail access, and a fully fitted micro-cabin for two adults (plus convertible dinette sleeping). While no motorsport ambitions were attached to the Chalet, the base K5 underpinnings had already proven stout in off-road recreation, dealer events, and the broader 4x4 scene. Competitors included the Ford Bronco and Dodge Ramcharger as off-roaders, but neither brand offered a comparable, factory-sanctioned fiberglass camper module in-period. Toyota’s Chinook pop-top camper targeted the same “adventure in a driveway-length package” concept on a much smaller, lighter platform.

Engine and Technical Specifications

Powertrains mirrored contemporary K5 Blazer offerings. Most Chalets were delivered with small-block V8s—typically the 350—while the 400 small-block appeared in some markets. Drivetrains commonly paired to a TH350 3-speed automatic or the heavy-duty SM465 4-speed manual, driving a full-time 4WD NP203 transfer case. Front disc/rear drum brakes, Saginaw recirculating-ball steering, and leaf-sprung solid axles characterized the chassis.

Driveline and running gear: full-time 4WD NP203 chain-driven transfer case with lockable center differential; front solid axle (Dana 44 was common in this period), rear GM 12-bolt; typical axle ratios 3.07–4.10 depending on order sheet; 15-inch wheels on period-correct all-terrain tires. HEI electronic ignition was standard across Chevrolet’s V8 trucks in this era, simplifying tune-ups relative to earlier points systems.

Driving Experience and Handling Dynamics

Even before the camper is considered, a K5 is an honest, old-school truck: ladder frame, leaf springs, and recirculating-ball steering define the road feel. The Chalet adds a significant mass aft of the B-pillar and raises the center of gravity, which you feel as added initial roll and a gentler weight transfer arc. The reward is torque-rich tractability and sturdy NVH manners by mid-1970s truck standards. The Quadrajet’s progressive secondaries and small primaries give an easy, measured throttle tip-in; with the TH350 automatic the 350 V8 lopes along with minimal effort. The SM465 manual is indestructible but agricultural—long throws, a stump-pulling first gear, and a deliberate gate.

On graded dirt, the NP203’s full-time 4WD is an asset, providing constant engagement without the driveline windup typical of part-time systems until you manually lock the center differential. In town, the extra height of the Chinook module invites more crosswind sensitivity, and braking distances are lengthened by the camper’s mass; the power front discs, however, provide reassuring bite and modulation. It’s not a vehicle to hustle—rather, it’s a machine that rewards smooth inputs and planning two corners ahead.

Full Performance Specifications

Instrumented testing of the Chalet itself is rare; figures below reflect period-tested ranges for similarly equipped K5 Blazer 4x4s with the 350 V8 and are provided to contextualize the Chalet, which typically registers toward the slower end due to added mass and frontal area.

Variant Breakdown

All Chalets shared the same core concept: a K5 Blazer with a Chinook-built fiberglass camper in place of the removable rear hardtop. Differences between 1976 and 1977 were largely detail-level (emissions calibrations, minor trim/graphics updates consistent with broader Chevrolet truck changes).

Colors followed standard Chevrolet truck palettes of the day, including popular two-tones. Chalet script badging and distinctive side striping were typical. Mechanically, the camper conversion did not alter engine internals or core driveline specifications.

Ownership Notes: What Enthusiasts Should Know

• Maintenance cadence: Period norms apply—engine oil and filter about every 3,000 miles; coolant service roughly every 24,000 miles; differential and transfer case fluids at broad 30,000-mile intervals; chassis lubrication at regular intervals (grease fittings on steering/suspension/prop shafts). The HEI ignition reduces tune-up frequency (inspect cap/rotor, replace plugs and wires on schedule).
• Parts availability: K5 mechanicals are plentiful—engine, transmission, axle, and brake components are widely supported. Chalet-specific items (fiberglass shell, interior cabinetry, window hardware, trim, propane fixtures) are specialized; sourcing often relies on enthusiast networks, NOS finds, or careful restoration of existing components.
• Common rust/watch points: K5 rockers and cab supports, lower front fenders, rear quarter panels, tailgate and its upper seam, windshield frame/cowl, and floor pans. Verify camper-to-body sealing to prevent water intrusion that can hasten corrosion.
• Driveline specifics: NP203 full-time system is robust but can suffer chain stretch and wear if neglected; proper lubrication and correct engagement of the lock position are essential. Many trucks received aftermarket part-time conversion kits—identify what’s installed before service.
• Carburetion and emissions: The Quadrajet is excellent when properly set; worn throttle shafts or misadjusted chokes can cause hot-start and drivability complaints. Smog-era thermal vacuum controls should be intact and working to avoid off-idle flat spots.
• Camper care: Inspect fiberglass for stress cracks, window frame seals for drying/shrinkage, and the interior’s wood substructures for moisture damage. Check propane system integrity (tanks, regulator, lines) and 12V/110V systems, including charger and fuses.
• Restoration difficulty: Mechanical restoration is straightforward; the challenge lies in camper cosmetics and hardware. Reproduction soft parts (curtains, cushions) are simple; original latches, vents, and trim require patience and creativity.

Cultural Relevance and Market

The Chalet is a time capsule of 1970s adventure culture: a factory-backed micro-RV that fit in an urban parking space yet could crest a fire road without drama. It featured prominently in Chevrolet truck brochures and RV-periodicals of the day, and its GMC twin broadened showroom reach. Collector interest centers on originality—complete interior kits, intact Chalet graphics, correct appliances, and unmodified NP203 systems. Well-preserved examples typically command a premium over standard K5s; documented sales have spanned from driver-grade projects into strong five-figure territory for sorted, largely original or correctly restored trucks, with exceptional examples achieving higher premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Chalet a factory option or an aftermarket conversion?
It was a factory-sanctioned model sold through Chevrolet dealers for 1976–1977. The camper module was built by Chinook and integrated to K5 Blazers for retail sale.

How many Blazer Chalets were made?
Combined production is commonly cited in the neighborhood of 1,800–1,900 units across 1976–1977. Precise model-year splits are not documented in official public sources.

Which engines did the Chalet use?
Chalets followed K5 availability. Most were equipped with the 350-cubic-inch small-block V8; the 400-cubic-inch small-block appeared in some markets. Both used Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetion and HEI ignition.

What are the known mechanical weak points?
Typical mid-1970s K5 concerns: NP203 transfer case chain wear if neglected, aged vacuum/emissions plumbing causing drivability issues, and rust in common GM truck zones. Chalet-specific concerns include fiberglass stress cracking and aging window/door seals.

Is the Chalet good off-road?
The base K5 is capable; the Chalet’s added mass and higher center of gravity require moderated speeds and careful line choice. Traction is excellent thanks to full-time 4WD; articulation is leaf-spring limited but adequate for trails and forest roads.

What is a realistic performance expectation?
Period data for similarly equipped K5 Blazers place 0–60 mph in the mid- to high-teen seconds, quarter-mile around 20 seconds at roughly 70 mph, and a gearing-limited top speed around 80–90 mph. The Chalet’s extra weight typically shifts results toward the slower end.

What distinguishes the Chalet from the GMC Casa Grande?
Branding and trim. The concept and Chinook-built module are fundamentally similar, with the GMC offered through GMC dealers in limited numbers.

What should I look for when buying?
Verify completeness of the camper interior and appliances, the integrity of fiberglass and seals, evidence of water ingress, and the condition of the NP203. As with any K5, a solid cab structure and frame outrank cosmetics.

Are parts available?
Mechanical parts are abundant. Camper-specific items are less common but can be sourced through specialized vendors and enthusiast communities; many owners refurbish original components.