Rare And Restored: 1978 K5 Chevy Blazer With Four Wheel Pop-Up Camper

Mike Darlington’s 1978 K5 Chevy Blazer is the rare pop-top Four Wheel Camper built specifically for Squarebody Blazers that really steals the show. Mike found the two-owner Blazer and Four Wheel Camper in Tucson, Arizona, brought the duo home, and began his restoration. Just before settling into the engine-swap stage of his project, Mike had to let go of the Blazer and camper (the home-buying process can really be a project-killer). Nearly two years later, Mike got word that his old Blazer was for sale on a used car lot in Ohio.

Without hesitation, he arranged to bring his Blazer home—for good, and just in time to be included in his wedding photoshoot. We met Mike at the 2024 Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he walked us through some of the highlights of his lost-and-found-again Four Wheel Camper Blazer project.

Engine Swap

Out with the Chevy 350 and in with the 5.3-liter LM7 V-8. Mike now rows through the gears of his NV4500 5-speed gearbox and has an NP241C to split up the torque between his axles

Wheels and Tires
It took a bit of fender massaging to clear the 35×12.50R15LT BFGoodrich T/A KO2 all-terrains but the new tires and new-old steelies look right at home on the Blazer.

Lifted Suspension
New leaf springs and Bilstein shocks from Offroad Design helped refresh the Blazer’s load-carrying and bump-damping capabilities. Mike added Offroad Design’s crossover steering, shackles, anti-sway bar, Pitman arm, and more.

Never Finished
Highway or scenic dirt road, the Blazer runs just fine with its new powertrain and Mike enjoys having it out in the backcountry. Follow Mike on Instagram @darlington.adventures to keep up with the Blazer..