Thread: How many El Camino specialists do we have in here?

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Does anybody know where to get the badge that goes on the grill that says "El Camino" This is for a 66
Doug

I've seen those on e-bay also. I might have an extra in my parts bin and will check tomorrow.

thanks pizzi man - let me know.
Doug

Thanks fella's. I'll make patience the word of the day.

I'll be headed to pick up the machine Monday so I'll know more then as to what will be needed. So far from a quick view.....looks like the hood hinges may need replaced (hood up 1" in the rear while closed), and the passengers side top of bed molding (long piece), and possibly the corner molding above tail light. Also will need the passenger side tail light lens. Also will get a full transformation to a fawn interior (imitation leather/cloth) and 3 point seat belts.

My son is driving me bezerk. Cant decide on paint. I'm trying to get him to stick with a light color......like the medium grey that has pearl in it (Mitsubishi Oslo Green). This thing doesnt have air and probably wont get it. He's really digging a dark cherry. May do a HOK black with some blue pearl or crimson red pearl to make it pop.

The drivetrain and suspension should be done if advertised correctly. I'm getting excited for and with him. Should be something he will remember for ever. Father/son project.

Thanks,
Dave

We got it home in one piece.....but...had a heck of a time with overheating. Did fine on the free way at 65 MPH (3200 RPM's). Really hated the stop lights here and there though. Got to 220 a couple of times.....and 230 the last mile before we got home. Did the emergency cold spring water straight to the radiator thing.....got temp back down.....fired it up to get the cool water back in the motor....shut down. Motor seems fine. Time for a different radiator and plan ditching the electric fan in favor of a good clutch fan with shroud. Overall....happy with the machine. My son is on Cloud 9.
There's a couple other things than need changed. Someone cut most of the frame out for the big tires. I'm kind of uncomfortable with that....going to set him up with some sort of a Xbrace (tubing) to help stiffen up the rear most portion of the frame. Here's a couple pics of the new project.

Looks like it has a lot of potential. I am a bit curious about the frame. Was it narrowed just at the wheels? The reason I ask is that the gas tank is located under the area just is front of the rear bumper and behind the rear wheels. Did they move the tank? It is a faily tight fit between the stock rails. So I would assume a narrowed frame would mean a smaller or relocated tank.

Stovebolter didn't say they narrowed the frame, he said they cut out part of the frame.

El Camino's are fun cars to drive. I sold my '68 last fall, I really miss driving it, but with the built 406 it got about 6-8 mpg, and I drove it 18 miles to work every day, which ment 5-6 gal per day @ $2.90 a gal (at the time I sold it) = $15. - $18 per day x 5 days x ..... But, it sounded good, lots of duration to the cam
I had a '73 SS 454 also back in the early 80's, but I don't care for that body style

http://elcaminocentral.com Is a good site, but it's the sloooooooooowest site I've been to.

Pat

Hi all. No they didnt subframe the rear.....but instead butchered the frame. Picture if you will from the top.....one frame rail.....that use to be approximately 2"s wide.....now it is 1/4" wide. Scary huh? Looks like they added a 1/4" plate to the 3/16 frame thickness and cut the rest off....just in the wheel/tire area. It doesnt feel like there is any fish-tailing to the rear most section of the bed.....but I'm still nervous. The drivers side rear quarter (if I can call it that) has an outward crumple to it at the wheel well. I cant tell if maybe they lost a wheel.....or bottomed out the suspension and tire touched the wheel opening.......or if the changes to the frame made the body take part of any stress from driving (at first look the body looks like its supporting itself behind the rear crossmember/spring support.

We're heading outside to check it out now. Thanks for the complements guys!

Dave G

Finally got the frame done. SHWEW!!! That was a bugger. I feel confident now that it is safe enough for him to drive. I'll get some pictures this weekend of our work. Still mulling over whether to install the Jegs tubs or buys some factory wheel houses and widen them. I think the factorys will look better in our case.

Got the cooling problem handled. Added an excellent alluminum 3 row from Champion. Now I'm having trouble getting it to warm up. 180 Stant thermo. I drove it 15+ miles in to work before it finally rose above 160.....to the 180 mark. Hmmm. LOL's. Wonder if the thermostat is slightly open.

OBTW. You was asking about the El Camino emblem much earlier. Sorry I missed it. I'm getting new badges for Dustins car from either OPGI, El Camino Store, or Golden Eagle. They all have them and right now they have a heck of a sale until the end of the month.

Dave G

Originally Posted by HemiTCoupe

http://elcaminocentral.com Is a good site, but it's the sloooooooooowest site I've been to.

Pat

They got a new server over there and speed of the site is greatly improved. It's now as fast as any of the other sites I visit. Whole new layout as well.

Originally Posted by 67elkybryan

They got a new server over there and speed of the site is greatly improved. It's now as fast as any of the other sites I visit. Whole new layout as well.

Thanks Brian. I just ordered his entire interior....literally....from OPGI. But I still have many trim pieces, frt bumper, grill, etc. etc. to order. I will check them out.

Dave G

After repairs to the frame. Still some touch up work to do but over all it will work for daily driving.

Spring hat reworked.

Shocks relocated. Tank supports boxed and reworked.
Upper links reworked with greaseable johnny joints from Ballistic Fabrication.

Eastwood has trim removal tools.