How many El Camino specialists do we have in here?

Just bought my son a 65 Elky and have a few questions relating to this machine.

I have never....repeat never removed trim from a 60's car or truck. Going to get started prepping for paint next week. Any advice on where to start? The correct tool? Start at the corner pieces? Can I assume I will need to replace the clips or springs to put the trim back on? Can I assume its a 'feel your way' when putting the trim back on. Learn from mistakes as you go? :LOL:

I have to find the trim for the top of the bed on one side. Any suggestions or recommendations for parts vendors for the Elky's?

Thanks,
Dave G

I've painted several cars but believe it or not....never had to deal with trim. Always been afraid of trim. :LOL: Always had a nasty habit of shaving the trim off of my vehicles......not going to do that to this machine. Going to make it appear as original as possible.

Surely there some Elky folks on here?

Well I may not be an Elky specialist, but after 7 years of rebuilding a '69 SS I just might be as close as you get.

With regard to the trim, it seems to me to come off easier than it goes on.

I just got finished putting the bed trim on mine and the drivers side will just not sit right. The pax side is solid as they come, but I've got to figure out what to do with the drivers side.

Wheel trim involved drilling holes in the sheet metal (which was new in 50% of the wells). Watch out for the trim! As the night that I was doing that task wore on, I kept adding scotch to my empty glass...My last trim installed I left the drill on reverse and tried to drill a hole through the partially mounted trim piece.

Yup, I tore that nice piece of aluminum all up.

Lesson learned (again), keep the scotch away from power tools!**)

With regard to places to find parts, OPGI (oringinal parts group inc) has a dedicated catalog (hard copy and online) that has worked well for me. They also give some credit if you are buying a lot of parts (through a point system based on the total order).

www.elcaminostore.com also has a good selection, but opgi got the most of my business.

Good luck and keep writing! I've got to run to some meetings, but I'll check back soon!

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Originally Posted by Hot Rod Surfer

Well I may not be an Elky specialist, but after 7 years of rebuilding a '69 SS I just might be as close as you get.

With regard to the trim, it seems to me to come off easier than it goes on.

I just got finished putting the bed trim on mine and the drivers side will just not sit right. The pax side is solid as they come, but I've got to figure out what to do with the drivers side.

Wheel trim involved drilling holes in the sheet metal (which was new in 50% of the wells). Watch out for the trim! As the night that I was doing that task wore on, I kept adding scotch to my empty glass...My last trim installed I left the drill on reverse and tried to drill a hole through the partially mounted trim piece.

Yup, I tore that nice piece of aluminum all up.

Lesson learned (again), keep the scotch away from power tools!**)

With regard to places to find parts, OPGI (oringinal parts group inc) has a dedicated catalog (hard copy and online) that has worked well for me. They also give some credit if you are buying a lot of parts (through a point system based on the total order).

www.elcaminostore.com also has a good selection, but opgi got the most of my business.

Good luck and keep writing! I've got to run to some meetings, but I'll check back soon!

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LOL's. So I need to add...."Leave beer in fridge" to my method of procedure before starting. Check. Got it. LOL's.

Well thank you much! I will look these guys up. I found the El Camino Store....just having trouble figuring out what is what in line of trim. I'll figure it out though. Bet that'll be a sweet ride you have there. My son has been walking around in "Wonderland" ever since he found out I bought him the Elky. Grins from ear to ear.

Again. Thanks.

Dave G

I did a 65 elky several years back.. As I recall that top trim is retained by some goofy hook type things that make it easy to install but it's a bear to take off.They snap over the pinch weld and hook into the molding.The key word is "patience" if you want to re use them..I would start at one end and gradually work inside and outside..If you start at the back you might be able to slide it off once you get a couple of them loose..A lubricant might help but that could play havoc with your paint stuff later on...Hope some of this helps.. I used a hook tool a lot and you might be able to use one of those "wiggler" things made for windshield moldings

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Originally Posted by Daffy427

I did a 65 elky several years back.. As I recall that top trim is retained by some goofy hook type things that make it easy to install but it's a bear to take off.They snap over the pinch weld and hook into the molding.The key word is "patience" if you want to re use them..I would start at one end and gradually work inside and outside..If you start at the back you might be able to slide it off once you get a couple of them loose..A lubricant might help but that could play havoc with your paint stuff later on...Hope some of this helps

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Yes. Thanks so much. It does help. Now I at least have a mental picture of whats under there! Really appreciate the help!

Thanks,
Dave G

I would be very careful pulling it off. You want to save as much as you can, as the repop stuff just never seems to fit like it should. Just take your time amd slowly wiggle the bed molding off. I'm no expert on 65's but I think the back of cab trim is held on ith nuts wich you have to pull the headlined down to access. At least it was on my 67. But most of the trim is held in place with spring clips and is a real bear to remove.

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Originally Posted by 67elkybryan

I would be very careful pulling it off. You want to save as much as you can, as the repop stuff just never seems to fit like it should. Just take your time amd slowly wiggle the bed molding off. I'm no expert on 65's but I think the back of cab trim is held on ith nuts wich you have to pull the headlined down to access. At least it was on my 67. But most of the trim is held in place with spring clips and is a real bear to remove.

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LOL's. Youve put me back in "lack of confidence" mode. Naugh. Just teasing. Thanks for the insight! Now if the trim on the back of the cab doesnt seem to come loose....then I'll now I have to head to the interior to look for those screws. I cant tell you how much I appreciate this information. I wouldve probably got frustrated and messed it all up trying to get it off. :LOL:

Dave G

Bear in mind in my case it's been over ten years and many beers since I did that el camino...

The 65 bed trim must be similar to the 69 cuz that sounds like mine. The idea of a windshield tool (plastic) is a great idea for removal. 67elky is also right by mentioning that the new gear may leave something to be desired. Save the originals!

But have faith Stovebolter, you'll get it done. And make sure you get your son in there with you!

Enjoy the journey!:D

Stovebolter, in the inside of bed on the rear corners,are panels ,remove those
and you will be able to get to the chrome bed corners,get putty knife and lift
the bed rails just enough to spray WD every 6or8 inches,on both sides,
they will slide out the back,that way you don't mess up the clips and reuse them..the chrome on the top are held buy bolt so you do have to remove
the rear of the headliner,if you use a steamer if will losen the glue enough
that you can carefully peel it back,, James..

Well thank you everyone. You've save me some grief I assure you. I'll be careful and take my time.....saving the trim. I'm guessing this stuff can be sent to be re-chromed? Assume its all aluminum with a chrome finish.

Dave G

It's probably stainless and would likely buff out. Sorry about not being more help, your generation El Camino is the only one I haven't owned LOL.

Get your self a factory assembly manual, Do a search on e-bay for 65 el camino under parts and assories. All the trim is either bolts or clips. None of it is really difficult to remove. You will find all the parts you need on e-bay, and the el camino store. Factory originals are the best. Your trim is the same for the bed, back and front window and drip rails for 65, 66, and 67 el caminos. The hardest pieces to remove is the drip over the door and the door trim which is friction fit. Have fun and keep your frustration level low.

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. :D

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. :LOL:
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, :CRY: 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. :confused: 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

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Originally Posted by HemiTCoupe

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

Pat

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by firebird77clone

Eastwood has trim removal tools.

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Thanks. I got a couple different tools last week. Now if I can just figure out what to do. I jimmey'd a couple of the clips for the trim around the windshield for a little over an hour and got frustrated. Just cant seem to figure it out. But I will eventually.

Dave G