Swapping Cars

[KTM Kid]

My son has an opportunity to swap his 81 El Camino with new V6 and 350 trans needs paint and interior for a 66 El Camino with a 350 has some rust needs paint and missing all bed trim. Is this a worthwhile swap?

[jobberone]

How old is your son, how are u 2 at repairs inc body work, and does the 66 have a/c and do you need it? If his car runs well then wait. There's always cars out there.

The 66 is worth more restored but a lot of these cars have a lot of rust. Frame, pans, body panels inside and out. Trunk. Other areas. These can be repaired but I'm going to school post retirement to learn how. It ain't easy and my hat's off to those guys who make a living at it.

[a1supersport]

Yes, yes, yes. Definitely worth it.

[jobberone]

It may not be worth it if your son needs the 81 to drive and the 66 is not driveable. You do not have the original engine. Still even if the car is redone the 66 will be worth more without the orig engine than the 81.

However, I would get someone very knowledgeable about restoration or just fixing it up before deciding. You may be very disappointed to discover you need a frame and most of the body needs replacing or repairing. For a car that's not definitely an SS you're asking for a lot of work.

If you want a project to do with your son and keep him interested in healthy things then go for it.