1970 Elky

[XOTech]

As requested in the Bugatti Veyron thread, here are additional details on one of my other cars.

1970 El Camino 396 SS A/C All original car. Original motor and trans.(T400) I bought the car about 2 years ago. I immediately recovered the bucket seats and put a new headliner and carpet in. The car had been repainted back in the 80s and showed its age. The car hasn't been repainted yet, but was worked out with a lot of color sanding and rebuffing. The previous repaint did not include the original SS stripes on the hood, so I put those on at that time.

The car had some bizaar wheels on it from who knows what, so I quickly invested in a set of 8.5" Corvette Rally wheels and some big rubber. Front: 275x15 Rear: 295x15.

Nothing else has been done to the car. I just bought a set of polyurethane bushings for the rear control arms as the bushings in now are definitely aged.

I have had the car up to 125mph. There was more to go, but I didn't push the original engine.

The picture included was taken in Montana in June of 2000. It is about 6am and the early morning fog is lit up as the sun is just peeking over the mountain. The car is still running as noted by the condensation

[XOTech]

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[Rich]

That is soo sweet man. I have a deep love for those El Camino's

All origional....hard to come by. What a jewel!

How much did you pay for her?

[XOTech]

I would rather not say what I have in the car. Sorry to be evasive, but I did well on the car at the original purchase price, and when I do go to sell it, it should be a nice piece. I am it quite right. I won't make a house mortgage on it or anything, but I will do ok.

An original car is tough to find. There are still a few jewels out there. You just have to look harder. Keep looking and have your money ready.

[NJTy180]

i would post mine, but my primer isnt as shiney!!! lmao

[XOTech]

I see you posted an image of your Elky on the "Favorite Year" Thread. Nice straight car. Is it an original SS? If yes, was it an original 454? Either way, the 454 is pretty hard to beat. I love the torque of my 396 (402) Love the sound. Don't love the gas mileage, but None of the cars I own get good gas mileage. I figure it is just part of the cost of having fun. I still wish it was cheaper, but oh well. When I really feel in the mood for some fun, I will fill up with AV gas and go cruising for imports.

[NJTy180]

Originally posted by XOTech
I see you posted an image of your Elky on the "Favorite Year" Thread. Nice straight car. Is it an original SS? If yes, was it an original 454? Either way, the 454 is pretty hard to beat. I love the torque of my 396 (402) Love the sound. Don't love the gas mileage, but None of the cars I own get good gas mileage. I figure it is just part of the cost of having fun. I still wish it was cheaper, but oh well. When I really feel in the mood for some fun, I will fill up with AV gas and go cruising for imports.

Nope, its a fake SS, but has almost all the same options. Has 12-Bold Posi, M-21 4-speed, "Custom" interior and trim package, it used to have a vinal top, has AC, power disc breaks, power steering, and a few other weird GM options they used to do back in the 70's.....

[XOTech]

I have the original Vinyl top on my '70. On a triple black car, the vinyl top is a nice addition to break up the lines just a bit. I have seen triple black '70s without the vinyl top and it looks funny to me. The other colors don't seem to have the same problem. It is a matter of taste of course, and a matter of effort to keep it nice (not fun). They are really not fun to put on. I helped do one for another Elky my father has. Looked good when it was done, but I'm not sure I would try it again. It is a white car, black interior and black vinyl top. Sharp car.

Great on the 4 speed. Is it originally a manual? At times I wish mine was a 4 speed. It would be worth more money as well, but I just prefer the 4 speed. My '59 is a 4 speed. Love it. It is considerably faster than my '70. Lots more torque as well. Keep in mind that my '70 is not built up for horsepower at all, but that old 348cu.in. with the 3x2 carbs can really pick up the front end of my '59. On two different occasions, I have sheared off lugs studs on the '59. The first time, I broke all 10 original size (5/16"), so I machined out the axles for 1/2" lugs. Just broke a couple of those the other day street dragging.

[BurninRich]

im 16 now and about 3 years ago i saw an 80's el camino that looked really sad. but i think fter tht i came to i gues you could say love the car. i dont know know really how or why but i fell in love. You guys kick ass for what yo do. i need money bfore ican get started on one, pssssshhhh i needaget one first.

My mind goes on forever think about wat i could possibly do to it but then the BG M factor comes in MONEY!! first i have to find one then i can do my stuff.

i might want tips whe i get one

[XOTech]

BurninRich...

Restoring an Elky doesn't have to be expensive. Most things you can do with enough time. You can get almost anything running and fairly decent with a lot of effort but not much money. Now of course, you have to buy a car to restore first. Once you decide what you want, that will determine how much it will cost.

If you wanted one of those mid 80s Elky's, they can be found quite cheaply.. around $1200 or less. From then on it is up to you. Once you get it running with only the basics, maybe only a rebuild on a small V8 rather than a fire breathing monster, you can always go back and put in the trick parts. You have to start somewhere and you have to learn on something.

My first restoration car was definitely not show quality. I did take the car to several shows, but it wasn't the kind of stuff you see in the magazines. Now after many years of tinkering and doing all of my own work and learning what it took to do a job the quick and dirty way and the right way, I can now may high quality, magazine quality custom street rods.

Lots of work and lots of time in the garage. That is the only way. Good luck with the Elky resto.

Take a look at my '59 Elky on the '59 Thread...

[BurninRich]

Do you guys know where i might be able to videos of some El Caminos drag racing or racing or burning out?
i would apperciate it greatly if you all would just post some links of places where i could find some of these vidoes and other older cars at the drags.
thank you once again.

[twobrians]

here is the link for pics of my el camino its an astro blue ss w/57k original miles matching numbers 396 with full documentation. i might consider selling it for a reasonable offer.



http://community.webshots.com/album/76920971gNtMYy

[chaditotx]

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cha.../El+Co&.view=t[/url]

That is my baby there.. not an SS, but I still love it. TH350, 12 bolt, 4 barrel 350 (original). Jade Green interior with Cottonwood Green exterior. She is a Texas car (only rust was under top and back window). Have recovered seats, done headliner and have door panels in garage (need to wait for paint). Got the orig. am/fm working, and the a/c too. I have a vinyl top, not that rust has been removed, but the top is black. It was originally green, and I couldn't stand to do it. Just too weird.

Engine is in shop right now for rebuild. Should be a quick one when done. (apprx 385 horses from cam and new heads on 4 blt block).

Found some 1971 z28 15" rims for cheap, and will have instead of those slots soon.

Got car for $500. There are a few affordable ones out there. Again, not an SS, but enough for me as a daily driver.