While there are no dues or fees for membership at El Camino
Central, we do rely upon member contributions to keep the site and server running smoothly. As membership grows, so does
site usage. Recently we have seen a huge jump in server load and bandwidth. As a result, at times we notice extremely
slow page loading. Many of you may have also noticed the new member rankings used to recognize supporting members.
Become a supporting member today and get your own cool rank!
Every little bit helps.
Show your support by making a
donation here:
Supporters
page
Necoa #: 3869
Location: 2(CT,MA,ME,NH,RI,VT)
Joined: Aug 30, 2004
Posts: 147
Year: 1987
Model: El Camino
Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 10:08 pm Post subject:
Hi Justin,
I know that you were looking to make the 1980 stock, but here's another option...
Since your photos show a good solid body (can't see any rust holes, but I'm not sure what a closer inspection would reveal, but as long as there is no quarter panel rust you have a solid looking body.
Look for a 1986-1988 Monte SS parts car (I was able to pick up one with smashed in rear quarter panel for $800 a couple of years ago) and use the SS interior (dash fits right in, and instrument panel with tach & gauges can be wired into factory harness - just check various posts on this site) Also you can use the Monte door panels, console, floor shifter, steering column & wheel, power mirrors & locks (will bolt into the non-power door that you have and the El Camino glass will bolt right to the power window tracks) And you can bolt in the 3.73 posi rear end as well as the tranny crossmember and TH2004R overdrive transmission (use the Monte shifter cable and brackets, and the overdrive shifter pointer will already be in the dash). You can use the stock 305 L69 high output motor if you pull out the Monte harness and computer, or else go with a 350 without computerized carb & distributor, your choice here. The Monte SS has a oval shaped high flow converter stock, so if you need emissions where you live you can use this one (Y pipe,converter and dual rear Y pipe are direct bolt ons.) You will have to add around 11" long pipes between the Y pipes and the rear mufflers to make up for the longer frame on the El Camino. The 2 rear tailpipes and hangers on the Monte SS fit right on the El Camino frame, my 1987 came from the factory with the holes drilled in the frame to attach the GM rear tailpipe hangers. The Monte SS power steering box is a quick ratio box and bolts in place using the stock bolts. With the nice aluminum 15" Monte SS wheels you will have a great looking car for a bargain price. While it will take a lot of work this can be done, and you can add whatever else you need while building it up. But the Monte SS is a great way to upgrade with higher performance parts than the El Camino originally came with, and can be bought for a fraction of the price of buying these parts individually.
Hope this helps, I would not like to see such a nice clean body go to waste just because you cannot afford over $10,000 to buy new replacement parts to restore it to stock.
Thanks,
Dave _________________ 1987 El Camino SS Choo Choo customs package w/ Monte Carlo SS tranny, 3.73 rear end, sway bars, alloy wheels & exhaust system, SS dash & S-10 dual piston brakes - Soon to come - 350 roller cam... all emissions legal!
All times are GMT - 6 Hours Goto page Previous1, 2
Page 2 of 2
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Forum FAQ
Calendar
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Staff Site
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
