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Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:48 am Post subject: New member with a lot of questions...
Greetings from the Great Northwest!
I had my sights set on building a bucket T for a while, but I've decided I want to get something already running so I can participate in clubs, and work on it as I go..
I have a 400 inch Chevrolet with a bunch of speed parts that was going to be the main attraction of the T, but would fit into any other Chevrolet just fine...
I had a friend in high school who had a 69 El Camino, and I always liked it (I had a 69 Firebird at the time). I've also noticed that 64-70 El Caminos are generally not too bad costwise (at least on the surface... hard to tell the condition of cars on Ebay and CraigsList just looking at pics...).
So I may delve into the El Camino realm... I have a few questions...
1) I've seen many examples of 64-70 models between $8000 and $12500, with a few going higher than that (not including big block SS models, which seem to be quite a bit higher for obvious reasons..).. Can you get a car with little to no rust and pretty mecanically sound in that price range, or is there more likely hiden issues with these that can come up and bite you...???
2) What rear ends do these come with?? 10 bolt, 12 bolt?? On what models would I get a 12 bolt??? I can get by with a 10 bolt if the car comes with a smaller 327 or 350, but may need to upgrade to either a Curriee 12 bolt or a 9 inch Ford rear when putting in the new 400 engine...
I noticed in one photo the door "crease" seems to be lower than the crease on the rest of the body...but the door itself seems to be aligned properly...is this just the way they came from the factory, or is this somewhat of a red flag item signifying other issues..?
4) What are the key items to look for when choosing a new El Camino...what are the trouble spots as far a rust??? Of those spots, what is the easiest to get repaired?? I see a lot of vehicles with spray on bedliners, and I worry that they just covered up a rusted bed with that just to hide it....is replacing the bed a big issue??
Thanks for looking at my post... I'll probably start looking seriously in a month or two (when I've allocated $8k or higher for my cause), and just want a solid car that doesn't need much done to it mechanically or body wise...Don't really care if it's an original car or not, as long as it's solid...Am I being too unrealistic in the $8000-12500 price range??
_________________ "Evil will always triumph over good, because good is dumb!!"
--Dark Helmet, Lord of the Dark Side of the Shwartz.......
Necoa #: 572
Location: 10(IL,MN,WI)
Joined: Jan 28, 2003
Posts: 3615
Year: 1984
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject:
As far as finding something in decent shape in your price range, that's quite probable, just don't think your gonna find an SS model in really good condtion for that amount (especially a big block unless you get REAL lucky). They came with both 10 and 12 bolt rears...even some SS models (396) had 10 bolt rears...so that would be hit or miss. A build sheet for the particular car your looking at, and the codes for a 12 bolt, would help, but even then you don't know if the original rear was replaced...gotta get under there and investigate. When you find something that trips your trigger, get under it and look it over real good and you be the judge. That is a nice looking 64 on Ebay though...but you can never tell by just pics and I think your very well aware of that. What looks good cosmetically on the outside, could be a rust bucket underneath. Keep in mind when buying something off Ebay, the feedback rating is a good indicator as to whether the seller is legit or a scammer. That particular seller has a 100% feedback rating with 56 car sales, I'd say that's a good indication he's legit on his discription of the car.
Necoa #: 9074
Location: 25(All Other)
Joined: Feb 20, 2007
Posts: 1017
Year: 1975
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 7:08 pm Post subject:
G'day & welcome to ECC Justin. I can't help with your questions unfortunately being in Australia and not knowing the American market for El Caminos, plus I know something about 4th Gen El Camino having one myself, but that is about it.
There are many very knowledgeable and helpful members here who I am sure with chime in with more advice. _________________ John (from Down Under)
Hey Justin, Welcome aboard. Don't think your budget is unrealistic. When you start getting around the 12 grand mark, there's some decent stuff to be found. Good luck... _________________ Mark
1972 Elky Picture Album
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