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 #: 8777
Location: 12(MO,OK,KS)
Joined: Dec 30, 2006
Posts: 3
Year: 1980
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:19 pm Post subject: Front end possibilities
Hey all I bought a 1980 el camino and I have stripped all the old
parts out-off and I want to upgrade and make it unique.. I have a 350
4 bolt main as a powerhouse and I think I want to stay with the auto.
It already has upgraded rear suspension and alot of rust to repair
including the entire cab floorpan. I started fabrication of the
floorpans and have one done but could be alot better. I need the rear
lower quarter panels (below the molding line). A friend said he saw
one online with a camaro front clip but didnt say where or any
further info. I would like to boost to the SS look and I think this
would be close and have access to the parts car (CHEAP) several
camaros of diff. years. I will also looking at replacing the dash and
instrument cluster from another el. as well as a floor shifter
instead of column (mine has too much play) also out of an el.
My biggest question is will the camaro or other front clip fit without too many probs. I would prefer a front clip with a grill in it and I saw a lumina one that looked good, any suggestions as to which to narrow my search. Im not afraid of fabrication but would like to get moving on this.
Some idiot welded one of the engine mounts to the frame so I have to cut
that off and get new ones. I dont need an ac and that is just as well
cause the housing is cracked. What about T-tops the camero has them
also but will they fit?
What if any of the camero parts will fit I will replace the entire
front clip if able to.
I would be greatly appreciative for any and all info provided..
Necoa #: 572
Location: 10(IL,MN,WI)
Joined: Jan 28, 2003
Posts: 3629
Year: 1984
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 10:06 pm Post subject:
Whoa...throttle back there a bit jet jockey...you just joined and need to do a whole lot of reading of past posts before you start buying stuff that ain't gonna fit. All those frontends your talking about are aftermarket frontends made specifically to fit Elkys. There are a few pieces off a Camaro (F-body) that will fit...none of which are body pieces...and about the only thing I can think of that will fit off a Lumina is the radio and maybe the steering wheel...so don't go out and buy up parts before checking first...or you'll be blowing a whole lot of that hard earned pension you deserve. There's a bunch of guys here that are more than willing to give you correct advice on things or answer any questions you may have. Or and by the way...Welcome Aboard (that's Navy terminology in case you land lubbin Airforce guys didn't know)
Easy on the new guy Mike! He's been out of the loop for a while and just chompin at the bit to get going! My brother-inlaw was the same way when he got out after 26 years but he (my BIL) might not understand your terminology as all he did in the AF was warehouse nuclear warheads! Welcome to the site Tony your service to the Country is greatly appreciated! You, as you already found out have landed at a great place for help with your Elky. We try to look out for each other here and try to help members not make mistakes that take up valuable resources that you need (ie.. money) to get your project done. Mike is one of many that will be of great service to you along with an untold number of other I'm sure you will hear from time to time! Keep posting and asking questions! _________________ "Still Just Truck'in"
"Johnny"
Bradley, Illinois
Necoa #: 8777
Location: 12(MO,OK,KS)
Joined: Dec 30, 2006
Posts: 3
Year: 1980
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 11:18 pm Post subject:
Not trying to get ahead of myself just tryin to figure out where to start and givin enough info as to help whoever to know where I want the project to go.. as for the possibilities I lisited they are just some of what Ive seen on others cars.. ie.. corvette rear clip and others saying they had a lumina front clip.. Just FYI...
As for why all out quick.. well I dont have the ability to type long conversations and have a short memory problem.. dont have the energy I should... due to Gulf War Illness..(must be due to sittin there with them nukes in that nice shelter huh...) Any project I start will take forever to finish so I may as well do it right.. but I am reading all posts of relevance
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
My brother-inlaw was the same way when he got out after 26 years but he (my BIL) might not understand your terminology as all he did in the AF was warehouse nuclear warheads! 
