Aussie Roadworthy Items for 75 El Camino

hemi57

There are a number of changes required to be able to get your El Camino to meet Australian Roadworthy specifications. I am working through these myself and will update this thread as I resolve each.

White front parking lights

This was relative easy, I chose to go with semi-sealed round 7” headlights with built in parking light. The units I got were Wagner brand from Repco for just over A$25 each, made in India and of dubious quality (check the 3 standoffs which locate the unit into the headlight bucket as most I was shown were bent, plus the glass colour varied between the 6 or so I selected my 2 from). They are metal and glass though rather than plastic.

The 75 El Camino has twin filament globes in the existing front parker/front indicator assembly. Identify the front parker light circuit wire and cut it. Connect your new park light wire into the wiring loom side of the cut wire and ground the other wire from the new light. Job Done.

Amber Rear Indicators

This was a bit challenging to understand how the rear Indicator circuit integrated with Stoplight circuit. Consider that the indicator illuminates without the Stoplight being on (illuminated) and it works (flashes (turns off) the globe) when the Stoplight is illuminated. Wiring diagrams I have had access to have no detail on how the two circuits come together other than a note along the lines “to the stop light switch”.

So consider that the Stoplight circuit needs to be retained for the Stoplight and a new circuit needs to be installed for the rear Indicators, including separate Indicator light assemblies.

Firstly I will deal with the under dash wiring changes. The wiring plug on the steering column has two sides, one side being the wires running up to the indicator switch and other steering wheel functions (horn, hazard flashers) and the other side of the switch goes to the body wiring loom. I cut/broke the wires on the plug body loom side. You can extract the terminals from the plug by inserting a small “tool” (tapered rod, flat metal or plastic “pin”) into the side opposite to the wire (look for the slot on the inside of the plug for each terminal and run your “tool” in there and wiggle the terminal out of the plug (do not force). The wires on the upper or left hand side of the wiring loom plug in order are:

White = Stoplight power from the Stoplight switch
Yellow = LH Stoplight globe
Green = RH Stoplight globe

Cut the terminals off leaving about 2 inches of wire in place and join the wiring loom three wires together. You will now have functioning Stoplights and your circuit to the Indicator switch is broken.

To run new wiring from the rear bumper to the steering column plug you need to remove the left rear side marker light assembly and I recommend you remove the inspection panel from inside the left hand side of the cargo area (rear access holes). Remove the LH floor to roof interior trim and you will discover an inspection hole (cabin access hole) which provides access inside the body across the LHR wheel arch and to the rear access holes. Remove the LH door scuff plate and lift carpet to gain access to the plastic cable tray. Using a long stiff piece of wire, route from the inside rear access hole route the wire to the cabin access hole, then attach your new wires to this wire and pull through. Route the new wiring through the cable trays, behind the LH kick panel and under the dash to the steering column plug. Connect to the new wires to the yellow (LHS Indicator) and green (RH Indicator) plug terminal wires and reinstall these terminals into the plug. Save the white wire terminal and 2” or wire for your workshop “stock” as a spare. The cable run is just over 7 metres for the RH Indicator and the width of the vehicle less for the LHS.

Drill a hole from the outside rear access hole through the inner body panel next to the existing plugs and use a grommet to feed the new wires through to the rear bumper. Mount and connect up the new Indicator assemblies and connect the new wire to positive side of the new rear amber lights (or any side of the new Indicator assemblies if polarity is not an issue, ie. Incandescent globes not LEDs). Ground the other wire from the new light.

Left and right rear Indicators now function as they should. Right at this time I notice that if you leave the indicator stalk in the LH or RH on position and you turn on the 4 way flashers the side where your indicator stalk is on does not flash. Not a big deal and one I will endeavour to diagnose later.

Note: if you want to use LEDs you will need a Load Balancer to avoid the system detecting a blown or open circuit globe and not flashing as a consequence.
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John (from Down Under)

'75 El Camino Classic ("EARLE")

hemi57

I asked around ECC about the factory Seat Belts in my 75/76 El Camino as it appeared that the belt retractor for the Lap did not appear to have any locking mechanism like the Sash belt section, but got no response.

I can confirm that both the upper and lower belt retractors are Inertia Reels, ie. they both lock-up the belt movement. This became apparent after the assemblies were given a good clean up. Here is a before and after pics (LH Driver's side is "restored" and the RH Passenger side is "aged" condition)

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John (from Down Under)

'75 El Camino Classic ("EARLE")

oz camino · Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 5:10 am Post subject: Update required :-p

Hi John

Yes I know your busy, I am also a project manager and spend most of my time away from my love ( and wife and children.... )

But i am geeting close to calling the engineer. I have a name of Peter Turner who does the Mildura section on VIC but has recently moved and is nearer central vic.

I am just starting to work on the basic but would like to have most things completed before he has his first look.

Seat belts. got a price today of 100 each from Auto Bahn
Windscreen having trouble quoted 1200 from O'Brian
Head light (completed)
Parking lights on 78 seems to already be white
although rear indicators are off the brakes style lights (how can i get around this if the lense is red?)
Mirror I believe that i need to replace the glass on the passenger side due to be convex?
Stripped on the more than limo dark black tint.

Any other obvious ones i have missed

Again many thanks
Adam
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71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)

hemi57 · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 12:47 am Post subject:

Busy is an understatement right now Crying

Here is something to get you started:

Automotive Technologies
Arnold Millane
(03) 5341 8454
For Windscreens etc.

I'll get back to you on the other stuff as soon as I can mate.

Edit: don't do anything on Seat Belts until we correspond okay?
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John (from Down Under)

'75 El Camino Classic ("EARLE")

oz camino · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 4:43 am Post subject:

Thanks John
Wont be doing much in next week, off to Sydney for meeting tomorrow then off to Wellington to complete a project. So could be another week before I get back into the shed but does give me a bit more time to makes call, more planning and searching through the info here. Shocked

Will also hold fire on seat belts

Many thanks Adam
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71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)

oz camino · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 2:04 am Post subject:

Hi John

I have booked in to see Peter Turner for compliance. Should I be taking him the car as complianced as possible? ( cant hurt)
Head lights have been changed, Mirror have had concave glass removed and replaced.
I am still trying to work out a few things
The rear of my 78 has flashing red lights for indicators ( I have read various areas where this is acceptable and not acceptable? Any Ideas

Also I know we have mentioned seat belts and I have had some priced for a 100 bucks a side but the current seat belts have pre tensioners and would be better that after market. it it down to the current seat belts not being ADR/Australian compliant?

Apart from that I have 2 speed wipers, reversing lights

not sure what else is required those ADR's are hard to read sometimes...

Cheers
Adam
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71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)

hemi57 · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 2:36 am Post subject:

Adam, still damn busy but let me get the priorities right and give you a bit more to go on Laugh

Amber rear indicators are required after about 1969 I think.

Seat belts were a major concern for me. My '75 had retractors into the seat mount (floor) and the "B" pillar - therefore two inertia reels each side using non-ADR seat belts. The "B" pillar mount was on an angle and no local belt was available to accommodate this angle. There was no scope to floor mount the inertia reel on the floor either. I thought a stop gap would be to fit the non- retracting type belts but this got bounced by the Engineer as post 1/1/75 all vehicles must have retractable belts. I finally found a company in Sunshine who could fit a locally available belt with a custom bracket for about $190 a side. They would not modify the trim which I had to do myself and they put a nasty door ding in my driver’s door which they denied doing so I reluctantly provide their name (Jamisons Autofit).

My 350 had breathers on both rocker covers and I needed to seal off one and fit a PCV to the other.

My Head restraints were too small on contact area and also could be allowed to go too low. Minimum contact area is 115mm and minimum height from seat base is 700mm to their top.

Sun visors, mine were like pieces of cardboard covered in fabric. I needed to get padded visors.

My exhausts exited on both sides behind the rear wheels. You are not allowed to have the exhaust blowing out the side on the footpath.

Those were the items I got pinged for.

I had already dealt with the amber rear indicators, white front parkers and RHD headlights.

They tested for emission, noise and other bits and pieces too, eg. Must have either lockable gear lever or steering (mine is dodgy and only locks the gear level but they passed it).

There you go.

If you would like a chat, drop me your contact number and a suitable time and I can give you a call. Best number is a mobile as the office phones are STD blocked.
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John (from Down Under)

'75 El Camino Classic ("EARLE")

oz camino · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 8:04 am Post subject:

Cheers Mate
Gave me me stuff to do in the shed tonight.
Fitted some padded sun visors out of another car..... I am sure that my wife is going to notice.
feeling pretty excited that it is going for its first test/drive on Saturday, also kinda thinking that it not going to make it..

Looked at the indicators tonight.. I really do not want to fit aftgermarket lenses or additions (by the way, why is you new number plate not in the middle of your. Is the plate to big? had the same problem on a 300zx just bent it up not a great look but made it fit in the end).. do you know if a slim line plate makes any difference?

I thought about using my reversing lights with amber bulbs as indicators and then somehow fitting discrete reversing lamp, maybe another bulb in there somehow?

Anyway I think it is best to get it along to the compliancer and see what he want, bit worried car has only been driven 3/400 km in last 4 years or maybe 10 since it was imported.

I know my fathers compliance of his 71 blown big block was not as strict as yours - head rest, emissions braking did not really come into it . I am just hopping Peter is ok, I understand that this is about safety but I still have to get through a road worhty.

Anyway very much appreciative of your help just great to have a sounding board of someone in the know.

Charrs again
Adam
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71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)

hemi57 · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 5:31 pm Post subject:

Adam, the number plate does not fit between the overriders and there is no scope to move them without exposing holes. I like the offset front plate myself. Not sure if slim line would fit, maybe a 5 letter slimline would, but the size of EARLE I reckon small plates wouldn't look any good.

Good luck with your engineer. I got my roadworthy before seeing the engineer and it ran out before I could get the certificate so more expense.

On the rear indicators, you could rig something up and then revert back once you are on the road. That is what I am still thinking of doing.
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John (from Down Under)

'75 El Camino Classic ("EARLE")

oz camino · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 8:11 am Post subject:

lol I have been out in the shed (again) tonight being a bit cocky thought I would just do this and that she will be fine...
did not think you would be the type of person to advocate a change after compliance..

Also like the position on your plate not sure on mine over riders have been removed, but the bumper seems the best.

Reading and re-reading your post about installing indicators, those lights on the rear do crazy things... not as simple as I thought, guessing i might have to go after market to get through.
when you mention load balancing for LED light is that something best left to professional sparky or is is simple fit something inline to balance?

I have got it booked in this Friday with my mechanic, for a very quick freshen up. then off Saturday for first longer drive. planning to take it down for a wash and degrease tomorrow or Thursday, let hope it makes it there and back. I mean honestly i have only driven this thing about 800 meters, I am use to driving left hand drive just want to get to know my future car better, oh well a couple of days and I will KNow

How is Earle driving for you, any quirks you have picked up so far.

Sorry, not sure if you answered this but did you need to stamp your block
if not where is the best place to look for vin no. is this even stamped on block?

Also having trouble is finding wheels, dad sold the convo pro that were on it now it is sitting on mix and matched tyres on rusty chrome rims. I found these but am unsure if they will fit?

Ebay rims for HQ

What ever happens, I am enjoying being back out in the shed with a project I am passionate about, get so aggravated working on mine or my wifes car and taking the skin off my knuckles, makes so much difference when i care about what I am doing..

till tomorrow and thanks for your help.
KP
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71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)

hemi57 · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 5:54 pm Post subject:

Adam, the load balancing resistors for LED lights are no big deal. I got mine from Bursons at about $15 each. They install from the positive to ground to give more resistance in the line than just the Led and without it the flasher can thinks a globe is blown and does not flash. I bought my amber Leds off eBay from the US but they turned out to be too small. Watch out buying amber lights as your Engineer might demand they have some local standard molded into the lense. I bought mine from Supercheap and they are not actually Aussie standard but he overlooked that.

EARLE is driving great but damn heavy on fuel (about 11.5 mpg Crying

).

Your block needs to have the engine number. Don't worry about the VIN on the block.

In a rush here as usual. I'll get back to you.
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John (from Down Under)

'75 El Camino Classic ("EARLE")

oz camino · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

Cheers John
I have taken today off to get the car up to the mechanics and get it ready for the trip on Sunday to Guilford for initial compliance test.

We should have close to the same engine ( LM1 350 4bb 170hp) so expecting about the same MPG, will be putting on straight gas in the next month or so as this is going to be my daily driver and with the other elk running at about 4mpg and my wife driving another V8, kids will have to skip schooling and go straight to work so we can afford to run all these cars..( and toys)

Once I get it back from mechanics today I will take the car up to the car wash for a good degrease, then have a look and see if I can find an engine number

I guessing all my hard work starts next week when I sit down and look at the list from the compliancer, will also start the get an initial roadworthy check, although I know a few roadworthy mechanics around here that do quite a few imports so hoping for leniency.

cheers
Adam
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71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)

hemi57 · Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 11:26 pm Post subject:

Adam, I am in the office again today and still flat out.

I am looking forward to hearing how you got on with your Engineer.

On the wheels, I know mine has the same stud pattern as the HQ through to WB. Not sure if yours is the same. My WB ute has 14" wheels while the El Camino has 15", so the old WB wheels do not clear the calipers.

I suppose you are getting the "Unroadworthy Permit" to drive it around? I spent a small fortune on those in 14 months.
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John (from Down Under)

'75 El Camino Classic ("EARLE")

oz camino · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 5:54 am Post subject:

Made it back from the engineers..

The course I took was a little cross country with a few dirts roads..lol car ran alright but need to get the front suspension look at..

But good news as a result, he was fairly relaxed and it now looks like it is up to the Roadworthy guy to pick up most of the issues??

Engineer asked for the car to comply with 1,2,3,4c,5b,7,8,9,10b,11,12,14,15,16,18,20,21,22a,23,24,25a,27a,28.

but after a quick look over the car he said he wants
Noise ticket
Weigh bridge ticket
RWC
New seat belts - no concerned about position ( so direct swap Very Happy

)
One or 2 hoses off anti pollution just wants to see them go somewhere.. even though i am putting onto straight gas.
Amber indicators but said just stick them in reversing light area and mount new reversing light AD2 compliant of course..
Confirm collapsible steering column

and thats it, fairly easy

so not to book it in for initial RWC early this week to get a run down.
Wait for new screen ordered from Ralf Moore Auto Glass in Syd 380 delivered.

Find some wheels and tyres,

Also another touch of luck with a local guy being interested in the big block 71 I have up for sale.

Will re read you post yet again on indicators and run them through to the reversing lights clear sections..

all in all... a good week

Thanks for your help to date
Oz C
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71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)

hemi57 · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you have got off fairly lightly and what you have to do is manageable. I did the Roadworthy first and then the Engineer and I knew the lights were a requirement so addressed them early on.

My Engineer did the noise test themselves and was unconcerned about the weight, as were VicRoads too.

Collapsible column should definitely be installed I reckon.

I was staggered to get hit $715 for the VASS certificate which only took them a couple of leisurely hours to do the inspection and paperwork. Nice snacks in their tea room though Shocked

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John (from Down Under)

'75 El Camino Classic ("EARLE")