1980 El Camino - Is it worth saving?

[1980Elco]

Hey, first post here just needed some info, so I have this 1980 El Camino with the factory 305 4bbl, picked it up on Craigslist for 650, but after closer inspection it had much more wrong with it than I first thought, on both sides right under the rear side windows there are 2 large rust holes, and multiple pin holes down the sides of it, it also needs a new steering column and windshield [will post pics later, currently at work] but I'd like to know if it would be worth it to repair these things, or just to move onto a cleaner example, thanks

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[1980Elco]

Hey, first post here just needed some info, so I have this 1980 El Camino with the factory 305 4bbl, picked it up on Craigslist for 650, but after closer inspection it had much more wrong with it than I first thought, on both sides right under the rear side windows there are 2 large rust holes, and multiple pin holes down the sides of it, it also needs a new steering column and windshield [will post pics later, currently at work] but I'd like to know if it would be worth it to repair these things, or just to move onto a cleaner example, thanks

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Here's one pic I have of it, will get more of the actual damage later on

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[1980Elco]

Here's one pic I have of it, will get more of the actual damage later on

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Pic

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[Doug Chahoy]

What ever way you would do the 1/4s ,involves welding Whether it's patching or new panels. Do you have a welder? Next is your sheet metal skills. Steering columbs ARE usually available on here. $650.00 for initial investment is pretty damn good, as long as there's nothing major wrong with the car.

 

[1980Elco]

What ever way you would do the 1/4s ,involves welding Whether it's patching or new panels. Do you have a welder? Next is your sheet metal skills. Steering columbs ARE usually available on here. $650.00 for initial investment is pretty damn good, as long as there's nothing major wrong with the car.

Nothing major but its a cali car so I planned on swapping out the old 305 and putting in a pontiac 400 and th350 I had laying around, dont know how well that'd go together though. On another note I do have a welder, but not much experience doing much with it so my best bet would most likely be to take it to a shop to have it done

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[RegalBegal]

Welcome aboard. Weither it's worth it or not depends on you. How much do you want to spend and what are you looking for as an end result? If finance is a big concern for you, realize you'll never get out what you put in to it. With a few exceptions, these cars in perfect shape are only worth a few thousand dollars right now. My Regal was WAY worse looking than your Elky when I started but I enjoy the work. For me it's like therapy.

 

[Doug Chahoy]

Nothing major but its a cali car so I planned on swapping out the old 305 and putting in a pontiac 400 and th350 I had laying around, dont know how well that'd go together though. On another note I do have a welder, but not much experience doing much with it so my best bet would most likely be to take it to a shop to have it done

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If the trans is also from the Pontiac , that would make it easier,Just get the correct Pontiac motor mounts. If it's a Chevy 350 I've read on hear you'd have to get some form of adapters. The mechanic experts on here will let you know everything you'd need. As far as welding, for only a $650.00 investment it's a great opportunity to vastly improve your welding . Be patient, a 24 grit grinder, body hammers, and extra sheetmetal will take care of any f--- ups. Remember to remove or protect all glass or ANYTHING the mig spatter can damage. On other points, where do you live? I saw a front plate on your pic, but couldn't make it out. I'm in Pgh.Pa. My 79 El Camino was also a Cali. car

 

[fleming442]

Doug pretty much nailed it. If it's a Cali car and the underside reflects that, a little body work isn't bad for a $650 start price. Also mentioned, it's a great project to hone your skills.

 

[1980Elco]

Here's a few pictures of the real damage on the car, other than these 2 there are only a few pinholes just right below the trim line.

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[Turbo Zach]

Judging by the paint, I bet there is a lot of bondo and incorrect body repairs under that paint! I would not try to fix it unless I wanted the challenge. I say drive it until it falls apart.