1981 GMC Caballero
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That will be a '78 only issue with the bearings with matching rotors. '79 up all us the same bearings.
As I have learned through this site, the '78 steering intermediate shaft is also different than '79 up.
I found that out years ago when I picked up my '78 manual floor shift column.
Last month, at the beginning of June 2022, a 1979 GMC V6 3.81L 231 CID came by me with my buddy, Roy Mosqueria, who was given the truck by a long-time friend, and he has owned 5 Elcos. The plan was that we were just going to flip it. Well, after a few days of it being in the driveway, broken windshield, wheels on the ground, the body was straight with only an edge of rust on one back part of the window, clean lines, I kinda fell in love with it and bought it off my friend who needed a driveway to put it in, so we could flip it. Within 4 days, I had pulled out the carpet and ordered a carb, gas tank, and all fuel and related hoses. Before we got started, we hit the carb with brake cleaner and it fired right up. I knew we had a winner. As of today, I have lovingly put this truck back into shape, with all kinds of basic things. My goal is to get it started, put the dash back in, and take it to my buddy to put new springs, deal with the brakes, and check it out, as I will do the rest.
One thing about this one, is it's a Caballero, and you just can't go into a store or online, and say you have a Caballero as they look at you funny. 99% of the truck is an Elco, so that is what I tell most.
One thing I have found is that there are very few original V6 3.8L 231 in existence. Nobody has a belt diagram of this car. I spent hours looking for one and well... nothing. We took out the CA emissions so it would run better for now. I have all kinds of goodies coming from DixieRestoration. I really like Paul over there. They seem to be a lot more eager to assist you than opgi.
I am replacing the heater core, which is a real b*tch to pull, but i got it, and now i have to leave it apart till i get the new rubber for the vent door. I have a youtube channel and i have been taking videos of lots of DIY things that I will soon post. it has been fun and keeps my blood pressure down.
Love to hear your stories and we can all help each other.
8-7-2022 update
I am enjoying this referb, but i hit burn out after being at it for just 60 days, i have made great ground. I have cleaned up and painted all the interior parts, blacked ut the engine compartment, dash removed and reskinned, with a DIN radio and amp, new floor pans, insulation, and carpet. steering column turn signal fixed up, power steering fixed.
I have fixed up the blower system and need to get photos of how the vacuum hoses are actually setup as most was unhooked when i got it, and the manuals suck. preparing the interior with the windshield out making it easy to work on. new headliner from opg which is a better headliner that other places (don't cheap out on this part). This weekend, the seats went in to be redone, in a light red color with black piping, to complement the all-back interior. alarm system purchased and to be installed. gotta service the train fluid, and there is a new aluminum radiator with a hot switched fan mounted, its frustrating as I want to install the dash and be done, but the little things are holding me back. the lower door is going to be black, with a speaker install and new re-covered uppers all wiring checked and the AC install is the thing that is plaguing me. I do not have photos or layouts of vacuum hoses and power from the relays and I have to replace the ac pump. Looks like i probably have to replace all three components, and what a pain, but i want to do it right. that's it for now and I will be posting video progress work. i am not a perfectionist so this will be a fun daily driver. e
One thing about this one, is it's a Caballero, and you just can't go into a store or online, and say you have a Caballero as they look at you funny. 99% of the truck is an Elco, so that is what I tell most.
One thing I have found is that there are very few original V6 3.8L 231 in existence. Nobody has a belt diagram of this car. I spent hours looking for one and well... nothing. We took out the CA emissions so it would run better for now. I have all kinds of goodies coming from DixieRestoration. I really like Paul over there. They seem to be a lot more eager to assist you than opgi.
I am replacing the heater core, which is a real b*tch to pull, but i got it, and now i have to leave it apart till i get the new rubber for the vent door. I have a youtube channel and i have been taking videos of lots of DIY things that I will soon post. it has been fun and keeps my blood pressure down.
Love to hear your stories and we can all help each other.
8-7-2022 update
I am enjoying this referb, but i hit burn out after being at it for just 60 days, i have made great ground. I have cleaned up and painted all the interior parts, blacked ut the engine compartment, dash removed and reskinned, with a DIN radio and amp, new floor pans, insulation, and carpet. steering column turn signal fixed up, power steering fixed.
I have fixed up the blower system and need to get photos of how the vacuum hoses are actually setup as most was unhooked when i got it, and the manuals suck. preparing the interior with the windshield out making it easy to work on. new headliner from opg which is a better headliner that other places (don't cheap out on this part). This weekend, the seats went in to be redone, in a light red color with black piping, to complement the all-back interior. alarm system purchased and to be installed. gotta service the train fluid, and there is a new aluminum radiator with a hot switched fan mounted, its frustrating as I want to install the dash and be done, but the little things are holding me back. the lower door is going to be black, with a speaker install and new re-covered uppers all wiring checked and the AC install is the thing that is plaguing me. I do not have photos or layouts of vacuum hoses and power from the relays and I have to replace the ac pump. Looks like i probably have to replace all three components, and what a pain, but i want to do it right. that's it for now and I will be posting video progress work. i am not a perfectionist so this will be a fun daily driver. e
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V6 231 Parts
Does anyone know where I can find some Replacement Parts for a 231 c.i. V6? Its the buick engine that came in the '81 Elko that was only sold in CA. Im not lookin to rebuild it or anything, just need to know where i can get parts in case i need to replace anything so i can get a good price...
www.elcaminocentral.com
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