BUILD THREAD 84 El Camino build thread

[Longroof79]

PBIR is permanently closed!
Thieves suck man. I'm definitely gonna look in to getting some smooth caps. They look great on your car with the white

I swapped out the rallyes and police caps years ago and went back to using 15 x 7 steelies with '66-'67 dogdish caps.

 

[SoFloG]

Intake on. Hopefully sealed up nice front and back. Gaskets were sliding round lil bit. Hopefully back running before the weekend.

 

[SoFloG]

Got distributor in and rite on the money first time, new plug wires run and she cranked up inmediately. It sounds different and revs higher quicker and smoother. New gauges installed and from what I can tell, no leaks of any sort. Went ahead and put a light fuel pump pushrod in...the old one was beat up on the cam end. Fuel pump might be next purchase as it had very little resistance going in against the pushrod, we'll see. Header bolts were replaced.

I ended up with a bracket for a Q-jet that needed some modification, so I found a little bracket ground thing for wiring and put it together with some precision slag application. It's sturdy and the geometry for the cables is ok. Drilled a hole for return sping. Also installed a corrective cable stud for 700r4. It's a bit tight on the stud but cable hasn't been adjusted yet. Fresh oil, filter and ZDDP next.

 

[SoFloG]

Got some mounts from the slamazon for the 55/45 seats that were put in at some point. Jr and I pulled the carpet and hatch area. We're going to do an ospho treatment, maybe new carpet, get the bed/rear fire wall seam sealed up, and rear window pulled and resealed. Other than that she is running excellent and loving the cool weather. There are a few local shows coming up we are anticipating.

 

[SoFloG]

Installed BMR shock tower brace and new KYB shocks in the rear. Had to drill out the holes on frame and shock mounting flanges a few mm for the provided mounting hardware . Everything tightened up and seated nicely. The rear of the car feels much more secure and body roll is reduced. Collapsed air shocks were not cutting it. Sway bar is next.

 

[SoFloG]

Test fit some wheels....maybe down the road. Don't feel like trimming front fender the 1/4" at this time.

 

[mclellan83]

Test fit some wheels....maybe down the road. Don't feel like trimming front fender the 1/4" at this time.

for all the big wheel haters to jump in

 

[SoFloG]

Couple shows from recent, one happens to be at my night job. We are trying to do it monthly. Didn't get many pics but it's a start. The second show was even smaller with a swap meet, but 5 minutes from home and we entered because admission to the swap meet was $20 either way.

 

[SoFloG]

Big thanks to Sweet_Johnny and the benevolent hook up with the sway bar. Nicest looking one of the shiny new parts installed under there. Got it installed and need to take er out and rip... after I deal with the blown head gasket in my 90 Nissan p/u daily driver, parked in front of the Elco.

Noticed a slight drip coming from the pumpkin, and it seems to be coming from the pinion seal. I'm also hearing something at speed when off the gas coasting. I don't know if it's worth tearing in to or just making sure it's filled and start the hunt for another 8.5. Any input would be helpful.

 

[Sweet_Johnny]

Take 'er out and send it.... replace what breaks.

In all seriousness though, I bet it does feel like an entirely different vehicle with all the new additions you've made. No doubt the driving experience just got a lot more fun, but be careful testing the limits the first few times. I was driving my '79 Elk years ago and snap oversteer caught me by total surprise on a freeway on ramp and it cost me.