Look what I picked up today

[81Regal]

First elco so I've got a LOT of questions:

Much of the chrome trim around the bed is gone - available aftermarket?
The trim is avalible aftermarket, here's a link to Mikes Montes but there are other places with the parts avalible. http://www.mikesmontes.com/T-top-Hardto ... _c_44.html

Rear springs have given up - Gbody only to swap in - or can I find springs from something else?
G body or F body seem to be the common swaps, new replacement springs are not that expensive. If you are going to be doing any hauling with your Elky I would put in a set of cargo coils

I really like the 5 spoke IROC 16 in wheels from 80s era Z28s - clearance issues with them?
Use 4 rear wheels or use spacers on the front rims and they will fit fine

This last one is such a noob Q - don't laugh - where is the fuel filter on a F.I. 4.3?

I had to look around on mine too, its right in front of the pass rear tire on the inside of the frame. Not a bad spot to get at but you will want to spray it with some penetrating oil to help loosen the fitting on it.

 

[chevyman454]

nice find !!!!!! florida cars f@$kin rule!!!!!!!!
i wouldnt worry too much about spraying it down it should come right off
the only thing you need to worry about is to look for any leaves that feel in somewhere
get them out stat!!!! they will leave a rust hole (my monte was under a tree for years and rotted out the trunk sela lip) and thats the ONLY rust on the entire car!!!

check and see if the connector is there for the windsheild ant its under the crome on the bottom under the windsheild wipers

 

[LS1GN]

Thanks for the help!!! you guys are awesome! Here is some more to this story:

I've wanted an El Camino for a while. Last weekend I saw an ad on Craigslist for an '86 not running, no spark for $1300. Being right after Christmas I didn't have that much cash. I checked Craigslist again Thursday and there was the same ad, but seller had come down to $1100.... still a tad out of my price range, but I figured I'd call. Before I could even get the address the seller says "How much can you give me?" I said "Dude, I need to look at the car first." He was antsy and kept bugging me for how much money I had. He said if I bought it RIGHT NOW he'd take $800. I went to look at it and it was rough. Two tone Conquistador, but seats and carpet were shot and there was a dent or two. Typical rust at the base of the back window and of course, no spark. There was a new starter, new distributor, new rotor and new cap. He keeps hounding me for how much money I had and how he knows a guy with a tow truck.... So I say to him "How much if I go and get you some cash RIGHT NOW?" He says $700. SO I go to Uhaul for a tow-dolly, hit the ATM and (I'm cheap) offer him a little less.....and its mine!

 

[maliburacinfreak]

i think 81regal has it backwards, use 4 front wheels and they will fit fine. if not, the rears will need a spacer.

 

[LS1GN]

Okay, after moving the distributor one or to teeth, new spark plugs and a new coil, she purrs like a kitten (but uses a lil oil). Took her around the neighborhood and she runs and drives pretty good!

Plans for soon: New carpet, new seats, door hinge pins.

Plans for later: cheapo Maaco white paint, IROC wheels .... who knows?

 

[LS1GN]

Okay, time for a little update. I got another hood and another tailgate to put on. Had to replace the drivers door (and swap everything over) because of bad, bad rust in the bottom. It runs nice and smooth on the highway at 65 - 75.

 

[elcaminodan]

i like it .. got to love desperate people ones man loss is our gain!!!! i recently got 1 for cheap to

Long story:
My Grand National has collector car insurance on it so I can't really drive it to work or run errands. Daughter turning 16 and I am going to give her my daily driver, so now I need a DD. I found this on Craigslist and the guy was DESPERATE for cash - it is rough but being a Florida car there is not really any bad, bad rust. Has 4.3 with a 2004R

 

[LS1GN]

It's been 4 months now - running pretty good - can't complain.

I did put a set of 17s on it.

 

[Dave V]

Not bad I like it....glad its serving u well