New guy from Oklahoma

[RegalShep]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking on the site for a while and figured I'd give a hello.

That's my baby. Yes I know it's rough, so please be gentle on the comments. The interior's in what I'd consider to be 'ok' condition. The seats and carpet are pretty great, but the passenger door panel could use a replacement, as could the dash. Previous owner apparently had a fetish for hot glue, so yeah.. not good. Dash has some holes in it, cracks, the usual fare. Steering wheel cracked and aged terribly. I suppose as g body lovers we tend to notice the worst in our rides. The rear quarters are rough, and a couple of the lower trim pieces need replacing, as can be seen in that picture.

Despite it's flaws, I'm in love with it. Having owned it for six years now, I've still only seen one other in town, and that was only once, in a parking lot. The plans are rather extravagant, but with money being tight, I doubt I'll get to really start digging into the modifications for at least another year. The current plan is to just get it back on the road, and when money's there, turn it into a cruiser/sleeper. Grand National driveline here I come!

Bonus points to who can identify the car behind it. If any group of people can, it's you guys. Figure it out and I'll show you the horror. Too many projects!

Shep
PS: There should be a seperate forum for us sedan guys, like there is for wagons. Just a thought!

 

[oldtinsmith]

RegalShep,
Welcome to a great site! My guess on the vehicle in the back ground is an El Camino. It looks like an El Camino/Malibu front bumper and possibly a El Camino chin spoiler.

Doug

 

[malibu80kc]

welcome buddy.

 

[Doug213xrj]

Welcome aboard.



Doug

 

[Gbarrie]

Welcome nice ride. My guess would be a malibu.
Gbarrie.

 

[wonderboy24]

welcome to this forum.

 

[RegalShep]

Thanks for the welcome, guys.

Doug was closest. The car behind it isn't mine, it's actually my father's first 'new car' ever. Bought it new in 1979, off the showroom floor. 1979 GMC Caballero Diablo. What's unique about it is it's a factory 4 speed with a 305, and bucket seats. Unsure of the gear ratio in the rear. I'm almost afraid to post pictures, as it's extremely rough and abused. Over 400k on it with no rebuild, and been parked for a looong time. I'm dying to tear into it and rebuild it, as I have an uncle who's a professional mechanic of 20+ years that told me, repeatedly, that a Caballero with a factory 4 speed is rare as hell, let alone a Diablo, and with buckets to boot. Not to mention I grew up riding in that truck, been in the family since I was born, so it has a lot of sentimental value.

Sadly, I've got zero body experience, and only started working under the hood a year or two ago. I'm rather terrified to start cutting into it and make it worse, so body shop might be the only option for that thing. I know it's going to be a money pit, but I want to rebuild it before dad's gone. I want to see him drive it again, wearing a fresh coat of paint and all the rust fixed.. maybe a few small modifications to the engine for a little more pep.

I'll post pics of it when I can find my SD card adapter.

Shep