Hi. I'm going to be checking it an El Camino on Monday and I wanted to know what I should look for? Seller said that the suspension was rebuilt and it had a little rust on one of the rear quarter panels. Has a TH350 and a 350 sbc. if I get it the goal will eventually be ls swap.
What to look for on an El Camino
- Thread starter Sharkbaithuhaha
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Rot in the floor (smugglers box), rot behind the doors on the quarters, rot behind the rear wheelwells, frame rot in the rear, floor rot (pass side footwell especially).
They're also bad about rotting behind the screwed-on sail panels next to the back glass, but I don't think a seller is going to let you pull them off to check. Ditto for the area around the HVAC case.
IMO, a decent body is the most important thing, everything else is readily available, and not terribly difficult to repair.
They're also bad about rotting behind the screwed-on sail panels next to the back glass, but I don't think a seller is going to let you pull them off to check. Ditto for the area around the HVAC case.
IMO, a decent body is the most important thing, everything else is readily available, and not terribly difficult to repair.
Depends on the panel and your area. Doors are reproed, used are difficult to find (but not impossible). Front sheetmetal can be bought repro as well, and I understand tailgate assemblies are now also reproduced.
For quarter panels, OE is really the only DECENT replacement. If it needs quarters, I'd pass on it, but that's me and there are still quite a few around here, though prices are escalating.
For quarter panels, OE is really the only DECENT replacement. If it needs quarters, I'd pass on it, but that's me and there are still quite a few around here, though prices are escalating.
Hmmm. Food for thought. I will look around. Would the cost of just having a patch cut out and welded in be exorbitant you guys think?
I believe OPGI has all the bed panels & complete tail gate, roof, all front panels, floor pans, & the bed to frame perches. El Caminos seem to have the most panels being made. Hard to really guess on cost with out really know what needs replaced.
Replacement body panels for 5th gen el camino are not extremely expensive but will add up when you include labor if you don't do it yourself .you can find parts for el caminos easier and more readily available then since they made them and didn't change much except front ends and gauges.there's tons of companies that produce parts for them especially ogpi or dixie monte carlo and Mikes monte are the one I get stuff from If I don't already have stuff laying around.
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Well guys we got it. going out Saturday to pick it up. starter wasn't shimmed properly but we got it to start once and it sounded good. so I have a question for you guys, I'd like to get the car unto the 11s. is that possible on the stock 350 SBC?
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