Work in progress, getting my '85 El Camino back on the road

[ssn696]

That trailer you used to haul it home is also amazing. What is the size, perhaps 9 meters? You could play football on that thing.

 

[KCP]

That's the company trailer. We usually trailer 2 Toyota GT86 or Porsche Cayman to the race track on that thing, 3.5 metric tons GVWR, 900kg empty, 8.5m deck length, all aluminum and a price tag you could buy a nice car for.

 

[84 El Camino 231]

Not sure which year this is for but it's the only taillight wiring diagram for El Camino I have. There's another for backup lights but doubt you need it.

 

[KCP]

Thanks!
Every piece of information helps. Now that the winter is slowly going away and temps start to rise, I can work on the car again.

 

[KCP]

As temps are rising (and funds also do) I started ordering parts today. First on the list is suspension, so today I ordered a set of Bilstein B6 shocks for all corners. Next is poly bushings, ball joints and tie rods. We're getting there........

 

[84 El Camino 231]

I've installed a heavy-duty tow receiver, the "cargo springs" on the rear and a factory Gbody rear sway bar on my driver ELCO.

The sway bar really tightened things up back there as I really like the GM 4-link design but have experienced a couple harrowing sideways close calls in the A-bodies at high speed and this one felt the same, so decided the bar might help and it seems to have.

Still can't understand why GM excluded the bar option for ELCO, perhaps doesn't work out if the bed is loaded? I also plan on stiffening the frame side rails in the future...

 

[KCP]

Today was front end disassembly day.

The parts stash, upper & lower ball joints, poly bushings, steel braided brake lines, etc.

Things you like to see: No rust!

Things you don't like to see:

So apperently a new set of upper control arms and at least a new lower drivers side is on order. The more I dig into this car, the more I come to the conclusion that this El Camino once was lifted and had big wheels on it. The inner fenders have clear marks of tire rub on top and near the firewall.

I also found a 4-pin prong hanging from the passenger side firewall. TC-clutch?

As she sits now, waiting for the new control arms to be ordered. Anybody got a set stock ones for sale?

 

[84 El Camino 231]

Looks like it's been apart before, at least once. Aftermarket offers some nice-looking tubular a-arms.

 

[KCP]

The whole car was definitely apart before, that's for sure. At least this makes my life easier with all bolts coming off without hassle. On the other hand, I already found loose bolts and nuts on all ends.
I need to stay with stock arms for now, German safety inspectors don't like aftermarket much.

 

[fleming442]

I think it was launched Duke Boys style a few times.