86 El Camino-project DD

[Mr4Speed]

Some of you may remember that recently I was on the hunt for a nice G-body Elky for a daily driver. That search ended in frustration and since time was running out on the good weather I went a bought a cheap Sonoma so I could put my Firebird away for the winter. When I ran across this for $500 I couldn't pass it up. It has a some things I really didn't want like bed rails and conquesta trim, but it's an '86, it has exactly the interior I wanted in great shape, the frame rails are completely rust free, and there are only two little rust bubbles in the right rear quarter panel about the size of a penny.










This will require me to push myself into unknown territory (bodywork) but I guess I need to learn this stuff sometime. The plan is to eliminate all the chrome trim down the sides & around the wheel openings, the bed rails,and do a complete and proper color change to solid black. I have a set of second design 16" S10 ZQ8 wheels and a set of second design IROC wheels to put on it-should be pretty slick with the right stance.

[Scott Liggett]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

Those are still very popular here in SoCal, maybe because they don't rust badly here. It's hard to tell from the photos, but the damage only looks to be cosmetic. Did the radiator support survive? If it did, it looks as if you'll need the front fascia, left fender and hood.

When I replaced the front clip on my Impala, I bought a factory body assembly manual. It was very helpful and showed me where some hidden bolts were.

[Mr4Speed]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

The right fender and the bumper look to be okay but the radiator support is pretty mangled. I need a driver's side door too and that may be the hard one to find since they're 86-88 only, but they are the same as Monte Carlo.


I was checking craigslist in Cali everyday and I'm amazed by how many of these are out there-and how cheap they are.

[min301]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

What ya doing for a motor?

[Mr4Speed]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

I don't have a definite plan for the motor yet. The 305/200r4 in it now is supposed to be perfectly good. While I have the front end off of it I'm going to go ahead put on the F-body serpentine setup and electric fans I already have. I would like end up with it running comfortably in the 13's through quiet exhaust and 30mpg on the highway with some sort of EFI. A stock 5.3 LS would probably do that, but I'm not ruling out a pressurized 4.3 of some sort. I kind of like the V6 idea because the weight difference on the front makes them drive a lot better. I've got a while to think about it cause I'm more concerned with getting it fixed and painted first.

Any ideas?

[ksj1]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

Looks like a good project.I like your 4.3 idea.

[DirtyWhiteBoy]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

Nice project! Careful tho, mine started out with just a few things to address.....I'm still not sure what happened ;D


Black will look GOOD!


Keep us posted

[Brian Lohnes]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

Dude....COOL!

I vote for a blown 4.3. That would be neat and different....or even a turbo on the 305!

Brian

[Bamfster]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

WOW Kris, great minds think alike....My oldest has an itch for one of those. Probably after the 1st of the year we'll be on the hunt. I second a blown or turbo'd 4.3...

[Russell]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

Love the El Camino, my vote is for a Monte Carlo SS nose.

[min301]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

I don't have a definite plan for the motor yet. The 305/200r4 in it now is supposed to be perfectly good. While I have the front end off of it I'm going to go ahead put on the F-body serpentine setup and electric fans I already have. I would like end up with it running comfortably in the 13's through quiet exhaust and 30mpg on the highway with some sort of EFI. A stock 5.3 LS would probably do that, but I'm not ruling out a pressurized 4.3 of some sort. I kind of like the V6 idea because the weight difference on the front makes them drive a lot better. I've got a while to think about it cause I'm more concerned with getting it fixed and painted first.

Any ideas?

I have a few, I'll get back to you...

[82z]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

Looks cool. I would have jumped on that for 500. rotted out hulks are 1000 and up here. I love the idea of a forced induction 4.3. I wonder if syclone/typhoon parts would fit?

[cantvalve16]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

Chalk another one up for turbo'ed 305. I just hate to see a good running engine go to waste... without carnage pics.

[urwurznitmahre]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

the door might only need a skin
nice score..
I vote 3.8 turbo..
parts are read aval. and tons of help from the g/n guys..

[milner351]

Re: 86 El Camino-project DD

Chalk another one up for turbo'ed 305. I just hate to see a good running engine go to waste... without carnage pics.

that's funny and oh so true right there!

that's the great thing about the SBC - you can do as much as you can with the 305 till you blow it up - then most of the stuff goes into the 350/383/400+ 2nd version engine.

I have to say a turbo on the 305 sounds like the most practical way to go - as it's there, in good running condition - and relatively low compression already.