Hi everybody. I am a new member and I am from NE Ohio. Nice site, and I am looking forward to absorbing this great info here.

Now I am doing something a little different then most with my new El Camino. I operate a small lawn mowing company and was looking to cut some costs from the everyday operation.

So I found this 1985 El Camino and had a great idea to turn this truck into my trailer hauler. Now I know a lot of you just fell out your chair, but get back up, get comfortable, and think about it.

Now I am saving a boat load in fuel.

Second, I am going to have a great looking company vehicle. It will be white, with green logo and lettering on it. People will notice, and it will help generate business.

when I learn how to post pics I will put some up.

I used a picture I found here of a great looking El Camino to test my layout. Thank you

So please do not hate me, I will not hurt her. I will use for a little while, then I think I will play with it.

Thank you

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh124/cleslein/100_7814.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh124/cleslein/LesleinTruckblocked.jpg

I used a picture I found here of a beautiful El Camino to layout my lettering. Hope owner does not mind. Though I do not think mine will look as good as his.

I bought this car a week ago.
1985, 50,000 miles, 4.3 V6. Paid $2050.00

8) How about using magnetic signage? A lot of companies are starting to do that as oposed to vinyl or paint! :cool:

well I gave that some thought, but the applied vinyl looks so much cleaner and neater. Plus magnets will hurt paint. I want to market with every driven mile. Vinyl will be able to be removed easy with no damage.

Thanks though, I think you all will be proud.

ya, why not. It's not a full-blown epic fail.

you now have my permission, you may proceed!

ya, why not. It's not a full-blown epic fail.

you now have my permission, you may proceed!Thank you, 1Bad, I feel much better now.

8) After vinyl is on for a period of time where it has been will show up in the paint without fail! I have even seen it resurface after repainting in the new paint job. Adhesives are very damaging to paint.. :(

go for it ohioelky i used mine for a side business as a handy man until i retired 2yrs ago now i use her for light home chores and to play both can be done with out harming her if you give her the love she needs 8)

Go for it. It's not like you're wreckin' it like they do in Hollywood. Notice how the Duke's of Hazard used a beater Dodge? That's because they had respect for Chevy.

Is it an automatic or manual trans? How are you going to be setting it up for towing?

Adrian

Why does it matter if he uses vinyl or not? Its not a show Camino its to haul his trailer and advertise his business. So why would he take it off? :lol:

Ya know guys, El CAmino's were actually designed to haul things and do work...

Hey, it's nice to see the practical side of Elky ownership for a change. At least it's not another NOPI Nation fanatic trying to jack it up 6 feet in the air running on 30 inch wheels!

For a work vehicle though, I'd leave off the choo-choo customs SS bodywork. It'll only get banged up and make it look awful.

:D

Yeah, I don't really see what the deal is.

Why would we hate you for towing something with your car and putting graphics on it to advertise? If you'd said "I've been buying up El Caminos and lauching them off the cliffs at the old quarry." then we might have to track you down.

But using an El Camino as a pickup? For shame? No.

Ya know guys, El Camino's were actually designed to haul things and do work...
:D

Ditto on that. I use mine to haul my paintings, golf clubs, caddy cart and sometimes building materials if I get ambitious. And oh yeah, groceries :)

That's the reasons I like my topper.

This is funny.

I belong to one other forum. It is a forum like this, well sort of. Except over there we talk about mowers, grass, weeds, rocks, etc..... 80% of the guys there think it is a bad idea. That attitude that you need a big truck with big equipment reigns true. So I am taking some crap over there for it.

There is one guy in particular over there that thinks its a great idea. Of course he has owned one for many years, he knows what they are about.

Oh and by the way he is a member here now. I found this site and turned him on to it so we are both new members, from knowing each other at the lawn times place. thats pretty cool.

I am excited to get this truck complete and get it to work. You guys gave me extra spark, thanks.

I will keep you posted on the progress.

Go for it. It's not like you're wreckin' it like they do in Hollywood. Notice how the Duke's of Hazard used a beater Dodge? That's because they had respect for Chevy.

Is it an automatic or manual trans? How are you going to be setting it up for towing?

AdrianIts an automatic with the 4.3.

Setup? I am open to suggestions, but my thinking is some heavier coils in the rear and install air-shocks. Frame mounted class lll hitch. I do not carry a whole lot of weight. Not sure what tongue weight will be yet (still deciding on new trailer) but not much over 300#s

having an El Camino as a work truck and trailer hauler is exactly what these were designed to do. The only shame would be someone who did make fun of the idea.

I applaud the idea.

Go for it. It's not like you're wreckin' it like they do in Hollywood. Notice how the Duke's of Hazard used a beater Dodge? That's because they had respect for Chevy.

Is it an automatic or manual trans? How are you going to be setting it up for towing?

Adrian

It's an 85. Are you serious?

Sounds like a good start. I'd definitely get an auxilary transmission cooler, possibly one with it's own electric fan.

For larger or more frequent towing applications; I'd also look into getting the rear end geared a little taller; maybe 4.10 max. I'm not sure what torque convertor and transmission those came with but it can't hurt to have those looked at or gone through. You may consider running a lower stall, RV/Towing convertor. The taller gears and low stall convertor are more for around town towing or towing in really hilly areas. They'll help save your driveline. Couldn't hurt to throw in a transmission temperature gauge while you're at it.

Everything I mentioned shouldn't cost more than a grand and may offer you some extra peace of mind. If your Elky ain't workin' that means you won't be either. Not if it's your dedicated work truck.

In spite of what those guys over at the other forum say (I'd guess lawnsite.com, they're usually found due North of a mule scrotum) I think you've got a really cool ride. I see big 2500s and Duramax with landscape this and that plastered all over them; dime a dozen. I've never seen an El Camino for a landscape truck and if I did I would definitely take a second look. I think it's an excellent marketing ploy. The other boy's are just jealous they didn't think it up first. They want you to spend as much money as they did so you'll be as hard up for cash and accounts as they are.

Good luck brother.

Adrian

Go for it. It's not like you're wreckin' it like they do in Hollywood. Notice how the Duke's of Hazard used a beater Dodge? That's because they had respect for Chevy.

Is it an automatic or manual trans? How are you going to be setting it up for towing?

AdrianIts an automatic with the 4.3.

Setup? I am open to suggestions, but my thinking is some heavier coils in the rear and install air-shocks. Frame mounted class lll hitch. I do not carry a whole lot of weight. Not sure what tongue weight will be yet (still deciding on new trailer) but not much over 300#s

Variable rate rear springs. Air bags are MUCH better than air shocks. You should already have air shocks installed at the factory, the air port is next to the gas filler. Whether you have stock air shocks or air bags, make sure that you have a separate line for each shock/bag. Otherwise you get sloppy handling when one shock under compression pushes the other one out.
Class 3 hitch should be good to 6000 lbs.. make sure your rear frame horns aren't rusted.

If your trailer is heavy enough make sure you get trailer brakes, I like electric ones with an inertial brake controller wired into the car.

It's an 85. Are you serious?

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. They didn't have manual trans in '85?

Adrian

It's an 85. Are you serious?

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. They didn't have manual trans in '85?

Adrian

no MT's from 82-87 unless you were the POTUS or something.
very rare from 78-81

In any event it doesn't matter if he is towing but for the fact that a tranny cooler would be a nice addition.

It's an 85. Are you serious?

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. They didn't have manual trans in '85?

Adrian

That's what I was wondering too... not all of us know, or care, what exact model years came with what engine and tranny combinations. I'm just guessing by your sarcastic "are you serious?" that 85's didn't have manuals. There wasn't really any need to post that "are you serious?" crap though, you could have just nicely said "all 85's were automatics".

my bad.

sorry everyone

Welcome to the forums from another Ohio owner. Good luck with you new elky and your business.

my bad.

sorry everyone

Sorry, my post was a bit more abrasive than I intended it to be. It's all good! 8)

my bad.

sorry everyone

That's cool. I was trying not to take it wrong but simply decided you knew more about it than I did. Learned something new today, thanks.

In any event, when towing it is important if the trans is manual or automatic. An automatic has the potential to burn up a lot faster when towing than a manual will (depending on the experience behind the clutch pedal).

Aside from the excellent advice you gave him on suspension upgrades; I'd say a trans cooler would be his next best investment. Then go after taller gears and possibly an RV TC.

Adrian

my bad.

sorry everyone

That's cool. I was trying not to take it wrong but simply decided you knew more about it than I did. Learned something new today, thanks.

In any event, when towing it is important if the trans is manual or automatic. An automatic has the potential to burn up a lot faster when towing than a manual will (depending on the experience behind the clutch pedal).

Aside from the excellent advice you gave him on suspension upgrades; I'd say a trans cooler would be his next best investment. Then go after taller gears and possibly an RV TC.

Adrian

Yep, I see where you were going with that now.

I'll put my vote in for "DO IT".

What a great promotional vehicle (pun intended).

Variable rate rear springs. Air bags are MUCH better than air shocks.guide me where would I look for the Air Bags

Just saw some Hotchkis, is this a good brand? $158 for setup.

Yeah, I thought about doing a logo on a Camaro when the new ones come out. You should love this one -- being from Ohio and whatnot.
Check it out! (http://www.blackwaterumc.org/LSU.htm)

Yeah, I thought about doing a logo on a Camaro when the new ones come out. You should love this one -- being from Ohio and whatnot.
Check it out! (http://www.blackwaterumc.org/LSU.htm)you know what that is just wrong. Just win I am geeting that loss out of my mind, here comes a wise guy to bring it back up.

But it was a good one, now cut it out.

I made a bet on that game with a forum buddy from LA, and I had to hold up a sign that said the score and that LSU was #1, it was very painful.

So now cut it out, as I am as big of an Ohio State fan as there is.

:P Just couldn't pass up the opportunity. I won't mention SEC dominating over Ohio either. :poke:

158 bucks sounds like a fair price.

Last set I bought was in 2003 and I bought two pair, one for my 79 SS (Mr Martin I want her back!) and one set for my 95 Caprice, and paid $99 for each set. Any auto part store should have them, or JC whitney, or Jegs, or ebay, pretty easy to find that I remember that I didn't care to remember any certain source.