Well I found this awesome site a couple of days ago :D and have been browsing ever since. Picked up a 69 E.C. 2 years ago and am in the process of a ground up. I haven't figured out how to post pics yet but if you saw it you would say why?? Yeah the exterior looked great but found out that the floor was 1/4 bondo, the frame was cracked at the front spring mount, the engine cradle had been seperated from the left side of the frame and HACKED back together and to top it all off I went all the way to Richmond Ky to get this screwin and for what I paid screwin is putting it mildly. Now a question who in this region is good to deal with for resto parts, right now I am looking for floor pans but I am being a little picky and patriotic I want U.S. stamped. Any help would be appreciated and I will get some pics up when I figure it out.

Hey Ray, Welcome to the site, and to Region 2. Where you at in 2? I'm down in Fairhaven, Ma. Good bunch of guys here. Sorry to hear of the porking on the Elky, that sucks. As for 3rd gen parts, don't know of anyone in the area. Everything's pretty much mail order. You've got Ausley's Chevelle, NPD, OPGI, El Camino Store, EC Parts, etc. There's many more, but these will give you some of the info you want. Look foward to seeing pics and your progress. Good luck bud.

HI Ray

We're very glad you found our website - you'll find everyone here wants to try to help

try the forums in Body & Chassis if you haven't already...


NOW -- M A R K - where did you get that great new pic you are turning into and artiste ! ! !

Hey hey Tommy, You like that pic? Oh, it was just a little something I slapped together. I've been goofing around with this program that came with the Vista. But here's the thing, it took me an hour or two to make the pic and after 4 nights and countless hours I still couldn't post it to the site. Rob-(Poltergeist) set it up for me tonight. Jay had done my first one but I screwed it up and didn't want to bother him again. If I keep it up I'm going to run out of friends...

Hey Mark I am in West Warwick R.I. Have been searching the net for my floor pans and found a place in Lyndhurst N.Y. so maybe I can go pick them up instead of paying outrageous shipping. I am going out to Indiana in the next couple of weeks to pick up a parts car and frame and I know the guy has a 70 E.C. that he is parting out so if anyone reads this and needs something from it let me know what you want and how much you are willing to pay for it and I will see if it is available and bring it back.

Just got some pics posted in the 3rd gen gallery look on the last page for the 69 money pit :D

Hey Ray, Just checked out your pics. That's a sharp looking Elk. That's a shame it needs floors etc. Hope you get it in shape for the summer show season, but with or without it, come join us at some of these shows. Good luck with her...

That el Camino you bought is definitely going to be worth the effort... very nice looking --- if you want to feel better, check the Gallery to see where other guys had to start !

AND -- DITTO on Marks comment about meeting up with us at some shows -- if its drivable and got plates bring her along

Tom
el Bandido

Hi Ray. Welcome to ECC and to Gen-III Elky Ownership.

You're really in good shape here. Let me explain:

I have a 70 BBC and like you, live in West Warwick. Drop me a PM and we'll make arrangements to meet.

I meet regularly with 2 guys in South County, both own 68 Elkys. One has a nice red and potent 402/TH350 combo. He is also is building up a fresh rolling chassis. (PS If you're in need, he may eventually have a spare frame). The other is a 5 year long SS396 frame-off restoration, now in the final stages of completion (with lots of great stories to tell and pictures to share). It's in for paint now but should be ready for this season's show/cruise season. Like you, he retrieved his "project" from out of state. Seeing it complete will really inspire you I'm sure.

Also, there are 2 other 70 Elky "projects" that I know of in the local area that are inactive at the moment. Once they start, they'll be right where you are.

So, bottom line, you're in great company.

As for floorpans etc, check out Ground-Up Restorations at www.ss396.com. Order or download a catalogue from them. They're local (Eastern Conn.) so you'll save big on shipping costs if you're willing to drive about an hour.
Another good resource (in CA. though) is Original Parts Group at www.opgi.com. Of course, don't overlook the ECC Sponsored retailers as well.

When time allows check out www.cruisinbruce.com for many of the upcoming local car cruise nights, car shows and related events. There's plenty going on in our area that'll offer inspiration and networking for your upcoming needs.

Finally, put the last Sunday in June on your calendar. Ride with me (or follow me if you don't want to spend all day) to Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland. There, you'll see a dozen or more show quality El Caminos that'll really get you motivated to push forward on yours.

All the best.

Mike

Hey Mark I am in West Warwick R.I. Have been searching the net for my floor pans and found a place in Lyndhurst N.Y. so maybe I can go pick them up instead of paying outrageous shipping. I am going out to Indiana in the next couple of weeks to pick up a parts car and frame and I know the guy has a 70 E.C. that he is parting out so if anyone reads this and needs something from it let me know what you want and how much you are willing to pay for it and I will see if it is available and bring it back.

Yes, Ray, I need a 70 Front bumper and parking lights. Let's talk. I
PM'd you my number.
Mike

Ray,

Saw this ad today and thought of you.

El Camino Frame
http://providence.craigslist.org/pts/581197965.html


When combined with floorpans from www.ss396.com, might it save you a trip out to Indiana?

Mike

Wouldn't you know it after I bought the donor and frame and now have to go to Indiana to get it now find one right here and $400 is a real good price although the one I am going to get is already painted

And how RUDE of me. :oops: Thanks for the greetings and encouragement MGS72ELKY and Elbandido. Unfortunately Elbandido I don't think the police will let me drive a bare frame LOL. I haven't been able to touch it for almost a year :-( ,but I can say I have an 86 Blazer, a 98 Ford Taurus ( 41,000 miles ) and a kitchen remodel finished in that time. Believe me every time I walked by it in the garage I wanted to dive back in but priorities are priorities. Now with all that done I have all intentions of diving in head first. As I have posted earlier I have to get out to Indiana to pick up a donor(??) car and a new frame. Should be out there in a week or two. Once I get back I will decide what I am going to do either keep going with what I have or start all over only because the donor has a new bed, recent quarters and I don't know what else.

Copper,

I knew I've seen your El Camino before! I'm from WW, too. I've seen at least 4 in this area since I got mine about 7 months ago.

To everyone else,

I'm excited to get this bad boy out this summer. I just slapped on a 5" Cowl and I'm getting the enitre thing repained after I get the new quarters on next month.

oops, I just read your in the middle of a ground up, so maybe it wasn't yours that I have seen.

Are you doing the entire thing yourself? I know this body place in warwick and they guys are a bunch of Camino-heads.

Hi RJO920. Glad you're doing well with your 87. Can't wait to see it. Let's doa cruise night together once they start up.

Everyone:

Just listening in lately, I can't help but get excited about all this new RI area Elky dialogue. Seems like more and more people either in or around RI own Elkys and are making themselves known to each other via ECC's Region 2. And I'll bet we're not hearing regularly from at least half of of all the RI area (incl Eastern Conn and nearby Mass) Elky owners.

Can't wait for the 1st RI area Elky only "tailgate" party. Can you see it? Two dozen or so El Caminos, all lined up in a row at a prominent landmark like Beavertail, Point Judith, Ocean Drive or a Narragansett Dell's Lemonade Stand?. Can you picture us all pulling into a cruise night somewhere like a 4 city-block long muscle machine?

BTW, Check out www.cruisinbruce.com for a lot of the local car shows and cruise nights.

You're right Mike -- it seems like when Mark Yelled out Lets Look Alive Here back in Feb he must have been yelling across Naraganssett Bay...

It seems that the only guys waking up from this past winter's hibernation are in RI - of course most of northern New England is still buried in snow.

I am glad your neighborhood seems to be a hot spring for hot elkys - I can't wait untill that - RICOA All Chevy show - we could have a good shot at Best Club this year. If you remember we were #2 a couple of years ago.

If you check the # of VIEWS versus the number of REPLIES on our forum we certainly have a lot of people "looking-in" !

New members Old members and especially QUIET Members --- C'MON guys - chime in ---- lets hear from you ---- we are all looking forward to a great summer and The More, The Merrier

Let's Hear from All Of You -- we can make it an El Camino Summer - a fabulous practice summer - the 49th Year of the el Camino --- we've got big plans for next year - the 50TH

So lets all get together this year and make some solid plans and preparations and friendships to prepare for next year.

RJ0920 Is your name by chance RJ and do you ride a Shadow?? It is possible you saw my E.C. but it would have been about 2 years ago. Yes I am doing it all myself well almost I have a good friend that is helping and I would be very interested in meeting you and the guys at the body shop. I am very familiar with Warwick where is it at??

My name is RJ, but I don't drive a shadow. The shop where I get my work done is at 241 lincoln ave. Its called National Auto. The guys next door to them are the camino guys, but I don't know how much body work they do. Either place you should check out.

Thanks for the info RJ I will check them out in the near future. Where in WW are you. I am near the new Walgreens at the corner of Cowessett Main and Tiogue. I am hoping to meet everyone in the area at some shows this year. And Mike if you read this I am on my way to Indiana next week. The guy has the bumper and lights. He said the center was a little high but it was probably just a tap that shifted the brackets I will take a good look at it and give you a call when I get back. Oh he also has the tailgate hinges so I will grab them too.

Sounds great Ray! You've seen my car and what it needs to look better so if the price is right and the condition is excellent, consider me in.

Also, to all all, an open invitation....

If you're in the Central/Southern RI area, I'm getting together with at least 2 other 3rd gen El Camino guys on Thursday the 17th of April for beer and BS. You're certainly welcome to join us and contribute to the fun and frivolity (sp?).

I don't have a location yet but will probably be along RT-1 somewhere South of Warwick about 5:00 or 5:30 PM. Will post exact location as soon as it's decided.

Even if you aren't actually "driving" your Elky yet, please feel free to come!

(PS: and Yes, other than III Gen Elkys are allowed!)

(PPSS: Sorry Ray, didn't mean to hijack the thread :shocked: )

I'm in the Phenix section of WW by Bill's pizza.

I'd love to drive and hang out for a meet, but I'm not old enough to drink yet, hahaha...

:-(

Hijack away Mike and anyone else. Let me know when and where and hopefully I will be in town Friday or Saturday night best for me.

Hey my name's Crissy. Im from Orange, CT and i'm new to the site.I will add more pics when I have a chance. I have an 85. New body work and paint job, the interior on the other hand needs some help, I don't really know where to start. I plan on changing everything. Any advice??

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg307/BALLAROC/l_0025c57e775127a9d7e1065796271d01.jpg

Welcome to our club Crissy - I am sure you will find every one here helpful and freindly - if you are concentrating on your interior you should try the forum named "Interior Restoration"

Also you might want to strike up a conversation with Mike Nunn - he does a lot of thinking about interiors as a matter of fact I think he has 4 or 5 sets of buckets in his garage.

You have definitely come to the right place for both you and your elky.

Tom
el Bandido

Let me also welcome you Crissy. Glad you're aboard.

If it's interior parts you're looking for, you're in luck. There are lots of suppliers out there. If you need a list of reputable ones I'm sure someone with a 5th Gen will be happy to provide you with many good references.

Let me also invite you to the All Chevy show in Cumberland RI the last Sunday in June (I think). There's 2 classes there dedicated just to El Caminos. Come join the fun, the heat, and get to know the other area club members as well. Neat way to spend a summer day.

Regarding Tom's endorsement..."Also you might want to strike up a conversation with Mike Nunn - he does a lot of thinking about interiors as a matter of fact I think he has 4 or 5 sets of buckets in his garage."...Tom's just being nice. I do a lot of dreaming about how I want the interior of my 69 Chevy truck to look. But sorry, I'm clueless as to what works or looks best in an 85 Elky. That question is best posted on the interiors forum.

Welcome again and good luck with your resto.


Mike

Hey Crissy, Welcome aboard. Are you single? No, I'm kidding, I'm kidding. As I'm sure the guys will tell you, never take me seriously, in fact, I think they all ignore me. Look foward to seeing more pics of your Elky, it sounds nice. Just about anything you need to know about an Elk is here somewhere. Hope you didn't take offence to my joking around. Good luck with your interior.

Welcome to Region 2, Chrissy! Lots of helpful members here in New England, too.

Hope you will join us on Friday May 16 at Lee USA Speedway in southern NH for the El Camino owners night. Contact me for details. Hope to see you there!

Contact me at: necoa@comcast.net

Hey, thanks for all the info. I need a black dash and healiner. Eventually bucket seats and door panels. I guess I am just going to take it one step at a time. I dont exactly know what I am doing so I guess the only way to learn is dive in. Here are some more pics. http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg307/BALLAROC/DSC01367.jpg


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg307/BALLAROC/DSC01369.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg307/BALLAROC/DSC01713.jpg

Hey, thanks for all the info. I need a black dash and healiner. Eventually bucket seats and door panels.
I really like the color of your 85. :cool:

Black dashs are pretty rare as they were only available for three years 78-80. However, I have one in original excellent condition from a non AC 79. PM me if you're interested. As far as the headliner, your better off having yours recovered by a local upholstery shop. I've got bucket seats and door panels in various colors too.

Hey Ernie,

Once you provide Crissy the parts she needs, looks like you'll have a little 5th Gen competition on your hands at the next car show....

what should I do about a bed liner?? I just got a new paint job and in the truck bed i am starting to notice some paint peeling.

what should I do about a bed liner?? I just got a new paint job and in the truck bed i am starting to notice some paint peeling.

If your goal is to keep the bed open and stock looking, then it sounds like another great question for one of the focus area forums.

But if not, I'll tell you what I'm doing to the unfinished bed in my 3rd gen.....

I bought a www.Craftecinc.com tonnau cover and installed it last weekend. No pics yet, but overall, I'm very happy with it. In fact I bought the same cover as King Mark of Mainstream Massachusetts has now on Premonition-1. Perhaps if we ask him nicely, he'll post a picture or two of his jaw dropping install.

I hear good things about Rhino liner, Gator Hyde, etc. Great if you're using the car daily as a truck. But that approach (IMO) just doesn't go with the show-car like appearance of our Elks. I personally prefer a shiny clean bed or a well covered up one.

One final option, is a nicely laid in carpet. Boat or exterior quality of course. There again, Master Mark reigns supreme in his resourcefulness and creativity. He showed up at the Chevy show last year with a carpeted bed so comfy, it invited all to crawl in and take a nap. To get it to lay nice flat he installed it over a thin sheet of exterior plywood. (But forgive me here, I'm talking out of turn....Mark should be the one sharing his trade secrets). All I know is it looked beautiful and made me instantly envious.

Hope this helps.

Mike

Listen to Mike, "Master Mark?" Are you making fun of me (again) Michael? Appreciate the kind words though, and yes, you asked nicely. Happy to help any way I can. Let's see if this works, if not, there is a small 'Tonneau' section in my album, just click the link. Later...http://elcaminocentral.com/albums/Tonneau-and-Bed-Pics/Misc_139.thumb.jpghttp://elcaminocentral.com/albums/Tonneau-and-Bed-Pics/Misc_162.thumb.jpg

Hi Crissy
SweeeeeeeeT (the car) :) welcome to the site. I am a little slow on the response because I drive truck and go a few days getting on the site. I am going to keep an eye out for that ride since I drive thru Orange on Rt 34 2 or 3 times a week OOPS make that 4 or 6 times since I go out to Pa and have to come back, so if you are diving thru town someday and a big white tractor trailer blows the horns at you that will be me. Check mine out in the gallery, last page "My 69 Money Pit".

Bill I have your tailgate hinges, Mike has my # and email addy call anytime and we will get together.

To all in the local area ( I'm in WW ) I would like to get together with some of you and get your opinion on what to do with what I just got from Indiana :? . The weekends are best for me due to my work schedule. If something can be worked out I would greatly appreciate it.

Mike keep me informed about the swap meet, I think you said next weekend if it saturday I will not be able to attend ( memorial ride for a friend that passed last year ) but if it is Sunday you can count me in.

My schedule should be clearing up now that school is over, so weekends could be good if you come up with something.
I think I'm going to do the A&W cruise night in Smithfield on Tuesday nights. does anyone else go to those?

HEY Ray ----

You mad it to the cover ! - Congradulations

great pic - great truck

Can't wait to meet you and see that good lookin '69 next week at the RICOA Show in Cumberland

I'll jump on that too, congrats on the 'cover' Ray. Know you've got her in 'project' status, but after talking to you am sure she'll be sweet. As Tommy said, join us at 'All Chevy' on the 29th. Good luck with it...