Howdy, Just found this forum. I just picked up a 78 Elky SS. Got a good deal on her. Runs great, new brakes, tires,new shocks, all the chrome is correct and clean,new seat, good body. It was partially restored but the owner got burned out and quit on it. She needed a tune up, carpet replacement, dash cover, misc. interior trim and now she looks great. The only problem is the rusted out rear frame rails. They are rusted pretty bad from the rear bumper back about 1 ft. Any leads on replacement rails or good ideas to correct this ? Thanks Cowboy

Welcome to ECC/NECOA. Congrats on your "new" El Camino. Not sure about fixing the rusty frame rails, but there are a lot of pretty smart people on these forums. I'm sure someone will be able to give you some ideas to try.

Any pic's or website to see your ride?

Any leads on replacement rails or good ideas to correct this ?
http://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/alphabet/w.gifhttp://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/alphabet/e.gifhttp://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/alphabet/l.gifhttp://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/alphabet/c.gifhttp://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/alphabet/o.gifhttp://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/alphabet/m.gifhttp://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/alphabet/e.gif

Welcome to ECC/NECOA Will!

You need a set of frame rails like this.

http://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/pics/frame_rails.jpg

The local circle track has a street stock division that is mostly g-bodys and a-bodys. The rules allow for cutting off the rear frame rails and replacing them with 2X3 square tubing. Most of the cutoff frame rails find their way to the swap meets and sell for $50-75 a set. I saw about six sets last fall at local swap meets.

http://elcaminocentral.com/users/87ss/hallo.gif Cowboy!

Take Erinies' advise, look around! You'll find what you need...

I just contacted a friend of mine who builds circle track race cars. He has a couple of sets of those rear frame rails. If you're interested I'll go take a look at their condition and find out how much he wants for them.

Welcome to a great site. Sounds like you have one well worth saving.

Welcome to ECC / NECOA

Its a common problem with that generation of Elkys and I would guess with the other Chevrolets of that year range in areas where salt is used in the winter or being really close to the coast.

Thanks for the heads up on frame rails. There are several dirt /asph tracks around here and i know several racers. I bet some one has a pair they cut off. I'll let yal know what I find. Weather permitting I'll take some piks of my Elky and post them. Thanks Cowboy 8)

Welcome Cowboy!!! Sounds like a great elky!