Hi guys, I'm thinking of Line-x-ing (aka rhinoliner, bed liner.. etc) the back of my '72. What do you all think? Should I do it?? I'm liking the fact that I wouldn't have to do as much restoration work back there and it will all come out clean and hide the imperfections. I'm not really liking that it is permanent though.. and I'm scared it might take away the muscle appeal of the car. Feel free to chime in with any constructive criticism and opinions!

Here's the color that I plan on painting the Elco. I'm deciding whether to not line it, use black liner, or use matching green liner. I also plan on putting one of those black vinyl tonneau covers on too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/decidiousbob/El%20Camino/fourseedgreen.jpg


Here's mgs72elky Elco with the Craftec tonneau cover

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/decidiousbob/El%20Camino/1.jpg

Just my two cents but I would go with the black rhino/linex lining. I agree that once it is in it is permanant however it does look really nice in there. The one thing that I would like to mention is that I have seen some colored ones go on and they look awesome for about the first year or two then begin to develop a faded chalky look. The black ones will do the same however not nearly as bad especially if you are planning on putting a soft cover on it to keep the sun from baking it. I think it's gonna look nice.... Ugly Elco.....

Black will go good with your black hood stripes.

I did the "Hercu-liner" myself ten years ago in black on my 77 Elky after installing a complete new bed. I've hauled mulch, top soil, gravel, relative's funiture, etc. It always washed out nicely.

It now needs to be re-done due to weathering and wearing off. It cost me $60 bucks, thats $6 bucks per year.

I recommend the Hercu-liner and do black!

Elky77

It really depends on whether or not you are gonna use the bed much; if not, i would paint it and restore, unless there is a money issue as well, but if your gonna be using to haul stuff from time to time you will mar the paint and finish quickly so you might as well line it, and again if it's a money thing, line it. there's my 2or3 cents good luck.
btw; what did it look like when you bought it for 500?, because the brown is pretty good as it's pictured.,,,Wayne

It really depends on whether or not you are gonna use the bed much; if not, i would paint it and restore, unless there is a money issue as well, but if your gonna be using to haul stuff from time to time you will mar the paint and finish quickly so you might as well line it, and again if it's a money thing, line it. there's my 2or3 cents good luck.
btw; what did it look like when you bought it for 500?, because the brown is pretty good as it's pictured.,,,Wayne

I don't plan on using the bed too much... however if it was lined I would probably have a go with it and not be too paranoid about messing up the paint. I'm sending it to the painters in about 3 weeks after I get the 454/400 all installed and fired up and they told me it would be a nightmare to spend all those hours restoring the bed (and cost a fortune). They recommended I just send it to Line-x after they straighten it up a bit.

As for what my Elco looked like when I got it for $500... here it is. I bought it off a 1 owner family!! The brown one is just an example of the tonneau I want on there...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/decidiousbob/El%20Camino/early2-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/decidiousbob/El%20Camino/early3.jpg

Here's what it looks like now after new quarter panels, wheelwells, etc...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/decidiousbob/El%20Camino/newgaragedoorshot.jpg

I would still take the extra time to clean it up if you dont plan on hauling much.

I'll probably end up taking the time to do mine as well rather then hide some sins underneath the bed liner.

It really comes down to what you are comfortable with though.

Matt

I am going to have the bed in the 74 Line-Xed in a few weeks, it just has to run first...

I'm scared it might take away the muscle appeal of the car.


What would ? The Liner, or the Color ?
Can't be the Color, as the Cover your thinking about is the Same.
BTW, I like both ideas ~~~ Black Liner with Black Cover.
With your Color scheme, and stripes, that Elky would look AGGRESSIVE as H@%L.
But what do I know?:dontknow:

Personally I would go with the liner. If you're gonna get the tonneau anyway. And if I were to get that bed liner, it would sure as... yeah, it would be black. It will save you some money and make it less of a hassle/paranoia for putting stuff back there at all.

I'm thinking about the same thing in mine, but the bed is pretty good anyway, just needs to be sanded and repainted... I don't know I may have to run the same question through here when the time is right...

I sa Linex it, but with linex comes weight also if not done properly it can bubble and it happens alot so make sure they have a warranty and the guy you go to is good. well ive said my piece hope you do what makes you happy.:nanawrench:

What would ? The Liner, or the Color ?
Can't be the Color, as the Cover your thinking about is the Same.
BTW, I like both ideas ~~~ Black Liner with Black Cover.
With your Color scheme, and stripes, that Elky would look AGGRESSIVE as H@%L.
But what do I know?:dontknow:

Yeah, black cover and lined bed would look pretty mean. I'm not concerned with the color of the liner as I am with having too much texture back there. I want the details of the bed to be seen and not coated on too thick.

I sa Linex it, but with linex comes weight also if not done properly it can bubble and it happens alot so make sure they have a warranty and the guy you go to is good. well ive said my piece hope you do what makes you happy.:nanawrench:

I'd have the Line-x put on professionally by a dealer down here in Sarasota, so everything would be warrantied. I'm aware of the extra weight but it's ok... there's really no weight back there anyways. Plus.. I'm dropping in a 454 so it won't matter too much :rockon:

That green is one Beautiful Color! I'd put a light texture on the bed, install the black cover, and have one mean as @#$%^& 72 El Camino..........Ken :beer:

:yell:Can Linex be removed?

You really need to think about your future plans. If never working it 'and' keeping it forever are the plan, then I'd say do the bed up right and go through the additional expense during the resto. But if you can one day see yourself selling it, then all the expense of restoring the bed will only add little value and you'd be dollars ahead with the line-X.

BTW- that's the Craftec Cover in the pic you used of my Elk. The bed is fully restored but with black carpet on the floor (for looks). But either way, it looks like your resto is coming out sweet. Enjoy...

You really need to think about your future plans. If never working it 'and' keeping it forever are the plan, then I'd say do the bed up right and go through the additional expense during the resto. But if you can one day see yourself selling it, then all the expense of restoring the bed will only add little value and you'd be dollars ahead with the line-X.

BTW- that's the Craftec Cover in the pic you used of my Elk. The bed is fully restored but with black carpet on the floor (for looks). But either way, it looks like your resto is coming out sweet. Enjoy...

Wow, that's your Elco?? I got it off a google search lol. Sorry I didn't give you credit, I'll add it in. Very nice job by the way!

You do make a good point though. I don't plan on selling the car anytime soon.. but I'd like the option of hauling things without messing up the paint. It's a tough decision.. I'm still thinking it through.

I did a line-x on my 84 bed almost exactly one year ago.
Still looks like the day it was done with no wear or fading whatsoever.
greta product, well worth the money.

good luck

Bradriverview - " Wow, that's your Elco?? I got it off a google search lol. Sorry I didn't give you credit, I'll add it in. Very nice job by the way! " - Hey Brad, no need for photo credit. I don't care about that sort of thing. Thanks anyway. It is interesting that you found it on a Google search though, that pic is only posted here in my gallery, and no where else. Didn't realize Google could take pics off of here. No biggie.

Thanks for the compliment on my Elk. Yours will be there soon. Enjoy....

My opinion, have the liner sprayed in the back. Even if you really don't plan on hauling anything in it, a cooler and chairs to take to the car show will scratch up a bed with paint alone. I plan on putting one in the bed of mine as soon as I get the metal work done, but there are no current plans for mine to get good paint. Come football season, I'm planning on driving my Ramblin Wreck back to Georgia Tech. Nice paint just wouldn't be a much fun.

Bradriverview - " Wow, that's your Elco?? I got it off a google search lol. Sorry I didn't give you credit, I'll add it in. Very nice job by the way! " - Hey Brad, no need for photo credit. I don't care about that sort of thing. Thanks anyway. It is interesting that you found it on a Google search though, that pic is only posted here in my gallery, and no where else. Didn't realize Google could take pics off of here. No biggie.

Thanks for the compliment on my Elk. Yours will be there soon. Enjoy....

Yeah, I found it a while back when I was searching for Craftec tonneau pics on 3rd gens. It's been saved on my computer ever since! hahaha

My Elco is gonna be a daily driver, and I haul things sometimes. I'm thinking the coating would be good for my purpose. When I built my house in the 80s, I had two Elcos, and hauled all the material in them except the rafters.

I'd say try out Rust-o-leum Spray on Liner on a piece of spare sheetmetal (perhaps on the underside of your car) i bought me a can, and it's rough but not TOO rough. it's in an aerosol can, takes about a can per foot of bed, so 6 in our case. they're about 7$ a pop, so all in all not to bad of a deal (considering huculiner/Linex alternatives).:beer:

I bought a can to see just how crappy it would be, so i sprayed my floor pans with it, and to my supprize it's not thin like paint, but not chunky, it's right about where the roughness should be, i'd think. Anyways, i plan on using it on my bed when i get around to it, with the stuff coming in a can it eliminates the need for an air compressor or rollers to roll it on, just sand, clean and spray. jus my 2cents.:poke:

i just cant see spending the money for Rhino/Linex, it looks fantastic, but it was a little over priced last time i checked.

I would Line-X it black...
"and I'm scared it might take away the muscle appeal of the car." (I wouldnt worry about that, it would still be mean... just also clean!)

I am looking to Line-x mine black too!

I'd say try out Rust-o-leum Spray on Liner..

i just cant see spending the money for Rhino/Linex, it looks fantastic, but it was a little over priced last time i checked.

I actually did use spray on bedliner when I was restoring the smuggler's box. It worked out pretty nice and I was satisfied with it. You're right, Line-x doesn't exactly come cheap but you definitely get what you pay for with it and I want the best for this Elky. Such a tough decision!

I would Line-X it black...
"and I'm scared it might take away the muscle appeal of the car." (I wouldnt worry about that, it would still be mean... just also clean!)

I am looking to Line-x mine black too!

it definitely would still look mean.. no matter what. I'm just trying to think of what would flow together with my paint scheme best and what would be the best option for it. There will be a tonneau cover on most of the time probably but when it's off I still want the colors to flow. I'm thinking a green bed might actually be too much green on the car.. I'll photoshop some stuff later and put it up to see what you guys think.

I actually did use spray on bedliner when I was restoring the smuggler's box. It worked out pretty nice and I was satisfied with it. You're right, Line-x doesn't exactly come cheap but you definitely get what you pay for with it and I want the best for this Elky. Such a tough decision! .

my friend was telling me about another problem of mine with another car; "you can always go the cheap route first, worst comes to worst you lose just that little bit but at least you know it wont work for your application":beer:

But it all comes down to two things;
Mulah$ & What you want!:nanawrench:

I am no fan of the spray in bed liners. I would also think twice about the color choice, some day your going to want to sell it. :)

If you like to show the car, a spray in bedliner can be a negative. If you are going to use your Elky as a daily driver and pickup, the liner may be better for you.

My Elky is completely restored including the bed and smugglers box. I wouldn't put a liner in it, but I show it and don't work it.

I bought a new '08 Silverado and had Line-X spray in the bed liner as soon as I got it. There is a difference in the warranties between new and used vehicle applications. I love the Line-X in the Silverado and would do it again. It's good stuff.

So, it depends upon what you are going to do with your Elky.

Jim

i guess it all depends on what you want- if you ever plan on showing the elco dont put spray or roll on bed liner. if all you want is a good looking daily driver- by all means use the bedliner- it will protect the bed from damage. if however , you plan on a show quality restoration dont use the bed liner- you dont need it on a show only vehicle. anyhow good luck- :nanawrench:

I vote for the black liner for all the mentioned reasons, nice buy, great plans.

Everyone makes very good points..

Well, I plan on mostly using the Camino as my weekend warrior and taking it to some local shows here and there. I'll have the tonneau cover on when it's driven so the bed wont be seen too much. Its a damn tough decision.. I'm getting some paint quotes this weekend and if they can restore the bed for me and paint it at a reasonable price I'll probably go with that. But if it's going to be an arm and a leg, I'm thinking black bedliner it is.

Do you guys think it would be TOO much green on the car if I painted the bed?

I just finished sanding, priming (with Rust-O-Lium auto primer), and spraying on this 'rhino'-like paint that is supposed to prevent scratches. I plan to use and abuse the El Camino before making a complete restoration. Here is a before and after pic done over the weekend:

http://dictationsolution.com/65ElCamino/5.jpg

http://dictationsolution.com/65ElCamino/8.jpg

Approx. $25 of spray-can primer and truck bed spray paint. The spray liner can indicates I can add as much layers as needed to get the texture I want... I am okay with 2 layers.

Brad, naturally your talking about the entire bed being green, which if left completely bare, may be just a tad much. But if the bed is broken up somewhat, I think it would look great. My bed is done all bronze, but is broken up with black carpet on the floor, looks ok to me anyhow. Click on my sig. link to go to my album, it's in the "tonneau and bed pics" section. Maybe it'll give you different ideas. Good luck bud.

I'm still thinking about bed liner. My bed floor has quite a lot of pits in the rusty spots, which sand blast clean etc, but it will take time to get every square inch blasted. Even then, I'm not so sure the rusty areas wouldn't come through the paint again at a later date. The liner should solve that shouldn't it?? The stuff I see on my partner's pick-up, is thick, and rock-hard, but was done by a body shop, and expensive.

The easy way out is the liner and no liner ever looked better than a fixed correct, prep and painted straight bed and the car goes up in value. It now looks cool and is 90% of new looking or better, you can also change the bed panels. Theres another needed point here if you fix the bed with bad work and it looks like a bent and dinged up painted bed that not good line it if you can't do it right. Than once its done right and looking good put a bed pad or some nice plush carpet to protect it and don't haul anything but chairs and a detail box. To me its a must to paint a bed only spray a bed on a work truck not a classic El Camino

Even in the market where in if you put ten Elky's in a lot the ones with the good beds get the most looks sell first and bring more and many times if the bed is real good the car is a better car all around. I have restored 4 69's one I kept, sold the other three all had good beds and I repair only one so they are out there. Each buyer told me and they were just exactly like me that the first place they looked on the car wwas the bed and was there guide line to and weighed heavy on the value.

The bed on mine is straight and no dents etc, so it would likely be a good candidate for the liner.

The bed on mine is straight and no dents etc, so it would likely be a good candidate for the liner.

Actually that would make it a better candidate for a correct paint job. I think the liner should be used to cover poor bodywork and other "sins".