I see quite a few posts mentioning 1st generation etc. I know '59 and 60's must be the first generation, but where do the lines cross? I'm assuming '64 through 67 must be second?

4th gen is 73 to 77, 5th gen 78 to 87, so I assume 3rd gen is 68 to 72 but I can't say for sure. Way different sheet metal.

All correct.

Thanx

the "generations" of El Caminos corresponds with the major changes in body style made by GM. the first generation, of course, would have to be the 59 and 60 models based on the Impala/Belair/Biscayne. skip a few years and the second generation came along with the smaller Chevelle/Malibu/300 format. subsequent El Caminos stayed as part of this model line until the end of the series in the early 80s. each time GM made major body and frame changes to the mid-size Chevrolet format, not just minor style changes, this was considered a "generation".

the generations are;
59-60
64-67
68-72
73-77
78-85

:beammeup: just tryin to be helpful.....

the "generations" of El Caminos corresponds with the major changes in body style made by GM. the first generation, of course, would have to be the 59 and 60 models based on the Impala/Belair/Biscayne. skip a few years and the second generation came along with the smaller Chevelle/Malibu/300 format. subsequent El Caminos stayed as part of this model line until the end of the series in the early 80s. each time GM made major body and frame changes to the mid-size Chevrolet format, not just minor style changes, this was considered a "generation".

the generations are;
59-60
64-67
68-72
73-77
78-87

:beammeup: just tryin to be helpful.....

You made an error on your generation break down. It is 78-87 not 85.