I have discovered that my possible new family member is an SS clone. Everything was good until the rectangular speedometer. Oh well. Here are some pics that I took. He wants $11,500 but I think I can get for $10,500. Do I go for it or do I wait? The engine is original 350 with only 49K but unable to get pics. I did get some of the rust bubbles and the one spot in the bed that is bad as well as one of the wheel wells. Interior is very good but dash has some small cracks by speakers.


Pics are at

www.msnusers.com/1971ElCamino

I don't know what state you are in but I can tell you that is top dollar for a vehicle that is in less than great shape. Look at Bethany Kars web site and look at the prices. I most cases they will come down some on those prices, and these El Camino's are in nearly perfect condition. Some almost look show room new so use that as a guide to what you should pay. Also a clone is not worth the money that a true SS is worth and if you are going to pay top dollar the numbers better match or it is a rip off also.

If it were me and the truck was like you've said I'd give an offer of no more then $7,000.00. But that is just me. With some rust "Bubbles" as you put it I'd say there is more hiding that you are unaware of maybe the owner also and maybe not.

But I wouldn't give over $7,000.00

$10 - $11K seems a bit extreme for a non big block 70's SS (clone no less). I would think it should be closer to half that amount....JMHO. Keep looking...

WOW Pete you are sure generous with the cash. I would be under that thing with a good bright light with that much rust on the outside the frame could be a disaster. If that is the case I would not give anymore than 5K on a good day. If you can't do most of the repair work yourself, the cost to fix them today is enormous. Body work can cost you an arm and a leg if you have to have to pay to have it done. It is real easy to get way more money in a vehicle like that than you can ever come close to getting back. BE VERRRRRY VERRRRRY CAREFUL!!!

Like I mentioned in another thread, there are lots of SS clones out there. The lack of the round speedo and instrument cluster is always a quick giveaway.

It looks like a poor restoration was done years back and the rust is now bubbling through the new paint. Personally, I'd walk away with my money still in my pocket and keep looking. If you want to spend $10-11K on a 3rd gen you can find a much better one. Pick up a copy of Hemmings Motor News or go to http://www.hemmings.com and check out what good 3rd gens are going for.

Wow...no way i would pay that much.

First it is not a '70. Remember the '70 only had that front end style for the one year which made them special. '71/72 has the single headlights. Just me but I think the '70 design is the best front end on all the 3rd gens. If THAT car is worth 11K with the photos I have seen of it, my value of my "NON SS" '70 has just gone up a bunch!

I'm in there with the others as I think that car is worth maybe 5 to 6K?? Plus that interior color green is not always the best to change exterior colors if you ever wanted too.

Walk away from this deal!!! That's not even a good clone!!! This guy is absurd and trying to rip you off big time! Depending on what the underneath looks like and how it runs, I wouldn't go any higher than $6k. :mad:

I agree with everyone else. At best this car is a 20 footer (looks good 20 feet away, but get closer and you see lots of problems). If the owner insists on $10,000+ I would look elsewhere.

Here is a 77 that is almost new with 17,600 miles for $13,000 a much better deal I think.

http://www.cars-on-line.com/77elcam13801.html

RUN,RUN FASTER...........Get away while you can. :-D
But if you want a good deal,I know a guy with a bridge up in Brooklyn for sale ...Cheap!
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
8) Shane

[quote="70ELCO"] Just me but I think the '70 design is the best front end on all the 3rd gens. quote]

^^I agree strongly...and as for the car u wanna buy, yea these guys pretty much sum it up, the seller is tryin to rip u a new one. get him to cut the price in half or just get the heck on.

Thank you everyone! I have decided to run not walk away. I appreciate the advice. I will keep looking. Anyone knowing of a car around St. Louis let me know.