I love my 81, I've had it for 9yrs now. But I'm lookin for another "project"
I have spoted a 454 1973 el camino for around a grand. the guy says it's a for real SS. If it is, is it worth restoring? He tells me it is almost all original. I'm going to give it a look tomarrow. check for rusted frame and collision damage. what do you think the top value {After restoration} would be?
thanks allanova

It's been well established that 4th gen Elkys are bringing less resale value, but I certainly believe a 454/SS 4th gen would be the one to restore.
Check here for some idea of what people are asking for these: http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/adsearch.html
I saw a couple of very clean, almost restored condition, 454/SS's for less than $6000. I saw one complete Elky, an SS/454, maybe/maybe not needs rear quarters, for $2500.

For a grand? I'd buy it in a heartbeat! The 73 & 74 SS 454's were few in number. Their value will take awhile to catch others, but you will have it when it does, and you'll have one that very few others have!!

The 4th Generation El Caminos have a good resell value and the most expensive one is the SS 454. Restored it can bring about $18,000. My 76 EC Classic is valued at $2,500 to $13,000 depending on the condition. The SS Option adds another 30% to the avrage value, so potentially it could be worth $19,000 and some change.

The 4th Generation El Caminos have a good resell value and the most expensive one is the SS 454. Restored it can bring about $18,000. My 76 EC Classic is valued at $2,500 to $13,000 depending on the condition. The SS Option adds another 30% to the avrage value, so potentially it could be worth $19,000 and some change.

Which guide do you use?

NADA Classic Cars, actually it is the Classic Trucks, Vans and SUVs on NADA's web site.

I took a good look at it last week. lost of RUST,floors, doors, 1/4s,bed and rear glass. frame is good. original engine and trans, interior is real bad. dash cracked up, no door panle on one side and a real crappy one on the other.
what I saw was alot more work then I'd want to put in a 4th gen elky. no offence but I just don't like the front look.
I guess I'll pass on this one, but 18,000. makes a person think.
L8R allanova

I took a good look at it last week. lost of RUST,floors, doors, 1/4s,bed and rear glass. frame is good. original engine and trans, interior is real bad. dash cracked up, no door panle on one side and a real crappy one on the other.
what I saw was alot more work then I'd want to put in a 4th gen elky. no offence but I just don't like the front look.
I guess I'll pass on this one, but 18,000. makes a person think.
L8R allanova

They rarely sell for the values in the books....To sell for $18k it would have to be close to show quality....the market for 73-77's hasn't caught on yet, but it won't be too long.

I love the 73-74 grilles...I lost interest when the dual headlights appeared (and that goes for most any car).