Hi I just got back from FL with my 83 El Camino SS (haven't found the RPO's to prove it is an SS) that I got from my grandfather that just passed. It needs alot of work! I am not sure if it has the 305 in it or if its a 350 with alot done. Today I buffed all the oxidation (as you can see in pic 1 the front of the fender compared to the rest) out of the paint and it looks great right now besides the rust. I don't have alot of money so this is going to be a few year project for myself and fiance! Take a look at the pics of the buffing process and let me know what you think.

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040560.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040561.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040562.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040563.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040564.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040565.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040566.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040567.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040568.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040569.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz34/CCLN0229/P1040570.jpg

Congratulations on your El Camino. You now have a "work in progress". Take it a piece at a time, and goog luck!

I am going to try to restore back to factory with exception of motor. I am getting new doors, rear bumper, gauge cluster, reupholster interior, paint. That is all I have in my head as of right now but I know theres more. This was a car I have always wanted and now I have it I am going to take my time and do it the right way. I am watching the classifieds section for some good deals on parts. The first thing I am looking for is 2 mufflers cause the ones on it are practically missing.

Good luck with your project. Has a heck of a lot of potential.

NC83, Welcome aboard! As a grandfather, the neatest thing about your ride is the fact that you are keeping it in the family. As a mechanic, if the project stalls or seems too big, break it down into smaller jobs and defeat them one at a time. Also, rust on an El Camino is as common as fleas on a hound! Good Luck!:You_Rock:

Thanks! I am stoked! I can't wait for the outcome!

Love the color.

Nice project.

Nice project. And good luck.

Hello to the site and I hope you enjoy your journey watching your car grow into a beautiful show car if that's one of the reasons you purchased the El Camino. I purchased mind last September and love it. Since you are in NC, it would be great for some of us get together for a show or cruis-in Anyway enjoy your new toy and you will find lots of information on this site. Many smart guys/gals that are members here, so if you don'tknow the answer just ask here. Rango:smileyb::smileyb:

Welcome to the site. The paint seems to come out very nice after the buffing.

Welcome to ECC! It's a great project car and it will be a great learning experience as you slowly bring it back to it's former glory. I'm sure your grandfather would be proud!:nanawrench:

Welcome , Welcome, Welcome !!

You've got a very good start, take your time, and most of all have fun with your new project.

Welcome and Congratulations on an Elky! You have filled our daily fix!

And to top everything off I found the build sheet and just parted it back together and it is for sure an SS! I also found my cowl tag but can't decode it. I am stoked I found the build sheet! Thanks everybody!!