Hi everyone. Let me introduce myself. My name is Devin and I recently stumbled on to this site. It looks like I'm in the right place. :)

I just picked up a '68 and I'm a real newbie with restoration :oops: . Here's a pic. http://www.masterlynx.com/elky/Devins68_Elky.jpg The car is a small block 307 (not original) and is in pretty good shape with the exception of the interior. A few questions:

- What is a G-body, F-body etc. Which do I have?

- Where can I find a good source of information on interchangability between models? 8O

- My bench seat sags really badly and the seat covers are thrashed. I think the springs are ruined. What are my options?

- Will a bigger engine drop right in. Say a 383 stroker? :cool:

Thanks in advance and I look forward to getting to know you all....!

......devin

A G body is an elky from 1978 to 1987
An F body are Cameros and Firebirds
Your car would Be an A body, Elkys before 1978 if I am not mistaken

It looks Like you got a good lookin car, just remember to have fun with it once a week or it will get lonely

Well first of all welcome!

Just about any engine you decide on will fit. And here is a link to help with the parts that will interchange. Good luck with your car and once again welcome!

http://www.chevelles.com/elcamino/ec_body.htm

Hope this helps.

Thanks guys.
The interchangability site has a lot of good info! I really like the idea of finding cheap parts from other cars.

Any tips on other model split bench seats that will fit in my 68? The kid I bought the car from wieghed in at 330lbs 8O. The springs are so sagging I can barely see over the dash :oops:

I found a site http://www.elcaminostore.com . Are these guys reputable or do you recommend any others.

Thanks again.
...................devin

A G body is an elky from 1978 to 1987
An F body are Cameros and Firebirds
Your car would Be an A body, Elkys before 1978 if I am not mistaken
Technically speaking, the A-body designation for the El Camino was used through 81. The 82's were the first El Caminos designated as G-bodys. I know...they look the same but blame GM for the confusion.

The 383 is a small block and it will fit just fine. A big block will fit nicely too.

http://www.elcaminostore.com is a sponser of ECC and they offer a 5% discount for ECC members. Check out the Group Discounts (http://elcaminocentral.com/link-9.html) page to find other El Camino parts suppliers who give discounts to ECC members.

The 78-81 was actually designated an A-body. The A-body also was used previous to 78. G-body designation started in 82 when some of GM's A-body lines switched to front wheel drive (Lemans, Regal(?), I believe). As far as the Elkys are concerned A/G body designation works until the end of their production :cry: in 87. However it did last another year due to Monte Carlo's. Most everyone refers to the rear wheel drive 78-88 intermidiate sized GM as the G-body. Had GM continued making Elkys the way they were when they ended production...you would now be able to carry a new Lemans as a spare tire in the bed of your Elky! :lol: I think the GM Executives were confused by the term "Corporate Downsizing"...they thought it meant the cars... not them!

Thanks for all the info :)

Welcome to our site :-P

http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage34/20.gif

Welcome to a great site. Just say A/G body & we will know what you mean. :)

:D welcome aboard i'm fairly new also .unable to get on very often wish i had more time :oops:

I'd like to welcome you too and add that you ended up with a nice looking truck that appears to be in good condition, from the pictures.

235, 283, 305, 307, 327, 350, 400, 396, 402s and 427s were all installed in the El Caminos. I've seen, and we have members that have installed the GMPP Crate 502 Ram Jets, 700R4 transmissions and 200r4s also. Chevrolet cars and trucks are pretty versitle that way.

atrim.com has things like padding, springs and other necessary stuff if your into doing things yourself, where you can repair your seats to factory feel and look or you can convert to Buckets and console. The consol and shifter/parts can be purchased from Th El Camino Store or ECParts.net, OPGI sells interior kits of many different options and price ranges for your model.

Hi Devin and Eli - Welcome to our growing club!

First thing you want to do is get acquainted with your new "best friend"...our Search feature. There you will find a wealth of info on most Elky related topics that have been discussed over the past two years. Just click on the area of your car that you want to find out about. For example, what seats and consoles are interchangeable. Every possible motor/tranny combination has also been previously discussed. Spend some quality time looking thru this. It will help you greatly. Good luck.

Welcome to the family!